Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Alone. Trapped. Afraid.

The weight of the rocks were merciless, suffocating him to the point where he could only take a short, sharp breathe every minute or so to even have a miniscule chance of surviving. But he knew. No matter how hard he was trying to remain conscious. No matter how hard he tried to stand against the earth that crushed unforgivably against his back. No matter how long he continued to do all this- every second feeling like an eternity when confined to this hellish prison…

He knew…he was only delaying the inevitable.

He was only prolonging his suffering.

They had come so suddenly, without any warning whatsoever. To others- unforgiving and merciless in battle, a common thing in the world they lived in- it was his own and his entire species fault it had all lead to this. Truly, in the world they lived in, ideas of peace and a desperate attempt to isolate themselves from the cruel and dark world of constant war, blood and fighting was something the world and most of its inhabitants wouldn’t stand for. For those who could walk, they would be quickly taught how to run. For those who could run, they would be quickly taught how to fight. And for those who could fight…to tell the truth, it would all be for nothing, as they would die quickly on the battlefield, accomplishing nothing; never being able to truly experience life and the greatness of it.

That reason; those reasons. That was why he and his entire clan had decided to stay far away from all that war and all that pointless bloodshed. It was so simple! How could others not understand it? They didn’t want to die. He was sure those of others species didn’t want to die. Was it a naive way of thinking? Yes! Was it unrealistic? Yes! But, it was so easy and simple to do. It was the best way everyone could be happy and finally live a life of peace. This was what he wanted the most. This was what his entire clan and species wanted the most. But, of course, not everybody wanted that. And it was a cruel twist of fate that those who despised these ideals happened to be the stronger part.

For those who could walk; run. For those who could run; fight. But how about those who didn’t want to fight? Well, he got his answer.

Alone. Trapped. Afraid.

So sudden was the attack, that once one of his own had started to fight back and try their best to protect everyone else, dozens of his own clan- his own family- had been killed mercilessly. Although, he never knew this. He didn’t even have a chance to ponder why exactly they were being attacked in the first place. After all, they were neither their enemy nor their ally. They had nothing to gain from being attacked like this. But the questions never even crossed his mind. In that moment, as fire burned around him, as the dark and vicious figures loomed ever closer, as the roars of those who could fight gradually disappeared the farther he went, as snarls of anger and lashing of teeth were drowned by wails of pain and agony…

All he could do was run away.

He knew better than to join the fight, but that isn’t to say he desperately wanted to. Oh, how his heart burned to protect others just as his elders were protecting him. How his blood began to boil with an emotion he never felt within his life. And how his entire heart and soul screamed at him to do the noble thing, and protect others instead of being the one that needed to be protected. But he was smart as well as emotional. He knew, like those sent off to fight after just being able to taught how to run, he would die a pointless death. He was too young, too small and too frail to do anything. His spines were dull, not yet sharpened and fit for battle. His joints were soft and not sturdy, his chest already panting out of exhaustion simply by running. And- though he thought it shameful and dishonourable- his heart quickened with fear and terror.

It was too soon for him. He would just get in everyone else's way, he would only be throwing his precious life away. No, this wasn’t cowardice. No, this wasn’t ‘self-arrogance’. And, no, this wasn’t a delusion he tried to put upon himself. It was fact. He knew all life was precious, including his own. He had to get away, so he could continue on living for those giving their lives away for the sake of him. He had to honour their own hard fought battles and ideals of peace by continuing to strive for them the only way he could. By living for them.

But the frustration build up inside his plated body. Just why? Why wasn’t he strong enough to do both? Why couldn’t he both fight and live. Choose to fight and die. Choose to run and abandon and live. What was the right choice? Was their even a right choice? Was this selfish or noble?

Choose…

You have to choose!

But the choices faded into nothingness and the questions melted into obscurity. Suddenly, his mind was clear and- for a split second- his heart was calm, collected, and the strongest and hardest it had ever been before. For when he turned to his right, the sight he viewed did all this. Instinctively- within that split second his heart was powerful and his mind of rational thoughts was clear and emptied- his great feet turned around; the spines on his back (seemingly and unbeknownst to him) sharpening with conviction as he charged towards his goal.

To protect a younger, smaller and frailer child- his spines not dull, for they barely started to sprout from his back- that was backed against a great wall of rock and dirt, cornered by a vicious Kaiju.

And then he roared. It wasn’t ferocious, gritty or snarling, those roars were already taken by the Kaiju that broke their way through his clans last line of defence, slaughtering them and moving on to the next victim, almost as if they hadn’t even taken a life. His roar wasn’t anything like that- he wasn’t anything like them. His roar was loud and powerful, echoing distantly with determination and fire. It immediately got the attention of the Kaiju cornering that small child, who lowered his weapon in shock, before realising he was in pursuit, and readying himself to face him.

But the Kaiju was too slow, and- using the spines extended from his mace-like tail- he harshly and painfully struck the Kaiju in the face, creating streaks of warm, dark blood to flow from his wound. Immediately, the Kaiju stumbled back in immense agony, giving him ample time to put himself between the enemy and the child who looked on, still scared but now in shock at his new saviour.

But this wasn’t the time. He may be a child, but he should know better than to just sit in awe! Still acting on instinct, he turned back to the wall of rock and dirt, making eye contact with the child still pressing his hide against the wall; still not moving besides from the shaking. Both of them were taking sharp breathes- one from fear, the other from exhaustion. But by now, rational thought had caught up to his mind. And he finally realised where he stood, who he was looking at and what he had just done. But the questions he was asking himself before, the uncertainty that filled his heart, they weren’t there anymore. He couldn’t find any strength to speak, but his eyes were all he needed to communicate with the young child. What was ‘rational’, now striking him deep within his mind, was his eyes that became both pleading and commanding to the child who now began to pick themselves up.

Run!

And with that, the child left him, disappearing into the crowd of others running away, their hides being hidden by the blazing fire.

After, he instinctively readied himself as he turned his spike head towards the foe he fended off. And his heart pumped with more adrenaline, power and…hope. Staring at his foe, he realised the Kaiju was still recuperating from his attack, still clutching his face as he suffered from the wound brought about by him.

I can do it!

He found his feet twisted themselves further into the ground, planting his entire body firmly into the earth.

I can do both!

His tail tightened up as the spines at the end of his tail glistened with certitude and power.

I can fight!

He lowered his entire body into a fighting stance, this entire ordeal being driven by his instinct and determination.

I can live!

He bared his teeth; flaunted his fangs as a guttural growl escaped his scaled throat. His eyes were sharper now and ready, prepared for anything that may come his way.

I can win!

And time seemed to slow down, as did his heart as the realisation caused it to drop.

His head was blown back, his face scarred with a streak of blood, and his entire body- once firm and strong- threatened to collapse and fall. As the hook of his enemy- stronger than anything he had experienced before- collided harshly with the side of his head.

He had no time to think. His instincts had gone and left him by his lonesome. The fire and determination in his heart was expunged to a flicker. His planted feet loosened, his spiked tail fell and the spines on his back once again became dull like they usually were. And his mind was clouded once again. Not with questions or uncertainty or fear. But with pain. Burning, stinging and horrendous pain.

But was it by chance, luck or fate that he found collapsing into the dirt of the ground, pathetically and easily defeated, to be his saving grace in all this? For, because he fell, the hooked Titan had managed to miss his strike and had ended up striking the wall of rock and dirt. Easily- too easily- the hook crashed through the solid earth. And with its foundation completely destroyed, the wall began to collapse and fall along with him.

As quick as he found himself protecting the small child. As quick as he found himself struck down and defeated. Before he could even roar out in pain, surprise, guilt and shock. He found himself buried harshly underneath the rock and dirt of the wall.

The face of the hooked Titan’s sneer being the last thing he would see- burned into his mind- as the last of the rock and dirt covered his face, trapping his body.

Those were the last of his memories, before he found himself…

Alone. Trapped. Afraid.

Was it really his saving grace? Sure, he was bought a few more moments to live- but was this living? Was this ‘saving grace’ in fact a cruel way of the earth to torture his last living moments. Had he been spared a quick death from those Kaiju who had perceived him dead and left his home long ago and instead been granted a slower, more agonising death. How hypocritical. As parts of his last memories, he told himself his life was important, and used that as a means to justify why he was running away. And then he threw all that away and ended up torturing his own ‘precious’ life because of his choices.

But he wasn’t frustrated. In fact, he was oddly comforted by a certain solace. He didn’t regret saving that child- he was sure they and many others of his clan survived that day. By the time the enemy had slaughtered the last remaining warriors fighting them, the others had disappeared from his home, definitely far away by now.

Slowly, a smile had started to form upon his face, despite his imprisonment, discomfort and hopeless situation. He was weak, but ended up protecting someone. Before he died, he was actually able to do something with his life. For the first time in his life- no matter how short of a moment it had been- he was strong. Strong enough to protect his family, the one’s he loved and cared for so deeply. All he could hope now, was that the child he saved and the many others who had escaped will continue to live for and strive for his, his elders and his entire clan’s ideals. That everyone could live a peaceful life; that there was no need for war, fighting or bloodshed, no matter what had happened to them.

And with his final smile, his legs began to give way. As he exhaled his final breathe, he finally allowed himself to stop fighting.

He allowed the rock and dirt to crush him and make his grave.

…

There!

The voice he heard sprung himself into action. His legs regained their strength and he took another breathe in. All of a sudden, upon hearing life so close to him- life that had long since left him by his lonesome- the very last remainder of his strength flourished throughout his entire body as he once again strengthened his legs and pushed against the rocks atop him. For anyone, hearing a voice out there was a blessing. Maybe they could save him. Maybe he could actually live.

But after what had happened to him; because of the very last moments of his memories, he just couldn’t think that.

Instead, he was afraid.

Panic began to well within him, his tail now moving erratically at a quickened pace to try his best to remove any and all of the rocks still unrelenting in their crushing weight. Thought once again began to leave him, as his terror commanded him to move, unknowing of the consequences. With his tail striking and pushing away the rocks hastily, he hadn’t realised the great noise he was making. With his entire body shaking and harshly pushing back against the rock and dirt, he hadn’t realised that he had caused even more rocks to fall onto him, crushing him further. And with his heightened breathing due to his fear and hysteria, he hadn’t realised the miniscule amount of air left within this earthy imprisonment was rapidly decreasing, in doing so, making his thoughts clouded even more as his rational thoughts began to become non-existent.

But he couldn’t care. All he had to do was act.

He couldn’t take any chances. Their species was usually isolated from the rest of the world, remaining illusive and ever vigilant. There was no way anyone was coming to save him; there was no way that voice he heard in the distance belonged to any friend. No, it had to belong to the one’s who had already learned where his clan used to live. It had to belong to the one’s who attacked and slaughtered his clan.

It had to belong to a sickening Kaiju, uncaring for the lives they destroyed and ruined, who had come to finish the job.

…Please.

Move! Move!

They weren’t too close to him now. He had only a second to break free from his prison and escape. But in the world they lived in, a mere second could mean the difference between life and death.

…Please… Please!

You have to live!

He was reaching his limit at this point. Given the injuries he sustained, how long he had been trapped underneath the rock and dirt and how the air within his prison had now been used up and gone, he would have surely collapsed and fallen by now. But adrenaline surged through the very spiked plates upon his back, as well as the determination of his beating heart that urged him to fight through all the pain- the impossibility of making it out alive.

And, because of all this, he hadn’t heart the sounds of great and lumbering footsteps draw closer to him, as well as the powerful and echoing beating of wings that flapped themselves hastily against the wind.

He wasn’t just pushing against the rocks atop him now, he began to strike and attack them, irritation writhing up from deep within him as the rocks seemed to give no indication of moving. Well, if that was the case, strike them harder! And strike them harder he most certainly did. The rocks began to tumble down onto the ground, and the rocks that crushed weightily upon his back had been moved off of him and to the ground. But when previous rocks had been conquered and moved, it seemed even more from the great wall of rock and dirt tumbled towards the ground to crush him further, replacing the rocks he had tried so hard to liberate himself from, giving him no time to rest- only to continue fighting. It seemed impossible; it seemed hopeless. But he couldn’t think those things right now- he could barely think at all as. For what seemed like the final time in his life, his whole body moved and acted on instinct.

And then…daylight.

Rock and dirt upon his back began to seemingly melt away, with no more replacing them. Finally, he thought as more rocks began to crumble and fall around him, exposing the daylight and replenishing his dried lungs with much needed air. Finally, he was actually doing it. He was going to be free. It gave him the motivation he needed, and so continued to strike and push against the remained of the rocks around him.

But with the fresh air allowing him to think properly again; with the light of the sun brightening and clearing his eyes, only then did he truly understand. Only then did instinct completely vanish from him. Only then did he realise he was truly doing nothing, he was pathetic and helpless as two looming figures laid in front of him, the rocks he had once fought and struggled against being his only shield against them.

Only then did he realise that he wasn’t the one moving the rocks- it was them.

No… please…

He had nowhere else to go, no clan to come rushing in to save him, no second chance or miracles to protect him.

I…I don’t want to die…

More rocks began to fall around him, allowing more sunlight to hit his body, exposing himself more to the figures in front of him who powerfully moved the rocks, crushing him, away.

I want to live!

This truly was cruel. A viewing of his clan’s massacre from enemy’s they had no bad blood with nor any relation too. A pathetic display of cowardice as he ran away. A dishonourable and quick defeat, only being able to save one of his clan. A gruelling, torturous imprisonment by the hands of the earth itself that went on for heaven knows how long, only for his struggles to be in vain and ultimately lead to nothing. And a death granted by those who slaughtered his clan- his family. A life that will be discarded and forgotten soon enough, like the lives of his clansmen that gave their lives to protect the rest.

I need to live! So I can seem them again! So I can see my family again!

And he couldn’t move. His legs finally gave way as his body began to sink closer to the ground. He had finally reached it. He was out of strength; out of time. He was going to die, despite his wishes. And all he could do, with his shield that was his imprisonment of rock and dirt nearly completely disposed of, all he could do was cry and plead.

All he could do was realise that no matter how determined he was, he was going to die…

…Please…

Alone.

…Please

Trapped.

Please!

Afraid.

And at last the crushing rocks and dirt were finally removed from him, exposing the Kaiju that lay alone, trapped and afraid underneath the earth he was imprisoned in.

“Please don’t hurt me…”

His voice was coarse and trembling, definitely due to the fact he hadn’t anything to eat or drink in days. And yet, their was a certain softness to it. A youthful innocence so stark contrast to the roar he gave off during his time defending his clan from the attack. He knew it was useless and pitiful to be pleading to be spared. But what could he do? He had no more strength to offer. He hadn’t even had any more words to offer, for as quickly as this soft, youthful and innocent voice had escaped his mouth, it had quickly disappeared and was swept away by the winds.

He was trembling and crying now. He couldn’t even brace himself for what was to come, he was that weak. All he did, was continue to wrap his spiked tail around him as his eyes remained tightly shut, his head bowing submissively and unprotected from the two figures that stood in front of him.

He couldn't swallow down his fear, for his mouth was too dry. His whole body couldn’t remain still, for it trembled and shook.

And then the figure with wings quickly came closer to him. So quick he hadn’t realised…

His eyes opened, seeing the broad daylight for the first time in days. The suns light reflected off his tears, glistening his eyes, making them seem more youthful and alive. His heart was instantly at rest, and he no idea why the trembling ceased. He took one breathe, thinking it was his last. But then, he dared himself to take another.

And then he took another.

And then another.

And then finally realised his ‘last breathe’ wasn’t actually his last one. That he had been spared to take another breathe to continue to fuel his life. And when the thought caught up to him for the final time, only then did he crane his head slightly to the left.

To see the winged creature so close to him.

The winged creature embraced his broad neck, its limbs tightly wrapping around his scales, making sure not to injure itself from the spines atop his head and behind his neck. There was a gentle hum of voice, quickly turning into soft shushing. Before he could even say anything, the winged creature buried its head gently yet adoringly into the side of his head, allowing her own soft fur and furred antennae to lovingly brush and comfort the scales of his own head. She began to caress his face even more now, elegantly stroking her claws slowly and sypthaticly, comforting him even more.

He then cried. Not because of fear or pain like he had done before. He cried…because her touch was so warm. Her soft shushing so familiar despite never having seen her in his life. And her simply showing she cared for him, embracing him like a mother would do to her child; that was enough for him to feel something he didn’t think he’d live to feel again.

“It’s alright now.”

He focused his eyes on her the moment she began to speak, taking in ever detail of her face. Golden, furred antennae. Soft, white fur. A diligent, small beak that somehow expressed so much emotion. And wide, sapphire eyes that shone brighter than the sun itself with a mystifying blue, also weeping with him, as if sharing his grief.

He knew, then and their, her face was one he could instantly trust.

“No one will hurt you anymore.”

Her voice was like the softest of songs. So gentle, flowing and motherly, it wrapped itself warmly and tightly around him, from the spiked plates upon his back to the spikes on the thick end of his tail. She continued to brush the fur on her face against him, continuing to shush and hum softly to him, tightening her embrace as her massive, great wings pulsated a comforting, blue light that seemed to embrace him.

From her own touch, to her voice, to the light from her wings. She seemed to embrace everything he was- down to his very soul.

As he continued to stare and cry along side this new Titan’s embrace, he hadn’t noticed the other, much, much taller and menacing looking figure that stared down towards him, taking in every detail. The other half of the Kaiju pair that had freed him from his imprisonment looked on with an authoritative but protectoral gaze. The figure took note of the once-trapped Titan’s entire body, already recognising his species as well as reminding himself of what they were well-known for. The Titan trapped underneath under all the rock, the figure noticed, had a dark greenish colour surround his entire body, highlighting his rough (but not too rough) scales. Beside from that, he had beige-coloured, dulled-out spines that extended themselves, from the one that stood upon his snout, the top of his head and neck, the plates on his back to the thick end of his tail.

He seemed to be a Kaiju that stood on all fours with claws that were rounded, not all that sharp or vicious. The same could be said for his maw and face. His teeth weren’t sharpened nor did they bare themselves, and his entire face conveyed a sense of non-hostility and peacefulness. However, the figure was surprised to find the Kaiju’s glistening eyes were the same colour as his own. Bright and shining, golden eyes with hints of orange. But there was one unmistakable fact about the Kaiju the figure couldn’t ignore- and it made his heart tighten and his whole body go stern.

He was young, small and frail.

“Oh, Gojira…” the winged creature spoke softly again, getting the attention of both the other figure and the Kaiju she embraced, continuing to stroke and caress the spiked Titan, “He’s so young…”

Her tears began to well up more at the realisation of her words, her crying visibly softening the other figure’s posture as he slowly- surprisingly gently- waded his way closer to them, steadily lowering his body to become face to face with the spiked Titan. But a sudden recollection flashed in the spiked Titan’s eyes as his breathing came to a halt.

…Gojira?

He looked at the other figure- the other Kaiju- intently, and caught on his breathe the moment he did so. He recognised the familiar coal-black and sharp edges of his dorsal spines. He recognised the dark wash of colour of black and greys across his entire body littered with indestructible scales. He recognised those claws and feet, strengthened and sharpened with conviction and power. But what he didn’t recognise was the expression this all-mighty Kaiju wore on his face.

It was uncharacteristically soft- not like the spiked Titan had any quarrel with that. His golden eyes were widened and soft, offering up sympathy and remorse. His breathing was steady and calm, therefore making the spiked Titan that lay on the ground calm and steady as well. And the guttural grumbles from deep within the great Kaiju’s throat was gentle, resonating comfortingly within the spiked Titan’s whole body. Strangely, as the spiked Titan continued to stare at the great Kaiju coming ever closer to him, he found- much like the winged creature embracing him- this other Kaiju’s face was littered with a sense of familiarity and warmness despite his outwards appearance. But if this truly was what the winged Kaiju had said he was…

The spiked Titan began to rise to his feet, struggling in doing so as his knees wobbled and both the winged and great Kaiju looked on in surprise. “…M-My…” the spiked Titan began, trembling even more now as he lowered his head through great labour, “My…Pr-”

The spiked Titan quickly found his leg’s strength had left him, and so began to collapse back down onto the ground. But with an amazing speed and gentle care, the great Titan known as Gojira stopped the spiked Titan from hitting the ground, surely clasping his claws by the side of his forearms, before gentle letting the spiked Titan back down onto the ground.

Once again, Gojira and the spiked Titan locked eyes with one another, the spiked Titan now noticing the hints of worry and odd shame present within Godzilla’s eyes. “Don’t.” he commanded, keeping his hold firm and comforting on the spiked Titan, “That’s unnecessary.”

“Tell me, what is your name?” Godzilla continued after knowing the spiked Titan understood. And though his voice was gruff, deep and authoritarian, the spiked Titan could clearly see the other meaning within The Prince’s words.

Please. Take as much time as you need to.

Soon enough, the spiked Titan’s soft and youthful voice began to resonate within the world. “Ang…” For a moment, he hesitated on his words. But as he looked to the side and saw the winged creatures comforting and sure smile as she continued to embrace and caress him, the spiked Titan found all the courage he needed, “Anguirus. M-My name is A-Anguirus, my Prince.”

“Anguirus.” the winged creature softly remarked, as if comprehending a deeper, more intricate meaning towards his otherwise boring name, “That’s a beautiful name.”

The spiked Titan known as Anguirus looked backed to the winged creature, loving the way her smile grew on her furred face. “My name is Mosura.” she said quite jovially, continuing to brush her claws against Anguirus’ face.

Mosura… Anguirus thought to himself, feeling even more warmness flourish through him, That’s… an even more beautiful name.

But the warmness didn’t last; it couldn’t last, as Anguirus realised the position he was in. As he remembered the final moments before he found himself trapped. “My Prince…” Anguirus began, a newfound determination and hope coursing through his very soul, ‘Please…Please tell me…”

“Where are my parents? Where is the rest of my clan?”

The moment his soft, delicate, naive and innocent voice was once again released out into the world, Godzilla and Mothra couldn’t find any comfort from its youthfulness and hopefulness. At Anguirus’ question, unable to control themselves, their hearts skipped a beat and their eyes widened. Mothra’s great wings shook and began to tremble, and Godzilla’s very stomach began to sickly twist into uncomfortable knots that made him wince and tighten his entire body.

Upon hearing the young Anguirus’ question, they froze.

“W-We were attacked suddenly.” Anguirus continued, his heart tightening at the memory; his stomach making him want to vomit, “Many…many of my clansmen gave their lives to protect those who escaped.”

“I…with my own eyes…I watched them escape.” Anguirus confidently exclaimed with his head bowed down, allowing the remainder of his tears to fall onto the ground, “They have had to survived. I know they survived.”

The more Anguirus thought about them, the more he began to get worked up. He may have just been saved, but all he wanted was to see them again. His eyes quickly checked the area- and the longer he did, the more his heart broke. There was no trace of what he once called home. The place where bloodshed or fighting or war was never to be taken place in had be turned into what was common in the world they lived in.

A scorched, dull battle-ground, devoid of any life.

But Anguirus could move past that, after all, he knew better than anyone home wasn’t a place. It never was simply a place. So, within his heartbreak, never noticing Godzilla and Mothra’s frozen and still body, Anguirus did his best to bow to the Prince- despite what Godzilla had told him prior. His eyes were shut tight; his tears still fresh, but his heart strengthened by resolve. He was in the presence of Prince Gojira, after all. He was powerful; the strongest their was. So maybe, with pleading eyes and a determined heart, maybe the Prince could lend him some of his strength so that his wish could be granted.

“So, please, I beg of you, my Prince.” Anguirus beseeched to the great Titan that stood before him. His voice was shaky and yet somehow firm. It was still soft, and yet powerful enough to highlight his emotion through each word.

“Where is the rest of my clan?”

“Where is the rest of my family?”

Anguirus looked up from his bowing towards the Prince, full of resolution and faithfulness, ready to go anywhere the Prince would say, all so he could reunite with his family. But the air suddenly turned cold as the wind blew on sombrely, echoing its melancholy. The sense of dread, anguish and sadness swept through the three Kaiju as Anguirus’ eyes widened with shock, confusion…and sorrow.

For in front of him, on his knees, laid the Prince. His scaled and powerful arms were slumped, his sharpened claws spread themselves out on the destroyed ground- shaking- as they did their best to support his massive weight. His head was bowed down in a solemn, ominous manner in a way that was so close to an earnest, sorrowful apology. No, it was an apology. But what scared Anguirus most; what gave him that sense of dread and distraught, was the Prince’s eyes.

He knew the reputation of the Prince. He knew of his tenacity, his wrathful tendencies, his immense and seemingly endless strength, and his ability to close of any and all emotion simply so he could better prepare himself for his future position as King. So, with all that being said…why? Why was the Prince’s eyes…so similar to Anguirus’ own?

Why was the Prince…crying?

Anguirus was naive and oblivious to a lot of things. But not to this. He had already begun to start crying again, his head already started slowly shaking in disbelief. It just didn’t make sense. He was never delusional. He was so sure he watched the remainder of his family disappear and escape the slaughtering and bloodshed. Tremoring even more now, not oblivious to the implications, Anguirus still held onto hope. And this hope would be surely justified by Mothra, who still remained embracing him. Perhaps she had seen something else the Prince hadn’t. Given her size and ability of flight, she must have. She surely will provide him warmth like she had done so.

Anguirus craned his head to look and Mothra, desperate for reassurance that he was correct. But that would be his final, fatal nail in the coffin. For his stomach began to twist grossly as his heart and spirit plummeted to the very core of the earth. Her limbs still embraced his neck, but they were shaking and cold. She still caressed his head, but it was more tender, more consoling and much more distraught. And her face was still buried into his neck, but this time, instead of feeling her soft and comforting fur, all Anguirus could feel was the soaking wetness of her tears that cried endlessly as she quietly but heart-brokenly sobbed beside him.

“I’m sorry.” Godzilla whispered, his voice so strangely soft and quiet. And, for the second time in his life, time slowed down for Anguirus as Godzilla’s miserable and woeful voice spoke his next sentence.

“…You were the only one we could find.”

And the Prince’s truly apologetic and woeful expression would be the last thing Anguirus saw until he stopped crying. And when his cries began to wail even louder, Mothra quickly and lovingly tightened her hold on him, weeping sorrowfully and empathetically with him. Unable to do anything else beside from cry, Anguirus returned her embrace, burying his own head into her side, his pointed snout tucked away deeply into her fur, both Mothra’s fur and Anguirus’ scales now wet and quivering. Through all her weeping, Mothra tried her best to comfort Anguirus, once again softly and warmly humming against him, taking in more of his weight once Anguirus began to push closer against her, begging for more comfort.

“I am so sorry…” Mothra breathed out, her heart breaking more and more the longer she listened to the young Kaiju’s cries, “I am…so, so…sorry…”

Their cries numbed Godzilla’s physical pain, for as he watched on with great anguish and regret, he hadn’t realised his claws had dug themselves deeper and deeper into his scaled palm the more he clenched them, drawing warm blood. If only…if only he was truly there for all those who lived in this Kingdom.

The Prince reached out his claw towards Anguirus, hesitated for a mere moment, before ultimately placing his claw gently atop the side of Anguirus’s body, knowing he was too deep in mourning to realise it. “I swear to you. On my title as the Prince- as the future King…” Godzilla softly growled out, his body tightening as he tried to recollect himself, his dorsal plates now softly pulsating a determined blue, finalising the promise he was to make, “I swear to you, we will take you somewhere safe. We will keep you protected.”

“We will make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”

But his words fell on deaf ears- and Godzilla knew this. For Anguirus couldn’t concentrate on his words. He couldn’t concentrate on anything. He could no longer feel Godzilla’s sure and secure claw that grasped firmly on his shoulder nor the comforting caresses of Mothra who cried with him. He couldn’t hear her soft humming and words of both apologies and reassurance. He could no longer see the desolate wasteland he once lived in nor the daylight he so dearly missed whilst trapped underneath rock and dirt as his eyes remained shut and wet. He couldn’t smell the left-over destruction; he couldn’t taste the dryness of his throat.

All Anguirus could do- all he did- was weep.

Weep for the home he lost.

Weep for his fallen family.

And weep for that younger, smaller and frailer child…

…that he could not save.

Chapter Text

“He’s doing quite well, isn’t he?”

Hearing his gruff but otherwise calm voice, Mothra turned away from Anguirus, who was just a bit of distance away from her, and focused her gaze on Godzilla. With the evening sun sharing its warmth to the great Titans beneath it, the Goddess took note of the gentle and relaxed posture the Prince had allowed himself to take, glad for him that he was able to gain a moments of respite. His dark scales glistened slightly as slow yet thoughtful breathes escaped his mouth, and though he wore no smile, Mothra could see that glint of happiness and care within him. So, in turn, she smiled for him.

“Yes. And I am so happy that though he has already been through so much, he hasn’t lost the ability to smile and to love.” Mothra replied back, turning her head back to watch the young Titan in question.

With the Prince and his partner standing not too far away from him, upon a warm and comforting beach, Anguirus had become the centre of attention with the other Titans upon the island. Despite this, he showed no anxiety, no quarrel nor fear or discomfort. He was simply enjoying his time.

After being rescued, with as much care and gentleness, Anguirus had been taken to an island where the Prince and his partner had been advised to take any and all injured Titans that were in need of their help and had bore no hostility towards them and could be trusted – a complicated and dangerous factor, but Mothra had her senses sharpened to detect any type of deception, it became almost easy for her to do so. And the discover of one from the clan of Hardbacks being found brutally and critically wounded, as well as the complete massacre of the rest of the species had caused massive outrage within the kingdom, specifically those who sided with the King. Outrage that went both ways. For even though a majority of those on the King’s side became wrathful and spiteful of those who had massacred an entire species, there were still many who blamed the King for such a massacre.

Yes, he was especially known to not have had the most compassionate or caring of hearts, but it was his duty to protect everyone that hadn’t opposed him – including those who understandably didn’t want any part of this bloody war they fought in. Not to mention, it would have been a lie to say he didn’t care for his subjects and didn’t to everything in his power to both restore and maintain balance. Even so, he was blamed to not have been more cautious and considerate of something like this happening – he was accused of having either too much pride himself where he found no need to be more vigilant in his protection of everyone, or accused of not having enough compassion in his hardened heart to where he couldn’t care less of it. Either way, there was much tension and grimness within the Kingdom all because of one simple fact. For what seemed like the first time within the omnipotent Alpha’s life,

The King had failed to do his duty.

And Godzilla had failed to do his duty.

After rescuing Anguirus from certain doom, Mothra – much to her heartbreak – had found Godzilla had returned to something that tortured him countless times. Something Mothra had figured out almost instantly when she first became his partner, and something that had only be lifted once Godzilla had gotten used to living with Mothra and found her comforting embrace within their sleep together to be his only solace from it.

This something being, restless and sleepless nights.

But Godzilla couldn’t care less for something as trivial as that. When he had gotten Anguirus to the shores of the island, he had worked and concentrated only on him and his recovery. Much to the horror of Mothra, she and Godzilla had found Anguirus had broken a number of bones and bore many cuts and tears within his flesh. His lungs were weak after being deprived of much needed oxygen for the time he was trapped underneath solid dirt and rock, and it seemed the muscles in his hind legs and forearms had atrophied and had almost been rendered useless. Godzilla (and Anguirus) had figured, hadn’t it been for Mothra’s healing powers, Anguirus would have sure lost the ability to walk.

Unfortunately, the damage was too great and still too fresh, not to mention Mothra was still new and relatively inexperienced to that kind of level of healing – not to mention, it was physically demanding for her and Godzilla had (on more than a few occasions) tried his best to convince her not too strain herself too much. But, although the process was slow and quite painful; although he will forever wear scars that will never truly heal, Anguirus had surprised the King and the Goddess by smiling through it all. His grief still and most likely will forever harrow at him, Mothra had figured, but here he was, talking, smiling and enjoying the presence of the other Titans around him. In a modern day, to see a sight such as what Mothra was seeing would have been definitely been regarded as extremely rare as well as unnatural and confusing as these Titans had all appeared to be so vastly different from one another.

Of course, there was Anguirus, the centre of attention, with the spikes upon his plated back, his rigid head and tail all glistening in the sunlight. Then, there was the one whose body seemingly had the appearance of that of a very mountain, so tall and powerful. And yet, the Titan was slow and gentle in his movements. There was the tusked Titan as well, one reminiscent of a woolly mammoth. But a hundred of thousand times bigger and yet more amusing looking when he had to occasionally brush the sand off his fur. And finally, there was the one that was helping supporting Anguirus as to make sure his still-recovering legs didn’t give way. A female Titan – much like Mothra – who also shared the same characteristic of the winged Titan by being slightly insectoid-looking, given her six slender legs. What’s more, she had squid-like tentacles protrude from her mouth. But still, somehow, she seemed to display a warm smile.

They were all so different, yet were still connected – as is all Titan life. Connected, related or indifferent, those Titans may have been, them (and especially Anguirus) couldn’t care less. For all of them, it had been a long, long time since they had a moments of peace like this. And with their content happiness and their abundant and blossoming friendship with one another – all for the sake of that lone, spiked Titan, who finally felt at home despite believing he never could do anymore – it made the Prince and his partner watch on with jubilant pride and content.

“You sense it too, don’t you.” Godzilla said quietly, a comforting rumble echoing at the back of his throat as he talked, softening his gaze as he focused on Anguirus. “His heart.”

Mothra nodded her head slowly, the blue glow emitting from her wings glowing slightly brighter as she continued to diligently watch the young Titan. “Yes, it’s as clear to me as the ocean around us, my Prince,” she whispered back, humming softly to herself. “He’s got a golden heart that shines brightly despite the darkness it was surrounded by and nearly consumed in.”

But upon hearing her words, the Prince exhaled softly, letting his tail sway briskly across the sand as he hung his head low and solemn. Instantly catching on to this, with a light shrill of concern, Mothra took a step towards him, sensing the sudden despair within his heart. Gently, she brushed her slender claw across his face, getting him to look at her, and greeted him with a reassuring smile, edging him to say whatever was on his mind; to share all his problems with her – something, Godzilla had found, Mothra had sort of become an expert in these days.

Leaning towards her touch, Godzilla spoke lowly and uncharacteristically softly, returning Mothra’s shining, soft eyes with his vibrant gold. “I know it’s not enough to redeem my failure to him…” Godzilla rumbled, his voice edging between regret and yet relief. “…But I’m so glad we were able to save him.”

Glowing even brighter than before, Mothra took her other claw and raised it to touch the other side of the Prince’s face, the literal shine from her crystal eyes and glow of her furred face all consolation he needed. “I am too.” she calmly chittered, finally getting a small smile to come out from the Prince.

And for a bit, they stayed that way, until Mothra realised just how close she was to the relaxed Prince. Abruptly, having a thought – that thought – pop into her mind once again, she quickly returned her claws to her side, emitting a soft, pink glow from her wings. Surprised by her sudden actions, a rumble of surprise came from Godzilla’s throat before he collected himself and returned his gaze back onto Anguirus whilst shifting ever so slightly closer to Mothra, who too returned to carefully watch the young Titan.

But after a while, the Prince huffed a breathe, as if seemingly content and satisfied to what he had witnessed, before turning his great hide away from the scene and slowly walking towards the edge of the beach. Giving a surprised shrill, Mothra turned to look towards Godzilla, until she reminded herself of the Prince’s other duties. However, despite her effort, she couldn’t hide the disappointment within her face.

“Must you leave so soon?” she gingerly asked, skipping towards her partner.

In turn, Godzilla turned back around to face her, his eyes too, filled with a certain disappointment as well. “I’m afraid I must. I’ve already fulfilled my duties here.” the Prince somberly replied. Unfortunately, though this moment was a peaceful and happy one, it was overshadowed by the fact that they were still in a time of war. A time where these moments should be met with gratitude, for they weren’t, but unfortunately, should not be concentrated on – at least for the Prince.

“Would… Would you…” Godzilla grumbled, strangely unable to get his words out, much to his own confusion as well as Mothra’s. “Would you… like too… um… ‘come with?’”

After his question, Mothra’s glowing eyes widened momentarily, before she suddenly realised how funny the Prince looked with his wide eyes, almost pleading and cute demeanour. As such, Mothra couldn’t help but bring a claw up to her beak and laugh slightly – a beautiful thing to hear. And, realising how he sounded as well, Godzilla soon joined with her gently laugh, creating quite soothing vibrations to echo between them. And when she collected herself, simply hearing such a rare thing – a laugh – to come out of the Prince, Mothra was grateful they too could fine their own happiness along with the other Titans upon the island.

Exhaling softly, Mothra turned back around to see Anguirus, a warm yet sudden saddened feeling brewing within her as she made her decision. “I-I would love to join you, my Prince.” Mothra began, as she tried to oppress that certain feeling welling within her, begging her to ditch reason and follow. “But I think it would be best if I continued to watch over them for a while longer, just to make sure they are all fine and well.”

As if expecting that answer, Godzilla gave a small yet proud smile, causing Mothra to tilt her head in confusion and instantly begin to emit a small spark of pink from her wings. “Commendable and considerate as usual, Mosu.” Godzilla spoke, taking note of her otherwise adorable expression at his compliments and bowing slightly towards her. “I’m proud to be called your partner.”

Taking a quick breathe to calm her beating heart, with both an embarrassed smile and shining eyes, Mothra returned a courteous bow of her own and brushed away the shyness from her face. “A-As am I, Goji.” she shrilled back, speaking whole-heartedly and truthfully.

Godzilla gave a quick nod, made one last glance towards Anguirus, smiled to himself one more time, before turning towards the ocean and wading his way deeper into it.

Coincidently enough, Anguirus had averted his eyes away from his newly acquired friends and watched the Prince depart from the island whilst Mothra sat upon the beach watching him leave. Instinctively, feeling suddenly downtrodden, Anguirus took a few steps towards where the Prince had departed. But his legs soon gave way to this sudden movement and Anguirus – with both a worrying yet slightly comically whelp of surprise – nearly fell flat on his horned head. Instantly, it got the attention of Mothra, who gave a worried shrill before her body instinctively flew quickly towards his side. Lucking for the young Hardback, he was spared the embarrassment of falling flat on his face, for the squid-like Titan beside him acted just in time and used all her strength to re-support the young Titan against his side.

“Anguirus! You are not hurt, are you?” Mothra called out, concerned and instantly checking over the young Titan for any injuries or discomfort he would be in. Quickly, her concern was joined by the other Titans around him.

“N-No, No. I’m quite alright.” Anguirus swiftly replied, laughing as he tried to hide the shame on his face and re-strengthen his legs. Exhaling a breathe, he turned to his new friend by his side, bowing his head in gratitude. “Thank you, Scylla.”

Knowing he wouldn’t need anymore support, the squid-like Titan apparently named Scylla left Anguirus’ side and gave a polite bow of her own. Then, she turned towards the Prince’s partner and gave a respectful bow, feverly joined by the other Titans after they were sure Anguirus was well. Finished checking up on his injuries, with a sigh of relief, Mothra took a step back and bowed towards the others before turning her attention back on Anguirus.

“Please, Anguirus. It would be for the best if you not push yourself.” Mothra lectured, albeit still with a lot more concern and understanding rather than a reprimand.

“S-Sorry.” Anguirus briskly replied, feeling conflicted at the fact that he had upset Mothra but was glad she seemed to care so much for him. “I just wanted too…” Anguirus turned to look back towards the ocean before realising the Prince was long gone by now. Hiding his disappointment and sadness, Anguirus looked at Mothra and bowed his head along with the others. “Is there something you would like to speak to me about?”

Giving the warmest of smiles and softening her crystal eyes, Mothra nodded her head. “Yes, if you would be so kind as to indulge me.” she spoke, so calmly and elegantly.

Taking the hint, not wanting to intrude on whatever the Prince’s very partner had to discuss with Anguirus, the Mammoth and Mountain Titan as well as Scylla all took their leave. Before she could depart, Anguirus flashed another quick smile of gratitude towards Scylla, returning it warmly with one of her own before leaving. However, as they were leaving, Mothra took a quick glance at the slight sadness with Anguirus’ smile and found out all she needed to know.

“You want to know why Gojira has left so soon.” Mothra stated, getting a surprised and bashful yelp to come out of the young Titan and a cheek-ish smile from herself.

Anguirus looked back towards the sea and once again thought back to his first moments after being saved. He had and still owed everything to the one who stood politely in front of him, as well as the Prince that had made sure everything was in order so as to ensure his and many other’s protection. After being brought to the island, whilst he often saw Godzilla and Mothra together, it always seemed like he was able to converse with Mothra much more frequently than he did with Godzilla. As much as he wanted to thank the Prince for saving him – something he had still yet to do – Godzilla seemed to always be just… there. Always on the outskirts, watching carefully and diligently and yet not intruding with anything or socialising with others. Anguirus knew instantly it wasn’t a matter of spite nor arrogance – for what it was worth, the young Titan had never seen Godzilla use his status for his own, personal gains nor flaunt the matter.

For Anguirus, it seemed to him that the Prince was someone he could approach and yet couldn’t approach.

It made the young Hardback melancholic. Instantly, he had looked up towards Godzilla. He marvelled at his strength and undeniable will power. He admired his sense of duty and justice and ideal of balance within the earth. Godzilla was strong. Much, much stronger than he could ever be. That dream – no – delusion of strength Anguirus felt on that day didn’t matter anymore. Godzilla was strong. And so, Anguirus put all his faith on the strong Prince. And he had hoped to show this faith before Godzilla had to leave him once again.

“Must he?” Anguirus still inquired, although he knew it was unreasonable and quite selfish to do so. “I understand he’s the Prince, but…”

Mothra gave a brief yet warm smile towards him, finding slight amusement in the otherwise sheepish demeanour of the young Titan. “You will have many a chance to converse with my Prince in the future.” Mothra replied, brushing a tender claw warmly over Anguirus’ face. “And I’m sure he will appreciate your willingness and consideration to keep him around.”

Like many times after he was saved, Anguirus found great comfort and solace within Mothra’s words. She truly was a mystery to the young Hardback. She seemed to calm any storm that brew in anyone’s hearts – the power of her mere words seemingly felt as strong, if not, stronger than the Prince’s very presence at times. However, still seeing the slightly unsatisfied and unhappy shine within Anguirus’ eyes, Mothra sat upon the beach and thought for a moment, before her melodic voice piped up again.

“Would you like to learn a secret young Anguirus?” Mothra asked, a cheerful yet uncharacteristic glint of mischievousness present within her sapphire eyes.

Anguirus, confused and yet heavily interested to what she had to say, planted his hide against the warm sand of the beach and nodded his head, honestly not quite sure what to expect from her. He noticed that mischievous glint and shine physically form within her eyes, as her blue wings began to pulsate and excited light.

“Although Gojira is a proud Prince with such a high stature,” Mothra began, excitement welling within her. “I believe for get-together’s like this, he becomes a little bit, well, nervous.” Mothra allowed herself a small chuckle, knowing she probably won’t have the opportunity to reveal this secret in a long while. “Not because of who is here, mind you, but more like he feels as if he doesn’t belong – he doesn’t feel worthy to be around you all.”

Anguirus’ golden eyes widened in response; his ears believing they had misheard what Mothra just said. But with the way her beak softened to a smile that seemed to hold a gentle giggle from coming out, as well as the gleaming glow from her eyes emphasising her seriousness, it was all the confirmation he needed. And the more he thought about it, the more his surprise began to die down as he started to copy Mothra mannerisms – that is, trying to hold back a laugh of his own.

“My Prince… gets nervous?” Anguirus exhaled, unsure what to think of this astonishing but slightly comical, new information. Nervous? Of what? Him?

“It’s a lot more common than you think.” Mothra said, stifling an even greater laugh as she brought a slender claw up towards her beak. “And though I have comforted him many times about it and reassured he has ever right to express himself more with the rest of his subjects, it would be untruthful to say it is not a slightly comically thought, would you not agree?”

Together, the moth and spiked Titan joined in a combined chuckle as the sun had started its steady decline back towards the horizon. But when their combined laughter died down, Anguirus soon spoke up once again. “Do you get nervous around others, at all, Mosura?” the young Titan asked, getting a shrill of perplexity to come out of her.

For a moment, Mothra pondered for a bit. Not because she was thinking about the question, but because she was wondering why Anguirus had asked such a question. He and the other Titans had seen and talked with her a lot more times than they did with the Prince. And she was well-known amongst the Kingdom even by those she hadn’t acquaintance herself with, given her stature as the Prince’s very partner.

“Well, I suppose I like to believe myself to be more sociable than my Prince.” Mothra smiled back, albeit quite a bit confused as to why he even had to ask the question, but confident in her answer nonetheless.

Much to the surprise of the winged Titan, strangely enough, Anguirus tilted his horned head to the side in a slightly bewildered manner. “Then why do you seem to get so nervous whenever my Prince gets so close to you?” Anguirus asked innocently.

Mothra suddenly and nearly choked on her own heart.

“Come to think of it,” the young Titan continued, unaware of the subtle yet incoherent and flustered noises Mothra was making in front of him. “The only times I see you get nervous is whenever you are alone with my Prince.”

Somehow, with as much determination as feasibly possible, Mothra was able to squeeze her heart back down to her chest and swallowed a great deal amount of air to calm herself. Clutching her chest area, Mothra took a moment to recollect herself and looked away from the young Titan’s golden, curious eyes, both extremely surprised and grateful Anguirus had remained confused and unaware of the implications of her flabbergasted state. For some reason, she felt a sudden rush of heat gather underneath the fur on her face. And, try as she might, she couldn’t hide the increasing glow of pink within her wings – from both herself and Anguirus.

“…Don’t you sometimes call him by a different name, as well?” Anguirus asked simply, genuinely intrigued and unaware he was torturing the poor Titan even further.

My, you’re quite the observant one, aren’t you? Mothra thought to herself, in genuine awe of Anguirus’ inability of not being able to see what’s there, whilst somehow being able to pressure her even more.

“I-I believe it would be best if we were to talk about your well being rather than m-mine.” Mothra was able to stutter out, shaking her soft head and ridding the thoughts that now plagued her mind.

Soon, Anguirus had caught wind of Mothra’s strange antics, and feeling a great deal apologetic for inadvertently causing the winged Titan such discomfort, put his front claws together and slightly bowed his head, offering a soft rumble of an apology. Seeing he was trying to amend the situation, Mothra softened her eyes and gave back a smile, showing clearly she took no offence to it. Together, they sat up straight once again, and Mothra was now ready to not get sidetracked and to discuss what she had wanted to speak about to the young Hardback.

“So…” Mothra began, choosing her words carefully, but still eager to hear the spiked Titan’s response. “Is this… well… to your liking?”

“My… liking?”Anguirus started, taking a moment to really contemplate on her words. So much so, Mothra had become slightly anxious to the young Titan’s response. However, her fears were quelled when Anguirus’ eyes met hers, and glistened heartily. “It’s… more than to my liking. I am so grateful to be a part of this – to be here with everyone.”

“I-I thought I’d never experience something like this ever again.” Anguirus spoke quietly, tiwsting his foot deeper into the coarse sand as painful memories began to well within his mind. “To tell the truth, if I were to have died that day, I… would still have some regrets.”

Mothra, with an alluring and homily gaze, listened intently to Anguirus’ words, seeing clearly how his soft and youthful voice spoke truth. “But you, my Prince and…” Anguirus continued, returning to his spirited smile as he gazed to the others across the island. “…And them. You’ve given me that second chance. So I’ll treasure it and treasure everyday I’m alive.”

Tears had begun to well up within his eyes. But they were tears that had no fear being shown. “I am really happy to be here, Mosura.”

Unable to keep to herself any longer, Mothra quickly gave a warm embrace against the young Titan, wrapping her slender claws tightly against Anguirus’ neck. Bashful to the point where Anguirus had found words had died within his throat, he allowed his head to rest against Mothra’s soft fur, closing his eyes and returning her embrace as she tenderly stroked her claws against his scales. Somehow, despite only knowing her for a short while, Anguirus had felt as if he was back with his mother – back with his family.

“Oh I am overjoyed to hear you say such words young Anguirus.” Mothra whispered against his ear, embracing him even tighter. Soon, she pulled away, but looked upon the young Titan with pride and cheerfulness. “I truly am thrilled you are happy in your stay here. And I’m certainly proud you have been able to make such wondrous friends in the short time you have been here.”

Gingerly, Anguirus looked towards the sand with a small smile, a bit overwhelmed by the praises and enthusiastic welcome he was gaining – but thankful, nonetheless. “Well… it did feel almost… natural to befriend them.” Anguirus whispered, wistfully reminiscing on the early days where he was thrown into the mysterious new world, unknowing of what it would bring and what his survival would entail.

“I suppose that makes both of us more socially inclined than Gojira.” Mothra joked, giving off her gentle and soothing laugh once again.

However, the young Hardback remained wistful, instantly making Mothra realise there was something more. So once again, she listened to him diligently. “N-No. Well… there may be some truth to that… but…” Anguirus stuttered, hesitating to go further as he gingerly yet shamefully looked towards the sand on the beach.

“Please, young Anguirus.” Mothra softly said with a gentle smile, making her words the most comforting and soothing they had ever been throughout their discussion, causing Anguirus’ golden eyes to look straight towards hers. “Speak what is on your mind.”

Anguirus closed his eyes and took a breathe as Mothra waited patiently in front of him, giving him as much time as he needed. She knew it was difficult to speak so personally and from the heart – especially when hearts are often hardened from the life they had to endure within this earth. But she knew Anguirus was making that effort; she knew, much like she herself, deep down he really had no problem expressing his love for his friends.

“…Whenever I’m with them, at least for me, it feels so familiar.” Anguirus started, “It feels as if they already know who I am – who I was – and I, in turn, already know them.”

“How can you tell?” Mothra inquired, thoroughly intrigued with what he had to say. She always the ability to see through those she conversed herself with. This ability was put to the test as well as sharpened through her time spent with Godzilla. Even so, she truly hadn’t a clue as to what Anguirus was leading towards.

The spiked Titan took in a breathe, finally finding the words he needed as he stared back towards Mothra, his golden eyes gleaming. “It’s their eyes, Mosura.” Anguirus admitted, forlorn on what else he was going to reveal about them. “Their eyes are so similar to mine in such a way I can’t really explain. Physically, we’re all different, but there is a noticeable similarity that I’ve always been able to make out. Whenever I would see them, I could always see a small sadness and despair. All their eyes always had that small bit of sadness.”

“And that’s what… makes their eyes so similar to your own?” Mothra slowly asked, being sure not to burden the young Titan too much into telling her more than what he wanted to.

“The sadness in their eyes.” Anguirus whispered lowly, now staring ever deeper into the sand, it’s golden colour mirroring his eyes. “It’s all so… so close to my own.”

Mothra gave a gentle exhale as she strode closer to Anguirus. There, she sat next to him, a feeling of extreme remorse and sympathy for him flowing through her entire body with every beat of her kind heart. Quietly, she raised her blue wing and draped in comfortably over the young Titans’s back, Anguirus unflinching within the act, instead focusing on the vast solace it was granting him. Without any words, Mothra lifted a slender claw in front of her, instantly gaining the young Hardback’s attention. Looking towards the direction she pointed to, he found himself gazing at the other Titan’s just a short distance away from them on the beach

“Methuselah’s family had been caught between a harsh and unforgiving battle. Behemoth was left the only survivor of those in his clan that continued fighting. And Scylla… she had been left to wonder the Frozen Wastelands – looking for anyone close to her.” Mothra quietly uttered, her voice uncharacteristically shaking and unsteady, her anguish frighteningly accompanying each word as Anguirus stared at her, silent.

“Anguirus, they are like you.” Mothra exclaimed, turning towards him, Anguirus face too littered with shock and heartbreak. “They have all lost so much to this world imbued with chaos and destruction. They are all victims of this frightening war. I hadn’t wished to tell you this, and I assume they felt no need to tell you either.” Mothra became hesitant in her words, but knew she needn’t baby him, given how strong he had proven himself to be. “…But, I suppose, it would be hard for you not to have noticed.”

Shamefully, Mothra knew she couldn’t look Anguirus in the eye, and so both sat in a tense and forlorn silence, the only sound accompanying them being the gentle clashes of waves from the ocean. Mothra hadn’t wanted their conversation to take this turn, but she knew it was both unwise and shameful to try and avoid a talk about Anguirus’ past as well as what he had been through. Whether seen as justified or seen as uncouth and disgraceful, it would have been dishonourable to Mothra herself to not admit that she had been wishing Anguirus would, at the very least, slightly forget the tragedy he had to endure in his time spent here – the lives and love he had lost.

But she was the one who knew the most that the past could never be changed.

“….I-I know… I will never forget what happened that day.” Anguirus spoke up, unknowingly making Mothra tense up, ready to console him at a moments notice. But instead, the young Titan continued, a drive as well as hope swelling within him as he strengthened his posture and looked towards the other Titans, a confident and determined smile on his face. “But I know, being given this second chance, I won’t wallow in the sadness of it.”

“Besides, there may be despair within our eyes, but I’ve seen another similarity within each one of us that triumph over that sadness.” Anguirus continued, a fire of pride and enthusiasm comforting him as well as given Mothra her own consolation as she breathed a sigh of relief and happiness, taking consolation within Anguirus’ words.

“And what may that be?” Mothra inquired tenderly, the air of despair and darkness forgotten, disappearing along with the setting sun.

“Within our eyes, we’re also all… contented and untroubled.” Anguirus revealed, knowing his words were true – knowing his friends knew his words were true. “There’s that warmness within our eyes that’s so consoling and tender, it makes me so happy to be here and alive.”

His heart may have been hardened, but his golden soul had still retained that softness and kindness Anguirus had always had within him – and that knowledge was something Mothra, even as she rested within present day, preparing for the battle ahead, would forever remember about the young Titan.

Even when that day had arrived.

But, for now, the two Titans sat quietly and pleasantly upon that beach, untroubled by anything else as the winds around them began to shift from the evening breeze to the nightly gust.

“When can you see this warmth within their eyes – within your eyes.” Mothra silently shrilled, unmoving and still, not wanting to break any form of this pleasantry.

Anguirus hadn’t a need to think too long. He simply began to given into his tiredness as he collapsed the full weight of his body onto the sand.

“When we’re together.”

Chapter Text

“Anguirus…”

“…Are you… uncomfortable… around me?”

The day was hot, the rays of sunlight reflecting brightly against Godzilla’s coal black scales, making them seemingly emit a bright shine. However, they shuffled against each other, shaking, as if they were anxious of something. It was unlike the Prince of the Monsters to have his indestructible scales show such a vivid weakness. In fact, upon that hot day, the Prince seemed to not have been within character. His posture was low, bordering upon guilty and regretful, whilst his mighty foot occasionally deepened the imprint it had made within the rough sand. His tail swung back and forth lazily yet solemn; his breathe frighteningly slow but collected. Either way, his actions and body language made it all too clear that he was repentful for an action he had undoubtedly committed.

But… what?

Anguirus stood in front of Godzilla, as still as he was. However, his golden eyes were widened with amazement whilst his body remained taunt. Time had seemingly past extremely quickly. The days were uneventful upon the island but never boring. Anguirus had always someone to talk to, and on the rare occasion he didn’t, he entertained himself with the sights of the earth or the respite of comfort from his own mind. Memories of pain and hardship; deep injuries and wounds – all weren’t forgotten, but considerably overwhelmed by the peace.

But Anguirus wasn’t ignorant, he knew he and the others on the island were part of the few that could actually experience some semblance of peace. The war still raged on, mountains had become rubble and lands had become desolate wastelands. He knew of others as lucky as he was to have been able to escape to other lands that shielded them from the battles, and he knew of others who were not. It was always that inescapable fact that haunted not just Anguirus, but everyone. There was always a tense air everyday and an uncertainty of the future. He had always found it noble that Godzilla and Mothra would frequently leave the haven the island had granted in favour of fighting and bloodshed.

One day, Anguirus had begged Mothra to stay. He hadn’t known why that day specifically, nor why he was so desperate for her to grant his request. However, her only response was a consoling smile, a grateful thank you, and simple words before she took flight,

But, to ensure you and the others will be able to experience this peace again and again – for all of our fellow kin – I have to fight.

Seeing you all happy, that is my peace.

But the way she said it; her voice strong and prideful. She spoke as if those words had not only come from her heart, but from someone else's as well. And, when the young Titan had finally realised, the haunting guilt of not being able to have expressed his gratitude towards the Prince – despite a great deal of time passing – weighed on the young Titan immensely.

That was why it was so surprising for Anguirus to have been approached by Godzilla on that day. He had always thought he would be the one to eventually gain the confidence – or more so, the chance – to actually speak with the Prince, so much so he had planned out many words within his minds on what to say and how to convey how genuine they were. Of course, all of that had been rendered useless when Godzilla had said those first words. It was just Anguirus and Godzilla; that question burning within their minds.

“I…” Anguirus started, his mind a haze whilst his spikes upon his plated back shook along with Godzilla’s scales.

As he said this, however, he could have sworn Godzilla’s eyes had flashed with small sadness.

It was short, but told Anguirus everything. How could he have been so blind? In all honesty, he was surprised he hadn’t realised sooner. He realised the other connotations his hesitance to speak to the Prince – even approach him for that matter – and inwardly chastised himself for being so clueless. He was about to speak; to finally give the mighty prince the words he had wanted to tell him ever since he had found the solace of the island. But words from days of the past, without any warning, abruptly came to him. And, they echoed within his minds, reminding him of the invincible Prince’s certain vulnerability.

“…My Prince.” Anguirus called out softly, his golden eyes adorned with consolation, looking into the eyes of the mighty Titan for what felt like the first time.

Godzilla gave no response, he only raised his head higher to meet with Anguirus. He, the Prince of the Monsters, had no real problem conversing with others – at least, in a more formal and serious tone. But, aside from his first statement, his words had be rendered useless. He secretly hoped for a specific answer the young Titan may give him, but knew he had no right to answer for him. Patiently, with the same stoic expression, he waited for the young Titan’s answer.

“Your are nervous… aren’t you?”

Godzilla recoiled back in shock and Anguirus flinched slightly. He hadn’t meant to say that. But, seeing that small weakness within the Prince’s shining eyes, he instinctively asked. And it wasn’t like Anguirus wanted to take that back. He, too, had started to become slightly anxious when he saw the surprised look Godzilla had given him, but he stayed firm, allowing the Prince to take time to reflect on his statement.

But it was Anguirus’ turn to be surprised. For as quickly as the shock took him, Godzilla had already recollected himself to his usual state. But something had changed. A small smile – the most miniscule of ones but one nonetheless – formed upon his rigid face. To Anguirus, it felt almost… odd? But not out of place, and especially comforting. Silently, Godzilla returned to Anguirus eyes, breathing out what seemed to be a sigh of relief and spoke again in his low, rumbling voice.

“Mosura told you, didn’t she?” The Prince asked, his very voice vibrating throughout Anguirus’ whole body.

“Please don’t be upset with her!” Anguirus suddenly pleaded, his head bowed in apology.

Godzilla gave out a laugh. Deep in tone but, much like his smile, comforting. “No. I’m not.” He quickly glanced to the side, his golden eyes suddenly recollecting something. “…I could never be.”. Already, it seemed the young Titan had calmed down, breathing his own sigh of relief.

But the young Titan could only continue to stare at the mighty Prince in front of him, no longer in his surprised state as before, but still remaining in silent contemplation of what else to say. This was the very first time he had seen the Prince like this – comfortable and at ease with others of his kin. A small smile; a rumbling laugh, Anguirus knew not how to respond, only knowing he should give the grace of allowing the Titan he admired the most to remain within his comforting state for as long as possible, fearing any words may break it.

But Anguirus could tell Godzilla still awaited his answer. With the way his rigid scales tightened and the smile he wore slowly faded into the blackness, Anguirus knew a certain fear still plagued his mind.

“Please don’t worry, my Prince. You don’t make me feel uncomfortable.” Anguirus said softly, his golden eyes reflecting off the Prince’s very own as looked towards him.

Anguirus hadn’t noticed it before, but Godzilla’s sharp dorsal spines flickered and had always been flickering an erratic, dark blue colour. But after he spoke, it had almost instantly began to fade into a serene cyan that had never ceased it’s almost warm glow. Coincidently, Anguirus felt a small brush of wind against the spines on his back when Godzilla had breathed a sigh into the world, almost as if the earth breathed relief with him. Godzilla’s expression became it’s usually one before giving a small nod towards Anguirus.

Anguirus looked up towards the Prince’s golden eyes, seeing his own eyes within their reflection. But instead of leaving, Godzilla remained still where he was, patiently waiting – his rigid face as unreadable as the distant, calm ocean. It was only then did Anguirus realise the Prince was waiting for him. And, much like Mothra, he had seen right through the young Titan.

Clenching his maw and tightening his limbs, Anguirus’ horned head fell close to the sand. “But also!” He suddenly cried out, a slight embarrassment in his voice, unable to look the powerful Titan in the eye. “Please, forgive me for my actions! I hadn’t meant for it to come out the way it is. In truth, I have so much I want to tell you, so much I want to thank you for. But, you seem to be here for only a moment. And, still, within that moment, I can’t seem to approach you for fear my words are not enough.”

The young Titan gritted his teeth, and finally found the courage to look at him eye to eye. “If it would be fine, I would like to talk with-”

Anguirus immediately stopped his words when he felt the tough of the Prince’s great, rigid claws atop his horned head. He could see the black Titan crunched downwards, an odd amusement but still that sense of softness present within the strong gold of his eyes. His claw, clement yet firm, gave an unexpected amount of warmness whilst his maw opened up to reveal the tiniest of smiles once more.

“I-I don’t need to hear much else, Anguirus.” Godzilla grumbled gently, his dorsal plates lit with an even stranger colour of pink. The Prince had thought he had gotten used to such praise and admiration ever since his partnership, but that seemed to only stem from Mothra.

Now, it felt like he was back at square one.

“In truth…” The Prince began, unable to hide his bashfulness as he avoided Anguirus’ watchful stare. “…I, too, would like to be able to converse with you more. Especially if it meant I could confirm your own well-being as well as the other’s.”

Godzilla came slightly closer, his eyes and rigid head now bearing seriousness, Anguirus noticed, a seriousness that comically contrasted with the pink glow that was still illuminating from him. “Is… that something… you…would like, Anguirus?”

By now all thought of worry and confusion had left the young Titan’s mind, instead replaced with shock, joy and a copious amount of excitement. So much so, however, Anguirus had found once again his words would fail him, for his soft voice seemed unable to say much else in response. Unknowingly, all he could muster up was the twisting of his foot into the side whilst his horned head gave a quick but clear nod.

What snapped Anguirus out of it was when he noticed the Prince scales flinch slightly. Only then did his mind catch up with his body.

Wait! I mean…

“I-I…” Anguirus exclaimed, flustered, looking away from the Prince in a feign attempt to recollect himself and reorganise his words. Immediately, the young Titan felt guilty for responding to the Prince’s meaningful and powerful words with a simple nod of the head. He was about to say more, when he realised the Prince had gotten up to his full height whilst his once gentle claws twitched and flexed in a shamed manner.

“I-I’m sorry. I’m not very good at this.” Godzilla admitted, his face demonstrating to Anguirus he wanted to roar his awkwardness away, yet unable to for fear it would just exacerbate the situation.

But Anguirus only gave a light laughing response as he stumbled a very short distance towards the Prince. Lightly, he pressed his head against one of the Prince’s claw, immediately getting his attention, and pulled away. For some reason, at least for the moment, Anguirus could no longer feel the pain within his body nor confusion nor excitement. Instead, he felt a familiarity within his heart.

“It’s a start.” Anguirus said, looking up towards the Prince, his dull teeth flashing as he smiled. “And a good one, at that.”

Godzilla relaxed his body once more, looking back down towards the young Titan, his smile unafraid and spread wide. For him, too, embarrassment left him in favour of a sense of… something. He never could explain it; he suspected not even Mothra could. But he felt like how he usually was with Mothra, and it gave the powerful Titan so much joy his dorsal plates ebbed away from pink and shone a jovially blue.

“Again… if you would like it, Anguirus…” Godzilla began again, this time being met with a ready smile from Anguirus, in turn, making the Prince confident with what he had to say. “I… I would like you to call me…”

“Gojira.”

Anguirus felt no hesitation as the sun shining on the island brightened up the water even more.

“Of course.”

It became a routine of sorts for the Prince and the young Titan, now. Once Godzilla and Mothra would return from their ventures from the vast world, he and Anguirus would find some time – whether that be short or long – to talk. Anguirus would always start off by indulging the Prince of what had been going on within the island and how he and the other Titans were fairing when they were left on their own. In return, Godzilla had begun extremely simple and safe training for the young Titan, priming his body so as simple movement of his legs, tail or head, would soon become easy and painless. At one point, Godzilla began training Anguirus for basic combat – something Anguirus agreed to with, strangely enough, with barely any hesitation, surprising Godzilla. Even so, once they were found out by Mothra, she immediately went onto a stern lecturing of how Anguirus was yet to be ready for such strain and how his body needs proper time to heal – the most basic of lecturing, but one that span for a decent amount of time.

But once all the priorities were out of the way, to both the Kaiju’s enjoyment, they quickly got to talking about their own lives or whatever seemed to peak their interest at that time. Anguirus took care in not prying too much within Godzilla’s life, but found Godzilla would occasionally open up to him about it anyway, surprising the young Titan. He didn’t evaluate much nor speak for that long about himself, but to Anguirus, it was nice hearing Godzilla’s rough voice become so soft when speaking to him. Anguirus never asked any question’s about the Prince’s personal life, and though they had begun to grow closer to each other, Anguirus knew immediately Godzilla had wanted to keep it that way. But, even still, Anguirus was grateful Godzilla was just sharing with him anything he wanted to.

Anguirus had only asked a handful of questions in their times talking amongst each other. At one point, Anguirus had gotten curious once again and asked what the name ‘Goji’ meant. And, to an even greater surprised, Godzilla’s response was… similar to Mothra’s when Anguirus had asked about the name to her a while back. Another time, Anguirus asked Godzilla if he had any other friends beside from Mothra. The Prince immediately looked back at the young Titan with shock, and misunderstanding it, Anguirus profusely apologised for how insulting it sounded. But Godzilla took no offence, nor did he really notice.

“Of course, there is you.”

The comment caught Anguirus of guard and, gingerly, the spiked Titan thanked the Prince. But, after he watched Godzilla continue on thinking for a while longer, Anguirus was surprised to see the Prince’s maw clench up with slight irritation, with soft growls – none hostile, though – come from him. Even so, it was clear the softness and kinship within his eyes betrayed any annoyance he had.

“And, I suppose there is one more. A winged one so… annoying…”

But, for the first time, Anguirus saw a smirk come out of the powerful Titan.

“…you just can’t help but be attracted to it.”

Anguirus had pondered the rest of that day what the Prince’s words actually meant, and how this apparent winged Titan could even bear to live within flame and fire.

However, there was an abundance of things rarely brought up between the two. Godzilla, upon returning from harsh battles or dangerous fights never brought light to the subject when conversing with Anguirus. Nor did the young Titan ever dare ask the Prince what it was like fighting in the war. Frequently – too frequently – did Godzilla come back littered with scars deadly enough to pierce through his thick hide; their multitude against his scales making Anguirus fear what had enough power to inflict them and what kind of pain they brought. But his wounds never seemed to truly hurt Godzilla, and Anguirus knew Mothra was always there to tend to any wounds he may have had – including her own.

It was always Anguirus who dominated most of their conversations, being the first one to bring the topic of their personal life. But, even when Anguirus continued to open up to the Prince, Godzilla couldn’t bare to ask about anything else Anguirus didn’t tell him about. On far too many occasions did Anguirus realise he had been talking about the life he used to live and the family he once had for too long and, as consequence, found he could speak no more words. Afterwards, he and Godzilla could only remain in silence, a simple and consoling brush of the powerful Titan’s scaled tail against his spiked hide enough to comfort Anguirus within this silence. And, Godzilla too, found solace within Anguirus’ own presence.

They had found this silence once again one day but revelled within it’s serenity and warmth. Looking out into the vast ocean, watching the waves calmly sweep across its surface, Anguirus silently laughed to himself. He couldn’t image, for what seemed like moments ago, did his own and Godzilla’s awkwardness and misunderstanding of things pry them apart for a while. Now, it felt like they had known each other since birth. Now, they didn’t even need to talk with each other, just simply reminiscing upon the beach of the island gave them the comfort they needed with each other.

At one point, Mothra came into view, slowly but elegantly flying across the beach to indulge herself with any priorities she had. She never did join Godzilla and Anguirus’ little sessions with each other, in fact, she outright encouraged Godzilla to spend more time with the other Titans by himself. Anguirus remembered Godzilla telling Mothra’s reaction to his sudden desire to speak with him by himself, and couldn’t help but laugh at how it sounded like Mothra was immensely congratulating Godzilla as if he was her own hatchling who just learned how to fly.

Anguirus promptly stopped himself from laughing after remembering that story as he noticed Mothra stop flight and notice the two of them. With a smile as bright as any star within the night sky, she courteously bowed to them. In return, Anguirus gave a smile back and bowed his horned head, knowing Godzilla was doing the same as he. With brightened, sapphire eyes and a light squeak to say her goodbye’s, Mothra continued on her way, a light spring apparent with every beat of her magnificent wings, disappearing across the island.

“She must be an amazing partner, wouldn’t you say, Gojira?” Anguirus jovially said, turning towards the powerful Titan.

But the young Titan was troubled to find Godzilla didn’t share in his excitement. In fact, he seemed distressed and anxious, an unnerving thing now since Anguirus was so used to seeing his calm and relaxed state whenever they were together.

“O-Oh! Of course, I-I’m sure you’re just as an amazing partner for her!” Anguirus quickly added on, not liking how familiar the awkward situation felt like.

Again, Godzilla did not reply. Quickly, Anguirus took a closer glance to the Prince, immediately noticing how his gold eyes were lost in thought and conflicted; how his whole presence emanated… sadness, guilt and regret? Anguirus physically recoiled when he sensed the emotions come from Godzilla. It would have to break their unspoken rule with each other, but Anguirus never considered that. Instinctively, he called out towards the Prince.

“Gojira… are you alright?” Anguirus gently asked, moving closer to him.

Immediately, his soft voice snapped Godzilla out of his trance and caused the powerful Titan’s great head to shake as to compose himself. Anguirus sighed a breathe of relief and patiently awaited the Prince’s answer. But Godzilla still couldn’t bare to look the young Titan in the eye. Instead, he continued to stare towards the sand, his mind still conflicted – whatever it was, Anguirus still didn’t know. Godzilla began to grit his teeth and clench his claws, now becoming irritated with his own indecision. It was something Anguirus, again, noticed and was about to call out to him again.

But Godzilla’s eyes softened soon after, recollecting himself. Anguirus, again, was relieved, but still sensed the immanent sadness and guilt come from him. Godzilla took one glance at Anguirus and saw the young Titan sitting readily across from him, calmly waiting for him. Gold reflecting off gold, Anguirus gave the Prince a determined look, remaining silent and still.

You can tell him.

He can help you.

He is…

…your friend.

“Anguirus…” Godzilla finally spoke, returning his eyes towards the ground.

“…How much… do you know… of Mosura?”

…Know of… Mosura?

The question intrigued Anguirus heavily, for he didn’t know how to answer. On a number of occasions, yes, he and Mothra would talk for long periods on whatever they had on their mind. Much like Godzilla, Mothra came to enjoy Anguirus’ company – going so far as to become slightly dependent on it so as to ease her mind from troubles and worry. She had shared many wisdom and advice with the young Titan; she valued things such as friendship, love… even hope for peace with every single living creature on the earth – no matter their conflict with each other – as much as he did. She was intelligent and collected as she was fierce and fearless in battle. She always sought to end things peacefully rather than end in bloodshed.

And she would shed tears for enemies when she had to inevitable resort to killing.

To Anguirus, Mothra seemed perfect – like a Goddess that calmed any storm, whether that be of earth or of mind. But, he knew she had ever right to not tell him of every single bit of her personal life. Of course, she shared much more of that to Anguirus than Godzilla did to him, but he could tell there were certain things best kept to Mothra, herself. Even someone like her, Anguirus figured, had limits.

Even so, Anguirus could only smile as he answered. “In truth, Gojira, I don’t really know her like you do,” The young Titan spoke. “But, I know she’s strong, in a lot of ways.”

Anguirus looked towards the Prince with a smile, “You think her stronger than you.”

But an awkward silence once again soon followed, Godzilla’s face seemingly stuck looking towards the ground. Anguirus’ smile slowly faded as the awkwardness grew. Anguirus could only continue staring blankly at the Prince, his legs starting to tremble from the tension. Much to the young Titan’s embarrassment, he could actually hear his spikes upon his back rattle slightly. A million thoughts began pounding within the poor Titan’s mind.

Was my answer not good enough?

Did I miss some other meaning behind Gojira’s words??

Did he want me to find something out about Mosura???

Oh, I thought we were getting the hang of this!

“Anguirus…” Godzilla called out, his voice deep and echoing.

“I-Yes!” Anguirus immediately responded, his whole body stiffening as he was brought back to reality, but the warmness within his face still present as he realised he had yelped before he said anything.

Strangely enough, it was Anguirus’ yelp that snapped the Prince out of his daze and look towards him. A pinkish glow began to emit from Godzilla’s dorsal plates, the situation he had inadvertently caused just now reaching him. Anguirus stopped his anxiousness and relaxed his body, understanding the situation and patiently waited for Godzilla.

“I-I’m sorry,” Godzilla finally said, bowing his head in apology, the pink glow only getting stronger. “I didn’t mean to…”

Godzilla gave a soft sigh, and decided to start over again. “Anguirus… what I meant to say was…” Godzilla began again, his voice softer now as Anguirus keenly listened. “How much… do you know of Mosura’s… powers?”

With the way the Prince had said it, it was almost as if he was the one who had been a bother to Mothra, which is why it made Anguirus even more confused and stunned then he already was. The young Titan looked hard into Godzilla, hoping to prevent another painfully awkward moment.

“Only as much as you have told me before.” Anguirus responded quite quickly, desperately trying to piece together what else he should say.

Godzilla gave a breathe of air, and Anguirus noted that – whilst he seemed to expect that answer – he seemed unsatisfied and still very much conflicted. The Prince looked away from the young Titan, deliberating something Anguirus couldn’t quite understand. Anguirus, at first, was about to ask more. But the tense atmosphere created sealed his mouth shut. Instead, he took to the solace of his mind and began to contemplate the question – contemplate Mothra as well as her other-wordly powers.

With his kind being mostly isolated from the rest of the earth, it was understandable that Anguirus hadn’t had much idea of his fellow Titans. As such, it was only through the others on the island as well as Mothra and Godzilla did he learn of the other’s abilities, strengths – even weaknesses. But, he rarely questioned Mothra’s own powers. As strong, powerful and otherwise unexplainable as they were, it just seemed… right… for someone like Mothra to have such powers, Anguirus thought anyway.

Mothra told him once that, relative to the other Titan species, her kind were a lot less in their numbers. She recalled, if they had been at peace rather than at war, sightings with her kind would have been much less frequent – more like a rare sight. But it was Godzilla who told Anguirus those of her kind born with powers such as Mothra’s are even more rare that what it would have been like if the Titans lived within a time of peace.

Mothra’s rare powers was a huge part in the many reasons why she had been partnered with Godzilla. It was natural for the relationship between Godzilla’s and Mothra’s species, as such. The stronger the Gojira, the stronger the Divine Moth he would be partnered with. And to be partnered with the future King, the Divine Moth would have to be the strongest there was – most especially morally wise; the most powerful of will power.

For, if one had such powers, if a Divine Moth’s fate was to be born a female with such powers, it would mean they had access to the ability that defied even the natural order itself; the very balance of earth. Godzilla’s species were powerful, but their entire species’ strength combined couldn’t compete with such a power. Not one living thing on earth – within the vast universe could compete with it. Every living thing on earth all shared the same weakness, but a rare few Divine Moths had been born to overcome such weakness. To protect their Gojira from this weakness, it was expected she would give her own life for him…

“And be reborn from death…”

Anguirus hadn’t meant for his thoughts to come out of him – spoken. But his own voice snapped the young Titan out of his memories and into the present. Immediately, he turned over towards the Prince, his heart quickening as presumptions – horrible and frightening – came forwards within the young Titan’s mind. His golden eyes widened as realisation overtook him. The spines on his back seemed to shake. He refused to believe it, but knew almost instantly that it was true.

“M-Mosura,” Anguirus softly quivered, as if her name could have easily been lost the moment he said it. “S-She’s… already…”

“Yes.” Godzilla immediately replied, his voice the lowest Anguirus had ever heard it, as well as the most forlorn and miserable.

Godzilla still kept his gaze towards the ground, looking almost shamed for confirming Anguirus’ suspicions. The Prince’s answer felt surreal to the young Titan, as if the world itself rejected the idea that such a thing could ever have happened. Just how much had Mothra been suffering?

How much had the both of them been suffering?

“W-Why… did you think it best to tell me, Gojira?” Anguirus finally asked, wanting to permanently break this torturing silence for good.

“Because…” The Prince replied, now looking back at his friend, a desperate and frustrated look within his piercing eyes. “I want to know…”

The Prince paused for a moment, suddenly breathless and shaking. Worriedly, he looked into Anguirus’ eyes, expecting the young Titan to recoil from his sudden outburst. But Anguirus did not. Upon the sand, he sat patiently, he eyes littered with concern, focusing all his efforts to try and quell the trembling heart of the powerful and fierce Titan in front of him. He took in every word and never faltered. And whilst he waited, unbeknownst to even him, Anguirus’ concerned eyes urged the Prince to tell him, for fear he would eventually come to regret it should he remain silent.

He seemed so much like her, Godzilla had thought. So, after taking a rumbling breathe, he asked the question Godzilla had always wanted to ask Anguirus the moment they had become friends.

“How can I redeem my failure to her, Anguirus?”

Godzilla’s voice broke silently, but he – nor his pride – did not care. Angrily, his claws gripped the sand as his body flared and tensed. Soft growls emitted from his maw as he retreated back to his gaze towards the ground. Godzilla didn’t even know what to think of the situation anymore. Whilst he finally felt relieved he could tell a soul about his problems – most especially one like Anguirus’ – the memory of Mosura’s demise began to haunt him again, her trembling voice within that moment echoing within his mind. Shamed, Godzilla found he had no more strength to lift his great head.

“I finally lost myself to the violence, to the fighting and… to my own wrath.” He continued, his voice vibrating only the gentle winds between them. “I fought a powerful foe, controlled by my urge to fight, without her help. I struggled and bled – at times, I thought I was going to die. But she came to my aid when I needed her the most, a thing she had always done, even out of fights.” It began to sting even deeper, the collapsing of his deep voice as taboo as the thing they discussed. “She blamed herself for her lateness and for the injuries I had endured. But… it was my own fault.”

“And… when I saw her… fall…” Godzilla abruptly stopped, but the young Titan wasn’t surprised. He, as well, didn’t want to hear it. Godzilla shook his head, the gold shining and glistening, his teeth bared through pain and sadness.

“Before she faded away… I don’t even know… if I was able to quell her fear.”

For as soft as the Prince’s voice was, his words seemed to echo endlessly. Godzilla’s glow of blue had vanished completely a while ago, shading the mighty Titan within a darker concealment. Again, silence filled the air. But it wasn’t tense or worrying or confusing. Its sadness was heavy and depressing, and Godzilla could feel it bear painfully upon his spine. Taking a moment to collect himself, however, Godzilla couldn’t help but feel even more guilty, believing he had burdened Anguirus to much.

But the Prince felt a warmth upon his crown, familiar with its comfort and kindness. Looking forward, his head still hung low, Godzilla could see Anguirus’ own horned head pressed gently against his, smiling a sad but consoling smile, his own golden eyes shining and glistening as well.

Pulling away after a short while, Anguirus rested his hide back onto the beach, a gentle but relaxed breathe exhaling from him. Godzilla did the same, unsure but intrigued with the young Titan. Anguirus shifted closer to the Titan, hesitating at first, before pressing his side against Godzilla’s rough scales, continuing to look forward. Knowing the Prince had no objections, and swearing he heard what seemed to be a content and deep rumble from Godzilla, the young Titan kept his position.

“…Gojira?” Anguirus called out to his friend, his voice light yet firm. Godzilla gave a calmed snort in response, unsure what to think. And the young Titan indulged him with his memory.

…One day, I saw Mosura all by herself.

She seemed to be reminiscing on something, so I found it best to not approach her. I… think I begun staring? Because she noticed me after a while and asked if I wanted to join her.

We sat together for a while, quietly, but I just couldn’t shake the feeling that some sort of sadness was within her heart. She had those familiar eyes, the same one’s I saw with the others when I first arrived here. And… within myself. I know it wasn’t my place but, I ended up asking her what was captivating her mind so much. It was a guess, but I suppose I was right, because she was surprised after I asked her.

She mentioned… she was thinking about a moment in the war where she… was the most frightened and helpless she had ever been. How it had scarred her for a long time. How it felt like she was losing herself and her very will.

I… now know what she meant by that.

But, despite telling me this, she then smiled. And she glowed such a serene colour. She looked like the brightest and most beautiful being to ever roam this world.

She said that, whilst it was the darkest point in her life, it had opened up a new light within her life.

You spoke to her. Whilst she was… fading. You told her something. It’s not my right to ask what it was, but…

I already know they hold a dear place within her heart, Gojira.

A light crash of waves against the sand rippled as Anguirus concluded, his gaze now turning to the Prince. “Were they true?” Anguirus asked quietly.

The young Titan saw no change within Godzilla, for the mighty Titan was deep in thought. But the serene colour of blue returned to his plates, coursing through the cracks within his scales, pulsing melodically, as his own words from that time coursed through his mind.

“The truest I have ever spoken.” Godzilla replied, his gruff voice firm and poised.

“Even though she went through… that.” Anguirus continued, keeping his confident gaze on the Titan. “She was able to come out stronger and move forwards. I truly don’t believe she ever once even thought what had happened was your fault. Because… I believe you have given rise to something within her.”

Godzilla snapped out of his aloof state and stared back towards Anguirus. “What do you think that would be?” He quickly asked, his great head tilting in a curious but interested manner as he leant in closer.

Anguirus thought for a bit, then smiled. His smile soon turned to a light laugh as he thought of his answer. Godzilla gave a confused look, genuinely interested. But Anguirus only shook his horned head, concluding it may not be best to answer.

“Only Mosura knows.” The young Titan replied, a knowing glint flashing within his eyes.

Godzilla nodded his head in agreement but then suddenly shook it, still unable to completely escape his frustration. “But, regardless! I am still to blame for her d-”

“If you want to make it up to her, I think it would be best if you don’t wallow in the darkness of it.” Anguirus interrupted, now unfazed and determined. “If you continue to do so, it would only upset Mosura. To redeem yourself to her, follow forward with her, with a care even stronger than before.”

“It is difficult. And, you can lose yourself to its darkness easily. But, you don’t have to face it by yourself. She’s there for you – she will always be there for you. It’s why she’s moved forward, so both of you can focus on each other, as you are now.”

“And… you care for her deeply, too. So, move forward, together, for her and you own sakes”

The young Titan flashed a toothy smile, “It’s what partners do, after all.”

For a while, Godzilla could only look at the young Titan with amazement, silently. There he was, smiling – carefree, almost – but with a confident and heartfelt expression that had the power to quell his heart. He only knew of one other being capable of such a thing. So, silently, the two sat there, Anguirus’ gaze eventually falling back towards the ocean, retaining his grin, whilst Godzilla kept his gaze on him.

Godzilla looked at him and realised the young Titan was not just talking from the heart, but from experience as well.

Stillness between them returned, but this time, it was tranquil. Anguirus breathed out a sigh of relief, knowing his friend had considered his words carefully. But his head perked up when, beside him, a rumbling chuckle resonated between the two. He turned again to see Godzilla had finally found his breathe, and adorned a small yet pleasant smile.

“So young, but already so wise. You’re a lot more like her than you think, Anguirus.” Godzilla spoke, his eyes flashing with sincerity.

“Oh. T-Thanks." Anguirus replied, taken back a bit, feeling unworthy to be complimented in that regard.

Godzilla laughed again, its rumbling more hearty, and allowed his tense and stressed body to finally give in and ease itself. “Thank you, Anguirus.” He whispered.

Anguirus, for a moment, remained captivated by Godzilla expression, thinking to himself how this was the most emotional he had ever seen the Prince and probably the only time. But he quickly shook his horned head, chuckled softly to himself, and nudged the hide of the great Titan with his side.

“Your welcome.”

Godzilla smiled back, and returned with a nudge of his own, a bit stronger. Anguirus nudged back, even stronger. Both went back to laughter.

Silently, her thin but graceful claws trekked across the cave floor, the night being so quiet even her gentle steps seemed to echo. Her blue eyes pierced through the darkness, their glow slightly brighter than her very wings, given she didn’t want to wake him too soon.

She had done this for a few nights now, but she never quite got rid of her nervousness and even embarrassment, strangely enough. That day had turned the respite of drifting to sleep into something so frightening for her, she just couldn’t help but seek someone else’s comfort. To know they were real. To know she would open her eyes after drifting to slumber. When the day was over; whenever she thought she’d be fine sleeping by herself, it always seemed that her judgement was wrong and that she’d have to retreat towards his comfort once again.

Even still, it’s not like she was complaining about it. It was actually her preference.

Abruptly, the echoing of her steps ceased as she silently stood next to the slumbering figures resting head. Despite his intimidating size and dark figure, she found the breathes he’d take within his sleep were oddly soothing. After a while of deliberation, she mustered up the courage and gave the lightest of shrills, somehow still finding a way to echo through the cave.

What seemed like instantly, the figure’s great head lifted and his eyes opened, flashing a calm blue along with his dorsal plates to light the darkness. His keen eyes weren’t surprised, but rather, concerned as his gaze met hers, recognising the important need for his awakening. He purred softly, hoping it would suffice as he couldn’t really offer much words of comfort. She squeaked back, averting her gaze from him and rubbed her two frontal limbs together, finding she could offer no words either.

Her furred antennae suddenly shook and she looked back towards him, watching him adjust himself, slowly and carefully. As quick as he woke, he stopped his movement, now showing a clear space next to him. He gestured for her to come to him, and at once her crystal eyes widened as she couldn’t restrain her glow. She gave off a shrill, louder and more jovial than before, and cuddled herself next to him, tucking in her wings beside her furred body, watching the light within the cave diminish in its brightness, before indulging her head against the comfort of his scales.

Quietly, he laughed, charmed and content, as his great tail glided against the floor and placed itself against her body, acting off muscle memory. He continued to gaze at her, then pressed his snout against her head buried deep against him. Pleasantly surprised, she removed her head from his body, before it turned to genuine surprise as she realised how suddenly close his head was to hers, and her own beak was to his maw.

“…Mosura?” Godzilla called out, his voice immensely strong despite its quietness.

“Yes, Gojira?” Mothra quickly answered, quickly enamoured by his golden eyes.

“Thank you, for a being a light within my life.” He stated, his tail curling around them even more, never once looking away from her. “And know, if you move forward, I’ll follow your light, and move forward with you.”

Silently stunned for a moment, her fear of the night had all been forgotten. And before she could realise it, her claw had already begun to caress against the Titan’s snout, her blue light widening with her smile.

“I-I’m glad.” She finally exclaimed, her flustered but joyous expression and his calm but strengthened demeanour clearly visible now to the both of them.

“...And, Gojira?” She whispered.

“Yes, Mosura?”

“Thank you… for letting me be your light.”

Chapter Text

Anguirus looked at his Kaiju companion, giving her a toothy grin and bowing towards her. The spines on his plated back trembled in excitement for her, but even she noticed the melancholic shine from within his golden eyes. Even so, she said nothing about it and gave her own bow back.

“I’m going to miss you, Scylla.” Anguirus said.

Many more months had past by, and the strength within the young Titan’s muscles had grown stronger by each passing day. The sturdiness within his body and vigour of his scaled skin had nearly returned, and Anguirus couldn’t wait until the day his once weakened and broken body would soon be back to its full strength. But as his strength grew more and more, so too did the welfare of his other companions upon the island. They had never thought about it much – maybe that was for the better – but a place like that could never truly be a permanent home.

The mountain Titan Methuselah was the first to leave, soon followed by the tusked Titan Behemoth. Both had said their goodbyes, but never really mentioned their destinations. They had gone to rest for a long, long time. Now, all that were left on their little piece of land was Anguirus and an estranged Titan named Scylla. Making a, frankly, strange pair of Titans. But a pair that had kept each others company, nevertheless.

Scylla took a fleeting glance to the ocean behind her, reminiscing on her days on the island. She was a unique Titan of sorts. She walked on six sharpened and sterned legs, with a body and face similar to that of an ancient mollusc. She knew, even by the unconventional and vastly different physical aesthetic standards all Titans hold (each different species had their own unique standards, after all) she wasn’t the most pleasing to look at. Yet even still, despite her limitations, she could never say goodbye to her once long-time companion on the island without at the very least trying her absolute best to smile back at him.

“I too, Anguirus.” she trilled. Similar to Mothra, her voice squeaked and chittered, but was distinct enough to separate itself as its own unique call from the moth-like Titan’s own. “It’s been my absolute pleasure to have gotten to meet and know you.”

Scylla paused for a moment, realised her phrasing of things, and quickly corrected herself.. “And the others, of… course…” she quickly responded.

It got a good chuckle out of the spiked Titan. Scylla was a Titan similar to Godzilla, in a sense, in terms of socialising. She talked little. And when she did, she was abrupt and quick, often not acknowledging a deeper meaning behind her words. So when she’d occasionally show a bit more than her usual stoicism – and sometimes even comically stumble her words – it always got a laugh from Anguirus.

Though a slight worry crossed his horned face. “But… are you sure you want to return there?”

“You mean those frozen wastelands?” Scylla chittered softly.

The spiked Titan nodded, a mixture of curiosity and anxiousness washing over him. When he began acquainting himself with Scylla so long ago, she described to him what had led her to come across the lands of bitter ice and frozen air. It was a simple explanation really, but one that forever changed Scylla’s life. The war upon the surface on the earth had grown thrice-fold compared to the beginning, escalating in more lands being razed. The reason of this sudden growth mostly attributed to one particular species of Titan. A parasitic Titan, of sleek grey colours and thin, glowing red eyes. They were infamous for spawning multiple broods of hatchlings that could easily overwhelm others. And even more infamous for seeing the species of the very Alpha of the Titans as the prey they would use to house their brood – their abhorrent offspring using the host’s radiation reserves as fuel and food.

The females were large – almost coming as close to the size of the males of the Alpha’s species – whilst the males were smaller, but winged and extremely agile in the air. Alone, each posed a manageable threat. But mated pairs together were a force to be reckoned with. A problem made immensely stronger when their sheer numbers began to grow. With this mass increase, each parasitic pair looked for more areas to house their clutches in radiation filled pockets of land. One of them was where Scylla had taken rest, her home.

She had fought fiercely, determined to not be felled by those Titans. She had never fought that hard in her life, and most probably never will again. From the way she recalled the story to Anguirus that day, he could feel the conviction and sheer desperation within her words. He wanted to ask why, but soon found himself answered.

So it was Scylla found herself driven away from her home. One she intended to have been the small beginnings for a nest. For, in a cruel twist of fate, Scylla lost her own mate in the battle against a mated pair of those parasitic Titans. One, she had become mated with for only such a short time.

With nowhere else to go, distraught and unable to think straight, it was by complete coincidence her mindless fleeing had led her to those lands engulfed in chilling blizzards. Whether it be up to chance or some other force, she knew not as fleeing to those lands were for the better. The low radiation levels and harsh climate were a perfect deterrent for a pair like those Titan parasites – whose young heavily relied on the earth’s natural radiation – to hope to successfully raise a clutch. Her next days following, however, were ones of constantly traversing with a hope she could one day return to her lands.

“-won’t be too much of a problem.” Scylla finished with a reassuring nod of her head.

Anguirus felt like he had awoken himself from a flashback. He inwardly chastised himself for two reasons of it being rude to have begun dazing, as well as not having the right to dream up a traumatic memory that wasn’t his own. Composing himself, he listened to Scylla twice as intently as before.

“I know it was a place I was forced to. But I can’t help but feel I’ve become accustomed to it.” the mollusc Titan continued, “Despite it being where I was… helpless, now I simply see it as a respite where I can live the rest of my life.”

“A solace from this condemned world.”

Anguirus groaned silently, feeling the tenseness within Scylla. But she turned back to the spiked Titan, the features on her face now resting on contentedness. Others wouldn’t have been able to decipher, but in response, Anguirus nodded his head. Suppose there really was no changing her mind. Although, a thought flickered with the mollusc Titan. And, for once, the atmosphere between the two became unfamiliar, the last time this happened only ever being the beginning days of knowing Scylla.

“To tell the truth, I would not mind a companion.” she whispered. “Having, well… it has been quite nice, is all.”

There was only one other time Anguirus had heard Scylla speak in such a vulnerable tone – when she revealed to him of her mate’s passing. Like much of their own kin, Scylla was her own hardened and fierce Kaiju, not one for expressing her own weakness of any kind. Of course, giving what she was put through, Anguirus understand. So when she spoke to him like this, instead of answering her question, it put the young Titan into a momentary shock.

Scylla quickly noticed him quietening up and so quickly turned back to face him. “I’m sure your hardened plates would be most protecting against its chilling winds.” Scylla reassured, her voice a bit louder than before. Diligently, she tapped his exterior.

With the noise snapping him out of silence, Anguirus mulled over the offer for a while longer, before eventually giving off a soft sigh. “Thank you, but it’s not really my place.” he replied, bowing his horned head in thanks to Scylla’s suggestion.

Abruptly, her expression changed. But before he could continue further, he soon noticed that she became a slight more forlorn – almost borderline fearful. Could it be she was fearful of the loneliness that may come, Anguirus thought. Before he could answer himself, Scylla’s next words cut him off.

“Anguirus, I never asked, but what exactly is your place?” she questioned, eyeing him intently.

Her eyes narrowed in seriousness, but still held something more within them. “Once you have healed, surely, you would be off to rest like the others, far away from this chaos.”

She had said it as if it were fact, but the pause it gave to Anguirus made a small pit in her stomach start to swell. “…Would you?” she quietly inquired, an unrecognisable break within her voice.

The more the spiked Titan thought about it, the more unsure he became of himself. Really, he had nowhere to go. Nothing that could beckon him towards a home. Not with… it all gone. Would he be truly satisfied by that? To have simply survived and then… nothing else? To remain the last of his kind – and leave it at that? Scylla realised her question had a much greater impact towards him than she had expected.

And then, Anguirus’ mind began to wonder towards them. The Prince and his Partner. Godzilla and Mothra. A two never really grounded to one place nor a few. But having the entire earth to protect and maintain balance. Yet, for what ever reason, they remained somewhat content. Was this contentedness all part of some distraction from all this bloodshed? Maybe a small part of it, was Anguirus thought.

“To be honest, I don’t know. I’ve been so focused on the now, I’ve never really thought about my future.” Anguirus replied, his forearms slumped in a defeated manner. Scylla summarised that was that, and didn’t blame him for being so unsure. So instead, she decided it best to change the subject.

“Well, I’ve also seen you spend a lot of time with the Prince, talking. Sometimes you fight one another. Imagine our shock to see you face against the Alpha, even with your injuries!” she began, softly chuckling towards the end. Angurius felt a bit guilty towards that last part, knowing if Mothra knew they continued behind her back, both he and Godzilla would be in for another lecture. “But as of late, I’m sure you noticed, that he and Mosura don’t come here as often as they did before. And… that you were also the last one to come here.” Scylla stumbled a bit on those last words, both Titans knowing the implications.

Slowly, Anguirus walked to her side. “I understand what you mean Scylla. But I think there’s no shame in retreating to rest. You don’t need to explain to me why you’d want to.”

“I know. I am… just thinking about you.” Scylla remarked. Then another passing presumption made its way into her thoughts, and that worry returned to her once more.

“You have grown quite attached to Gojira.” she said, an accusing tone beginning to ring its way through her words. Taken aback, Anguirus looked towards her, but her expression remained unchanged. “You… do understand you can say no to him, don’t you?”

Anguirus was still for a moment, thinking more about Scylla’s tone more than anything.“Say no… to what though?” It took all of his effort to even muster up words to reply.

Scylla took in a deep breathe, whatever breaking or solemness gone within her. “It doesn’t matter, your comment about your future had me thinking, is all.” she said, now giving a small smile. “I know there’s a place just right for you, Anguirus. One that lets you live a good life. You deserve it most, after all.”

Another comment that caught Anguirus off guard. “Oh…” Was all he could muster, before realising Scylla was now giving him a confused and concerned look. “Well, Scylla, thank you, but I really don’t think I deserve to be told that.” he quickly added.

Realising how profound her comment was, in addition with Anguirus’ bashful reaction, Scylla herself began to abandon her calmed demeanour for a more flustered one.“Ah… well…” she began, a bit of warmth in her chest. “I thought it natural to say as such.”

“Well, if that’s the case, you deserve something like that more!” Angurius retorted, “So does Gojira and Mosura and-”

“Surely not me!” Scylla interrupted, a sudden rise of fervour within her. “I mean, you’ve gone through so much compared to the rest of us! I… can’t-”

Catching on to what was beginning to happen, Anguirus then gave a gentle but playful hit to Scylla with his tail, snapping her out of her aloof state. Scylla quickly turned towards him, only to be met with a shy but genuine chuckle. Realising how silly this situation was beginning to get, Scylla couldn’t help but let off a little laugh too.

“We’ve… both been through a lot. I don’t think it’s fair to compare our own misfortunes to each other.” Anguirus said after they both calmed down.

Scylla nodded in agreement, still inwardly laughing at their back-and-forth exchange. “You know, just because we’re all going our separate ways, doesn’t mean we won’t be bound to see each other at some point or another.” Anguirus remarked.

“I suppose when you live as long as everything else that roams the lands, this world seems to get a tinnier bit smaller.” Scylla replied, echoing a small sigh, before her voice suddenly went quiet and she whispered to the ground. “I just hope I won’t have to say the same thing about its inhabitants.”

Anguirus caught onto her whispered words, but said nothing about them, “I’m sure whatever place that awaits for me will lead me back to see you all again.” he said, firmly taking his place on the ground as Scylla walked away.

“I… would like that.” Scylla said, giving one last reassuring look.

“Give my greetings to Behemoth and Methuselah if you ever see them.” Anguirus remarked, gaining a soft chuckle from her.

“I will.” she promised. She took a step forward, her limb in the water. Yet it felt the farthest away from the island she had ever been. “Take care, Anguirus.” and with that, she continued forward into the ocean. Leaving Anguirus to his lonesome.

The memory continued replaying within the young Titan’s mind as he walked forward. The enormous trees upon the island bowed down as Anguirus’ rough hide bristled past them lazily, his feet making soft imprints on the dry grass. Anguirus didn’t know how long it had been since he had last seen Scylla. Now, as the only one left on the island, counting the days since the last encounters with his past companions didn’t seem like a good use of time, even if it meant it would relieve him of some of the boredom he felt. But when boredom did eventually come, there was that thought that kept Anguirus pacing around, trying to decipher it. Scylla’s remarks before she left. A place within this world. Somewhere to go to. Somewhere to belong.

It wouldn’t be long now, he reckoned. He, too, will have to bid farewell to this temporary haven and go back into the unpredictable wild of this world. He wondered if he’d be missed by them. Godzilla and Mothra that is, for he was certain he would truly missed those Titans he became particularly acquainted with. Actually, if was a bit more than that now. At least, that’s what he reckoned. A marvel at the Prince’s strength. Shares of secrets and stories with his elegant paragon. Both gifting the young Titan wise and encouraging words. When he’d go off to continue his life, he wouldn’t be living it the same, would he? Once more would his world change, and familiarity would simply become a comfortingly distant memory.

The rustlingly of leaves and bark came to the stop, and Anguirus raised his horned head to find his wandering had led him back to the beach of the island. With a shaky sigh and wistful eyes, he continued forward. His memory of Scylla began to blend with the other memories he shared with this beach. Looking down, he began to run his flat claws along the sand, appreciating how the midday’s sun increased the golden shine of those tiny grains. Then, his eyes returned to the horizon, witnessing the rise and falls of the unsteady waves of the ocean, listening intently as they would go from trickling to crashing against one another. More memories combined, and with an annoyed groan, he heaved himself away from looking forward and shut his eyes.

Gah, you know this won’t help! he thought to himself, shaking free from his recollection.

Instead, he managed to focus himself on one memory, and let its familiarity guide his body. Heaving a breath, his eyes still closed, he formed his body into a stance. His chest lowered as his head remained locked firmly in place. His forelimbs and hind legs became taunt whilst his spiked tail poised upwards. He felt the platings on his back tighten as well as his very spines sharpen each individual point with conviction and readiness. Finally, he allowed his eyes to open, and lost himself to his instinct.

He stepped his right foot forward, but the sudden shift in weight made the young Titan stumble slightly, eliciting a groan-like roar from him. He cursed in foreign tongue, but managed to steady himself. Another breath in, another breath out. He ignored the shaking within the right forelimb.

Come on, Anguirus.

His heart quickened. That type of beating in his chest, Angurius tended to not like. Many times he felt this way, all for negative reasons. But now, this erratic pace and swift beat began to consume him entirely. His stance remained hardened and taunt once again. Roars and growls that weren’t his – vicious, bloodthirsty, savage – and were silent to the rest of the world echoed in his mind.

He advanced in short but commanding bursts, turning in whatever direction to strike but remaining grounded and unwavering. His posture widened and strengthened with every turn, making sure his claws would remain firmly planted into ground. His tail swung powerfully, hitting each mark Anguirus envisioned for himself, adapting to every movement he made, from his large and sudden jolts forward or behind, or miniscule adjustments with his claws.

His spiked backplates bashed into the open air given whatever opportunity was deemed worthy to partake in. The young Titan’s hind hardened his back legs into solid foundations for whenever he would strike using his front claws, tearing through the unsuspecting air. His entire body would push onwards, his teeth clasping on invisible enemies, tasting the sweetness of the wind. His limbs continued that difficult act of maintaining both balance and distance. Many times did Anguirus return to simply just that, circling across the sand, often waiting a long time, as if pausing patiently for his imaginary foe to make the first strike.

He made sure each attack was as powerful as he could muster. Just one connection from any strike he made, it seemed, would take the breath out of the creature unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end. A certain innate savageness resonated within Anguirus, complimented by the whistling the wind would make with each sudden assault, and the gruff grunts and growls breathed by the Titan.

Yet this non-existent foe that Anguirus continued to battle only seemed to get stronger, forcing the young Titan to unleash quicker, tighter moves. Memories deep within him came back. Visions of stabbing claws and ripping maws left phantom wounds on his hide. Roars of viciousness and snarls of death got stronger within his mind. Anguirus snarled in frustration.

A sudden sharp pain towards his right side made the young Titan jolt back and growl, making himself stop. His body deflated, he winced as he craned his neck towards where the pain was coming from. Annoyed, his sighed, but soon give a light nod of approval to himself. Even he, who once viewed himself as having not much interest in this sort of thing, recognised his steady growing strength.

For what little it matters, he thought.

But he dared to take pride in himself. And dared greater when the thought of just how well he’d fair against the future King in a proper bout, crossed his mind.

A sudden cry quickly rattled the spiked Titan out of his thoughts. Anguirus looked up, only to see something up in the sky, a fair distance away from him. It appeared to be circling above the island, seemingly looking for something. Even from how high up this creature was, Anguirus could hear the great flaps of its wings. He even began to feel the pressure of the winds it created reach him. Fairly struggling against the torrent of air, Anguirus tried his best to peer closer at this creature. He couldn’t get a good view, with it basked in sunlight. But it wasn’t just that. Something on the creatures body made it more obscure in the sunlight.

Is it glowing? Anguirus thought, thinking to the natural glow Godzilla and especially Mothra would emit. Somewhat, but not quite. But the temperature within the air shifted drastically as the creature slowly began its decent and Anguirus’ eyes widened in realisation.

No… flames!

The young Titan’s body immediately prepared itself all on its own, taking a low but ready posture, ensuring his gaze never once left this new threat of his. There was another high pitched cry, and Anguirus reflexively bared his fangs. Even through the haze of bright sunlight, he noticed the creature turn and fixate its head on something. If it hadn’t noticed him before, it definitely noticed him now.

Before Anguirus could realise what was happening, a resounding crash through the air echoed throughout the skies. A shock-wave dispersed as the flying creature flapped its great wings, diving towards the spiked Titan at an incredible speed. With a snort of conviction, Anguirus braced himself, but the creature with flames only flew just above him, narrowly missing the spines, curving upwards a great distance behind Anguirus. He quickly turned around, ensuring this sudden foe wouldn’t leave his sight for a mere second. Honestly, if it wasn’t for how unnerving the situation seemed to be, he would be impressed at the skill this creature possessed in being able to seamlessly yet swiftly fly through the air.

But there was surely no time for that, Anguirus thought. How had this creature even known about this place? Whilst rare, there were a select few of islands soundly isolated from the rest of the earth, most of them being populated by bipedal, furred Titans. And even still, why come? If they had found about about this island, surely they’d be aware that it may inhabit the Prince of the earth himself. Does this creature dare itself to attack such a fearsome and strong foe? If so, why is it attacking him?!

Another screeching cry and echoing shock-wave soon followed. The creature engulfed in flames began barrelling down once more at Anguirus. This time, unsheathing its talons that seemingly looked like they were encrusted with burning magma itself. Anguirus once more planted himself firmly into the ground, ushering a challenging roar of his own. He shifted his position to ensure his back would take the brunt of the attack. The winged creature flapped its wings once more, swooping close to the spiked Titan, its talons primed and clawing at its target underneath.

An eery screeching followed. The creature’s talons scraped off Anguirus’ dense hide. The creature’s attack was wisely placed, being cautious that Anguirus’ spines on his back wouldn’t scrape too deeply into its legs. At once Anguirus turned his neck trying to bite back at his attacker. But before his jaws could enclose on flesh, the winged Titan pulled away from harm just in time, curving back upwards into the sky.

Still feeling the vibrations of the connection, Anguirus quickly checked over himself. Luckily, the creature’s flames only burned the rough exterior of his armoured plates, and not his own skin. But the blackened burn marks on his hide didn’t do too much to bolster the young Titan’s spirit. Either way, he had to ready himself again as he saw the winged creature circle back around and dive in for another attack.

As quick as the first attack, the winged Titan swooped down and tried once more to claw and grapple at Anguirus. This time, as its talons connected with his hide, Anguirus shifted his body weight and pushed back, repelling his attacker with great force. Snarling, he could feel his spines begin to embed themselves into the bottom of his foe’s claws. Screeching in pain, the winged creature flew back up into the sky, Anguirus once more trying and failing to get a bite in.

A snort of frustration bellowed from his nostrils. This was beginning to get tiresome. This bout wouldn’t just end if he didn’t start landing blows of his own.

I can’t keep letting it attack me like this! Anguirus internally growled to himself, I just need to throw its flight off and ground it!

He saw the creature turn on itself again, and this time, knew what he had to do. Anguirus didn’t turn fully to face his enemy. His right flank mostly faced his foe, but kept his back plates to protect himself, only craning his neck to look behind his raised tail that remained stiffened and ready. As if responding to his challenge, the creature came down at a greater speed that before, its entire body wreathed in unnaturally hot flames. Anguirus’ golden eyes sharpened, not daring to blink nor his body to flinch. He shifted his weight to his right flank, prepared to repel its attack through his plates once more, wanting to make a lethal strike of his own.

But a sudden spike of pain caused the young Titan to collapse on his right forelimb, his left forelimb and hind legs trying desperately to correct his imbalance. He groaned and snarled in a mixture of pain, frustration and panic. His eyes widened as his foe came closer with its attack.

Then Anguirus heard another sound. Something so slightly different from the other shrieks he heard during this fight. He thought he imagined it. But the creature emitted another cry. Squawk-like, dangerously conveying surprise and confusion. Because Anguirus quickly shut his eyes, bracing, he hadn’t seen what came next. The creature quickly retracted its claws, and with another great beat of its wings, barrel-rolled through the air, narrowly missing Anguirus from his side, this time. After Anguirus heard the cutting of the wind graze past him, he quickly looked up and composed himself. Small embers stained his hide, the smell of ash and volcanic rock staining his nostrils.

As quick as the winged creature came towards the ground, it had already soared into the high skies. There was a momentary shock that coursed through Anguirus, a sudden confusion wrapping itself throughout his mind. Why hadn’t the creature gone for the kill when it had the chance? Was it afraid it may have gotten caught in an attack thrown back at it? Surely not, Anguirus thought. His stumble made him immediately vulnerable. Was it simply toying with its prey? Anguirus grimaced at the thought.

Another cry from above, this time harsher. Anguirus’ eyes darted back towards the sky, seeing the looming creature circle above the island, faster and faster, preparing its next strike. The spiked Titan let out two breaths; one to compose himself, the other to refuel his drive and growing anger, snorting out a gust of air from his nostrils whilst doing so. Anguirus regarded himself as the patient type. Though this was only the second time he had been in a proper fight, he’d imagined the next time he’d have to get into a bout, he’d end it as quick as he could. But for how this one was going…

It was getting very, very annoying.

Once more, Anguirus took the same stance as he did before, strengthening his right forelimb, commanding it to endure and conquer the pain it felt. His spiked tail became poised with intent, and Anguirus would have been surprised at the spiteful snarls he began to make, if it wasn’t for the fact he was so deep in concentration.

Another shock-wave. Firey reds and oranges blended with the blinding yellows of the sunlight once more. There was seemingly more effort but into this dive, Anguirus could tell. This creature was going to make this next strike its last. Ensuring its already raised talons would meet its mark. Ensuring a blazing victory.

Very well then.

An outstanding crash came forth, bits of sand blowing up from the ground. The talons of the flaming creature did meet its mark. They reflexively clutched and clawed on whatever surface it collided with. What it didn’t expect, however, was the unnerving vibrations that filled its talons soon after. Through the residual dust cloud, it noticed shallow but plentiful cuts upon its talons. An eery scraping noise pierced its ears. Much to the winged creatures surprise, what its sharpened claws actually struck and grappled at were the hard backplates of Anguirus and the sharpened spines adorning them.

The creature let out a shriek in pain, flapping its wings as it tried to get away. But the vibrations in its talons would not stop, leaving it dazed and too focused on the pain. Anguirus forcefully pushed back with his backplates, winding the creature further. Before it could spill any more of its embers, Anguirus had already rotated his body, putting all of his weight on his right flank. His tail swung in an arched manner, coming from above and striking down. It collided powerfully, square into the chest of the winged creature, knocking it onto the ground, and the air out of its lungs.

The clash lasted only mere seconds. But what was left, was Anguirus the only Titan standing.

No time to revel on a single strike connecting. Anguirus charged forward to where his enemy was grounded. Without a second thought he lifted both forelimbs, preparing to hammer them into its chest. The spiked Titan let out another angered snarl.

“Stop!”

Anguirus hesitated upon hearing his foe’s voice. An insignificant length of pause passed.

His foe flapped his wings once more. This time, when it did so, the flames upon its body raged further and sparked hotter. Wind and sand caused by the creature pushed Anguirus, buffeting him and made him recoil back. The great flames erupted further. Anguirus roared out in surprise, but was quickly shut up when a burning talon clamped around his jaw and head. Adrenaline rushed back into his body as he desperately thrashed about. But the winged creature beat its wings and flew up just high enough so that its talon on Anguirus never left its firm hold on him. With one more screech, the creature forced its talon – and Anguirus’ head – into the ground, echoing a loud crash as dust and sand erupted from the ground.

Anguirus struggled and struggled, but to no avail. The impact was hard enough to create a crater in the beach, leaving him dazed. The creature tightened its grip on his head. The rest of his body fell on the ground, following his head. And with how pressured and vulnerable his head was, they fell limp and pinned.

It’s going to kill me!

Anguirus thrashed his head, digging deeper into the sand. But as he continued, he began to notice the grip on his head loosened slightly. He looked up, only to find – much to his surprise – his foe’s wings spread out in a triumphant manner. The creature let out another cry. And once more, it was different from its previous, harsh shrieks. It formed itself as a sort of victory roar, but muffled in-between it was something more. Anguirus only continued to eye this Titan in surprise as he realised what it was.

…Laughter?

Almost as soon as the revelation came to him, Anguirus felt the pressure against his head disappear. With a gasp for breath, Anguirus immediately rose back up on his haunches, taking a glimpse of the Titan flying upwards, its wings beating not as near harshly as before. The fire throughout its body faded to a gentle but nevertheless excited warmth.

Before Anguirus could growl in protest, the Titan perched itself upon his back, this time, gripping at Anguirus’ larger spines, being cautious not to be cut and injured more. Anguirus quickly craned his neck to look at the Titan upon his back. And without the gleam of the sun, the Titan now at a standstill, and it being so close, Anguirus got a clear view.

Fiery reds and deep browns adorned its body throughout. It’s giant and intimidating wings were primed with four-pronged claws. Its strengthened hind legs ended with honed talons were hot to the touch. It was entirely covered with plated ridges eerily similar to the looks of magma. It had a sharpened beak and two horns sprouted from his head. And deep, orange eyes that burned hotter than the sun itself. Anguirus would dare say he’d be intrigued by this Titan – its looks being one he had never encountered – if he wasn’t so deeply vexed by it.

“Not half bad!” the winged Titan announced. A clear male voice. Was he… praising him? “Your spikes really do hurt. And that armour!” The Kajiu squawked enthusiastically. To emphasise, he tightened his grip on Anguirus’ spikes. “That display of power before our fight was proof you’d provide a great challenge!”

For a split second, Anguirus gaped at the sheer audacity this Titan had. Although, apparently he had been watching him for some time? Anguirus was about to question, but then the winged Titan had the gall to peck at one of his bigger spikes.

That was it. With a frustrated bellow, Anguirus threw off the Titan. As if expecting this, the Titan easily landed on his talons, although he did have to flap his wings to balance himself. All fight had left Anguirus. Now, a cascade of mixing emotions took its place. Anger, relief, frustration, confusion. But above all, sheer disbelief.

“You… you tricked me!” Anguirus said in shock.

The Titan squawked, although Anguirus could tell it was more of a scoff. The winged Titan’s orange eyes sharpened, his expression becoming more serious, but the sly smirk stayed on his beak. “You let your guard down.” he said matter-of-factly. “Even still, for someone who spends most of his days here, you fight well.”

“How do you know about that? How do you even know about this place?” Anguirus replied quickly, worry already crossing him.

The seriousness within the winged Titan’s expression deepened. “If you haven’t realised, the ongoings of beyond have been changing. This ‘haven’ isn’t as isolated as it once was. But, if I’m to be honest, it’s only a matter of time this place gets engulfed with death like everywhere else. You probably would’ve been better off leaving like the rest.”

Anguirus ignored his ominous remarks and stamped his foot into the ground. “Again, how do you know about them?” he repeated, his anxiousness increasing with his anger. If this Titan also meant harm on the others…

The winged Titan gave off what seemed to be a sigh. Anguirus turned away from the glaring hot heat hitting his face as consequence. “Though it’s not my preferred thing, I admit, this place does provide a nice break.” The winged Titan tilted his red beak up towards the sky. “And when one is too busy recovering from near-death fights, they tend not to look up.”

So he knows other’s come here when they’re injured? Anguirus thought. He gave an irritated huff. This was getting nowhere. Each question answered sparked another. If so, then it was best to just get to the point.

“So if you weren’t looking to kill me, why are you here?” he snarled softly.

The winged Titan appeared to have a look of annoyance skewed across his horned face. “I’m waiting. Actually, have been for a while. I was sure no one else was here. Rather, everyone had left, so I decided to get a bit closer.” But fire suddenly returned to his eyes and wings when he faced Anguirus. “Imagine my surprise when I saw you!”

It was only briefly, but Anguirus was intrigued with the way he said that last part. The young Titan tilted his head in curiosity, trying to uncover what laid deeper within this strange Titan’s words.

The winged Titan carried on, oblivious. “I thought one quick fight wouldn’t hurt. And I’ve been told you’re decently strong.”

Another stroke of intrigue for Anguirus. Told? More questions, just what he needed.

“I know, bad habit of mine. Surprising and forcing others to fight.” he admitted, “But I like to see how far things can go! You’d tend to fight to the fullest when you believe your life is in danger.”

He said it in a semi-serious, mostly joking manner. But Anguirus saw no humour in it, and bore his eyes further into the Titan, saying nothing. The winged Titan winced at his futile attempt to ease the tension. Another hot sigh, and he tucked his wings lazily to the sides.

“Listen. I’ll admit, not the wisest of me, nor the most gracious to attack you out of nowhere. I get your anger.” he said, “But believe me when I say I didn’t and don’t want to hurt you. You may look alright, but I know you’re still healing from grave wounds.”

Anguirus eyes widened and he stared at the Titan. “You can tell?”

The Titan stared back, a more apologetic – but darker – look in his sharp, orange eyes. “…It must have been quite the battle. And you really must have been quite strong to survive it.”

Immediately, Anguirus looked away and gritting his teeth as memories of that time suddenly filled him. His mind was only focused on that first remark, never even considering the second.

“Right…” the winged Titan muttered, realising his mistake and taking a step closer. “Rodan.”

Anguirus looked up in confusion. That name was almost familiar, but not quite. Had he heard it from somewhere before?

“I know it’ll take a lot for you to trust me after what I did, but I thought it might be a good start to tell you what I’m called. Rodan.” the winged Titan remarked, bowing his horned head and spreading his wings low so as to show he wasn’t a threat.

Amazed at the display, the young Titan took a breath, contemplated for a few more seconds, before letting his own guard down. “Anguirus.” he said, bowing his own head slightly.

A recollection flashed through Rodan’s eyes, and Anguirus could swear his beak curved into a strange smirk, but one that was pleasant and genuine.

Rodan raised himself, his orange plates getting brighter. “So what do you say, Anguirus? We go again?” he asked, flapping his wings and landing a fairs distance from Anguirus.

“…Go again?”

“Another fight!”

The young Titan visibly recoiled back. Anguirus was sure his spikes would fall off at any minute. “You’re insane!”

Rodan let out a coy chuckle. “Yes. Maybe.” he said, before making a ways backwards, readying himself. “This time, not as harsh. Best to holdback.” His gaze momentarily fell onto Anguirus’ tough spines. “That goes for the both of us.”

Anguirus stamped his foot, narrowing his eyes. “What’s the point of another fight? With me?”

“Well, I’d like to pass the time more.” The fire Titan retorted, “But, you do get to know more about the one you fight with. It’s my preferred way of getting to know a creature, and I tend not to like talking too much.” He heard Anguirus give a sort of scoff noise, but chose to ignore it. “And in some instances, a battle does reveal more than what words can. And, of course, I’ll be weary of your injuries.”

The young Titan eyed Rodan. Had he been making sure he was careful to avoid straining me since the start?

Anguirus didn’t respond back for a bit, actually granting the seemingly careless Titan some sort of admiration for his surprising amount of consideration and observation skills. Although, an impatient squawk soon swept him away from this.

Rodan shook his wings, fire threading through his body. “And was that not thrilling, though? Besides the whole, uh, thinking you might die, did that strength not feel good? Give you more surety in yourself? Because when you hit me…” Rodan shook his head, the memory apparently giving him physical pain. “Doesn’t seem you're that confident in your strength. But, after that, I am. And I meant what I said.” Rodan cawed louder, getting Anguirus’ full attention, “You fight good. I’d say that, after a couple more fights, not a single thing could break you. You could even rival that Goji.”

“Rival…? No, really, I don’t think that.” Anguirus began, before abruptly stopping himself. His body shook, rattling his plates as he braced himself and widened his stance. “Alright then, Rodan. If you’re just going to keep being persistent, I’ll have no choice but to take you head on.”

Wait. That last part that Rodan said. He called Godzilla-

“Of course!” Rodan cried, jumping a distance away from Anguirus, spreading his wings. “How about this? You’re quite angry at me, right?” Another coy smile crept on the fire Titan’s beak, met with Anguirus’ narrowing stare. “Well, use that anger. Think of it as a way to get back at me.”

Smoke puffed out of the young Titan’s nostrils, his spiked tail already raised in preparation. “I’ll make sure of it. You won’t get the better of me again.”

With a single beat of his wings, Rodan was already in the air. Fire raged across his body, sparking the most ferociously within the plates on his wings.

“Good.”

Time past unknowingly as the two Kaiju battled it out on the beach of the island. Again, with Rodan’s superior agility and speed, Anguirus could barely even graze the flaming Titan. And again, with Anguirus’ superior armour, Rodan’s talons only left shallow marks that would soon fade. The flaming Titan grimaced as he felt as if he was damaging himself with each attack more so than what Anguirus was able to inflict on him.

Things had only begun heating up from there. Figuratively and literally. Rodan’s flames grew hotter, at one point, igniting the very air and ground around him. Driven back by this, and Rodan’s ever quickening tenacity of attacks, Anguirus feared the Kaiju would set the whole island aflame. In a panic, and with not much time to think, Anguirus had swung his tail, clubbing Rodan straight in the chest and away from the vulnerable greenery. Visibly more winded, but otherwise eager, Rodan rose from the ground, continuing the scuffle further.

“You’re strong, level-headed, passive yet powerful in confrontation.” Rodan said as their battle continued. His attacks were becoming less frequent and his speed slowed down. “Not to mention, whatever I land doesn’t seem to faze you.” The fire Titan landed, propped himself on one talon and bit the other in an attempt to numb the pain. “But there’s one thing I can’t get.” Rodan narrowed his eyes of burning orange and glanced at Anguirus. “What will you do with this strength?”

Anguirus stance loosened. “…What?”

“Well, you have all this strength. I’m sorry if this may be the wrong time to say it, but there’s a reason your kind survived for so long, and it wasn’t because of their isolation.”

Anguirus thought back to that day, remembering the faint silhouettes of the rest of his kind tearing through enemies as enemies tore through them. Each sickening blow echoing with something breaking. Each challenging roar grave and gruesome. Were his kind really that powerful, despite being so isolated? If that was true, then why? Why was he the only one to…

“No… that’s alright.”

There was a slight pause before Rodan lunged at him, poising his talons affront to grab at his head. But Anguirus turned over to his side, blocking the sudden attack. Yet neither acknowledged anything, and Rodan only continued talking.

“Creatures need strength. It’s what’s needed to survive. After all that’s happened, don’t you want to-” Anguirus bit at Rodan, but the Kaiju flew backwards. “Sorry, you’ve probably already thought of that.” Rodan shook his neck, straitening himself and letting his guard down. “So, rather live without the fight?”

Anguirus sat on his haunches, the exhaustion just now catching up to him. “It’s possible, isn’t it? Even with the world like…”

“Pleasant thought. But not realistic in this world.”

The young Titan grimaced, ignoring the nihilism within the flaming Kaiju’s words. “So, what did you choose? What have you done with your strength?”

Strangely enough, unlike before, Rodan didn’t answer immediately. And for what seemed like the first time, there was no coyness nor burning excitement within his face. But Rodan’s wings were still lit aflame, its embers highlighting the brightness in his eyes. It seemed there was to be a sense of pride in the next words he’d speak.

“Put it into another creature.” Rodan replied. He looked at Anguirus, noting how he cocked his horned head curiously. Rodan gave a knowing chuckle. “Strange, isn’t it? But, it’s because I’m selfish.”

“Selfish?” Anguirus was becoming more intrigued by the minute. Rodan being selfish wasn’t surprising, given the fire Tian’s insistence to battle. But Anguirus hadn’t regarded Rodan as the honest type.

“Yes. It’s why I fight. To prove my loyalty to those who I wish would accept it. Those much, much stronger than me.” Rodan tucked his wings into his side, marking the unspoken ending to their sudden – but exciting – battle. “You can say it what it is to me. Simple cowardice.” he shrugged, his beak curving as if to say he didn’t care. But his flames flickered ominously, slightly unnerving Anguirus. “There are creatures too strong. Much too strong. You’d think they weren't even meant to be born in this world. So many could easily kill me. So many nearly have. So, having an ally doesn’t seem all too bad. Well, creatures already dominant in this world have already done so. For quite a long time.”

Anguirus thought back to a short conversation he had with Mothra. One where she had explained the history of her kind with Godzilla’s. Like all other species back then and now, there was great rivalry between them. Only to then develop an important trust and ally-ship between the other’s species in the face of even greater threats.

…Just how common is that sort of thing? Anguirus thought. He’d only ever heard of Mothra and Godzilla’s species doing that.

“However, despite my pride as my own creature,” Rodan continued, “I really believe that if I put my strength into the correct creature, that ally-ship built on trust will be returned to me.” Another proud smirk crossed his beak as he eyed Anguirus. “So it is, when you serve the future King.”

Anguirus abruptly straightened. Future King? So he-

“Now, what say you, Anguirus? You have strength, how will you use it?” Rodan said, coming closer to him. “Again, I think there’s no shame in living in peace. But I don’t get it.”

“How could you not?” Anguirus growled, a sudden anger overtaking him as he got off his haunches. “They experienced everything. If they want to remove themselves from this bloodshed, they have every right to do so!”

Rodan sharply eyed at him. “The only way they can ‘remove themselves’ is through death.”

Anguirus huffed, widening his stance. “Then I suppose that’s that cowardice speaking for you, then?”

Rodan squawked in surprise at his rebuttal. His comment was general, not specified to any one creature. Granted, Rodan just now realised the insulting implications. He thought he had seen, or rather experienced, the extent of Anguirus’ anger during their fight.

This Titan really did just keep surprising him.

Rodan opened his beak, but Anguirus calmed himself and shook his head, ashamed. “I’m sorry. Despite that, you’ve still chosen to face the dangers. I… still have no idea what to do. I’ve been granted a second chance. Yet it still feels like I haven’t made the most of it.”

Truth be told, he no where else left to go. No more lands to retreat to; no more of his kind to reunite with. Really, he had known this from the start. That his time with others that he felt he had only just begun to get himself acquainted with, would end so abruptly. That was the way the world worked, after all. He couldn’t be naive to it, the fact that not one creature could blissful continue to live like that. Not with the slaughters of the war across the earth. Not with the constant fighting.

Still…

“Though, I’d like to see them one more time.” Anguirus whispered, the stern but willed eyes of Godzilla, and the endearing yet wise eyes of Mothra coming into his mind.

Rodan remained silent throughout, peering ever closer to the wistful Titan. Slowly, he crept towards him, remaining thoughtful. But his flames betrayed him as they lit brightly within the cracks embedded in his plates. Excitedly, they burned, eliciting a deep glow within his eyes.

“Hey. What if… I’d suggest-”

“Anguirus!”

Both yelped in surprise, the sheer horror in the voice shaking the two Titans to their core. Simultaneously, they turned their heads to the incoming voice, only to see a winged creature rapidly approach them at a speed that parted the very winds surrounding them. Rodan took a step back, a sudden anxiousness overtaking him whilst Anguirus innocently brought himself to face the incoming Kaiju he immediately recognised.

“Oh, Mosura?”

It’s been so long since I last saw her. I hope she’s been well. He thought, naively.

“What’s-”

Mosura stopped just short of the young Titan, spreading sand everywhere as she landed. “Were you attacked?! Have your injuries worsened?!” she exclaimed hurriedly, her usual collected eyes widening. Before Anguirus could utter another word, she used both pairs of her frontal limbs to grasp his head tightly. She pulled at it in all manner of directions, looking for even the shallowest cut of a fresh injury.

“I-”

Mothra turned her attention to his side, limbs and underbelly. Rapidly she brushed her claws to check for any swollen bits of muscle and tender flesh. In turn, her great wings flashed blue sporadically, quickening in pace in time with her.

“Do you require healing of sorts?!”

“Calm down, Mosura. I know he’s still injured and made sure to be careful.” Rodan said, flapping his wings, full of confidence. Still holding onto his face (with Anguirus remaining awkwardly still and silent), Mothra turned her attention to the flaming Kaiju. Yet it seemed like her ire was the hottest thing on the island.

“You! Rodan!” Her eyes became the sharpest Anguirus had ever seen them become as Mothra glared at Rodan. Momentarily losing her composure, she cursed in the ancient tongue. “Oh universe, grant me patience – you say that, yet you still thought it necessary to engage?!”

“Necessary for me.” Rodan squawked defiantly, though he shun from her deathly gaze. “I thought you’d figured me out already? Aren’t you good at that sort of thing? In any case, you are partly to blame. If you hadn’t taken so long-”

“…Wasn’t smart, Rodan.”

All Kaiju turned to the voice, but only Rodan and Anguirus audibly grimaced at the sight. Walking slowly towards them was Godzilla. His usual darkened bodied was stained brightly with red from a mixture of blood from the sorry Kaiju’s that dared to do battle with him, and his own. Cuts and gnashes littered themselves across his figure, the particularly bad ones being across his abdomen area where a claw had slashed deeply across it, and one that went downward from atop his head and over his eye. Even his right arm hung unmoving and limp, yet the Prince didn’t seem to care.

“Oh, Gojira! Forgive me for becoming so distracted!” Mothra exclaimed. Immediately she flew to his side, raising her wings and glowing that serene sapphire colour. “Please, do try not to move as much.”

“It’s fine, Mosu. I… think I’d just rather lay down.” Godzilla said, before abruptly collapsing on his side, onto the beach.

Mothra squeaked softly, shaking the sand off her wings. “Y-Yes. That’s for the best. Here, I shall heal you to the best of my abilities.” She winced at the blood pouring from his injuries and into the grains of sand. But promptly shook her head and laid herself atop him. Gently, she blanketed her wings over him. A mystical thread of blue shimmered from them and began to warp itself around Godzilla’s figure.

Rodan and Anguirus slowly approached the two, only now just realising Mothra’s own injuries. There were cuts across her lithe frame, blood staining her white fur, and tears within the intricate patterns of her wings.

“That bad?” Rodan finally said after a moments of silence. Though sincere, Rodan received a second glare courtesy of Godzilla. “Right, I’ll be quiet.”

“Gojira?”

Godzilla turned his head and looked at Anguirus. The young Titan’s face was full of concern, indeed, but an alarming amount of fear spread across his horned face. Godzilla took a breath in, resolving himself.

“It won’t last.”

Anguirus, stunned for a moment, could only give a brisk nod in return.

“He fought as he usually does. Fierce, brave, and powerful.” Mothra whispered, slowly caressing the side of his face.

Godzilla looked up to her. “So did you.” Then turned back to face Anguirus. “I’m sure you fought well, too. Shame I missed it.” The worry and darkening fear within the young Titan was momentarily forgotten. He stood up straighter at the praise, daring to smile confidently, albeit quite small.

Mothra chittered something silently to Godzilla at his comment, making him groan and shake his head. “Well, so long as your injuries have not worsened, Anguirus. Nor been irresponsibly accentuated.” she sighed. She again glared at Rodan, who just so happened to be too busy grooming himself at that moment. Mothra shook her head and softened her face at Anguirus. “In any case, I understand Scylla has already departed for far lands.”

“Yes, I was able to say goodbye.” the young Titan nodded.

“So, what of you, then? You are nearly healed.” Mothra asked, now laying down on her crossed claws, never for a moment stopping her healing. “I am sure you have had plenty of time to think of what is to be next. I will admit, it has been nice to know this island has been put to good use. And was successful in acting as a sure respite hidden from the rest of the world. Without it, I nor Gojira would not have come to known others had survived the mindless bloodshed. A hope turned evidence that the natural balance is restoring.”

“Thank you. If it weren’t for you and Gojira, I would’ve never escaped.” Anguirus said, “Even still, I know there are others who… weren’t as fortunate.”

“As is the nature of this world, Anguirus.” Mothra whispered. Each Titan – even Rodan – took a moments silence. Anguirus peered at Godzilla, and noticed he had clawed at the sand with his good arm in silent frustration.

“But, pardon my intrusion, but I am curious. Where will you go now?” Mothra asked, breaking the silence.

Anguirus raised his head. “I-”

“Well it’s obvious what’s he’s going to do!”

Rodan flapped his wings in triumph, embers dancing around the collection of Kaiju. Mothra’s eyes narrowed once more, preparing her anger, whilst Anguirus remained unmoving yet silently intrigued. In all honesty, Anguirus and Mothra thought, they were surprised he had remained silent for as long as he did.

“I do not follow, Rodan. And it seems Anguirus does not-”

Rodan again perched himself atop Anguirus, earning a confused rumble from him and a disbelieved look from Mothra. “What, with his sheer strength and that hardened armour? I’ve decided, Anguirus will be my partner!”

At his declaration, Mothra let out a sudden high pitched shrill, immediately sitting upright atop of Godzilla. Bellow her, Godzilla gave off what appeared to be a choked growl, blowing bits of sand everywhere. And Anguirus remained the same, as if the words had yet to fully hit him, tilting his head.

“Wait, what-”

“Us both will be in a partnership.” Rodan reiterated, nudging Anguirus’ side with his wing, craning his head next to his. “I guess somewhat like yours, Mosura.” he continued, peering at her. Though his tone shifted to a more sarcastic one.

Mothra could already feel her blood boiling – a dangerous thing – and raised herself atop Godzilla. “Rodan, your idiocy truly has no limit! You cannot be serious in proposing such an irresponsible thing!”

“More fights makes you more stupid, Rodan.” Godzilla harshly snarled, “You can’t decide that for him. And, you? With a partner?”

“Ah, Goji. Dare I say, it seems you may be jealous that you won’t be my only companion from now on.” Rodan jested, shaking his head in feigned disappointment.

“Last I remembered, you came to me.” the Prince growled, blue air puffing from his nostrils.

“Rodan, despite that there are still things yet questionable.” Mothra continued hurriedly. “Why Anguirus? Why now? And, somewhat like ours? Do you mean to initiate-”

“Figured you’d misunderstand.” Rodan cut off, burning brighter. “My partnership with Anguirus will be superior as it’ll stick to its true nature – assurance of survivability. Unlike, you two’s, that is.”

Mothra’s posture became low, as if she was ready to pounce at him. Her antennae shook with agitation. “And what, may I ask, are you inciting with that remark?”

“Well, I’ll make sure the only thing on myself and Anguirus’ mind would be victory over the enemy. And not when our next… sleeping session with each other is.” Rodan remarked, exaggerating his laughter and getting the other three to stare back at him wide-eyed.

“…You-”

“Rodan!”

“Huh? Sleeping session?”

“Don’t deny! You aren’t the only perceptive one around, Mosura.” Rodan cried, getting off Anguirus and landing in front of Godzilla and Mothra. “It’s amusing, really, how two entirely different species of creatures – of completely separate backgrounds – can be so comfortably wrapped around the other. In all regards.”

A pinkish glow began threading through Mothra’s wings, contrasting the guttural growls from the Titan beneath her. The moth-Titan shook her head in shock. “Rodan! Our partnership is a sacred rite – a must to ensure the bloodline of the Alpha is forever kept and protected. The importance of preserving both of our kind for the betterment of the world cannot be understated! That is a very bold and shallow assumption-”

“And one that’s entirely correct!” Rodan cried, raising his wings. “Please, don’t misunderstand, dear Mosura. I don’t mind you getting all touchy with our future King. It’s just that our own partnership will focus on the more practical side of things, rather than using it as an excuse to get all close and intimate with each other.”

After the initial stress had run its course through her, Mothra’s pinkish glow had been replaced by the slightest but deep colour of crimson. The rest of her wings pulsated a blue harsher than her natural bioluminescence. She stepped off Godzilla, the threads of blue dissipating as she sharpened her claws and used all of her willpower to suppress herself.

“Rodan… many times I have tolerated you speaking out of line, but this is completely unacceptable.” she dangerously shrilled, raising her head to him. “Have some consideration for us – and your own well-being – and cease your nonsense!”

Rodan leaned down and met her challenge. “Ruffled your fur?”

“Again, not wise, Rodan.” Godzilla warned, beginning to rise. The greater injuries like across his abdomen and atop his head still remained, but a majority of his lesser ones already were visibly much shallower. “Keep irritating her if you want to share in my recovery. Just know you won’t be healed.”

Rodan screeched, flinching backwards, his confidence dropping to the tips of his talons. “R-right. Just… stating my observations of things.”

Mothra sighed, her natural colour returning to her wings. “Thank you, Goji. But, I must say, I would have preferred it if you spoke aloud about things a small bit earlier on.”

Godzilla groaned, clearly confused. “There was no point until he insulted you. Besides all that, he’s right.”

Mothra sharply squeaked in response. Her wings flashed, but there was no change in colour. Although, the heat within her face was definitely accentuated. “What? About us asleep… together?”

“Maybe I didn’t before, but I’ve gotten used to you asleep at my side. It’s… enjoyable.” Godzilla simply said, before turning a threatening glance to Rodan. “I don’t enjoy seeing you pushed to your limits.” Rodan chittered something to himself, as Godzilla turned back to Mothra. “Just ignore the fool trying to get you angry. It’s something he won’t try again.”

Mothra slowly rubbed her claws, unable to look back at him. “But Goji... pardon me, but you seem all too unconcerned to truly admit-”

“Ah, so cute!”

Godzilla twitched and his teeth were already bared, snapping at Rodan. “…Cute?”

Rodan flapped his wings in amusement. “Well, you did admit enjoying your night’s with her.”

Godzilla approached Rodan, teal glowing across his spines. Rodan scraped his talons across the sand and prepared his wings, ready to take flight. Both their heads were mere inches from the other. Mothra laid the only barrier between vibrating blues and igniting oranges, although she was still trapped in her own predicament of discomposure.

“My threat still stands.”

“Hey! I said I’ve got no problem with you two sleeping together!”

“Rodan!”

“And there shouldn’t be.”

“Gojira, please-”

“I-”

Godzilla, Mothra and Rodan turned to realise Anguirus was still left awkwardly sitting quite close to all of them. He gingerly averted his own gaze – and had been for quite some time.

“Was… I supposed to hear all of that?”

And with that, with a blinding flash of her wings, Mothra had reached the limit of her patience.

“You two… will cease this discussion at once!”

A high-pitched screech and thunderous growl echoed across the island. The next thing Anguirus saw was two Titans with their maws sealed tightly shut with silk. Rodan abruptly stumbled and twisted in all directions, clawing at his beak to no avail. Godzilla, though initially surprised, calmly and slowly tore away at the silk, occasionally rumbling in annoyance. Mothra’s body shook dangerously, but she said nothing as the two struggled.

“Ack! You know, for as kind-hearted and selfless as you are, you sure have such sickly-tasting silk.” Rodan squawked, able to tear enough silk to speak, but still unable to clean the majority of it off.

When Godzilla had scraped most of the silk off himself, he looked at her, aware of his unhelpfulness of the situation. “…Sorry.”

Gingerly, he leaned down to her, to which Mothra answered by cleaning the rest of the silk on his mouth with her claw. “Never-mind that. Let us just forget and move on, shall we?”

Mothra turned and walked to Anguirus, who could only nervously chuckle. He heard her sigh when she was close to him, but had finally returned to her usual temperament. “Anguirus, I wish for you to ignore that prior discussion. Really, as you could have guessed, that fool known as Rodan has many bad qualities unto himself. In all honesty, I fear his flames have burnt most of his brain asunder.”

“Hey!”

Anguirus nodded, earning a smile from Mothra. But seriousness overtook the Titan, taking that air of wisdom and majesty she usually carried around with herself. “But, I cannot ignore what he proposed to you. Nor the significance of such a thing. Despite his jests, there is truth to what he says when he refers to a partnership similar to mine and Gojira’s. It near unheard of for creatures of different kinds to offer a mutual partnership. There are just too many who are too prideful and non-compliant to consider such a thing. Not to mention, most tend to have more violent and savage qualities. And if not controlled, are a detriment to the partnership. But I should not understate the advantages mutualism between creatures could bring. For my kind and Gojira’s, at the beginning, it was a slow and rough process. But once our species finally understood that link that could be formed, it greatly ensured our survival and helped conquer many foes that would have been too challenging to take on if our species remained separate.”

Godzilla stood next to Mothra, gazing down at Aguirus. “Many of my kind don’t like to admit it. But Mosura is right. If not for them…”

“…And Gojira’s own kind, in turn…"

“Well, in all honestly, any creature would be lucky to have a partnership with you, Mosura.” Rodan said from the side, still grooming his beak. “After all, you are from a species where the females have the power to-”

Rodan, to the surprise of Anguirus, had managed to catch himself before he could make another insulting remark. Though it still didn’t spare him from the stares both Godzilla and Mothra were giving him simultaneously.

“Sorry. Doesn’t mean they should just throw their lives away.” Rodan said quietly. He walked and stood beside Godzilla, finished with his cleaning. “Uh, listen Anguirus. When I said it’d be a partnership like Gojira’s and Mosura’s, I wasn’t lying. As a creature sworn loyal to the Alpha, fights against the many who challenge and don’t abide to that Alpha are my fights. So, it’ll be yours as well. Both Gojira’s and Mosura’s kind don’t just survive, but quell the threats against themselves and the world to ensure the natural balance.”

“It’s my duty. I will stop at nothing to maintain it.” Godzilla rumbled with conviction.

“And I have long ago committed myself to it. And to him.” Mothra surely shrilled. “The significance of this partnership is not just to ensure the survival of one’s self, but the survival of balance within the world.”

Rodan scoffed, but looked at the two fondly. “Well, it definitely helps having someone watch your hide.”

Anguirus thought back to what he heard and what he was told. Godzilla and Mothra’s kind were notorious throughout every single specie of Kaiju. Two creatures, bonded through the assurance of preserving the other’s kind, meant both Titan’s shouldered an incredible amount of responsibility to upheld such a union. It wasn’t the case of would he take Rodan’s offer of a partnership. But could he? Someone who failed to protect his own kind. How could he even protect someone outside of it?

And yet, Anguirus thought. Yet that idea of strength beckoned the young Titan. Not a strength that calls for him to revel in the excitement of battle like Rodan. Nor a strength that fuelled a resolve to face viscous threats with a viciousness of his own like Godzilla’s. It was a strength that kept his mind focused on something else.

Was this simply an opportunity to use this second chance to redeem himself? For the rest of his kind? Maybe, the thought.

But with this world tearing itself apart, willed a strength of preservation.

“This… does not feel right.” Mothra whispered, noticing Anguirus’ silence “I cannot seem to shake the feeling that we are beginning to convince Anguirus of this, rather that offer up a fair choice.”

“Right. I was too enthusiastic. It was selfish of me to immediately declare that.” Rodan said. He glanced at Anguirus. “Told you I’m a selfish creature, Anguirus. I’m still offering, but you can just forget all that mindless squawking from me, and we’ll start anew.”

Anguirus dug a foot into the sand. “…Why me, Rodan? And why now?”

Rodan’s beak curved to a small grin. “Didn’t I tell you? Doing battle with a creature is my preferred way of getting to know them. And you’d know a lot from it. So I think you could answer that. As for why now?” Rodan caught on his breath, his grin – and flames – vanishing. “…I think you could answer that as well, Anguirus.”

Godzilla slowly waded his way around Anguirus, dragging his tail across the sand. His looming figure cast a shadow over the young Titan. By his side, he stood as if blocking Anguirus from the seas and all that remained beyond the horizon. His eyes were shadowed across his face. Blue light flickered in-between his dark scales. “Anguirus, this world is already too much. You don’t have to become a part of our world.”

Anguirus stood on his claws. A small grumble came from the back of his throat. Once again, those memories came back to him. But instead, within the young Titan, fear was not what had met them. “Your world? Gojira, I don’t think I could escape your world, no matter how far I would go.”

Flames danced across Rodan’s wings. “Oh?”

Both Godzilla and Mothra – for the briefest of moments – shared the same expression, hidden by the shade cast on them both. Yet they snapped out of their aloof state when Anguirus huffed aloud. “Our goals are similar though, right? To stave away killings that destroy our own kind, and the lands we live on? To live a life far from it all.” He turned to Rodan. “Rodan. I’ve just met you. You know, this isn’t the wisest choice. To rely on me. After all, you’ve only had the one bout with me. And I’m… I’m not-”

“This again? Come on!” Rodan exclaimed, shaking his wings. “I haven’t really thought about much things, only the next fight. I’m not wise enough for that, but I’m still alive. I don’t care about things like that. Just that we’d get stronger.”

Anguirus, taken aback for a moment, gave a sigh and dared himself to mirror that confident grin Rodan seemed to always keep on him. One that, unbeknownst to the young Titan, had begun growing on him.

“Something I really agree on with him, for once.” Godzilla grumbled. Though his body loosened and a deep, teal glow spread across his dorsal spines.

Mothra softly crept closer to Anguirus head. Like Godzilla’s, her expression was nigh unreadable, yet Anguirus could tell many emotions crossed her face. Even still, she couldn’t hide both the caution yet excitement within her voice.

“So then, Anguirus. You are sure in your decision?” she blinked, her antennae shaking.

Anguirus huffed, standing tall. “Yes.” He said, grinning. Mothra’s glow brightened, and she couldn’t help but shrill. Anguirus turned to Rodan, respectively bowing his head. “Alright then, Rodan. I’ll accept this partnership.”

Rodan cawed loudly, sounding as if a blazing inferno was ravaging within his belly. The Kaiju flapped his wings, spreading embers everywhere. Mothra laughed melodically, bring a claw up to her beak, whilst Godzilla merely snorted stoically.

“What a first! I’ll say, Anguirus, the rest of my kind will be infuriated beyond belief when they realise the countless victories this partnership will bring us.” Rodan squawked, draping a wing over the young Titan’s back. Anguirus laughed loudly, and laughed harder when Rodan immediately took to the air, roaring out in triumph and circular the other 3 below him.

The young Titan’s excitement began to die down. Internally, countless predictions of what the future would hold for him came to pass. The good. The bad. The very bad. But it all ended the same. All had that one place he thought to himself that he could call his.

Something that beckoned him to the three other, so distinctly different, Titans he heralded as keepers of the natural order.

“…I guess you aren’t getting ridding of me, huh?” he whispered, looking Mothra in the eye.

Mothra caressed the side of Anguirus’ face. Her eyes glistened and her wings shook as she smiled warmly. “No. No I suppose not.”

“We can’t get rid of Rodan.” Godzilla said gruffly, “But, if you can’t rely on Rodan, know I’ll make sure those under my King’s reign are protected.”

Mothra bowed low to Anguirus. “The balance we swear to upkeep.”

Anguirus nodded at Godzilla, saying all he needed to say. Godzilla looked down at the young Titan. Only a short while ago was he injured beyond belief, barely able to move. Now, he stood strong, ready to accept a challenge that would force him back into the world that left him like he was before. It wasn’t like Godzilla to feel something like this, it wasn’t even like him to do what he did in terms of saving Anguirus. Yet that yearning of the feeling that he – the strongest, most powerful and most threatening of all creatures in the world – could do something more for this Titan when he first found him. It had struck him that day and stayed with him. That yearning kept within his darkened heart. Going so far as to be both regretful and mourn for Anguirus’ loss – and spiteful to those who caused it. That feeling that there indeed was something more within this world than the chaos of survival – evident by his respites with Anguirus. A break from the unending cycle of constant life-ending battles.

An impossible concept first introduced to him by her.

He cracked a tiny smile, coming closer to Anguirus and Mothra, and wrapped his tail around the two as if protecting them.

“Alright, alright.” Rodan said, as usual, interrupting the moment. He perched once more on Anguirus, craning his head down. “Well, partner, protect me with your life! Got it?”

Anguirus sighed, seemingly enjoying the same warmth from Rodan that had seemed to irritate and endanger him just moments ago. “You as well, Rodan.”

Rodan spread his wings. For the first time, Anguirus thought to himself just how intricate, beautiful and unique Rodan’s wings were. With its deep colour of red that seemed to change shade. And the cracks that glowed orange, as if magma flowed within the flaming Kaiju’s very blood.

Rodan gripped at Anguirus’ hide, tighter. “As long as these flames burn, that’s a given.”

It was a strange collection of creatures, that day.

An impossibly large beast with scales as dark as the murky depths of the water, and claws and teeth sharp enough the tear through anything. A winged, insect-like creature who’s glowed glistened brighter than any moon nor star, and eyes that told a thousand stories. A bird-like Titan who was as close to a living inferno as anything the earth could produce, who’s wings shook lands and blazed constantly. And one adorned with plates freshly hardened and multiple spikes newly sharpened. One who looked the most out of place of the four. And felt the most out of place in the world.

But there the four remained, as the last bits of burned-out ember flew away from the island, continuing its course through the wind and across the sea.