Part II-All Monsters Attack
Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception. Carl Sagan
Chapter 11: Invasion
It took but an instant. Humanity was struck hard as the depths of Hollow Earth poured onto the surface in a flood of chaos. Across the globe old and new portals from the Hollow Earth began to open with an invading force of Titans from below. A gaping vortex beneath London gave way, buildings and people suddenly crashing through the gravity well even as a pack of Wartdogs came climbing through. The entry point on Monarch Island was overrun as several members of Kong's tribe came climbing through, they're rampage tearing through Monarch's facility there. Titanus Doug arrived in the Gobi Desert, immediately diving into the sand and sending great swathes of it everywhere. Military forces from every country began to immediately assemble to push back against them. Monarch's forces scrambled as well, the Argo taking flight and heading towards the nearest scene of attack. The EDF's forces began to split and fly off to hit multiple areas. Humanity was trying to fight back, even as Godzilla began to make landfall.
The city of Lisbon was one of the oldest cities in the entire world as well as the capital of Portugal. Existing since 1200 BCE Lisbon had survived many invasions and sieges as well as natural disasters to somehow always rebuild itself. And now the city was faced with destruction once more. A vortex had opened just north of the city and from there, Titanus Anguirus crawled forth and set upon the city. His roar filled the air as he trampled into the city, smashing through the buildings as the people ran in terror. The port city had stood no chance as the quadrepedal behemoth thrashed in fury. And then it stopped. Anguirus' head turned and roared in defiance as it sensed another presence. Godzilla snarled as he emerged from the ocean, water shimmering as it cascaded down his body. His feet dug into the ground as he roared at Anguirus, challenging the invader. Anguirus assumed a defensive stance, it's clawed feet also digging in as they stared each other down. Godzilla began to charge, every step of his gargantuan frame shaking the earth. Anguirus stood on his haunches, front legs in the air. Godzilla collided with him, Anguirus biting onto his neck as Godzilla's hands grasped onto it's sides. The shockwave of the collision shattered windows and buildings as the two Titans grappled. Godzilla drove Anguirus onto it's back as front legs began to claw and scratch at the King. Anguirus clamped down harder onto Godzilla's neck as he tried to wrestle for control. Godzilla's clawed hands dug into Anguirus' under belly as the King of the Monsters lifted him into the air. He shook, trying to loosen the latter's grip on his neck. Godzilla roared in pain, unable to relinquish his foe. Anguirus finally let him go, dropping onto all fours and ramming Godzilla from the side. Godzilla roared once more and turned, regaining his balance and attempting to counter. The barbed tail flung into Godzilla, hitting home just under his left arm. A painful howl echoed as Godzilla grabbed the tail. Using the embedded tail, he swung Anguirus through the air, the Titan crashing into another part of the city. Pink energy began to flow up his spines as Godzilla began to fire. Anguirus righted itself, snarling angrily before bounding once more. Godzilla's mouth opened wide as a pink beam of atomic energy fired. Anguirus jumped to left to avoid the blast. Godzilla continued to fire, the beam attack shredding the ground as he moved his head back and forth. Anguirus continued to dodge and jump over the beam, rolling into a ball and hitting Godzilla in the chest. The beam flew into the air and was cut off as Godzilla crashed onto it's back. He stood, glaring at Anguirus. With an angry snort, Godzilla lunged at Anguirus.
The EDF had managed to produce in total only 23 Super Xs in the short period of time they had. 3 had been lost during Operation Minus One alone, another 7 were being shipped out to the United States allies, leaving only 13 in their active force. Gordon sat in his captain's chair as the crew read him feeds and readings. He began to divide the forces up as necessary. Spreading from their base in the Northern U.S., the EDF's forces spread out. With the HEAV technology, each vehicle had the capacity of traveling at Mach 2 for extended periods of time. 6 of them grouped in twos and led by Captain Turner went out to the nearest hot spots within the United States. Two Super Xs each went out across the Pacific to aid Australia and Russia. The next two journeyed out across the Atlantic towards England. One Super X, piloted by Captain Storm, remained with Gordon's vessel as they crossed over into Alberta on a course to Edmonton.
"Sir, we should reach Edmonton within the hour," the helmsman said.
"Bring up what you can on the monitor. I want to see what we're up against," Gordon responded.
A video screen in at the front of the command center switched from radar to a video feed of the city. A large, adult Skullcrawler was climbing The Pearl as it chased a group of Hellhawks. It's jaws were snapping at the vulture like creatures as it ripped chunks of the building off and into the city below. The crew held their breath in unison as they watched another Skullcrawler slithering through the streets. Vehicles were being thrown all about as it made it's way through, the head occasionally smashing into a building as it searched for sustenance. Gordon's hands gripped the chair.
"Get me Captain Storm."
Captain "TJ" Storm came into view.
"Your orders sir?"
"Edmonton is falling apart. Your Super X can move faster than we can so I want you to fly ahead and begin the defense of the city. Hold them off as much as you can until we arrive. Now go!"
"Yes sir. Right away," Storm responded before the screen dropped back into radar mode.
"Helmsman. Signal the crew. Tell them to prepare our armaments. We must be ready for battle before we reach the city," Gordon said with authority.
Anguirus rammed his horns into Godzilla's stomach, trying hard to push the monster king. Godzilla grappled his horns and began wrestling Anguirus for control once more. Flipping Anguirus onto it's back once more, Godzilla prepared to fire another atomic blast. Anguirus' tail lashed out, hitting Godzilla's head and stopping his attack. Anguirus rolled onto it's feet and leaped onto Godzilla. It's claws dug into Godzilla's flesh as Anguirus gripped hard. He held onto the side of him, unleashing a "maaaarrrrooooonnnkkk" roar as his weight began to pull Godzilla down. Godzilla jerked his head and bit down onto Anguirus' neck, giving him a taste of his own attack. Anguirus released his hold and retreated back several paces. Godzilla roared once more. Anguirus snorted before charging once more, rolling his body into the ball again. Godzilla quickly moved to the side and turned, using his tail to hit the balled Titan while also dodging. The Anguirus ball flew through the air before crashing into the ocean outside Lisbon's port. Anguirus immediately unfolded and kicked it's feet rapidly. It roared and began to swim off and away from the battle. Godzilla quickly charged, great waves of water splashing onto the city as he chased his prey.
Captain Storm's Super X weaved between buildings as the Hellhawks gave chase. When he arrived in the city, he immediately fired upon the flock of Hellhawks with his maser. Several of the creatures were ended and their corpses dropped to the waiting mouths of the Skullcrawlers. Once the attack took place, the flock began to chase his ship. And as they chased him, so to did the Skullcrawlers chase them in return. The Super X flew higher into the air as the Skullcrawlers attempted to leap up and snatch it out of the air. The ship spun and fired at the gathering flock of Hellhawks. Three more fell as the Super X moved away once more. Seven Hellhawks remained in flight, chasing the Super X once more.
"These things just won't let up," one of the crew shouted.
"Yeah but we're taking them out little by little," Captain Storm replied, "We just gotta make sure to avoid those...oh crap!"
A third Skullcrawler suddenly burst from a building at the Super X. It's clawed hand scratched the ship, sending it spiraling. Captain Storm and his crew fought to steady the ship as 3 of the Hellhawks latched onto the ship. Screeches erupted from their beaks as the began to claw and peck at the ship. The ship began an upward thrust once more as the creatures continued to try and fight their way in.
"Dammit! Get off my ship," shouted Captain Storm.
A resounding horn suddenly ripped through the air. The Hellhawks released the Super X as they flapped their wings and looked in the direction of the sound. The 3 Skullcrawlers looked on and snarled as well at what had arrived. A massive ship, nearly 400 feet in length was sailing through the air. Over a hundred feet wide, the ship resembled a cross between an aircraft carrier and a submarine. Several anti gravity thrusters lay along the hull on the bottom with two larger ones at the back of the ship. The bow was slightly rounded and there were two short and thick "wings" on each side. The color itself was a shade of black and red. Lights along the side illuminated the night sky. An elevated position on the top of the ship acted as the command center for this newest machine of war.
"With the sounding of Gjallarhorn the Gotengo has come," Gordon said with conviction.
"We're locked on and weapons are at the ready General."
"Then let's show these monsters just what humanity is made of. Fire!"
The Gotengo opened along it's sides and a volley of missiles erupted. Each one seemed to seek out and strike it's intended target. The scattering Hellhawks screeched as each of them met an explosive fate. Some of them attempted to fly away as the missiles sought them out and ended them. The Skullcrawlers roared at the new being's approach.
"Time to give these lizards a taste of our power. Fire the A-74."
A turret slid out from under the Gotengo and extended it's barrel. A red light began to build at it's tip as it charged. A massive red beam of concentrated energy shot forth, the beam tearing through and pulverizing one of the Skullcrawlers. The other two shrieked and ran in terror. The beam charged up once more and fired at another as it ran. The beam tore the ground with it's blast as it shot up and through the back of the Skullcrawler, splattering it's contents across the city streets. The final Skullcrawler climbed along one of the buildings and lept onto the front of the ship. It's claws struggled to grip the metal, it's jaws snapping angrily. Gordon chuckled.
"This is almost too perfect. Activate the HE Drill."
The front of the ship began to recede to either side. The Skullcrawler found it's limbs being stretched as it held on, oblivious to what was about to happen. As the ship's bow withdrew, a large drill began to push forward and into the Skullcrawler. The bladed tip of the drill pierced it's flesh as it screamed in agony. The drill then began to spin, tearing further into the Skullcrawler as it was rendered lifeless in a matter of moments. What was left of it's limp form fell to the ground below with a crash. General Gordon gave a satisfied look to his crew as they turned towards their commander. He could see the look of pride on their faces and he shared in their sense of victory. Captain Storm's voice came over the speakers.
"That's one helluva an entrance General. I could see why you kept something like this under wraps."
"I would of rather of given her some pomp and circumstance but this will have to do. Now Captain, on to the next."
Kong arrived at the home of his tribe to discover that most of them were missing. He had discovered some of his fellow apes strewn across the ground, lifeless but with a look of rage frozen on their faces. It looked as though some of the tribe had turned on one another and then left. Kong frantically looked all around for any sign of them. His face began to look desperate as he searched. Not a sign. Not even of Faye or Suko. Remembering what he had seen when the signal began, Kong ran and climbed for the portal to Monarch Island. He passed through as he had many times before, emerging from the swirling gateway and coming onto the beach. Immediately he was met by utter chaos. He could see numerous members of his tribe locked in battle with a military force. Some apes lay wounded or dead upon the ground and the Monarch facility that lay on the island was decimated. Kong's face was overcome with disbelief and shock. His tribe had gone completely savage. Planes were flying past them, missiles and machine guns firing as the apes swiped and threw bits of rubble and rock. Kong jumped towards the nearest two apes, grabbed their shoulders and turned them to face him. He roared with authority at them, attempting to make them submit. Both apes lashed out. Each grabbed an arm of Kong's, trying to wrestle him to the ground. Kong broke free, pushing one aside and backhanding the other across the face with his gauntlet. The ape crashed to the ground in a heap while the other leapt at Kong. Kong went grabbed the ape and smashed him onto the other, knocking both out. Kong roared angrily at the pair and then turned to the others. That's when he saw Faye. His mate was in the process of shrieking as she hurled a building into the air. It destroyed two jets as she pounded her chest in victory and howled. Kong rushed towards her. He clutched and held her tight in his arms. Faye tried to pry away, a frenzy taking her body as she tried to fight him off. Kong held tight, not willing to let her cause more harm. The other apes took no notice as they continued they're assault. Kong's face was held in fear and disbelief. His tribe was not heeding him and the only thought he had was the noise that pounded it's dull thrum in his mind.
The Argo rose high over the ocean, drawing closer to where the ruined Monarch Island lay. Colonel Foster watched on as they saw the battle unfolding. Gunfire and rubble flew through the air. Her heart dropped when she saw Kong among those on site. Had the King of Hollow Earth rose up to attack as well, she thought to herself. They had received reports of some of the apes attacking one another during the base attack and here he was wrestling with another ape. She could only swallow hard as she made the decision, regrettable as it was.
"We need to target Kong," she said with sorrow in her voice, "If we can make him fall back, then the others may retreat as well."
Silence deafened the room.
"Ma'am, you want us to target Kong," one of her crewmembers asked.
She sighed.
"Yes. I don't like this any more than you do but we have to get a handle on this situation. Target and fire on Kong now."
"But ma'am, he's clearly fighting one of the other apes. Are we sure..."
"Reports indicated some of the hostile apes attacked one another even as they were attacking our own. Kong's tribe would not be here without him, now fire," she shouted, cutting them off.
The Argo managed to avoid flying debris as it drew within range. A payload of missiles erupted from the Monarch vessel. Distracted by the fighting Faye, Kong didn't notice the attack until they crashed into his side. Kong yelped in pain and was distracted enough for Faye to break his hold and punch him hard in the face. Kong took a step back as another barrage of missiles collided with his chest. The wind knocked out of him, he crouched as the Argo flew over his head. Faye rammed Kong, knocking him completely over. The Argo began to turn and make another round back at the island. They locked onto Kong once more. Faye looked and saw the oncoming ship. She roared and grabbed a large rock as she prepared to throw. Kong looked on and saw Faye readying the rock. She threw it with force towards the Argo. Kong's mighty legs pushed off the ground and he intercepted it before it could collide with the ship. The Argo passed over head, having not fired a shot. Colonel Foster was in disbelief once more. Her crew were right and she had made a horrible judgment.
"We can commence with the 'I told you sos' later. For now target the ape Kong was fighting and let's give the King a hand!"
The Argo turned for another attack run. Faye tackled Kong, her arms wrapping around him. Kong grappled and held her firm, a combination of sadness and confusion in his growls. Argo's missiles collided with Faye's back, the explosions erupting in Kong's face and forcing him to let her go. She dropped to the ground, howling in pain. The Argo fired again at her. Kong's eyes went wide as he saw they were targeting her once more. Acting out of instinct and need to protect, Kong jumped forward once again. He shielded Faye and caught the missiles in his chest midair. His body continued it's momentum right into the Argo's path. Fear gripped the crew as they tried to avoid the titanic ape. The ship pulled hard to left. Despite their attempt, Kong's body crashed through the right wing, causing the Argo to spiral out of control. Kong landed on his knees, wincing in pain. The Argo continued to spiral as it's brave crew tried to right it once more. It was no use. The ship crashed into the ground, debris scattering as the ship became a rolling mass of twisted metal. The wreckage came to rest along the beach of the island. Bodies of the crew lay all about the ship. The bridge itself was completely destroyed. Colonel Foster lay pinned by a fallen piece of the ceiling. She was knocked senseless, her eyes blinking to focus. She could see the destruction and could do nothing. She tried calling out but her voice was hoarse and she struggled to breathe. Outside of the wreckage she could see the apes still fighting with the fighter planes. She fought the urge to close her eyes, feeling everything fading around her. Her thoughts were no longer a confused mess of uncertainty at what was happening. They were for her crew's families and her own. As Colonel Foster felt her breathe drawing out, the last thing Colonel Foster did was grieve for her fallen crew before she joined them.
The global attacks by the titans of Hollow Earth ceased a few hours later. As suddenly as the attack began it had ended. Titans all over the world began to return to the portals they had entered from. Some of the more vicious and predatory denizens continued to attack while others simply left. It was as if they had lost interest in the surface entirely. The world had somehow survived the fury of the planet. Many were lost. Many more questioned why and how. But one thing was for certain. This was only the beginning.