Junior Pov:
"It's been a month since what happened at Skull Island, Clawdeen having reunited with her lost siblings and a former leader of a faction of creatures occupying Monster High since Spectra had spread the news on the Ghostly Gossip. What was important to me was trying to help my sister, who I never knew I had to adapt to her new home since the last one she was in made her a weapon for Skar Kong and his attempt to usurp Kali's people. It's been a struggle since Shimo's been treated like a weapon rather than a person, I knew the feeling since everyone in the realm saw me as an obstacle rather than a lizard trying to live. What matters now is helping her have a personality similar to that of figuring out who she wants to be from now on. Because considering how destructive I am with my powers? Shimo was a walking ice storm if I can't help her learn how to control herself."
Morning-Junior's Mountain
It was a bright morning in the Kaiju Realm, and the residents were going about their daily routines, completely unaware that Gojira's second child was among them. The reason no one could catch her scent was that Draculaura had used her witchcraft on Shimo, making her smell like someone other than Gojira's child. As Shimo gazed out at the view, captivated by the beauty of the buildings and the various Kaiju flying in the air, she was startled when something fell in front of her. It was Junior, who had just returned from Monster High with several crates he had brought with him.
"Sorry if I did not come any sooner. Got occupied with a fight with a spider, hence why I'm covered in webs. But I still got you some clothes that the ghouls wanted you to have."
Apologizing for him not getting to her sooner since today was an important day that involved showing Shimo to everyone amongst the Kaiju and monsters that occupied the realm. To that of the memorial for Clawdeen's mother, who had worked with Gojira's father in the past as well as how devoted she was to bringing monsters and Kaiju together.
"Just a heads up, I'm not exactly the type of lizard that knows about fashion. But having the ghouls already helped you out with learning how to speak, they had an idea on what you could wear that represents your true self."
Informing her how his friends had an advantage when it came to helping Shimo fit in since Headmistress Bloodgood had been informed about the new students that would be coming to Monster High. Including Shimo who despite being isolated from everyone since her creation, she deserved the same education as everyone else and a home to feel safe in.
"Brother?"
She called out to Junior which took him by surprise from how she said it since was the first time he heard her speak since the only time she'd talk would be around the ghouls since they helped her feel welcomed amongst them during their time on Skull Island.
"Why am I different from you?"
Shimo asked about how they appeared different from one another since she didn't look like Junior in size or appearance. It was a difficult topic to discuss with her since he was surprised with how she was born since Gojira didn't have a mate when he met the Kong tribe years ago. She was created from a dorsal fin from their father that was broken off for Skar to experiment on, which included finding a small lizard and using the crystals they were laying around in the Hollow Earth.
"You're not different., we were both born in different ways. I was born alone from our father and Pandora's love and you were made from his scale and Hollow Earth's crystals. But the reason why we're siblings is because of our power."
Junior explains to her as he walks over with his scales lighting up in a pink glow since he'd retain the color after he was rejuvenated back in the Hollow Earth after Shimo attacked him. She did the same but her scales and crystals glowed blue as they reacted toward her brother's power.
"Whether we were born apart or together. Gojira's blood runs through our veins, no matter what we look like."
Informing her how they were connected despite the differences they had during the childhoods they experienced. They were the children of a king who faced a world of monsters who saw himself as a threat to them, only to change by a witch who helped bring out a side that Gojira himself didn't have within him.
"Now. While I know there are a lot of questions about our dad is fascinating, we should handle something that helped me when I was growing up alone. Finding my personality."
He told her what made him stand out from everyone by showing him a set of records from human bands that represented metal and rock n' roll. Shimo turned her head toward the albums along with how unusual the humans dressed up as Junior noticed the puzzled look on her face.
"The ghouls told me about the type of music you've listened to. It's, interesting. But they showed me various musicians I've grown fond of."
She responded to the choices Junior provided for her as she showed him on an Icoffin she was given as a gift from Frankie of the musicians she was fond of. Junior's face fell when he saw the music she enjoyed such as Justin Biter, Jaundice Brothers, and Kid Acula.
"Are they not enjoyable for you?"
Asking if they weren't artists that weren't suitable for her since Shimo was still learning about entertainment and the culture of monsters. Junior shook his head at the question since it was her choice in what music she wanted to listen to, no matter how uncomfortable it made him. Deciding to let her pick out her clothes to wear when they arrived at Monster High, Junior stepped out of the cave and stood at attention to make sure no one would attempt to fight him despite showing everyone how capable he was in fighting. It didn't stop the power-hungry Kaiju from trying to take him out.
"How's it going? Big brother?"
A voice spoke from the side leaving Junior startled and about to throw a punch toward whoever wanted to fight him in his turf. Looking behind him was Draculaura who was hanging upside down like a bat and smiling at him for getting the jump on him. Junior growled at her since it was one of the benefits of being in a relationship, messing with him without having the chance to see it coming.
"I thought I'd stop by to see how Shimo is handling herself since I wanted to have a ghoul-to-ghoul talk. But she insisted on spending time with you before returning to Monster High."
Draculaura told him how invested she and her friends were in making Shimo feel at home. But they've been doing it sparely since everyone has let Shimo live at the school and the mountain to see which place she felt comfortable in. Junior let out a small growl at the vampire since he was upset about the music, she might have been involved in showing Shimo.
"Are you really upset with showing Shimo some music that doesn't involve headbanging? Because the more time I've gotten to know you gives me an advantage of learning how you think."
Asking him what was bothering him which irritated Junior further since Draculaura was right. After they won the fearleading contest with their performance on Skull Island, their relationship with Clawdeen and Frankie had grown stronger than ever. Draculaura landed on her feet to see if Junior would respond to her question about what he thought about the situation with Shimo.
"All my life I've never had to look after anyone but myself. But then all that changed when I was brought to Monster High by Komos, I still him whenever I get to use my powers. I've already shared my life with you and the others, the last thing I want to do is put the only family I have left in danger."
Explaining his reason for letting Shimo go to Monster High where she'd be exposed in front of everyone along have another reason to act aggressively toward anyone who'd want to harm her. Draculaura could feel how worried he was from the tone of his voice along surprised by how serious he took the situation.
"Still trying to act like everyone's protector. Not knowing that we can protect ourselves better than you can. Right?"
Draculaura reminded him that despite how fashionable and peaceful they could be, it didn't stop them from acting like monsters when it came to looking after each other. Junior nodded to her response of being capable of handling whatever came her way since she'd gotten stronger with her training in witchcraft training. Their conversation was interrupted by a wasp-type Kaiju who flew at the entrance to make their presence known to the couple.
"Godzilla Junior! I have to claim the title of king of the Kaiju!"
The insect declared before showing off his stinger and prepared to attack them. Only to be frozen in midair from a blast coming behind Junior and Draculaura who were surprised at how quickly the attacker was frozen in his tracks. They saw him tumbling down from the side and heard the sound of the wasp crashing to the ground.
"I believe he'll live, but with broken wings."
Shimo spoke from behind them as they looked over to see Shimo having found a set of clothes that were just her size and made her unique. Shimo was wearing a jacket with a fur collar around her neck, with a shirt that had the symbol of a snowflake. She also had dark blue pants with snow designs across her legs while not wearing shoes since none of them were her size.
"Quite the look you have there. Abby and Tusk will be glad to have someone else with a cold sense of humor."
Draculaura commented on her sense of fashion which earned a laugh from Junior since she'd be a perfect fit for the yeti duo. Shimo didn't understand the joke but could see what she meant while the ice lizard smiled at the compliment. The three soon felt their Icoffin buzzing at the same time as they looked at their phones to see they were several hours away before the memorial started.
"I guess we should get moving then."
Junior responded to the message as they made their way down the pathway that would take them to Monster High, despite the day feeling perfect. It was also a day of reembrace for not just a werewolf who saw that monsters and Kaiju could befriend one another but gave them a child that helped protect Monster High from being destroyed. Especially how Clawdeen was the first hybrid to enter the school grounds and made a way for others like herself to attend the school. Where all creatures of both worlds can come together and learn from each other to build a better future.
Later-Monster High
The school had become filled with not just the students but various parents and photographers who wanted to be there to remember Selena Wolf and she helped in making Monster High a haven for everyone to attend. Standing near the window was Howleen Wolf who watched from Clawdeen's room how many people were attending the memorial.
"There are so many of them. I never imagine Mom helping out a place like this, let alone not getting overwhelmed by the pressure."
Commenting how her mom had a lot on her plate when it came to assisting Junior's father in making this school in the past few weeks since her stay at Monster High. She had been informed about how her mother had a hand in welcoming monsters despite being an ordinary werewolf.
"That was mom alright. She first attended the school to learn about both the monster and the Kaiju world and then decided to explore it. Just like us, always full of excitement."
A voice responded to Howleen's curiosity as the wolf looked behind her and saw Clawdeen coming out from the bathroom with a set of clothing that would be appropriate for the memorial. Her sister was speechless at what she was wearing since it resembled their mother, confident and having an intellectual side with her werewolf side showing how fierce she could be at any moment.
"That says much since you look just like her. Myself? I'm planning on doing big things here at Monster High."
Howleen complimented her sister's look since she would be the one talking about what her mother was like when she was a pup. As well as her father who was invited since he knew her better than anyone in the realm. Taking a moment to look at her little sister, Clawdeen walked over to grab a set of headphones for Howleen which made the wolf confused with the offering.
"With that kind of confidence. I think you'll need them, maybe you can pick up a class that involves music."
Clawdeen explained how she could use the headphones for an upcoming class she'd enjoy since they shared an interest in enjoying all manners of music. Just as they seemed ready to head off to the entrance of their school, they saw Spectra flying into their room unannounced where the sisters saw the ghost girl flying in the air with excitement.
"The sensation that's in the air is terrifying! All the best photographers and interviewers of the monster world are here to ask questions about your siblings. There already trying to interview Clawd, but Kali Kong is scaring them off."
Informing them with an excited tone of what was happening in the school and showing the two a recording on her Icoffin about the latest addition to Monster High. Kali Kong, former leader of the Skull Kingdom decided to leave to learn how to be a better leader for her apes. Which involved how to restrain herself from too many people who were fascinated with herself and anyone close to her.
"We should probably join them before Kali rips off someone's arms. Literally."
Clawdeen advised them to head over to meet up with their brother before Clawd's friend decided to show them how she handles monsters back in the Hollow Earth. The trio made their way down the stairs toward the lobby where they saw numerous monsters and Kaiju talking amongst themselves, both students and parents who had attended Monster High. The wolf sisters looked over past the crowd to hear a roar coming from Kali Kong who scared off the interviewers since she didn't like the attention she was getting.
"Kali? While I'm glad you're showing you're not interested in talking, scaring them isn't the way. I heard the Kaiju enjoy fighting."
Clawd told her how the school could sometimes have fights amongst Kaiju since the students came from powerful parents who had attempted to fight Gojira. They had the choice of facing Junior to honor their parents' desire to become king of the Kaiju.
"A school filled with hundreds of different monsters and Kaiju getting the chance to fight each other. Now that's some excitement I would love back home."
She replied to the warning Clawd told her about since Junior would usually be challenged for the chance in some lucky Kaiju trying to take his spot as king. Only to end up in a humiliating defeat, the wolf boy sighed at Kali ignoring him as he noticed his siblings coming over to check up on them.
"Clawdeen!"
A voice cried out from the crowd as the gang looked passed the various monsters and Kaiju that were in the lobby as they saw Frankie Stein running over to them with a smile on their face. They also noticed the reanimated ghoul's left hand missing since they were curious as to where Frankie had left it.
"I was showing Suko around the school and saw they were going to hold the memorial. It's the perfect spot!"
Frankie announced with an excited tone in their voice as they soon noticed their missing hand. They heard huffing coming from behind Frankie as it came from Suko, one of the lucky apes that managed to come with Kali to attend Monster High and learn how the world had changed since they left the surface world.
"You forgot something."
The ape told them as he handed Frankie back their hand they heard muttering coming from the entrance where they saw Junior walking into the building with Draculaura and Shimo by his side. There was silence in the air since they could feel a tremendous amount of respect and intimidation coming from the trio. Joining up with Clawdeen and the others, the presence only grew since Junior and Draculara when they were near Frankie and Clawdeen due to their relationship.
"Is it always like this whenever Junior's around?"
Clawd asked his sister about the eyes of various Kaiju glaring at Junior feeling the desire to fight him. However, they were scared of the presence of someone else who was related to them. Shimo, whose blue eyes glared at anyone who would lay a hand on her friends. The tense moment was interrupted by the sound of a horse neighing in front of the students and guests of Monster High. It came from Headmistress Bloodgood's horse, Nightmare. Who had another rider with her who was petrified at the ride he was offered; it was Apollo Wolf.
"Next time, I'll get a taxi."
Apollo shuttered at how Bloodgood went to the human world and picked up Selena's husband since he should be here to honor Selena Wolf and her worth to everyone in the monster and Kaiju world. Looking over to join his children as they turn their attention to the headmistress to make her announcement.
"It's not that very often that we hold such an event that involves both factions coming together. However, on this day. We honor a former student, turned explorer, who brought back us not only a student that's not just half monster and human. But showed all of us we can be more than what we already are."
Bloodgood informed everyone as she had the crowd follow her to where they were holding the memorial. Walking in silence and not talking, they arrived at a room where Varan stood at attention before opening it to show a gallery of former students and well-known creatures who helped build the school with nothing more than hands and claws.
"Clawdeen requested to say a word or two to honor her mother."
Varan told the group and allowed the girl to make her way to where he was standing. Clawdeen felt nervous as she made her way for everyone to see her as the wolf's heart felt heavy with their gaze upon her.
"My mother. Our mother was a werewolf who always kept people close to her. Whether they were strangers or friends who needed someone in their afterlife, she found joy when it came to meeting new people. But she found peace whenever others like herself found a home at Monster High."
Clawdeen spoke about her mother's devotion to welcoming monsters and Kaiju to the school since Selena learned from Pandora about forging bonds amongst one another. Looking over toward her family and friends who noticed Clawdeen trying to not cry, she continued her talk in honor of her mother.
"Despite what I've learned from her and everyone around me. It doesn't scare me, and it never will. Because whether she's here or in spirit. None of us will forget her."
Informing her about being a part of Monster High history just as Gojira and Pandora were when they made the school. With her finishing her speech, Bloodgood requested Mira to come up as the divine moth had requested to share a few words for the occasion. Everyone looked over to the side where they saw a tarp covering one of the portraits, to which Varan walked over and pulled it down to reveal a new portrait of Selena Wolf.
"You were there for me like no one else. I hold you so high."
Mira started to sing in memory of Selena as the monsters and Kaiju stood in the room in silence to respect Clawdeen's mother. On the side was a piano being played by Varan who offered to help with Mira's performance.
"All those precious jewels you gave to me, I'll use them all."
The divine moth continued as there was a line of parents that were monsters, Kaiju, and hybrids who placed several tributes to Selena's portrait. Dracula was amongst them as he placed a crescent amulet he'd obtained from his encounters with formidable werewolves, he placed it on the ground to represent Selena's strength when it came to facing challenges head-on.
"All I ever wanted was to make you proud. I'll do my best."
Mira announced how Selena did her best to make her family proud of her for what she'd help make and the assistance she gave to Gojira and Pandora. Junior noticed around the walls a set of torches lighting up which was done by Pandora, who was showing her respects to Clawdeen's mother in the form of showing everyone how bright she was amongst everyone.
"You have been the one I can count on. My dear, your love I can't replace. You're the light of my day. My day, my day."
Mira finished the song while each person in the room offered their condolences to the Wolf family, expressing gratitude for what Selena had done for Monster High. Apollo noticed that all three of his children had tears on their faces, so he hugged them, assuring them that their mother's love would never fade away as long as they remembered her. Junior decided to howl in honor of Selena, and the other Kaiju followed their king's gesture, showing respect for the werewolf who had stood by Gojira and Pandora's side without fear. With kindness in her heart, Selena had always aimed to bring everyone together.
The song used for this chapter was 'Light of My Day' by Taura Stinson. All rights to the song belong to her and the writers who helped make it. The chapter takes place after 'Return of the Skull Kingdom'. Stay tuned to see what happens next. Stay freaky and fierce as always. See ya!
