Chapter 9- The Assassin
Hey there guys, gals, and non-binary pals! Tardispilot297 here bringing you an all new chapter of Godzilla: New Dawn. And just in time for Val- *nearly vomits* Excuse me. Just in time for Valen- *nearly vomits again* … Well you get the idea. That said ON WITH THE CHAPTER!
The rain falls hard as the camp bustles with activity as KKs settle in for the long night. Inside a nearby barn, vehicles are being refueled and checked while guns and weapons are being cleaned and stored in munition boxes along with salvaged/stolen military equipment. The occupants of the large camp had been on the road for weeks going in one specific direction, North. Inside a large tent with a sign that said 'Mess Hall' three KK's were busy cooking dinner. One of them standing at the front counter wears a black kimono with white flowers, a white headband with black kanji symbols along it, and an eyepatch covering an old wound. He has a large fin-like spine poking out of the back of his kimono and a crest style mohawk on his head. A new figure enters the tent prompting him to shout over the noise coming from the kitchen behind him.
Cook: Welcome.
He chops up some fish and picks up a small piece to give to a nearby cat on the counter. He then turns to the figure sitting down and looks at the figure with one red eye as he clicks the two pincer-like mandibles on both sides of his face while smiling.
Cook: What can I get you?
His smile drops when he sees the face of the man in front of him. Sitting at the counter is a man wearing dark black pants, black shoes, black leather gloves and a dark golden colored winter trench coat with a white fur trim along the collar. Underneath he wears a black, white striped waistcoat along with a white shirt and a black tie. His slicked back hair shares the same color as his coat with one single horn growing out of the top left side of his forehead. His eyes are a bright-red color. The cook's expression turns calm and serious.
Cook: I wasn't expecting you to come out here so soon.
The man grins at him.
Golden KK: What's wrong with paying a visit to an old friend? And besides, I wanted to share some thoughts with you.
The cook leans down behind the counter and takes out a small bottle of sake along with a small cup. He places them on the counter and pours the sake into the cup. The man takes it and holds the cup up in a silent toast before taking a drink. He closes his eyes and lets out a relaxed sigh as the cook prepares a meal for him.
Golden KK: I dreamt the other night… about the world we are making. The Remnants of the JDF, the Feral packs, the Northern tribes, the last slivers of humanity, all groveling before me as they struggle to draw breath at my feet. (deep sigh) It was such a beautiful dream.
Cook: Is that so?
Golden KK: I probably would've slept forever, if not for a very special sound that woke me up.
Cook: The sonic pulse, you mean.
The Man looks at the cook.
Golden KK: So you felt it too.
Cook: Pretty difficult not to. I imagine almost every KK within a thousand miles felt it call out.
Golden KK: And we both know what that means.
Cook: The girl's getting stronger.
Golden KK: And the more she grows, the more her power will come to nearly rival my own.
Cook: All the more reason to kill her I imagine.
The Man looks down at the counter as the cook starts cutting and preparing a small fish.
Golden KK: I've actually given some thought about that. And after feeling that pulse, I realize now that I may have been a bit… overzealous.
The cook looks up at him with surprise.
Cook: Not like you to change your mind once you make a decision.
Golden KK: Well a man has the right to do so when an opportunity presents itself to them. And I must confess I'm rather curious given all the things I've been told about her and her 'protector'.
Cook: Like how they survived the 'Blood Moon Plains' and killed Camazotz, for example?
The Man turns back to the cook with curiosity.
Cook: Much like your "Shadow", My students have not been idle.
The cook continues slicing the fish.
Golden KK: You've heard the stories about him, of course. Killed the hunting party I sent out along with 3 Alphas and wiped out the...
Cook: 'People of the Freed Kansas City'. I'm familiar. And if my information is correct, the others are moving in on them as we speak. If all goes well, they should catch up to them by tomorrow.
The cook takes a pair of chopsticks and picks up the piece of fish and holds it up to the man.
Cook: Blowfish. Very fatal.
He places it onto a plate in front of them.
Cook: No soy.
The Man looks down at it and picks it up with one hand before placing it in his mouth with zero hesitation. He closes his eyes and chews slowly to savor the flavor as the cook looks directly at him.
Cook: I have served, I will be of service.
The man swallows and wipes his mouth with a handkerchief from his waistcoat pocket. He opens his eyes and leans in close to whisper to the cook.
Golden KK: Contact the others and tell them I want the girl brought to me alive. Kill anyone who stands in their way.
The cook nods his head.
Cook: As you wish, Gordon.
Gordon stands up and turns to leave the tent.
Gordon: Delicious as always, Gideon. My compliments to you and your students.
Gideon and the two KKs behind him all bow their heads as Gordon walks out into the rain.
Elsewhere countless miles away Goji and the group trek through the wilderness. Having left the village a few days prior they were beginning to make their way further through the forest. Following Garth's directions they would eventually cross over to the next state within a day or so of walking. Goji walks at the front while the rest follow behind. After a fair bit of walking the group stops to take a breath and rest for a moment.
CeCe sits down on a log and reaches down to take her boots off. She then starts to massage sore feet.
CeCe: Jeez. You'd think after we helped them those people would've given us a truck, or car, or even a cart or something to get around in.
Rodney: Quit your whining, it could be worse you know?
CeCe: What could be worse than this?
Angelo: It could be raining for one.
Jaime: That would definitely suck.
CeCe shrugs her shoulders and stretches out her arms.
CeCe: Yeah whatever. I still wish we still had some wheels though.
Goji: We'll probably find something when we get out of the forest. Until then let's keep moving.
Jaime turns to Goji.
Jaime: Can't we at least rest a bit longer? We've been walking since this morning.
Goji: We still got a long ways to go. And besides we need to make up for lost time.
Jaime groans and falls backward onto the grass. Rodney stands up and walks over to Jaime.
Rodney: C'mon kid, just a few more steps. (To CeCe and Angelo) You too.
CeCe, Angelo, and Jaime reluctantly stand back up and start walking again. Rodney goes up to Goji and gestures for him to stay a bit while the others go on ahead.
Rodney: (whispers) Seriously though, what's the rush for?
Goji: (whispers) I just got a feeling that's all.
Rodney: (whispers) What like something's following us?
Goji: (whispers) I don't know but I don't wanna press our luck any more than we have to.
Rodney looks at him for a moment until Jaime calls over to them.
Jaime: Hey come on you guys! What are you doing?
CeCe: Yeah by the time we get there this place won't even be a forest anymore.
Goji and Rodney look at each other and start walking to catch up to the rest of the group. Dark clouds start to loom overhead as they continue onward. Goji takes a few steps before stopping and holding his hand up to signal the others to stop. He scans the woods around them and listens carefully for any trace of sound. Picking up on his behavior the others start to do the same with CeCe perking her ears up and Rodney slowly reaching for his gun.
Goji gestures with his hand for Jaime to slowly go over to Angelo. She complies and moves slowly toward Angelo who moves into a defensive posture. Goji's heart starts to race as his instincts start to react. Goji reaches his hand to grab his machete. Suddenly something hits him, knocking him away from the group and dropping his machete on the ground. He quickly gets back up to try and grab it but it seems to vanish in a swift gust of wind in front of him. He is then struck again by the same invisible force that knocks him back on the ground. Before the others can react swift silhouettes leap from the trees and begin attacking them left from right.
Angelo immediately wraps his arms around Jaime using his entire body to shield her as he gets struck multiple times. Each one nearly knocking him away from her. Rodney and CeCe both pull out their guns and start shooting in different directions but are unable to hit their targets. CeCe's ears perk up and she turns to Rodney.
CeCe: (shouts) LOOK OUT!
Rodney moves just in time to avoid getting slashed by a near invisible blade which barely nicks his beak. However it also slices his gun in two and he gets knocked back as if being kicked. CeCe switches to her pipe weapon and starts swinging wildly only to keep getting struck from both the sides and behind. Goji attempts throwing punches also but is met with the same result. Each strike leaves a mark in its wake while also drawing blood. CeCe falls to the ground from another attack and quickly crawls to her pack. She reaches in and pulls out an M249E3 SAW machine gun, a weapon given to her from the villagers.
CeCe: (shouting) Everybody down!
Goji, Rodney, and Angelo all drop to the ground as CeCe stands up and begins firing in a continuous stream in all directions screaming at the top of her lungs. She continues firing until a chain sickle wraps around the rifle barrel and pulls the gun out of her hands. It lands far away on the ground where it is smashed to pieces by a heavy metal club weapon. CeCe then feels a sword slash her across the back and knock her down. Angelo gets hit from the side by the metal club and is knocked away from Jaime.
Jaime looks up and screams as a hand reaches out to try and grab her. She tries to shield herself when a small object gets thrown to the ground and explodes creating a large cloud of smoke. Across the ground more small objects get thrown and create a thick layer of smoke shrouding the entire group. Jaime suddenly feels someone scoop her up off the ground and run at full speed through the smoke while carrying her in their arms. She then hears a familiar voice.
Maya: Hold onto me!
Jaime looks up to see the slightly covered up face of Maya. Her eyes widen in surprise as she smiles at seeing her again after so long. Maya then calls out to Goji and the Trio to start following her through the smoke. Without arguing they all take off after her running at full speed out of the smoke. Within a few seconds rain begins to fall heavily, the loud sound of raindrops muffling the sounds of their footsteps. They continue running until they find an old abandoned camper covered slightly in plants and rush inside. They quickly shut the door and duck down away from the windows. They all sit on the floor panting and listening closely for any sign of their attackers pursuing them.
None of them dare to move even a muscle for fear of being found and attacked again. Maya holds Jaime protectively in her arms who sticks close to her, her whole body shaking. Goji's heart races rapidly as he tries to calm his senses so as to better focus and detect any warning signs. After a minute or so of waiting no attack seems to come and each of them quietly relaxes and catches their breath. Rodney looks over at Goji and speaks no louder than a whisper.
Rodney: (whispers) Think we lost em?
Goji: (whispers) Somehow I doubt it.
Maya: Then you're a lot more experienced than I thought.
All eyes then turn to Maya who lowers her face shroud and removes her hood letting her white hair down and antennae poke out. Jaime looks up at Maya and smiles again. She then wraps her arms around Maya's body to give her a hug.
Jaime: Boy am I glad to see you.
Maya gets surprised at first but then smiles gently and pats her head. She looks up and glances at Goji who looks directly at her.
Goji: How'd you find us?
Maya: I never lost you. In fact I've been keeping pace with you all for days.
CeCe glares at Maya quietly screaming at her.
CeCe: I'm sorry but who the fuck are you?
Maya: (turns to CeCe) My name is Maya. And right now I'm trying to keep you guys alive.
Goji: Well that's certainly a change. Last time we met you tried to kill me and the kid.
Maya: Yeah well the situation's changed. Now I'm your best bet for survival.
Goji: We can handle ourselves just fine.
Maya: Yeah so I noticed.
CeCe: Hey bitch nobody asked you to swoop in and save our asses.
Maya: I wasn't saving you. I was saving this child.
Rodney: You mean to say that whatever's out there is after her?
Maya: Not what, who. And if you wish to keep her safe you'll need my help.
CeCe: Why should we listen to you?
Maya: Because I know what it is that's out there. And it's unlike anything that you've faced before.
Goji and the group look at each other before turning back to Maya.
Goji: So what are we up against.
Maya: They're a group of assassins. They're called Shadows.
Angelo: Why are they called that?
Maya: Because their shadow is usually the last thing anyone ever sees just before their death.
Angelo shudders and gulps loudly.
Rodney: So what do these "shadows" want with Jaime?
Maya: It's not them that want her, it's the one who sent them.
Goji: You mean Gordon?
Maya looks at Goji in shock.
Maya: How do you know that name?
Goji: Someone we met recently mentioned him in passing. Apparently he's some kind of powerful pack leader.
Maya: Gordon isn't just a "powerful pack leader". He's the head of the largest KK pack in the region. If anything it's more of an army than a regular pack.
Goji: He also the one who sent you to kill Jaime?
Maya reluctantly nods her head. Goji stands up slowly to look out the closest window.
Goji: So what do you suggest?
Maya: You all stay here and I'll lead them away.
Jaime looks up at her.
Jaime: What? But what if they kill you?
Maya: Then it'll be a fitting punishment for the sins I've committed in my life.
Jaime grips Maya's cloak tighter in her hands.
Jaime: No. You can't.
Maya looks down at Jaime and places her hands on her shoulders.
Maya: Jaime, listen to me. I have done plenty of things that I'm not proud of. One of which is trying to kill you. But now I have the chance to do something good for once in my life. So please understand that I need to do this.
Jaime looks at her trying hard not to shed tears.
Jaime: No! We can fight them together. (turns to Goji) Right Goji?
Goji looks between Jaime and Maya remaining silent to Jaime's request. Jaime's eyes pleading with him to say that they'll help her. Goji turns to the others and looks over the current state that they're in. As things stand in their current condition they wouldn't be able to last even a single minute against the Shadows in a straight fight. Besides, Maya's plan was the best strategic choice. If they could lead the Shadows away, they could get Jaime to safety. However there was only one flaw. There was no guarantee that they would even chase after Maya in the first place. In order for the plan to work they would need to fool them into thinking they had Jaime with them.
Goji looks around the inside of the camper for anything that might be of use to them. As luck would have it they had just the thing. Just at the end was a large stuffed bear about the exact same size as Jaime. If they could just cover it up with something…. Goji looks back over at Maya and takes notice of her cloak. A plan begins to form in his head. He looks over at Angelo.
Goji: (to Angelo) Hand me that bear over there.
Angelo turns around at the bear and then back to Goji confused. Goji gestures for him to just do it and he goes ahead and does so. Goji then turns back to Maya.
Goji: Now give me your cloak.
Maya: What? Why?
Goji: Because I have an idea. Trust me.
Maya stares at him for a moment and then takes off her cloak and hands it over to Goji. He then takes the cloak and drapes it over the stuffed bear that Angelo hands him. He holds it up for them all to see.
Goji: We use this to lure them away.
Everyone looks at Goji confused.
CeCe: Did that last punch knock your brains loose or something?
Goji: Listen, If it's Jaime they want, then we make them think that this is Jaime. I carry it on my back, Maya and I lure them away, and then the rest of you make a run for it as soon as its clear.
Rodney: That's your plan?
Goji: You got any better ideas?
Rodney opens his mouth but words fail to come out of his mouth. Goji turns to Jaime and places his hand on her shoulder.
Goji: Now listen to me very carefully. I need you to stay with Rodney and the others while Maya and I lead these guys away. Under no circumstances do you try to come after me. You got it?
Jaime nods her head.
Jaime: I got it.
CeCe makes a psst sound to get everyone's attention.
CeCe: That's all fine and dandy but where exactly are you two going to lead them? Because running out back to the woods is a straight up suicide run.
Goji pokes his head up again and spots a large old building through the mist a short mile away.
Goji: There.
The rest of the group carefully stand up to look where he's pointing.
Angelo: You gotta be shittin' me.
Rodney: You really think you both can make it that far?
Goji: We'll make it.
He turns back to everyone and pulls out the map. He traces his finger along a river line.
Goji: Follow this river. Once Maya and I give them the slip we'll all meet back up a few miles upstream.
Rodney: Gotcha.
Goji turns back to Jaime.
Goji: Remember don't move until Rodney tells you. Understand?
Jaime: I understand.
Goji: Good.
Goji turns to head for the door but is stopped when Jaime suddenly hugs him. Goji looks down and hugs her back.
Jaime: Promise that you'll come back.
Goji: I promise.
They break away from each other and Goji moves towards the door with Maya crawling behind him. They both position themselves with Maya ready to kick it open while Goji puts the covered up bear onto his back. The two look back to the rest of the group who each give them a silent good luck. They then turn to each other and nod their heads both taking in a deep breath. The next seconds feel like a blur as Maya kicks open the door and her and Goji bolt out of the camper and run at full speed through the rain. Time almost seems to slow down as they race towards the old building ahead.
Goji closes his eyes and focuses his hearing on the sounds around them. From the rain falling down to droplets falling on a leaf. He then focuses on the sound of their footsteps on the muddy ground. A sound that is soon joined by several others. Goji's eyes shoot open as he hones in on the separate sets of footsteps behind him. He then glimpses over his shoulder in time to see a flash of lightning shine over a set of seven shadows running after them. Their humanoid female shapes are wrapped in black leather-like ninja attire covering their entire bodies. Black cloaks flap behind them with their faces concealed by face coverings and chinese straw hats.
Goji turns his head back forward and continues running alongside Maya. The rain falls harder and harder as they get closer to the building. Goji soon recognizes the old ruin as an abandoned museum. He had learned how such places contained objects and articles of the past so as to teach others about their history. They rush up the steps making their way to the entrance. Goji makes it halfway when a knife is thrown and stabs him in the back of his shoulder causing him to almost slip and fall. The Shadows run up the steps and continue their pursuit. They run through the entrance into the main hall and stop to find a small cloaked figure laying on the floor.
One of them goes over and reaches down to pull them up. Instead of a child they discover a large stuffed bear partially stained with blood. The Shadows look ahead at the many different halls and corridors before them. With no other choice they split up and take a different path through the museum. Each one running along the path hunting for their prey. One shadow turns a corner and keeps running until a buzzing sound gets them to stop and walk back to another dark corridor. The only light available to them being that of a few fireflies. They step into the darkness and walk along the corridor with a firefly occasionally flashing light as they fly past. The Shadow having drawn a katana and keeping their senses sharp, ready to strike at any moment. Elsewhere a different Shadow comes across a set of muddy footprints and moves slowly forward with their back to the wall. They reach the next corner and jump out ready to attack. Instead they find a huge tree trunk growing out of the floor and through the ceiling. They look over the tree and begin to climb up through the hole to the next floor.
They stop to look around for any additional footprints. When they find none they continue to climb until they reach the museum's attic section. They look around but find nothing but a dead end. In another part of the museum a Shadow walks down some stairs until they reach a floor flooded with water. Without hesitation they leap into the water and start swimming. They keep swimming until they come to the other end of the hall where an upper section remains unflooded. They swim up and look around only to find just one big room with no other pathways or doors.
All across the museum the result is the same. The Shadows find nothing but blocked passages and dead ends, but no sign of their chosen targets. And so each one begins to slowly step back into the darkness. Much like spiders lying in wait for something to fly into their web. The storm continues to rage outside with echoes of water dripping throughout the museum. From a large crack in the ceiling Maya pokes her head out and checks to see if the halls are clear. She and Goji then slowly and carefully climb down from their hiding place and walk through the hallway, both of them careful to step quietly so as not to make too much noise.
They keep walking while also keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of the Shadows. Neither one of them says a single word. They pass by a dark corridor with a few fireflies flashing and buzzing about. The two of them exchange looks and proceed to step inside. They walk along the walls with only the occasional flashing light from a firefly lighting the way. They take a few more steps, neither one of them noticing the Shadow raising their katana behind them about to strike. Maya's antennae start to twitch which prompts her to draw her own sword and spin around in time to block the attack from the Shadow. The strikes of their swords igniting sparks that light up the corridor. The Shadow swings their sword at Maya who ducks and counters with a swift kick to their chest knocking them away. Goji's instincts kick in as he quickly moves out of the way of another Shadow thrusting their sai at him and hitting the wall causing more sparks to fly.
He ducks the next attack and swings his arm hitting the Shadow with the back of his fist and grabbing one of their sai to use to defend himself from their next set of strikes. Maya moves to attack but her antennae twitch again as she quickly leans her head back in time to dodge a chain sickle striking the wall inches from her face and pull away making more sparks to reveal a third Shadow not too far away. Goji and Maya both fight desperately against both Shadows as sparks continue to illuminate the corridor. Until finally Maya dodges the chain sickle and Goji manages to grab the chain pulling the Shadow towards him. Maya sweeps behind the other Shadow and kicks them in the back causing them to collide with the other Shadow and hitting their heads hard. Goji then quickly wraps the chain around them and plunges his sai through a link in the chain and sticks it to the wall. Goji and Maya immediately start running out of the corridor back into the hallways.
They sprint along the long pathways until they come across a large tree growing out of the ground. Maya leaps to climb up the trunk when her antennae begins to twitch again. In a split second Maya opens her wings and flaps them to barely dodge a sword thrust from the inside of the tree. She lands further up the trunk and quickly jumps off as another Shadow wielding dual swords comes bursting out of the tree. They both land on the floor and the Shadow begins swinging their swords at both Maya and Goji. Maya manages to block with her own sword while Goji can only duck and dodge as best he can. Eventually Maya uses her wings to fly up into the air and deliver a spinning kick to the Shadow's head knocking them off balance and giving Goji the chance to shoulder tackle them into the wall.
Goji and Maya take off running again through the halls until they come to a flooded part of the museum. They both leap in without hesitation and start swimming under the water. They swim a few feet down the hall when they spot another Shadow with a spear swimming right for them. Goji and Maya move through the water dodging the Shadow's spear thrusts. Suddenly something else dives into the water behind them. They look and see both the dual sword Shadow and the katana Shadow swimming towards them. Goji pulls Maya close to him and quickly swims them both past the spear Shadow and right at the wall at the end of the hallway. He then plants both feet against the wall and propels them both through the water at incredible speeds back up the hall. They dodge the underwater attacks of the Shadows and come out the other side back up the stairs.
They start running again, quickly turning corners and jumping over any obstacles in their path. They enter the next room when suddenly the ground begins to give way under their feet. The both of them fall straight down into a lower floor. Maya grabs Goji and tries to use her wings to slow down their descent until they both hit the ground. Goji gets back up and helps Maya back on her feet. He then looks around at where they are and stands shocked for a moment. He quickly recomposes himself and gestures for Maya to follow him.
Up above the Shadows reach the hole in the floor and leap down through it. Their cloaks flap about allowing different pairs of dark colored insect wings to spring out and allow them to land safely. They walk forward and turn the corner into a much larger chamber. The inside is composed of a large mausoleum-like structure with large stone coffins filling out the entire chamber with the roots of the giant tree hanging from the ceiling. An entire swarm of fireflies acting as a combined light source for the entire room. Pictures and carvings of giant creatures decorate the walls while the remnants of a tattered banner hangs in the doorway that reads "History of Hollow Earth Wing". The Shadows start walking forward and spreading out across the chamber towards the center. There a large skull the size of a small tank sits atop of a stone circle. Its features resemble that of a dinosaur or a large reptile.
The dusty sign near it reads "Young Godzillasaurus Titan Skull". The Shadows walk past it and continue searching the chamber. They walk past multiple stone coffins examining each one in passing. Inside one of them Goji and Maya hide among the remains of a small titan skeleton and try not to move. A single firefly lights up inside the coffin just above them having entered through a small opening in the lid. They both lock their eyes on it as Maya tightens her grip on her sword. The Shadows move further through the chamber searching. The firefly crawls along the inside of the lid as sweat starts to run down both Maya and Goji's faces. One of the Shadows stops and turns their head.
The firefly stops crawling along the lid. Maya and Goji both hold their breath. The Shadows begin to converge to one section of the chamber. The firefly's light begins to slowly dim. The Shadows move in closer and closer with each one drawing their respective weapons. The dims further and further as the Shadows move closer and closer. Goji and Maya's hearts start racing as the light finally goes out. Silence fills the coffin as they both shut their eyes. The only sound being the beating of their hearts. Suddenly at the exact same time both of their hearts stop. Their eyes fly open and they both push the lid open and leap out of the coffin just as the Shadows bring their combined weapons down and shatter it to pieces.
Maya and Goji land away from each other as one of the Shadows lunges at Goji with a metal club. Goji rolls out of the way to avoid getting his skull smashed along with another stone coffin. Maya tries to fly over to him but is kicked away by another Shadow and smashes into another stone coffin destroying it. Goji stands back up but gets wrapped in a chain and pulled against a stone coffin. The heavy pressure causes his bones to crack and make him shout in pain. The chain sickle Shadow pulls back on the chain hard and pulls Goji through the stone coffin. Goji goes flying through the air but manages to skid along the ground on his feet. He pulls out the knife that was thrown in his shoulder and uses it to defend against the dual sword Shadow.
Unfortunately after a few strikes the knife blade breaks and he gets slashed across his chest. He then turns his head and leaps out of the way of the chain trying to smash him into the ground. Goji leaps from coffin to coffin making his way back to Maya who gets back up and pops her shoulder back in. The two of them run for the large skull where Goji uses his strength to pull out one of the fangs to use as a weapon. He then uses it to fight back to back with Maya as the Shadows continue their onslaught. The fang holds up to their attacks until a combined strike from the katana and the metal club Shadows breaks the fang in two. The chain sickle Shadow whips their chain at Goji who manages to jump out of the way. Maya quickly tosses down her last smoke bomb which fills the chamber.
One of the shadows flaps their black, red, and yellow colored wings dispelling the smoke. This allows them to spot Goji and Maya running back up the steps of the entrance. The Shadows give chase with one of them splitting off into another passage. Goji and Maya desperately sprint through the stone hallways and passages. Goji nearly slamming himself into a few walls as they turned the corners. The turn one final corner where the katana Shadow swings their sword down at Maya. Goji pushes her out of the way and gets his arm cut. He fights through the pain as he wields what's left of the fang to block their attacks. The fang gets knocked away but Goji manages to use his arms to counter and apply leverage against the Shadow's arm holding the katana. Maya spots the Shadow pulling out a hidden dagger ready to stab Goji in the stomach.
She throws herself forward and tackles Goji out of the way as the Shadow thrusts the dagger. She delivers a heavy head-butt knocking the Shadow against the wall hard. Maya then swings her sword swiftly slitting their throat. Blood flows from the Shadow's throat as their body slides down the wall and falls to the floor, their straw hat falling off and rolling across the floor. Maya stands there panting as she looks down at her dead opponent. Her eyes widen when she sees the color of their hair. An almost pale white similar to hers. She kneels down and removes the covering from their face. Her breathing becomes erratic as she takes a good look at them. The Shadow's face resembles that of a young girl about 16 or 17. Maya reaches her hand out and winces in pain. She looks down at the dagger plunged into her abdomen.
She groans in pain as she tries to pull it out. Goji however stops her and looks down at the dead Shadow. As he does he sees his machete on the Shadow's back. He reaches over and grabs it, putting it back in its sheath. Sounds of footsteps draw closer to them as he searches for a way for them to escape. He hears the sound of rushing water and looks to see a large hole in the wall leading back outside. He moves to pick Maya up but she stops him for a brief moment.
Maya: (grunting in pain) Wait. Her belt, left pouch.
Goji reaches over and opens up the Shadow's left pouch on her belt. He takes out what looks like a spool of thread. Maya holds her hand out gesturing for him to give it to her. He places the spool in her hand and starts to unravel it.
Maya: Okay. Help me up.
Goji lifts her up and the two of them walk slowly towards the hole. As they do they leave behind a trail of thread along with blood flowing from Maya's wound. As the sound of footsteps intensify they reach the hole and look down at the raging river below them. Maya holds up the thread in her hand and closes her eyes while taking a deep breath. As she does this she grips the thread tightly which begins to shine and glow. The light glows brighter and brighter until Maya lets go of the thread and motions for her and Goji to jump now. A few seconds after the thread's light shines brightly and explodes destroying the passageway and the entire side of the building.
The two of them fall into the river and let the current take them downstream. All the while the water color turns red.
An hour or so later the storm passes and the sky calms over the river. Floating along the current Goji does his best to keep himself and Maya above the water. Dodging rocks and fallen trees, Goji swims them back and forth through the water. Even taking a deep breath and diving under the water under tree roots poking out of the ground into the river. The current starts to get rougher and faster as the start to approach a small waterfall. With no way to avoid it Goji holds onto Maya as they both go over the edge. They plunge deep into the water and Goji quickly swims them both back up to the surface. Once back above water Goji grabs a nearby floating log and hoists Maya onto it. He then pushes them both down the river.
Day soon transforms into night as they continue to float down the river. Finally they wash up on shore with Goji dragging Maya along the sand away from the water. He places her gently on the ground and examines her current state. Maya lays motionless with her body covered in cuts and scratches. He checks her breathing and finds that she's still alive, just barely.
Goji: (thinking) Must've lost consciousness from blood loss.
His gaze turns to the knife still in her belly. At first he moves to try and pull it out but decides against it. As uncomfortable as it probably is right now that knife was the only thing keeping Maya from bleeding out. Before he can remove it he needs a way to stop the bleeding afterwards. Until then they needed to get somewhere safe. He carefully picks her up which causes them both to wince in pain. Goji fights through his own pain and carries her into the woods.
Goji walks for what feels like hours gritting his teeth and groaning at the pain of his fractured bones. He stops for a moment leaning against a tree and leaving traces of blood from the cut on his arm. Eventually he comes across a small cave and steps inside. He walks to the very back of it and places Maya gently on the ground. Maya winces a bit and begins to stir awake. She opens her eyes and tries to sit up. Goji reaches his hand out and stops her.
Goji: Take it easy. You're hurt pretty bad.
He lays Maya back down and looks back at the cave entrance.
Goji: We should be safe here for a while. Hopefully.
Maya: (grunts) Doubt it. Don't forget they're still out there.
Goji: You think they can track us here?
Maya: I know they can. Which is why we need to keep moving.
Maya groans in pain as she tries to sit up again only for Goji to force her back down.
Goji: Not while you're bleeding like this we're not.
Maya looks down at the knife in her belly.
Maya: Then take it out.
Goji: I don't have anything to stop the bleeding with.
Maya: Don't worry. I got us covered. Just get it out.
Goji turns to the knife and grabs the handle causing Maya to start wincing in pain.
Goji: This is gonna hurt.
Maya: I've suffered greater pains than this.
Goji looks around and reaches over to grab a nearby stick on the ground. He brings it up to Maya's face.
Goji: Bite down on this.
Maya opens her mouth allowing Goji to place the stick into her mouth. Goji places his hand on her stomach and starts to pull the knife out. Maya bites down hard on the stick as the knife is slowly pulled out of her body. Goji uses his other hand to hold her down as he removes the knife. Blood starts to flow out more frequently as the knife comes out further. Finally with one swift pull the knife is finally removed from Maya's belly causing her to utter a muffled scream through the stick.
Goji tosses the knife away and puts both hands to apply pressure to the wound. Maya spits out the stick and looks at him.
Maya: (panting) Now comes… the really… uncomfortable part.
She reaches for a pouch on her belt and takes out her own spool of thread and a small needle. Goji looks between her hand and her.
Maya: Relax… It won't explode unless I want it too.
She hands him the needle and thread and Goji starts to get to work tending to her wound. He lifts up her shirt and proceeds to sew up her belly. Maya winces a bit but fights through the pain.
Goji: So do all of you carry explosive medical thread?
Maya looks at him.
Maya: It's silk actually.
Goji looks back at her.
Goji: Who was the girl?
Maya looks away from him and remains silent.
Goji: I caught a glimpse of her for a moment. She had almost the same hair color as yours.
Maya: I didn't know her personally.
Goji: What about the others?
Maya: It's not important.
Goji: It is if it gives us an edge for the next time they catch up with us.
Maya: It really doesn't.
Silence fills the cave as Goji finishes sewing her up. Goji decides not to press her any further. Sensing that the subject is a bit too personal for her. A few hours pass and dawn begins to break. Goji lays against the wall next to Maya who he's covered with his jacket to keep her warm. He starts to hear footsteps approaching the cave and opens his eyes before grabbing his machete. Maya opens her eyes and tries to sit up to look at the entrance grabbing her own sword. Even if she was still wounded that doesn't mean she won't go out without a fight. The footsteps reach the cave entrance and a silhouette appears before them. Standing on all fours is a large wolf KK the size of a grizzly bear covered in blood. It has gray fur over most of its body and white fur on its face. It has a set of porcupine-like quills running down on its back, as well as fleshy membranes located between its fore and hind limbs.
Goji stares at it for a moment and starts to lower his guard. He places a hand over Maya's hand gesturing to her to lower her sword. Maya turns to him confused.
Goji: It's okay. He won't hurt us unless we give him a reason to.
Maya looks back at the wolf and sees a deep wound in its side. She then comes to realize that the blood covering its body might very well be its own. If that's the case then they were both in the same boat. She turns back to Goji who looks her right in the eyes.
Goji: Don't worry. I got ya.
Somehow believing his words Maya lowers the sword and lays back down. Her eyes begin to feel heavy as she starts to drift back to sleep. As she rests her mind revisits memories of her past.
*15 years ago*
Maya's eyes open again with the light of the sun shining down on her as she steps outside. There she sees her humble village where children are playing with kites and running across the grass. Everyone is dressed in eastern style garments and going about their day in happiness and peace. Out in the fields a number of the adults work to harvest their crops for the coming winter. She then hears a voice call out to her from inside the house.
Female voice: Maya, come and eat your lunch.
Maya turns around and sees her mother and younger sister Beatrice sitting down at the table. Maya smiles before sliding the door closed and walks over to sit next to her sister. As they begin to eat suddenly screams are heard from outside along with sounds of gunfire and vehicle engines. Maya turns to look at the door when she hears a man's voice shouting.
Man: I'd like to speak with the leaders of this village!
Maya turns to her mother who instructs her to stay with her sister. She stands up and walks to the door.
Man: Come now! No need to be shy! I just want to discuss something with you!
Maya's mother opens the door and steps out, closing the door behind her.
Maya's Mother: What do you want from us?
Beatrice stands up and runs over to the window with Maya following her.
Man: Are you one of the leaders of this village?
The girls peek through the window to see their mother speaking with a man wearing a golden coat and one horn.
Maya's Mother: I am the "sole" leader of my people.
Gordon: That's funny. I could've sworn there were two of you.
Maya's Mother: My sister passed long ago.
Gordon: I see. (places hand over his chest and bows his head slightly) My deepest condolences.
Maya's Mother: Why are you here?
Gordon: I am here because war is upon us.
Maya's Mother: There is no war here.
Gordon: Not yet, but there will be.
Maya's Mother: And how can you be so sure?
Gordon: Because I'm the one who's going to start it. I intend to make humanity pay for the sins committed against all of our kind.
Maya's Mother: That still doesn't explain why you're here.
Gordon: In order to wage my war I would rally every KK under my leadership. Hence why I am here to accept your fidelity to me. Your true king.
Maya's Mother stares at the man unflinching.
Maya's Mother: The choices you have made have clearly led you here, as have my own. I will now give you a new choice. Leave now and live or stay and face your destiny.
The man looks at her and laughs.
Gordon: I already know my destiny. Do you know yours?
A number of the man's men aim their weapons at her. Maya's Mother stands firm and closes her eyes. The banging sound of a nearby shishi-odoshi echoes in the wind as the men get ready to fire. On the next bang Maya's Mother opens her eyes and moves at incredible speed using the ninjato sword stashed in her sleeve to cut down a number of the men. She then turns to the man as her wings extend outward emitting a pure glow. The man just smiles and cracks his neck and flexes his fingers on his right hand as he slowly removes his glove.
Gordon: And here I was afraid this day was going to be boring.
Maya's Mother flaps her wings, launching herself into the air and propelling herself to stab the man in the chest. She comes within a few feet of him when he throws his hand up to her causing a bright flash of light.
*Present Day*
Maya wakes up in a cold sweat as she sits up and gasps. She looks around at her surroundings. When she recognises the inside of the cave she slows down her breathing. She looks over at Goji sitting nearby trying to make a small fire. She looks down at her wound to find it cleaned and bandaged up. She also notices an old medical pack next to her.
Maya: Where did you get that?
Goji: From our new friend.
Maya looks at him confused until she hears a small whine near her. She turns to see the wolf looking at her carrying a dead animal in its mouth. She stares at it for a moment until it drops the dead animal on the ground.
Goji: Turns out he's got quite the nose for scavenging.
Goji manages to get the fire started and turns around to face her.
Goji: Don't suppose you're healed enough to help cook?
Maya smiles a bit and grabs the dead animal. An hour or so later the three of them are all sitting and eating dinner. The wolf looks over at Maya and nudges the rest of the animal to her. Maya picks it up and breaks off a piece to toss back over to them. The wolf catches it in its mouth and downs it in one gulp. It then goes off to a corner and lays down on the ground, uttering a loud burp a minute later. Goji utters a loud burp next which causes Maya to look over at him. He looks away rubbing the back of his neck in slight embarrassment. Maya smiles a bit and chuckles a little. Suddenly without warning she lets out a much louder burp. She immediately covers her mouth, her eyes wide and face blushing red.
Goji and Maya stare at each other in awkward silence. Goji starts smiling and laughing which Maya soon does as well. The two of them continue laughing long into the night. The next morning Goji gets ready to change Maya's bandages when the wolf walks over to her and lightly pushes him aside. It then reaches down and starts licking at Maya's stitches much to her surprise and slight disgust. She shoos the wolf away who walks off and starts licking its own wounds. Goji and Maya turn and look at each other.
Goji: You know, they say a dog's mouth is a lot cleaner than most people think.
Maya just gives him a look and Goji awkwardly clears his throat before getting back to changing her bandages. Later in the night the fire has gone out when Maya opens her eyes and stirs awake. She looks over at the wolf asleep in the corner. She then turns to see Goji at his spot shivering from the cold. She then remembered that she had been sleeping under his jacket while he had nothing to keep himself warm. Maya stands up and walks over to sit down next to Goji. As soon as she moves in close he flinches awake startling them both.
Goji: What's wrong?
Maya: Nothing. I just noticed that it's pretty cold tonight.
Goji stares at her, calming his breathing.
Goji: Yeah it is.
Maya: So wouldn't it be better if we both kept each other warm?
Goji: It's ok, I'll be fine.
Maya: No it's not okay. Now move over so I can sit down.
Goji: No really you don't have to.
Maya: Goji, I'm going to help you keep warm whether you want to or not so shut up.
Goji finally relents to Maya's decision and moves over to let her sit down next to him. She then drapes the jacket over both of them as they move in closer to each other. Goji fidgets awkwardly for a minute. He then clears his throat.
Goji: Thank you.
Maya: Don't get the wrong idea. I'm just repaying the favor.
Goji turns to her.
Goji: What favor?
Maya lets out a sigh.
Maya: The one where you ended up saving my life? Again?
Goji looks back to the cave entrance where the moonlight shines in.
Goji: Only because you helped protect Jaime.
Maya sits quietly and shifts her body to get more comfortable.
Goji: Can I ask you something?
Maya: Like what?
Goji: Why did you come back? To help us I mean?
Maya lets out a sigh.
Maya: Because I couldn't just standby and do nothing.
Goji: So you really have been keeping pace with us this whole time?
Maya: Yep.
Goji: Even Kansas City?
Maya: Yeah.
Goji: How come you didn't try to help then?
Maya: Because I knew you could handle things on your own.
Goji: What makes you say that?
Maya: I know a thing or two about how to tell between someone strong and someone weak.
Goji: Is that right?
Maya: And I don't mean just physical strength.
Goji looks back at her.
Maya: (heavy sigh) A long time ago my mother once told me that the decisions you make and the actions that follow are a reflection of who you are. And that you cannot hide from yourself. The day we met I could tell that you were desperately keeping a part of yourself hidden from everyone around you. Even now.
Maya turns and looks back at Goji.
Maya: But no matter your fears or your past there is no hiding that part of yourself. Unless you learn to accept that, you'll never find peace within you.
The two of them stare at each other for a brief moment until they are interrupted by the wolf coming over and pushing up against them to stay warm as well.
Goji and Maya smile and turn back to each other. They both then immediately look away from each other. Both trying to hide the shared redness on their faces. The next day Goji and Maya walk up to the cave entrance. Maya looks down at her fully healed wound and brushes her hand over it. They then look to the wolf coming out to join them. The three of them stare at each other until the wolf goes off and runs back into the forest. Even though no words were shared, all three acknowledge how much the others did for them. Goji and Maya look out at the horizon.
Goji: You know we're going to have to face them right?
Maya: I know.
Goji: You think you can handle it?
Maya lets out a small breath.
Maya: I think this time I can.
Goji and Maya continue looking out at the horizon. Both mentally prepare themselves for what is to come.
Meanwhile back at the museum ruins one of the Shadows force their way out of the rubble. The rest follow them out while carrying the body of their dead comrade. They all gather around her and look down at her. One of the Shadows attempts to kneel down and place a hand on their head but another Shadow reprimands them.
Shadow 1: Leave them!
The rest of the Shadows turn to them.
Shadow 1: Death is Failure. Each of you knows this.
Shadow 2: Can we not at least bury her?
The Shadow turns away from them.
Shadow 1: Burn the body if you wish, but then we move to go after them.
The other Shadows all look at each other. One of them turns back to them.
Shadow 3: Why? Our master ordered us to go after the child. We should work to pick up their trail.
Shadow 1: After we deal with the traitor.
Shadow 4: Gordon gave us strict orders to bring him the child. Nothing else.
Shadow 5: Perhaps we should report this to Gordon?
Shadow 1: (turns to the rest of them) We will report to Gordon after we have killed the traitor and retrieved the child for him! Is that clear to all of you!?
The other Shadows all bow their heads respecting their leader's decision.
Shadow 1: Good. Now let's move out.
The Shadows all start to leave following the leader. One of the Shadows takes one last look at their dead friend before continuing to follow the rest. They walk up to the edge of the waterfall looking down at the river below. The leader follows the path of the river to the nearby mountains. She then gives the order to follow her as they all leap off the edge into the water below. They begin to search along the bottom of the river. When they find no sign of Goji or Maya they resurface and search along the banks on both sides of the river.
One of them stops and crouches down to examine a stain of blood on the ground. They brush it with their finger to find it still fresh. They show the leader who looks further downstream.
Shadow Leader: Follow the river.
The Shadows run along the banks along the river. After a day or two they eventually find traces of the blood trail left by Maya and follow it deeper into the forest. As they follow the trail each one takes out their weapons getting themselves ready. They then start sprinting further in until they suddenly stop. They look around searching for any signs of their prey and suddenly a voice echoes over the wind.
Maya: The paths we choose to walk seldom turn out how we imagine. I guess life's just funny like that.
Shadow Leader: Show yourself coward.
Maya: Your choices have clearly brought you here, as have my own.
Snow begins to fall as a white mist moves in around them.
Maya: I present you now with a new choice. Leave here now and live or stay and face your destiny.
Shadow leader: Our destiny is your death!
The voice goes quiet for a brief moment.
Maya: So I guess you're staying then.
The Shadows each ready their weapons.
Maya: I'm willing to give each of you one more chance. You can still choose to-
Shadow Leader: Silence! Now show yourself, traitor, so you can die!
Maya's voice goes silent again.
Maya: Very well. Just remember that I gave you a choice. The decisions you make and the actions that follow are each a reflection of-
Shadow Leader: (shouts) SHUT UP!
Maya: …of who you really are.
The mist grows heavier as the snow continues to fall. The Shadows form a circle and stand ready to fight. Suddenly a spear shoots out of the ground and impales one of the Shadows, killing them instantly. The metal club Shadow runs over and smashes the ground where it came from. A black bird flies by which the sai Shadow throws one of their sai at and pinning it to a tree. The tree from which Goji jumps out from and throws another spear killing them next. Goji then runs off up a hill with the remaining Shadows chasing him. The chase ends with Goji standing atop a fallen tree. The mist begins to clear as the Shadows surround him.
Shadow Leader: Where is she?
Maya: Right behind you.
The Shadow leader turns and evades just in time to avoid Maya's sword. The rest of the Shadows close in on her as she splits her sword in two. Goji takes out his machete and leaps in to back her up. The two of them fight the Shadows furiously. The chain sickle Shadow charges at Maya who gets backed up against a tree. She ducks to avoid getting slashed and barely dodges a thrust from the spear Shadow. The metal club Shadow comes charging towards her only for Maya to use her wings and propel herself upwards to strike their face with her knee.
The dual sword Shadow swings their swords at Goji. He manages to dodge them and smack one of their swords out of their hand and then spin around to bash their face in with the hilt of his machete while catching the sword with his other hand. He then dodges an attack from the spear Shadow and kicks them hard in the body, sending them flying. He side steps the metal club Shadow and slashes their stomach with the machete. The Shadow persits and swings the club at Goji hitting his arm. Goji grits his teeth and swings the sword at them while knocking the club out of their hands as they flap their wings to distance themselves from him. He then throws the sword which pierces their chest and pins them to a tree. The dual sword Shadow goes up to them and pulls the sword from their chest letting them fall to the ground.
The remaining three Shadows face down Maya and Goji who both stand their ground silently daring them to make a move. The three Shadows leap into the air and land one after the other as if forming a single warrior. They then charge at the two moving as one single being slowly overwhelming them with their flurry of strikes. This continues until the chain wraps around Goji's leg and pulls him up in the air. The Shadows extend their collective wings and fly up to try and impale him with the spear. Goji blocks with his machete and maneuvers himself to land against the side of a tree and push himself off. He flies at them at incredible speed and delivers a heavy punch strong enough to separate the three of them.
They all land back on the ground near Maya who rushes in to back up Goji. The Shadows resume their attacks on Goji who dodges and blocks most of their attacks. Maya moves in just in time to block a strike aimed at Goji's back. The fight grows more intense as Goji begins to show signs of transforming on his skin. His aggression and anger build with each strike. Until finally his eyes start to glow blue and he opens his mouth. Maya sees this and instantly launches herself into the air at the exact moment he fires his atomic breath at the Shadows and incinerates most of the surrounding forest. When his attack dies down Goji stands there panting heavily as he looks around. Among the burned up trees he finds no sign of the Shadows anywhere. He stops panting and relaxes a bit until his sense of smell picks up their scent from above.
He looks up to see the Shadows up in the air surrounding Maya with their wings extended. Maya stares them all down and takes a deep breath. She swiftly dives down and flies through the air with the Shadows pursuing her. Goji starts running to try and keep up with them from the ground. Back in the air Maya flies around the various trees dodging attacks left and right until she finally lands at the edge of a fallen tree at the edge of a cliff. She turns to face the Shadows as they land near her. The wind howls as Maya looks down at her swords. She then fuses them back together into a single sword and takes a defense stance.
The spear Shadow charges first across the log. Maya leaps into the air and delivers a swift kick to their jaw. The Shadow then swings their spear wildly while Maya blocks expertly with her sword. Until finally she flips over them and slashes their back with her sword. Their body goes limp and falls off the log like a ragdoll as she lands back on the log. The dual sword Shadow charges next while Maya crouches down a little, lowering her sword. When the Shadow reaches her Maya swings her sword and decapitates the Shadow who, like their comrade before them, falls off the log. Maya faces down the final Shadow swiping the blood off her sword and sheathing it. They start to swing their chain sickle at her to which Maya raises her arm to allow the chain to wrap around it. She grabs the chain and pulls the Shadow closer to her but instead they hold their own and stand their ground.
The two stare each other down across the log. Finally the Shadow charges at Maya and uses their wings to launch into the air and strike at her from above. Maya uses the chain to block her only to get kicked off by the Shadow. The both of them use the chain to swing under the log and towards each other. The Shadow tries to slash at Maya but misses. They swing back around on top where Maya blocks the next strike with the chain. They swing one final time under the log and Maya delivers a swift kick to the Shadow's face knocking off their hat. They both release the chain and land back on top of the log to face each other. Maya stares at the Shadow as their hair flows on the wind. Their hair is colored as black as Maya's is white. Their eyes glaring at her with hate and malice.
Maya: Enough Beatrice. It's over.
The Shadow pulls off their face covering.
Beatrice: Nothings over while one of us is still breathing!
Maya: I understand your anger, but we don't have to do this. Our mother would've never wanted us to-
Beatrice: (shouts) Mother is dead! It doesn't matter what she would want!
Maya: I know that she would want us to stay together.
Beatrice lets out a cold laugh.
Beatrice: if that were true, You would never have chosen to go to "him".
Maya: Every choice I have made has been to try and protect you.
Beatrice: I don't need your protection! (holds up her sickle at Maya) I'm not the weak one, you are!
Beatrice readies her sickle and gets into a battle ready stance.
Beatrice: And I'll prove it to you, here and now.
Maya looks at her with concern.
Maya: Don't try it.
Beatrice extends her wings and launches herself into the air. She propels herself at Maya in the same style as their mother had 15 years prior and screams at the top of her lungs. Maya grabs the hilt of her sword. In a split second the two pass each other in mid air. Time seems to stop as they both hang in the air unmoving. Then suddenly Beatrice's right wing completely snaps off having been cleanly cut off. She soon plummets down below shouting and screaming in anger until she disappears from sight and silence fills the air. Maya lands back on the log and sheaths her sword. She lets out a deep breath as a single drop falls from her face and lands on the wood. She slowly stands up when suddenly the log starts to creak and break apart underneath her feet. Maya tries to open her wings but sees a tear in one of them preventing her from flight. She closes her eyes and begins to fall almost certainly to her death, accepting her fate.
Suddenly she stops and hangs in the air as the log continues to fall below her. She opens her eyes and looks up to see a hand holding onto her arm tightly. She looks up further to see Goji at the edge of the cliff pulling her back up. Once back on solid ground the two of them fallback on the ground and look up at the sky. Goji pants heavily while Maya just lays there silent. She turns her head to look at him and sees his body convulse as he grabs at his chest tightly and bites down hard on his lip, drawing blood. She could see right then and there that Goji was beginning to further transform but also that he was trying to fight it. She could also see a small tear falling down his face. However she could tell that it was not just one of pain, but also fear. As if he were afraid of losing himself to the monster trying to force its way out. Maya reaches her hand out across the ground and places it over his shaking scale covered hand clawing into the dirt.
He flinches in surprise at her touch and turns his head to look at her with one of his eyes now colored brown-amber with a faint yellow sclera. The two just stare at each other silently as Maya gently squeezes his hand comfortingly while breathing deeply and closing her eyes. Her hand begins to emit a warm golden light. Goji's breathing starts to slow as his hand slowly turns over and closes over hers, gently squeezing back. His body ceases its convulsing and becomes more relaxed. Exhaustion soon overtakes him as he closes his eyes and falls into a calm slumber as the snow stops falling.
Goji's mind drifts as images of his past begin to form. Only this time instead of memories of pain and darkness, he feels warmth and happiness as memories of his brother come into focus. At first Goji thinks that this must mean that he's finally died and is moving on. That is until the image of his brother crouches down over him and places his hand on his face to lightly slap him a few times.
?: Come on there Minilla. Don't you go quitting on me now.
Goji's vision starts to blur as he opens his eyes. His face feels moist as his eyes start to refocus. He looks up and sees the wolf looking down at him and licking his face. Goji lets out a deep sigh and holds his left hand up to pet the side of the wolf's head.
Goji: Good boy.
The wolf turns away from him and starts licking Maya's face next, stirring her awake. Goji glances over at his other hand still holding Maya's. He quickly lets go and sits up as she starts moving her head back and forth and holding out her hands to get the wolf to stop licking her.
Maya: (spits and coughs) Okay okay that's enough.
She sits back up and wipes her face.
Maya: For someone whose mouth is supposedly cleaner than it appears you don't exactly have very pleasant smelling breath.
The wolf growls in response and then turns and walks away from them. Maya and Goji look at each other for a brief moment until Goji quickly stands up. He brushes off the dirt on his clothes and then offers his hand to help Maya up. Maya looks at him and smirks while grabbing his arm and letting him pull her up. They share one final look between each other.
Goji: It's done?
Maya: (nods her head) It's done.
Goji and Maya let go of each other's arms and step back from each other.
Goji: So what happens now?
Maya: I guess we get you back to your friends… and then afterwards probably go our separate ways.
Goji nods his head.
Goji: Sounds good.
Maya turns away from him and starts walking away.
Goji: Or…
Maya stops walking.
Goji: You can come with us.
Goji turns around and looks at her with a smile. Maya slowly turns around and stares at him speechless.
Goji: I mean you've been following us all this way. So why not travel with us properly?
Maya smiles back at him and nods her head.
Maya: Okay.
The two start to walk away when they hear the wolf howling near them. They turn around and see the wolf standing at the edge of the cliff. Goji and Maya both smile as the wolf just stares at them. To their shock the wolf then turns and leaps over the edge of the cliff. They run over in time to see the wolf extend its legs and allow the wind to flow into the folds of skin making it glide through the air like a bird. The two of them just stare in surprise and it flies off to the horizon.
Goji: Well there's something you don't see everyday.
A few hours later they walk back to the river and follow it for a few more miles until they meet up with the rest of the group camped out by the river. Jaime turns and sees them walking over and immediately stands up and runs over to hug Goji. Goji hugs her back as Maya stands to the side with a small smile. The Trio walks over to join them and Rodney grimaces a bit at Goji's semi-transformed face.
Rodney: Shit, what happened to you?
Goji: You should see the other guy.
Rodney chuckles and hands Goji the orange container for him to use. Goji opens it up and takes out a shot to inject himself with. A few hours later the six of them all sit around the fire and eat dinner while swapping stories and getting to know each other. Laughter carried over the wind whenever CeCe told one of her stories of how her, Rodney, and Angelo grew up. Mostly whenever it's at Angelo's expense. Goji glances over at Maya who is actually laughing along with everyone else. The sound of it is almost soothing to his ears. He quickly turns away when Maya looks back in his direction so as not to make it look like he'd been staring at her the whole time. Much to her slight amusement. In fact she almost thought his behavior was kind of… cute.
Before long they are all asleep with Jaime sleeping close to Goji while listening to his walkman. Maya looks over to them and smiles at them. Memories of her and her mother and sister flashing in her mind. Her smile soon fades and she stands up to walk away from the campsite. She walks a few feet away and looks back to make sure the others are still asleep. She then kneels down and takes out a small radio hidden in her belt. She places the wired earpiece into her ear and switches the radio on.
Maya: This is Maya, It's done.
Gordon: And the others?
Maya: They served their purpose.
Since the first encounter Maya has been informing Gordon of Goji and Jaime's progress. In response Gordon then instructed her about a plan to get closer to them and retrieve the girl alive. A plan which involved sacrificing Beatrice and the rest of the Shadows in order to gain the group's trust. As for Beatrice and the Shadows, all they knew was that they were ordered to retrieve the girl and kill anyone who stood in their way. To them, Maya was a traitor to kill. To Maya, they were a sacrifice to bring Gordon closer to achieving his goal of acquiring Jaime and fulfilling the deal she made with him. Including her own sister. A reminder that makes Maya's heart feel heavy with both pain and sorrow.
Gordon: Good. Stay with the girl. Keep her alive until we reach you. Those are my orders.
Maya takes a deep breath and uses her training as a shadow to kill the emotions she feels and responds to her master in a cold, emotionless tone.
Maya: I have served, I will be of service.
And there you all have it! Talk about a bloody valentine right? Hey, I managed to say it this time without… *pukes into a bucket* Damn, so close. Anyway I hope you all have enjoyed reading this and are looking forward to seeing what else is in store for our ragtag group of survivors now that they have a new addition to their little family.
List of KKs
Goji: Godzilla
Jaime: ?/Oxygen Destroyer Hybrid
Maya: Mothra
Rodney: Rodan
CeCe: King Caesar
Angelo: Anguirus
Beatrice: Battra
Gordon: King Ghidorah
Gideon: Gigan
Wolf KK: "Ralph"
And now replies to story reviews.
HEROS Central: I'm glad you enjoyed it. This was a difficult one to be sure. And as for Jaime… You'll just have to stay tuned. Lol.
Jack Darby The Son of Superboy: Thank you. I came up with it in high school.
Anyway until next time this is Tardispilot297 saying… ALLONSY!