In The Abyss
Shimo and the King of Monsters
Chapter 1: Encounter
Kong
He'd noticed it for a few days now.
Kong observed Shimo's nightly disappearances with growing curiosity.
Each night, Shimo vanished, sometimes for a few hours, other times until daylight broke. When she returned, she carried the scent of salt water and sea life, reminiscent of Godzilla, the scaled beast. Despite her weariness upon return, she never bore new scars or the telltale smell of battle with other kaiju.
Kong found it intriguing, yet he hesitated to investigate further. The routine they had settled into provided peace, and he didn't want to disrupt it. Most of Shimo's activities occurred on the surface at night, away from the other great apes. This seemed to help ease their adjustment to Hollow Earth.
Their coexistence was harmonious enough, but Kong couldn't ignore the tense neutrality that lingered between his people and Shimo. It was as if the past still cast a shadow over their interactions.
For now, Kong decided to trust Shimo. Until the scars of the history faded, he would refrain from probing into her nocturnal wanderings. After all, they were both newcomers to this strange underground world trying to find their place.
10 Days Earlier
Shimo
The ocean depths were dim and frigid, a familiar sensation that Shimo welcomed. It had been too long since she'd experienced these temperatures. There was a risk of being out here alone, but the peace made it worth the trouble.
For the past few months, she'd stayed in the main realm of Hollow Earth, close to the area where King Kong and his kin rebuilt their civilization. However, living near them meant Shimo had to stick to the only viable options nearby— lakes and rivers.
Tired of these waters, Shimo had leaped to explore unexpected lands— the Earth's ocean's depths. She decided it would be a way for her to reconnect with the world she once knew before her 30-million-year imprisonment.
Swimming in the Northern cold waters like this reminded her a lot of it— the icy tundras, the crisp water, and the silence that came with it.
Memories flooded back to her. She remembered long ago how eventful it had been maintaining the Late Cenozoic Ice Age.
It was a time of great responsibility for her species, a time when the earth needed their intervention to maintain balance. She and other members of her kind were tasked with this monumental duty, but as the ages passed, fewer and fewer participated.
It was most apparent in the last Age of Ice, when only she and a select others performed the task.
Unfortunately, she couldn't blame them. Her kind was non-violent in an era where the most aggressive Kaiju roamed the earth. Many perished in the conflicts that ensued, and others chose to retreat into long-term hibernation for millions of years at a time, hoping to outlast the chaos. Shimo was among those who chose hibernation.
She didn't take chances with other kaiju, but as a result, she spent most of her life asleep rather than awake— her existence a timeless slumber beneath the earth's surface.
The few times she did awaken were to perform her tasks. That in itself took centuries at a time and demanded all her energy. The responsibility was tiring, yet she embraced it wholeheartedly knowing that it was essential for the planet's survival.
The process helped bring a new cycle of growth. It also helped put the largest kaiju into hibernation allowing for eras of peace.
Now, swimming in the depths, she couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for those times. These waters were a reminder of her purpose, of the responsibility she had fulfilled over the millennia.
The process helped bring a new cycle of growth. Ice Ages forced the planet to adapt, resetting the balance and creating conditions for new ecosystems to emerge. Forests evolved to survive colder climates, while frozen rivers and glaciers reshaped the land. This renewal benefited both the earth and the creatures that inhabited it, giving life a chance to flourish in ways it couldn't during the more chaotic, warmer eras.
For kaiju, the icy conditions served another purpose: they compelled the largest and most destructive among them to retreat into hibernation. Godzilla, with his unmatched power, sought refuge in the deepest parts of the ocean. Ghidorah, unable to endure the cold, buried himself beneath volcanic regions where the earth's warmth sustained him. Rodan, driven by his fiery nature, disappeared into magma pools to escape the frost.
Those who thrived in the cold, however, found the Ice Ages to be a time of peace. Other species adapted to frigid environments and lived quietly amidst the frost. They had no need for dominance or conflict, content to coexist with the frozen landscapes.
This was the balance Shimo had helped maintain, and though it was temporary, it brought moments of respite to a world often consumed by chaos.
However, she needed to remind herself how lonely it was. Her kind worked together from afar scattered across the Earth and other species of kaiju kept to themselves as a means to avoid conflict.
In those times, she often yearned for companionship or longing for the comfort of a pack. She had hoped to meet one at least, but she'd underestimated how few of her kind remained. It affected her so much that once the Age of Ice could self-sustain, she'd decided to change her life— a break from the endless cycle of hibernation and duty.
Shimo had yearned to explore the ocean's unknown depths, reconnect with her kind, and… possibly even find a mate.
Except, what had started as a hopeful journey had turned into a nightmare of confinement. It happened on a quiet night during her early years of exploration.
She had encountered a powerful vortex in the middle of swimming—a spiraling maw in the ocean's depths. Relentlessly, its powerful currents dragged her into the shadowy confines of the subterranean realm.
Shimo should have expected the worst, but she'd been oblivious to the state of the Kaiju world at the time. Her ignorance left her powerless; unaware of Godzilla's banishment of the Apes or King Scar's thirst for power. The rest was history.
Despite not remembering much of her time captive, it was still difficult to shake off the feeling.
Shimo blinked a few times, pushing the thoughts aside.
This topic had replayed in her head many times in the first months of her release. It had been a while since she'd allowed herself to entertain those dark thoughts since nothing good came of it.
Instead, she wanted to prioritize her progress, the opportunities that lie ahead, and the idea of finding her place. Dwelling on the past would only hold her back from embracing the future. The thought immediately comforted her.
Trying to feel more at ease, Shimo focused on her surroundings. She took a deep breath, letting the cold water filter through her gills. Her mind cleared as she submerged deeper, the weight of her memories gradually fading away.
It was a reminder of her natural habitat, a place where she felt most at home.
Shimo glided through the frigid waters, letting the gentle flow of the currents guide her. As the currents pulled her, she experienced a rare feeling of weightlessness.
For the first time in ages, she decided to let her ice powers flow freely. The underwater landscape was a tundra of frozen structures; her power would hardly affect it.
As she moved, frost spread from her body, coating the underwater topology in a thick sheen. Shimo waved her claws, creating delicate ice crystals on the seabed.
Light emanated from her blue dorsal plates, casting a subtle glow in the otherwise pitch-black depths.
With each stroke of her tail, she propelled herself forward. She couldn't help but get lost in the moment and purr out loud. Growing used to being alone in these waters, she let her guard down.
Within the darkness that surrounded her, Shimo found solace. Some would find it daunting, but not her. She preferred to swim where few creatures dared to tread. Here in the abyss, she was free to explore without worry of constant threat.
In all her confidence, Shimo had no idea that she'd invited a passing presence.
"You have wandered far from home."
Shimo jolted at the resonant voice.
Her vigor died down, as did the glow of her dorsal plates. She instinctively tried to conceal herself.
The quiet, serene moment had been shattered and replaced by unease. She scanned the darkness for the source of the voice. Without being able to see, she still knew exactly who it was.
The water felt different around her; the subtle shift in temperature affected her naturally cold body. She could feel the vibrations, pulsating with each powerful stroke as he swam towards her.
When he was close, a wave of geothermal radiation hit her, enlivening her senses. The feeling was overwhelming as it passed through her body down to her tail. It was clear he had consumed energy recently.
His dim dorsal plates flickered, casting eerie shadows and letting her see his form for a second. He appeared immense within the dark ocean.
She bowed her head to him, "Hello, King Godzilla."
Shimo's heart raced as she tried to compose herself in the presence of the legendary King of the Monsters. She didn't imagine reencountering him— lucky enough to leave with her life the last time. Afterward, she'd been given a word of caution to stay away from his path and plenty of warnings about his power over the kaiju world.
The space around her felt more enclosed as Godzilla's presence loomed, his massive form hidden but felt all around her. She could somehow sense the weight of his gaze scrutinizing her movements.
Every part of her instinct told her not to move as he inspected her.
For a moment, there was silence between them, broken only by the gentle swaying of currents. Shimo struggled to find her voice, her mind racing with many thoughts and questions.
"Why are you here?" he asked. His voice was deep, carrying a low grumble.
On edge, she spoke. "I was enjoying the solitude of these waters."
"Are there none in the Hollow world?" His words were cold and to the point. It was surprising, but a part of her should've anticipated it.
Shimo hesitated, her mind racing as she tried to devise a suitable explanation. She thought to herself, figuring out the best way to phrase her next words.
"I have no other reason other than that I enjoy these waters more."
Godzilla scoffed, "You are foolish for exposing yourself to neighboring territories."
Shimo remained quiet, feeling the weight of his words bearing down on her. She glanced to her left and noticed the distinct pink shimmer of dorsal plates, a sign of his growing impatience.
She began to feel tense. "I wasn't aware..."
"There is an established order on the surface. Follow it if you would like to reside here," he stated, "Unless you'd prefer to stay in Hollow Earth living as a pet for the ape Kong?"
Shimo gasped, feeling taken aback. Her plates turned blue as she felt the anger rise in her body. Nobody had talked to her in this manner in a long time.
It was hard to formulate a response and all that came out were unpleasant huffs.
Godzilla laughed, a gruff sound akin to a growl. Shimo suddenly recoiled, feeling all heat die down as the sound echoed.
She felt the waters around her move, sensing Godzilla's approach. His spine glowed, letting her see ahead of her somewhat. The smell of nuclear energy further engulfed her senses.
"If you prefer these waters, why do you reside below the Earth? Do you renounce your King for that ape?" he questioned.
"No, never! I believed you and King Kong worked together," Shimo replied.
"Is that what he has told you?"
Shimo didn't reply, a feeling of disquiet creeping over her. Though Kong didn't express it, there seemed to be a mutual dislike between them.
"He rules his kind as other kaiju do; I have protected this terrain for a millennium. There is no comparison," Godzilla said sternly.
"Is he not tasked with protecting Hollow Earth?" Shimo dared to ask.
He rumbled with displeasure.
"I apologize, I'm trying to learn what the established order is," she replied.
"You are fortunate to have the chance to learn. Many do not," he threatened.
The end of his tail lit up, following all the way up his back. The water around her became warmer, a sign of his growing power. Shimo watched in awe as he revealed himself, his massive structure almost blocking her entire view.
Two crimson eyes stared down at her.
Godzilla— King of Monsters.
His presence was imposing, just like she remembered. Except, had grown significantly since their last encounter. They were similar in height now, both of their towering forms casting shadows over the ocean waters. His dorsal plates had changed in pattern as well, displaying intricate designs that pulsed with energy. Shimo could feel radiation emanating from his body, a stark contrast to her own icy aura. She wondered how much he had consumed.
Again, she bowed her head, a gesture of respect.
"I am grateful for your patience. I do not have many memories during my capture or before," Shimo said.
"My patience is finite," he alleged, "There is much I do not trust about you."
Shinu felt a pang of unease at his words, her past mistakes weighing heavily upon her.
She looked up at him, "I'm loyal to you, my King. I am no longer under the influence of the Ape Scar. I would never stand against you."
She could sense his doubt, his wariness lingering in between them like a thick fog.
"How can I ensure your loyalty after you were so easily controlled by a relic?" he asked.
She felt taken aback. "That will never happen again!"
He began swimming closer, his form looming larger in her vision.
"Once is enough," he stated coldly.
Shimo felt a sting at his words. Though he hadn't questioned her after her release, she should've expected him to be wary of her even after all this time.
She fixed her composure, averting her gaze.
"I would never allow it to happen again, even if you do not believe in my ability," Shimo continued, "However if I were to ever be controlled again…"
She shakily exhaled, "I would accept your judgment."
"And what if I choose to prevent it, instead?"
Godzilla's question hung heavily in the water, sending a chill through Shimo's chest.
She increasingly became anxious.
Her next words would have to be spoken with caution. She wouldn't dare look up or make eye contact with him.
"I respect you more than any kaiju. I understand your reasoning, and I do not blame you."
He remained silent, the tension between them palpable.
"However…" Shimo hesitated, feeling the weight of her next words.
"However?" he questioned daringly.
"I cannot allow you to be unjust. I've been given a second chance for the first time in centuries, and I will fight to keep it."
"You would fight me?" he asked mockingly.
Shimo gulped. She'd already spoken, and there was no taking her words back.
"If you feel my honesty is out of line, I… accept the consequences," she nervously replied.
Suddenly, she could feel a vibration in the water around her. It was a light sensation on her scales, but the action made her feel on edge. The glow on his spine began pulsing, the light emanating brighter.
"You talk so much of consequences. Can you truly endure them?"
She gasped.
Now he was dangerously close to her, easily in reach of his claws. His tail curled around her, making her feel like he was closing in.
Godzilla released a low growl from his throat, the sound reverberating through the water and resonating within her chest. Shimo felt her heart quicken, the adrenaline coursing through her veins as she braced herself for whatever came next.
…
Suddenly, without waiting, Shimo pushed him and swam the other way around.
All she could do was listen to her instincts. Putting her arms and legs tight on her body, she maneuvered far into the waters North.
Godzilla roared behind, and she could feel the waters shift. Peeking behind, she noticed he darted after her.
Though she claimed to accept all consequences, deep down, she didn't want to fight needlessly. She wanted to defend her ideals, but not like this.
Shimo didn't know what would happen if he caught her, but if she escaped, they had a chance to end this unscathed.
She continued her path northward.
As she considered her next move, she noticed massive icebergs ahead.
They loomed downward, their jagged edges blocking her way. The environment offered little visibility beyond the glow of her plating. Shimo dove deeper.
Down below, she noticed a maze of narrow channels and sharp overhangs created by the shifting ice. She adjusted, weaving her way through the labyrinth. The water around her churned as she swam between towering walls, narrowly avoiding collisions.
Her efforts were complicated by her involuntary ice emission. With each anxious beat of her heart, frost formed in her wake, coating the walls and threatening to box her in. She suppressed her abilities, concentrating on keeping a low pulse.
As she emerged from the maze, she found herself faced with a vast field of drifting ice glaciers. It forced her to slow down to carefully navigate.
The waters seemed to grow colder as she pressed on, and she hoped the environment would deter Godzilla.
However, as she looked behind, he steadily approached, his heat causing the ice to crack and melt around him.
His form broke through each pillar of ice, unleashing bursts of atomic fields and shattering it to clear a path forward. In the darkness of the ocean, his illuminating pink energy was certainly a sight.
Despite their temperature differences, Godzilla's ability to generate heat proved to be an advantage in the icy depths.
As she darted through the water, Shimo's frustration mounted with each passing moment. Through all her efforts to outmaneuver him, he remained close behind, his presence like a relentless shadow.
Her breath came in ragged gasps as she pushed herself to maintain her speed, her muscles aching with exertion. Shimo hadn't practiced swimming at this speed in a long time, and she couldn't keep up this pace indefinitely.
Her options dwindled with each passing second. She didn't believe Godzilla would be open to talking, but she had to try something. She couldn't hope to outrun him forever.
Shimo changed tactics. She veered sharply to the left and swam around Godzilla, taking advantage of her superior speed. The maneuver caught him off guard, and for a moment, they swam around each other in frenzied movements.
The force of the water tugged back and forth as she deftly avoided his attempts to grab hold of her.
Unintentionally, frost extended from Shimo's body, immediately melted by the heat radiating from Godzilla. The clash of their elemental powers caused a reaction in the water, sending ripples cascading around them.
Despite his display of power, Godzilla refrained from using his atomic breath, opting instead to growl in frustration as Shimo outmaneuvered him. Their movements eventually became concurrent, each of them mirroring the other as they circled the icy waters.
As they swam, Shimo began to notice something unexpected. Godzilla wasn't attacking with the ferocity she had anticipated. Instead, he seemed to be mirroring her movements with a surprising level of coordination. It was as if he was testing her reaction.
This realization surprised Shimo. She had always seen Godzilla as a force of nature, driven solely by primal drive. But here, in the dark ocean depths, he was displaying a level of tact she hadn't anticipated.
Caught off guard by this revelation, her mind raced as she tried to make sense of the situation. This wasn't the battle she prepared for.
Shimo tilted her body upward, gliding through the water in a slow, deliberate ascent. She didn't glance back, but she felt the tremor in the currents—the unmistakable presence of Godzilla following. A quick flick of her tail sent her veering sharply to the side, and, as if tethered to her movements, he mirrored the action.
She darted over her shoulder, catching a faint shimmer of bioluminescent pink reflecting from his dorsal plates. The glow pulsed faintly, a flicker that seemed to echo hers. Testing again, she propelled herself backward, her movements fast and calculated. In turn, he followed her, closing the gap between them but maintaining distance.
The stillness of his approach filled her with immense interest. As she observed him from afar, she noticed his eyes, deep pools of molten amber, were locked on her. Not as prey. Not as an adversary.
Curiosity.
She knew she was outmatched by Godzilla's power, but there was something else at play here, something she couldn't quite comprehend.
She swam forward, closing more space, testing him in turn. He didn't retreat, didn't lash out. He simply remained, his eyes tracking her every move.
Emboldened, Shimo circled him, her icy aura brushing against his molten one.
Then, their tails accidentally brushed against each other, sending a jolt through Shimo. Instinctively, she released a cold burst of icy energy, reacting to the unexpected contact.
A thick layer of ice had formed around his tail where it had made contact with hers, encasing it in a delicate sheen. The chill reacted with the heat from his scales, creating a visible display of steam as the ice melted. Shimo watched as it dissolved into a fine mist, disappearing into the darkness of the water.
Glancing back, she could see that Godzilla was affected as well, his movements becoming more deliberate.
It was the first time they'd touched directly. Shimo had expected him to react to lash out in retaliation or swim away. Instead, he continued to mirror her swimming, maintaining a careful distance that was neither too close nor too far.
Surprise seemed to linger between them, a heightening tension as they circled each other. It was startling, yet strangely pleasant.
Adrenaline coursed through her veins, and Shimo couldn't shake the jittery feeling that settled in the pit of her stomach.
Within the chaos of their encounter, she found herself in a delicate ebb and flow with the King of Monsters.
Uncertainty gripped her. The chase had ended, but what came next was unclear. She slowed her movements, every motion calculated now. As they circled each other, their glowing eyes inadvertently locked, causing both Shimo and Godzilla to hold still for a moment.
It was only them in the dark abyss.
Intrigued by the unexpected connection, she moved closer. When Godzilla did the same, her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The lighting from their plating reflected off of them, and Shimo found herself transfixed by the display.
A rumble emanated from Godzilla's chest, vibrating through the water around them. Surprisingly, instead of instilling fear, the sound had a different effect on Shimo. Her initial apprehension began melting into interest.
Driven by an inexplicable impulse, Shimo swam closer to Godzilla, closing the gap between them. This time she reached out and intentionally touched her tail to his. To her surprise, Godzilla's rumble stopped abruptly, and he appeared to pause for a moment as if considering her actions.
Then, in a surprising gesture, he reciprocated, pressing his tail against hers and emitting a soft growl. The tension between them morphed into a different kind… It was a feeling she couldn't fully comprehend, but one that she instinctively welcomed.
They swam closely now, their bodies almost touching. Shimo could feel intense energy radiating from Godzilla, a heat that contrasted very much with hers. It was an exhilarating feeling.
As they continued to swim side by side, he emitted a series of low sounds, resounding through the water continuously.
Shimo responded in kind, her purrs and clicks blending with his—a form of communication instinctive to their kind.
At first, his rumbles were deep and rough, a manifestation of his lingering frustration and the weight of their chase. Each growl seemed to convey his displeasure with the situation and the urgency of the circumstance. In response, Shimo trilled softly, her own sounds carrying a note of fear and uncertainty, an acknowledgment of the danger he posed.
As they swam on, Shimo's trills gradually softened into gentle purrs. The soothing sound lingered in the water, filling the space between them. With a tentative touch of her tail against his, she conveyed a silent message, urging him to focus on the present moment. In response, his rumbles became softer, his tones more gentle. It carried an undertone of apology for the intensity of their earlier confrontation.
Their subtle exchange continued as they moved through the dark waters, and Shimo found herself drawn further into this enigmatic connection.
Amid their interaction, a hiss echoed in the background, cutting through the serene atmosphere.
The sudden interruption caused Shimo to startle, her heart pounding as she automatically backed away from Godzilla. She could feel the tension radiating from him, his calm demeanor replaced by a heightened sense of alertness.
"Manda," he growled.
Shimo turned to him in surprise, "How do you know?"
Before Godzilla could respond, Manda suddenly emerged from the depths, his massive form looming over them. With a deafening roar, Manda unleashed a powerful blast of energy, sending shockwaves through the water and creating a distance between them.
Reacting swiftly, he wrapped his eel-like body around Shimo's neck and body before dragging her deep below. Her fatigue from her earlier chase weighed heavily on her, slowing her movements and dulling her reflexes.
She attempted to release her ice energy, hoping to create a barrier between herself and her assailant. However, Manda's flexible body broke out of it as fast as it froze him.
Shimo struggled against his grip, feeling the pressure of his coils constrict around her neck and cut off her power.
A few seconds later, a shadow loomed from behind them.
She could only discern the faint outline of his pink energy before he aimed a beam directly at Manda's tail. It was far enough to avoid hitting her, but close enough to burn his fins off.
With a powerful lunge, Godzilla clamped his teeth over Manda's spine, causing the sea dragon to roar in pain and loosen his hold on Shimo.
As they engaged in a fierce underwater struggle, she seized the opportunity to jerk out of Manda's grasp. Meanwhile, he and Godzilla continued fighting among themselves, the water swirling around them as they clashed.
At first, her instinct was to flee, to escape the chaos unfolding around her. Fighting wasn't in her nature—it never had been. She didn't know if she even remembered how to; the memories of her time under Scar King's control were a haze of fear and suppression.
But then she caught sight of him—her real king—the kaiju who had come back to save her. Watching him fight so fiercely stirred something deep within her. His movements were purposeful, his presence commanding, and for the first time, she saw what it truly meant to defend, not just survive.
It was at that moment she realized she couldn't stand idly by. If he was willing to fight for her, she needed to do the same.
Begrudgingly, Shimo cast aside her fear, summoning courage from a place she didn't know she still had and swam back into the fray.
Her ice powers surged as she fired a blast at Manda's head, encasing him in a thick layer of frost. With a powerful jerk, Godzilla pulled out of Manda's grasp and fired an atomic blast directly into his skull. The explosion sent Manda tumbling through the water, his body twisting and rolling uncontrollably.
Though the force was immense, it wasn't enough to finish him. Instead, the surge of energy worked to his advantage, shattering the icy prison that had encased him.
Chunks of ice broke away, getting lost in the currents as the sea dragon regained his bearings. Manda reared up, his glowing eyes flickering between the both of them. The blast hadn't subdued him—it had only fueled his fury, igniting his determination.
Looking right at Shimo, he unleashed another wave cannon. Before she could react, Godzilla immediately deflected it with an atomic field. The collision of energies lit the depths around them.
Moments later, a deep, vibrating hum filled the water as Godzilla began to charge his power. Manda lunged toward him in an attempt to strike, but Godzilla seized the opening and unleashed an atomic blast, sending a surge of searing heat toward the serpent.
He tried to evade the blast, but it still grazed a part of his long body, leaving it scorched. The impact threw him off balance, forcing him into a chaotic, frantic swim. Shimo's eyes darted through the dark water trying to find him, but Manda's erratic movements made it difficult to track him.
She readied herself to join the fight, channeling her energy for the next attack. However, just as her power began to ignite, Godzilla acted first, taking the initiative.
With a powerful swing of his massive tail, he found Manda and struck, sending him hurtling back into the center of the battlefield. Shimo felt taken aback at Godzilla's sharp instincts.
The blow left Manda visibly weakened, his defiance fading as his movements slowed. It began to dawn on her that Godzilla never needed her help in this fight.
Finally, Godzilla slowed, as if planning his next attack. The currents around him stilled, drawn into the gravitational pull of his power.
The glow of his dorsal plates intensified, spreading across the jagged ridges of his back. Each plate ignited sequentially, the light traveling upward until it gathered at his crown, casting an eerie pink glow.
Shimo watched in awe as the ocean itself seemed to respond to his charge. The surrounding water trembled, surging in waves around Godzilla as the energy within him built to a crescendo. Sensing the danger, Manda coiled in desperation.
The glow in Godzilla's throat surged one final time, and he unleashed the full force of his atomic breath. A torrent of blinding red energy erupted from his jaws, carving a bright path through the water. It slammed into Manda, the force ripping through the serpent's defenses and consuming him.
She watched in terror as it engulfed Manda, the heat and nuclear power tearing through the waters with force. His final roars were drowned out by the deafening sounds of atomic energy.
As the blast subsided, Shimo could see that Manda had been defeated, parts of his once formidable body now rising to the surface. Though killing him had been necessary, it unnerved her to see the extent of Godzilla's power.
As the waters around them began to calm, they remained side by side. Despite the unique bond they had developed during the night, the reality of their separate paths began to sink in. Shimo knew they would need to part soon.
Mixed emotions swirled within her as she glanced at Godzilla. Was she afraid of him? Did she admire his resolution? Both? It certainly put their swim together in a different context.
For a moment, they looked at each other openly. Red met blue as their gazes locked.
The light from their dorsal plates simmered down, casting a soft glow. The power that had surged between them during their battle with Manda faded away, leaving her feeling strangely vulnerable.
It almost felt like a dream how close they'd gotten earlier. Now, she felt stuck in her spot, unsure of what to do next.
The silence between them was heavy, filled with unspoken words and emotions. She longed to bridge the gap once again, to feel that connection they had shared. But fear held her back, fear of the unknown, fear of what might happen if she dared to reach out again. So she remained where she was, silently yearning for something more.
As Godzilla made a move to leave, Shimo's voice cut through. "Wait!"
He turned back to face her, his expression unreadable.
She opened her mouth, trying to form the words she desperately wanted to ask: Would she ever see him again? But no sound came.
The longer she stood there in silence, the more her nerves tightened. Her hesitation felt unbearable, and she feared he might turn to leave before she could find the courage to speak.
Godzilla shifted slightly, his massive frame stirring the water in a subtle current that brushed past her. His glowing eyes met hers for a lingering moment, almost like he was studying her.
"Perhaps our paths will cross again."
With that, he turned away, his massive form disappearing into the depths of the ocean. Shimo watched him go, feeling a mixture of sadness and elation for the kaiju who made her feel things she couldn't fully comprehend.
Though their paths had diverged for now, she couldn't shake the feeling of his presence.
With a final glance back at the spot where he had vanished, Shimo forged ahead, her thoughts filled with the legendary King of the Monsters.
A/N: I'm planning a few more chapters. I'll keep the rating M just in case ;) Let me know if you enjoyed!