The Reemergence of Godzilla

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The Reemergence of Godzilla is the first "film" in Godzilla: The Age of Men and Monsters.

Poster

Plot

“62 years. It had been 62 years since the last time anyone had seen the legendary beast who tore through Osaka in 1955, and whose relative had famously ravaged Tokyo the year prior. It was these two events that had hurled Japan, and the world at large, face-first into an era of monsters. For almost two decades, monsters like the one from 62 years ago had ravaged Japan and the rest of the world. They differed in size, shape, abilities, and so much more. These creatures, what we here in Japan call ‘Kaiju’, meaning ‘strange creature’, had been the focus of much speculation, study, and more than anything else, military stratagem, over their long history of rampaging across the world. These beasts were looked at through every lense imaginable as we humans struggled to overcome them. This was until 1970, when all of a sudden, the attacks just….stopped.”

The professor, who usually went by his last name, Miyajima, was in the midst of a lecture on Kaiju, was interrupted by the raised hand of one of his students, Yumiko Takashima. The professor sighed, knowing she was likely to correct him in something he had just said, and reluctantly answered “Yes, Yumiko...”

“Aren’t you forgetting the 1977 incident around Mt. Fuji?” Yumiko asked.

Professor Miyajima scoffed. “Those were dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, not giant monsters.”

“Wouldn’t Anguirus or Rodan also be prehistoric creatures?” Yumiko questioned further.

If there was one thing Professor Miyajima hated more than Yumiko’s interruptions, it was when she was right. “Yes, I suppose so...” he admitted.

“Also, what about the incident in North Korea in 1985?” Yumiko continued “Or in America in 1996? And who could forget the Kaiju attack on New York just as recent as 2008.”

“Well, I referred to 1970 as the end of what we call the ‘Kaiju Boom.’ The big onslaught of monster attacks left and right all over the world, especially in Japan. That era of pretty much yearly monster attacks ended in 1970, with that Space Amoeba and the giant sea creatures.”

“The ‘space amoeba’ was called Yog, Professor Miyajima” Yumiko corrected. “And those giant sea creatures had names to.”

Professor Miyajima sighed and said “Yes, they did. Gezora, Kamoebas, and Ganimes. There, satisfied?”

“I believe so Mr. Miyajima. Just remember your report is due on Monday. Dismissed.” Yumiko joked. The class burst out into laughter.

Observing this was Hiro Nakajima. He to was familiar with Yumiko’s remarks and corrections, but he found himself agreeing with her more often than not. However there was one peice of monster history he noticed neither the Professor nor Yumiko had ever brought up. Nor anyone in his class for that matter.

Professor Miyajima unwittingly gave Hiro the opportunity he needed, when he asked “So does anyone else have any questions or concerns?”

Hiro raised his hand quickly.

“Yes, Hiro.” the professor answered.

“So I’ve been wondering, and if you can’t answer I’ll just ask Yumiko...” Hiro began.

The class laughed again.

“But whatever happened to Godzilla?”

The laughter immediately stopped. A feeling of dread seemed to sweep the room. Some looked at Hiro puzzled, others accusingly, as he had broken some rule and should have known what it was.

“Well um…..” said Professor Miyajima. “That creature...” he continued, afraid to speak its name, “That creature was defeated by the JSDF in 1955.”

“Yeah, but how?” Hiro questioned further. “I thought Godzilla was immune to military weapon, and nobody could replicate whatever killed the first one?”

There was that name again. Miyajima was visibly shaking. “Umm….class is dismissed.” he said quickly. “Please remember that your test on the Mysterian invasion is tomorrow.”

The class quickly shuffled out of the room, some shooting Hiro looks as they made their way out. Hiro did the same. As he walked through the halls Yumiko caught up with him.

“So you really had the balls to say the G-word huh?” she asked.

“Well I mean it’s just his name, same as with any other monster.” Hiro justified.

“‘His’?” Yumiko questioned. “You friends with the big guy or something?”

“It feels unnatural saying ‘it’.” said Hiro. “You and I both know Godzilla’s gender has been proven.”

“You’re going to want to stop saying that.” Yumiko said, genuinely concerned. “Some of the older people might stop you in the street to kick your ass."

“Look, it’s not like I don’t understand why people are afraid. But he has a name, and if we’re going to be studying these creatures, we shouldn’t be looked down upon for using it.”

“I get that.” Yumiko admitted. “But I still wouldn’t do it in public. Most people are a bit sensitive when it comes to the two most destructive Kaiju attacks of all time.”

“I dunno, I think the incident in New York back in 08’ might have those beat.” Hiro argued.

Yumiko rolled her eyes. “Only because the Americans tried nuking the Kaiju, whatever it was.”

“Do they even know if the monster was killed?” Hiro asked.

"No actually. A body was never found. Not the monster’s anyway….” Yumiko answered.

Hiro looked down as he walked out of the door. He remembered back to when they were both Middle School students in 2008. Yumiko had a friend who was staying in New York, one who hadn’t managed to evacuate before the bomb was dropped.

“I don’t blame the monster...” she said, as if hearing Hiro’s thoughts.”But those bastards who decided the most destructive solution was the best one.”

“I know what you mean.” Hiro admitted. “Really, weapons like that, they’re responsible for all the Kaiju, one way or another. Waking them up, mutating them, whatever the case may be. Yet because they’re big, scary, and powerful, we blame the monsters, even though they’re just products of what we humans do.”

“Yeah, it’s a shame more people don’t see them as the victims they really are.” said Yumiko.

“Say, Koichi should be coming back from deployment today. Wanna go meet up with him at the airport?” she asked.

“Well duh, he’s my best friend and would beat me up if I let you go anywhere alone.“ Hiro answered.

Yumiko rolled her eyes. “Yeah, he worries too much sometimes….”

ELSEWHERE, 155 MILES OFF OF HOKKAIDO

A fishing boat in search of a good catch was moving it’s way through the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Little did those aboard realize they would be coming across the icy tomb of the legendary and infamous monster who ravaged Osaka those 62 years ago….

So the boat simply continued on it’s way, blissfully unaware of what was to come.

“Hey, the water’s awfully cold around these parts.” said one of the crew. “What are you trying to catch, penguins?”

“Just keep looking.” the ship captain replied. “And anymore remarks like that and I’ll use you as bait!”

One of the other crew members laughed and said “I think he’d be too much food for the fish to handle.”

The crewman who’d mentioned the cold waters looked down at his own gut, before looking back up and saying “Hey!"

Suddenly the boat’s pilot began speaking over the boat’s radio.

“Quiet, both of you!” yelled the captain.

“Captain! Captain!” yelled the pilot. “I’ve just spotted a massive iceberg.”

“Well we don’t want to end up like the Titanic!” the captain replied. “Move the ship!”

Another crewman, who was watching the ship’s radar, suddenly began acting frantically and grabbed the radio from the pilot.

“Sir!” he said. “The water temperature is rising fast!”

“What?” asked the captain. “How is that even possible out here!”

“Oh god...” said the crewman. “I think it’s a heat signature...and a big one….”

The two crewmen on the deck both looked over the side of the ship to see a massive shape coming near them.

“Holy shit!” yelled one. “What is that!”

“The hell are you talking about?” asked the captain.

Just after the words left his mouth, the water began to rise, and a gigantic figure began to rise above them.

The captain, being an older man, recognized what this was immediately. He looked to the iceberg and saw the outline of what was once held within it. He then looked back at the monster. But this was no ordinary monster. It was the King of Monsters.

As the creature’s legendary roar was released from its maw, and the crew of the ship screamed in terror, the captain said only one thing…

“Gojira...”

Miles away, back on the Japanese mainland, Hiro and Yumiko were waiting at the airport for Yumiko’s brother, Koichi, to arrive.

Yumiko looked down at her watch before saying “He should have been here by now.”

Hiro chuckled. “Remember Yumiko, it’s a plane, not Rodan. He’ll be here, just be patient.”

Right after Hiro said that, Koichi walked out of baggage claim and spotted the two.

“Hiro! Yumiko! You’re here!” he exclaimed.

“See, what did I tell you.” remarked Hiro.

Yumiko actively ignored Hiro and got up to embrace her brother.

“It’s been years!” she said.

“Yeah, way too long.” Koichi replied.

He then took notice of Hiro, and just barely managing to release himself from his sister’s hold, walked over to him.

“Been a while.” Koichi said.

“No kidding.” replied Hiro. “Last I saw you, we’d all just gotten out of high school.“

“Yeah,” said Koichi. “So, you two still studying giant monsters?” he added, in a somewhat mocking tone.

“If you must know, yes.” Yumiko said, somewhat annoyed.

“Sorry.” Koichi quickly said. “I don’t mean to devalue what you guys are doing. Really, people like will be of great help should those things ever come back.”

“At this rate we’re due a Kaiju attack every few years….” Yumiko said solemnly. “Humanity does love to screw itself over.”

Koichi was unsure of how to respond. Finally, he settled on saying, “Well when we do, you’ll have people like me to protect you.”

Both Hiro and Yumiko looked puzzled.

“I’m going to join the GDF!” Koichi said excitedly.

Hiro was surprised at first, but quickly congratulated his friend.

“You know I hear they’re opening up some kind of Kaiju Research Division.” Koichi continued. “I might be able to put in a good word for you guys.”

This caught Yumiko’s interest. “Really?” she asked.

“Sure!” Koichi replied. “I’ll be your man on the inside.”

“So what will you be going into?” asked Hiro.

“Well I’m a soldier first and foremost.” admitted Koichi. “I’ll be joining up with the Kaiju Countermeasures Center.”

Yumiko frowned, but Hiro wasn’t the least bit surprised.

“Even the products of unfortunate circumstances need to be combated if they become a threat.” Koichi said, attempting to explain his position.

Yumiko couldn’t help but agree with her brother, but even still...

“Promise me something.” she demanded.

“What?” Koichi asked.

“You won’t kill them.” Yumiko said firmly.

“Not if it can be avoided.” Koichi answered. “Besides, I hear the GDF is working on some new Kaiju containment facility.”

Hiro grew slightly suspicious. “Sounds like information the GDF would keep to themselves. How’d you hear about it?” he asked, crossing his arms as he did so.

“I know a guy. He even gave me a great reference!” Koichi answered.

Hiro relaxed a bit. He knew Koichi well, but he could sometimes be a bit receptive to rumors and the like. He also worried his friend could end up bringing his and Yumiko’s hopes up that the GDF had ideas for handling Kaiju other than outright killing them.

“So my interview’s just next week.” Koichi continued.

Hiro was a bit surprised that Koichi had in fact already submitted his application, but was still happy for his friend.

“Good luck then!” Hiro replied.

“Well you’ll be late at the rate this conversation is going.” Yumiko joked. “Let’s go already, we’re not the only ones you need to get reacquainted with.”

Koichi came to a sudden realization. “Oh shit, Mom and Dad!” he said. “You’re right, let’s go.”

“I’ll start the car.” offered Hiro.

Within the minutes, the three would make begin their drive to the home of Koichi and Yumiko’s parents, unaware of what was to befall them.

GDF CENTRAL COMMAND

GDF workers moved about their base frantically. This was the first big lead they’d had in years. The group had been established in 2011, with the UN approving its creation just the year prior. Since then, Kaiju reports had been very few and far between. Most that did materialize turned out to be hoaxes or much smaller creatures hardly worth their attention. The 2008 incident in New York had reminded the world Kaiju were still a looming threat, and it seemed this had come up in just a short enough gap for the world not to forget.

“Two survivors.” said one member.

“Both are showing startling levels of radiation present.” said another. “Moving to quarantine until medical procedures can be performed.”

“Scouting team has yet to report back.” said a third, overlooking a monitor.  

Overlooking this all was General Oroshi Takarada, a decorated former JSDF officer who had been involved in the formation of the GDF. General Takarada had a particular resentment towards Kaiju, though the reason why remained a mystery to those who served under him.

Suddenly, the member overlooking the monitor exclaimed “Sir! Scouting team has visual!”

At the end of a room was a massive screen which suddenly blinked to life. Displayed on the screen was the video feed the plane was receiving. The plane’s pilot spoke into his radio, having his voice magnified by the base’s loudspeakers.

“Currently flying over the location which the survivors say the Kaiju sighting took place.” he said. “I’ve just spotted the massive iceberg they mentioned.”

The camera moved to show the iceberg. There was a gaping hole in it. Something had torn its way out and left only the vague shape of itself behind.

General Takarada’s eyes widened.

“Cross reference with geographical data from the 1955 Osaka incident, now!”

The various GDF workers immediately began looking through the data. Many of them were actively concerned as to what this might mean…

Finally one found himself the bearer of bad news.

“Sir! Data matches up with report of the incident. Iceberg is exactly 155 miles off the coast of Hokkaido.” he said. Looking back, the man went on to say “Same location the second Godzilla was frozen.”

The room suddenly fell silent. Everyone was shocked, some even frightened. However General Takarada’s stern expression remained, now sporting just a hint of anger.

“Just as I’d thought.” he said. “Call back the scouting team! Godzilla may still be in the area.”

“Scouting team. Return to base. Repeat. Return to ba-”

All of a sudden an ear-splitting roar was heard over the loudspeaker. Several GDF members covered their ears, others looked up at the loudspeaker. Others still recognized this sound instantly.

General Takarada grasped the railing of the ledge overlooking the room. “Get the scouting team back here now!”

However, before the team could even be called back, a blindingly bright blue light came into view, and within an instant, the scouting pilot’s camera view went to static.

“Switching to all views!” said a woman on another monitor.

Each of the scouting team’s cameras came into views, all on smaller rectangles on the much larger screen.

The man who had tried calling back the team before prepared to speak into his microphone again. Before he even had the chance, screams came from the loudspeaker.

One by one, each camera went to static, each accompanied by a blue light and a terrified scream. None of them had a chance to escape. None of them had a chance to say their last words. They were gone before their last breaths were even completed….

Silence.

Several of the GDF members were now in denial.

“Sir, it could have been a Dogora!”

“Or one of the Gappa creatures!”

“It could be-”

“NO!” the general yelled. His voice boomed throughout the room.

“There are no other possibilities.” he said. Looking down, he confirmed the fears of everyone in the room. “It is Godzilla.”

The room fell silent again, now faced with this grim reality. General Takarada however, remained firm.

“This is a Priority Alpha event. Prepare all Counter-Kaiju forces for deployment. I want Scouts sent out to locate and track Godzilla. Drones this time. No more good men will lose their lives to that lizard if we can help it.”

When the general finished his commands, those under him went straight to work. Everyone understood how dire the situation was, and intended to do what they could as quickly as possible.

Quietly, General Takarada said to himself “You won’t be getting away unscathed this time, monster. We’ve got worse than an avalanche in store for you...”

TWO WEEKS LATER

Koichi had already started his job with the GDF, and recommended Hiro and Yumiko for jobs at the Kaiju Research Division the GDF was putting together. In the meantime, both were continuing their classes at the Serizawa Institute for Scientific Learning, whilst Koichi attended GDF training sessions, which he admitted were harder than what the military had put him through.

Even still, he tried to make sure his sister and friend didn’t worry too much about him. Hiro understood the dangers of the job and the thinks Koichi had to do, but Yumiko had been terrified about his well being way back when Koichi had joined up with the military.

One thing that kept them both distracted was the new technology the GDF was developing, which he technically wasn’t supposed to talk about, but figuring that Hiro and Yumiko would have jobs with the GDF eventually, it wouldn’t hurt to tell them.

“For one thing, we’ve modernized and upgraded the old Maser tank designs.” he explained. “They should be much more effective against Kaiju. We’ve started making planes equipped with Maser weapons. We’re hoping to at least be able to incapacitate them, not like we can make an Oxygen Destroyer, right?”

Hiro nodded, although Yumiko seemed unsure. She respected what the GDF was doing, but they seemed a bit too aggressive towards their Kaiju targets. Given the destruction they tended to cause, she understood this as well, but such behavior still concerned her.

She decided to speak her mind, as she so always did. “Be careful you don’t try too hard at taking the Kaiju out.”

“Why’s that?” Koichi questioned.

“Nobody wants a repeat of the 2008 incident.” she said coldly, almost as if she were angry at her brother.

Koichi knew well enough this was more directed at the organization he was now a part of than he himself. He also understood how deeply Yumiko had been affected by the aforementioned incident.

“We’re not going to go that far. The UN ruled after 08’ that nuclear weapons were no longer to be used against Kaiju, for fear of further mutation or creating new ones.” Koichi answered.

“It’s almost funny.” Hiro interrupted, both of the Takashimas looking at him.

Hiro continued. “We try our damndest to avoid creating more monsters, or stopping the existing ones, but they always seem to come back and bite us in the ass. I hate to say it, but we may never be rid of Kaiju. It’s like they’re part of the planet’s ecosystem now or something.”

Koichi shrugged. “Maybe. Doesn’t mean we can’t keep trying. Y’know the GDF’s working on Kaiju warning signals. Personally I always thought the classic tornado sirens got the message across well enough. They’re kinda like tornados if you think about it.”

Yumiko scoffed and crossed her arms. “So the secret is out. You guys in the GDF treat these living beings as if they were just tornados or hurricanes, while simultaneously fooling yourselves into thinking you can kill them?”

“Yumi, you skipped out on the military, remember?” Koichi replied. “We have a way of thinking about things civilians don’t really get. Natural disaster, living being, whatever. All I see is an objective: Stop these things from levelling cities as they’re oh-so fond of doing. Kaiju themselves are just the thing we need to counter.”

“So just a target?” Yumiko asked.

“They kinda make themselves targets, I thought a Kaiju history buff would know that.” Koichi answered.

“Can you blame them?” Hiro interjected. “These Kaiju, we treat them as if they’re malicious, but I think they’re probably just angry and confused, even a little bit scared. As the philosopher Ishiro Toji once said, ‘Monsters are tragic beings.’ ”

“Yeah, tragic, but I find saving human lives a bit more important than some Kaiju’s temper tantrum.” Koichi remarked.

“An admirable cause.” Hiro said quickly, before Yumiko could begin to argue with her brother. “But I wasn’t finished.”

Hiro continued his reciting.

“They are born too tall, too strong, too heavy. That is their tragedy. They are not evil by choice. That is their tragedy. They do not attack people because they want to, but because of their size and strength, mankind has no other choice but to defend himself.” he finished.

“That man was truly ahead of his time.” Yumiko lamented, remembering the philosopher’s widely publicized death just a few years back.

Koichi looked down, before raising his head to reply. “I understand the sentiment. I really do. But I have a job to do. It’s like he said, ‘mankind has no choice but to defend himself.’ ”

“It’s not like we’re dealing with any impending Kaiju attacks anyway.” Yumiko pointed out. Koichi looked down again, his eyes darting across the room, looking for an excuse to change the subject.

“With that little debate settled, how about we get some lunch?” Hiro asked.

“Actually!” Koichi said a little too loudly, standing up a little too quickly. “My next shift starts again soon. I’ll see if I can meet up with you guys later.”

Koichi waved a halfhearted goodby, grabbed his things, and darted out of Hiro’s dorm room.

“Damn, the new job must really be pressuring him.” Hiro said.

“Maybe...” Yumiko replied, unsure of what really troubled her brother.

GDF TOKYO BRANCH

The normally stationary and observant GDF had sprung to life after….recent developments. Their top priority was now repelling the most legendary monster in Japanese history, something they intended to do with precision and haste.

Several of the GDF’s weapons were finally being brought back into operation, including even the Super X, the GDF’s first superweapon, created in 1984 to fend off Kaiju attacks. The flying fortress was being outfitted with Cadmium missiles by GDF maintenance crews, after the Science Division discerned that the radioactive nature of their target could be used against him.

It wasn’t the only weapon in development, but for the time being everything was being kept rather hush-hush, only certain members of the UN Security Council were even aware of the true extent of what the GDF was building.

Koichi arrived at the base and quickly met up with his good friend Kento Igarashi, who had been the one to recommend him for the GDF position.

“Fashionably late?” Kento jokingly asked.

“No, got a little behind talking to some friends.” Koichi answered.

“The Research Group candidates, right?” Kento questioned. “Your sister and that friend of yours?”

“They’re the ones.” Koichi confirmed.

“Well I hope they don’t keep you up this much when we hire them.” Kento replied.

“What’s going on anyway?” Koichi asked.

“Just preparations to deal with the "new" threat.” Kento explained. The scouts from GDF Command revealed the target’s en route to Tokyo. Not surprising really.”

“When will they realize that city’s had enough trouble!” joked Koichi.

“Anyways, you and me will be on the ground, dealing with evacuation and keeping civilians out of harm’s way.” Kento continued.

“Wouldn’t it make more sense to evacuate Tokyo and the surrounding area now, before the target even gets here?” Koichi questioned.

“It would.” Kento agreed. “But the higher ups want to keep this whole thing under wraps for as long as possible.”

“Why the secrecy?” Koichi was now genuinely worried about what could result from this decision.

Kento shot his friend a look, as if trying to tell him he should know exactly why the GDF command might want to keep the looming threat from the public.

“Right….” Koichi said slowly.

“We should really be getting to the briefing.” Kento said.

Koichi nodded, and both men turned to walk towards the briefing room, where they would receive their orders for the coming battle.

As the soldiers piled into the room and took their seats, the Captain of the GDF’s Tokyo branch, Misami Sakaki, stood at the front of the room, ready to begin his briefing.

“Attention!” yelled out the captain, silencing the room which had begun buzzing with conversation due to the nature of the threat. All of the soldiers turned to face their commanding officer.

A projector came on behind the group, sending it’s image to a screen just behind Captain Sakaki. On the screen was a map of Tokyo. The captain pulled out a pointer, which he quickly extended and pointed to the map.

“Drone scouts dispatched by Central Command have confirmed that the target is heading directly towards Tokyo. We do not currently know why, but regardless, we must prepare for the oncoming attack.” the captain spoke firmly.

He moved the pointer over to the coast. “We will be setting up a defensive line of Maser tanks across the coast.” he continued. “Based on previous uses, they should be effective in deterring the target. However, it is likely the target will continue to proceed. Aerial forces will be dispatched against the target should the first defense not prove effective. The ground force, which you will all be a part of, will be responsible for civilian evacuation and preventing casualties to the best of your abilities.” Captain Sakaki paused. “You are not to attack the target unless directly ordered. I repeat, do not attack the target.” The captain’s eyes bored into the crowd, making sure they understood that part of his orders especially.

“Should all else fail….the UN has given us permission to launch the Super-X. Since its invention in 1984, the craft has been refitted with Cadmium missiles, which slow radioactive reactions. Not only that, but we have a new superweapon ready and waiting.”

Captain Sakaki stepped back from the screen and the image switched from a map of Japan to a dark green semi-rectangular craft inside a large hangar.

“This, is the Super-X II, our newest anti-Kaiju superweapon. It has been designed specifically to deal with enemy, with a sleeker design and newly created TA32 armor, making it twice as resistant as the original craft.” He explained. “While it lacks Cadmium missiles like the Super-X I, this craft sports a new weapon.”

After the captain said that, the front hull of the Super-X II began to open, revealing a device somewhat similar to the Maser cannons inside.

“This is the Fire Mirror.” Captain Sakaki continued. “It is capable of reflecting energy attacks due to its artificial diamond coating, and fire it back with a thousand times the intensity. This is our best chance of victory. The Super X-II will be piloted by a specially trained team and deploy at the command of General Takarada from Central Command. This our battle strategy, and I expect you all to execute with precision and swiftness. The lives of over 9 million people rest in the hands of you and the other proud soldiers who will accompany you in battle. Good luck.”

The entire group stood up and saluted the captain. “Sir yes sir!” they all said, loudly and proudly.

“Dismissed!” shouted Captain Sakaki, and the soldiers began to exit the room.

“Good luck out there.” Kento said quietly to Koichi. Koichi looked at his friend and nodded.

“You too man. ” he replied. “We’re in this together.” Koichi put up his hand, and Kento met it with his, the two locking arms in a sort of brotherhood among soldiers.

THE SPACE AMOEBA CAFE, TOKYO

Hiro and Yumiko were both eating, and been rather silent thus far. Finally, Hiro decided to break the silence.

“Look.” he began. “I know Koichi means well. He just wants to keep people safe. You especially.”

“I get that….” Yumiko admitted. “But there are those, even within the GDF, who just want to kill monsters. I don’t want those type of people, I dunno, rubbing off on him or something”

Hiro looked her in the eyes and said “Don’t worry about it. It’s going to be fine.”

Yumiko was doubtful, but replied anyway. “I hope you’re right.”

“What’s goin’ on now?” asked the older man behind the counter who ran the cafe. He grabbed a remote and turned up the volume on the high-placed television near where Hiro and Yumiko were sitting.

Both looked to see the local news on.

“Reports are still coming in of the mysterious disappearances of boats across the Japanese coastline. Small fishing boats to entire cruise liners have gone down in the past couple of weeks.” said the anchorwoman. “No survivors have been found yet, and some are beginning to wonder if another country could be behind the disappearances. Here’s Japanese UN Security Council member Koro Bessho for more.”

The camera turned to Japan’s representative on the UN security council.

“What do you think about the theories that a foreign power is behind these disappearances?” the anchorwoman asked.

“Frankly, I don’t think another country is behind.” Bessho answered. “No country, not even North Korea, is bold enough to do something like this. Terrorism is a possibility, but we can’t know for sure. Honestly with how little information we have, the theory that the culprit is a giant monster like….” The man paused, carefully choosing his words. “Like those who have struck Japan before.”

“Do you believe a Kaiju is responsible?” The anchorwoman continued.

“There’s too little evidence for now. Once we find the wreckages, I’d recommend looking for claw marks or preforming radiation scans to be sure.” Bessho answered. “But the possibility of it being a Kaiju is unlikely, we haven’t seen one of them here in Japan since the 1970’s.”

“I see, thank you sir.” the anchorwoman said.

“You are very welcome.” Bessho answered.

The anchorwoman continued her report, as Hiro and Yumiko turned to one another.

“You don’t think….” Yumiko started.

“We can’t know for sure.” Hiro said. “Besides, Koichi would have mentioned it along with those other things he wasn’t technically supposed to tell us.”

“I hope so...” Yumiko replied, unsure if Hiro was right.

ONE WEEK LATER

The days past and more boats disappeared. Hiro and Yumiko began discussing the matter every day at the Space Amoeba cafe, both growing more worried due to the rarity of them even seeing Koichi, who claimed work had been keeping him busy. He had almost completely stopped talking to them about what the GDF was working on, which raised their suspicions, but did assure the two that the GDF’s Kaiju Research Division would be fully established within a month.

Theories about the disappearances began to mount. Kaiju, foreign powers, supernatural interference, divine intervention, and the list went on and on. Finally, Yumiko decided she wanted to investigate firsthand.

“You’re not going to stop me.” she said to Hiro, who had come to visit her dorm room to convince her to see reason.

“I’m telling you this is a bad idea. Something could happen to you. Especially going out by yourself at night!” Hiro said adamantly.

“I am going to find out what happened to those boats!” Yumiko said, now getting rather aggravated.

“Is there any way I can convince you not to go?” Hiro asked.

“Not unless your name is Godzil-”

Before Yumiko could finish, Koichi burst into the room, donned in his full GDF uniform, with a frantic look on his face.

“You guys need to get out of here, now!” he exclaimed.

“What’s going on?” Hiro asked.

“Doesn’t matter now, you guys need to leave! The GDF is evacuating the whole campus, the whole city!”

“Don’t schools have alarms for this sort of thing?” Yumiko asked.

“They thought the fire alarms would be too confusing...although in my opinion they aren’t entirely inappropriate for this.” Koichi answered.

Yumiko raised an eyebrow and Koichi instantly realized he’d said too much.

“Let’s just go, NOW!” he ordered.

The three hurried out of the dorm room, and were met by a rather crowded hallway a students filed out under the direction of other GDF soldiers.

“Seriously Koichi, what is going on.” Yumiko demanded.

“I think it’d be best if we just move.” Koichi said, not really answering.

Koichi rushed the other two out of the building, where they looked to see many people evacuating Tokyo. Cars had been outright abandoned and the GDF’s high-tech Maser tanks rolled through the streets.

“Now it makes sense….” Yumiko said bitterly.

“So it was a Kaiju….” Hiro added, everything related to the boat disappearances connecting in his head.

“Look guys, I know you’re probably mad, but we seriously have to get out of the city!” Koichi exclaimed.

“What is it.” Yumiko asked.

“Look Yumi, Koichi’s right about this one. If it’s a Kaiju we need to get out of the city.” Hiro argued.

“What is it Koichi.” Yumiko said, growing more angry by the second.

“Look, most of the time we just called it ‘the target’ but...”

Before Koichi could finish another GDF soldier yelled at him to move the civilians out of the area. By the look on Koichi’s face, Hiro could tell it must have been a higher ranked officer than him. Koichi nodded to the superior and quickly began motioning the other two in the direction of the city limits.

“This isn’t over...” Yumiko clarified, before the three started making their way out of Tokyo.

GDF TOKYO BRANCH, KAIJU MONITORING CENTER

Though a plan had already been made, the GDF was ultimately still assessing the threat. GDF Colonel Misaki Shindo   surveyed over the room, the glowing screens of monitors lighting it up, with two large screens on either side of the room. One remained inactive for the moment, however the other, directly behind Colonel Shindo, displayed the stern face of General Takarada, still at GDF Central Command.

“Sir, scans are coming in!” said a woman at one of the monitors.

“Good.” said General Takarada. “Any new data?”

Colonel Shindo was uncharacteristically confused. “I thought Central Command had already performed scans on the target?” he asked.

“We had a heat signature.” General Takarada clarified. “Your branch is what will provide more detailed scans.”

“I-I wasn’t aware we didn’t have complete information on the target.” Colonel Shindo said, now visibly worried for the safety of his men and the people of Japan.

“Regardless, we must proceed.” General Takarada said assertively. “Monitoring team, what have you got?” he asked.

The whole room looked uneasy. The woman who spoke earlier found the courage to do so again.

“T-The..the target has increased in size. Our readings say it’s about 200 meters in length.”

“But that would mean-” Colonel Shindo began to say.

“Yes, the target is now 100 meters in height.” the woman confirmed.

“Professor Otonashi, any word on why this has happened?” General Takarada asked, somewhat demandingly.

The head of the GDF science division, Tokumitsu Otonashi, stood to the side of the room, having recently transferred to the Tokyo branch, he had followed all information on their target with interest.

“Well….” the professor said “I have a theory.”

“Proceed...” General Takarada urged.

“It is my belief, that in these 62 years since his destructive battle against Anguirus in Osaka, that Godzilla has evolved.”

A sense of fear spread throughout the room.

“It goes against every law of evolution, but for everything we know about him, Godzilla goes against every law of nature as a whole.” said Professor Otonashi.

He moved to meet General Tarkada’s gaze at the large screen.

“Now I call it evolution, but only because it’s such a radical change. It’s more like growth or adaptation. Godzilla has become stronger and larger over time, despite the lack of any radiation sources to feed on.” the professor continued. “Godzilla’s mutation into the creature we know him as now changed much about his functions. We know already from intense study that his healing was greatly quickened by the mutation, perhaps all of his biological functions were sped up?”

“An interesting theory professor.” General Takarada said. “But what does this mean for our attack plan?”

“I can’t be sure of anything yet.” Professor Otonashi admitted. “Considering the new Super-X II was created specifically to overpower Godzilla, it should still be effective. I would recommend increasing the Cadmium payloads in the original craft however.”

“I’m afraid it’s too late for that professor.” General Takarada replied. “Regardless of our opponent’s ‘evolution’, we must continue the offensive as planned. Things have changed since 1955, and it’s time to show Godzilla just how much.”

“But sir, our plans were based on the presumption of dealing with a Godzilla half this size!” Colonel Shindo protested. “Our arsenal may be much greater than it was 62 years ago, but Godzilla himself is much greater than he was 63 years ago!”

“Then time has evened the playing field, Colonel.” General Takarada said, still believing his plan would succeed. “Regardless, we cannot allow ourselves to be defeated. Godzilla will be neutralized!”

“What?” exclaimed Colonel Shindo. “The entire attack plan is based around deterring Godzilla, not killing him!”

“I’d have to agree with the Colonel.” Professor Otonashi added. “Our plan was never to kill Godzilla. ”

“Plans have changed.” General Takarada stated firmly. “The Super-X II will defeat Godzilla with his own greatest weapon, even if the Super-X I isn’t up to the task of softening him up first.”

“What about my men?” Colonel Shindo demanded. “You would sacrifice the lives of brave pilots, ground soldiers handling evacuation, Captain Sakaki, and possibly even civilians just to defeat Godzilla?!”

“Their sacrifices will be honored, Colonel, you have my word on that. I know you care deeply for your men, but based on the information we have now, Maser tanks may not be enough.” General Takarada replied, a hint of frustration in his voice.

“But-” Colonel Shindo began.

“My orders are final Colonel.” General Takarada interrupted. “Do not forget who is in charge of the GDF’s Kaiju Countermeasures Division here. You may control this branch, but your branch ultimately falls under my jurisdiction!”

“Y-Yes...Yes sir...” Colonel Shindo said, those under him noticing an unfamiliar tone of defeat in his voice.

Suddenly the sound of alerts filled the room.

“Target closing, and fast!” exclaimed a member of the monitoring team.

TOKYO COAST

Maser tanks gradually lined up along the coast of Tokyo, their cannons pivoting upward for the coming battle. These weapons had first been deployed to deal with the Gargantua threat, even if only one was a threat. Ever since, they had become a staple of anti-Kaiju weapons, used by the GDF to this day. On this day, the advanced weapons and their pilots would realize how small they were….

“Target Incoming!” yelled a Maser tank pilot over the coms installed in each vehicle.

Almost at once, hundred of eyes shifted to the sea in front of them. The water began to rise, a dark and massive shape being visible underneath the waves. Before long, a fearfully familiar set of spines rose up from the water, like fin of a shark eyeing it’s prey from a terrifyingly small distance. The shape began to rise further, sending a gigantic wave towards the land below.

“Fall back!” yelled the leader of the group over the coms.

Jets twisted through the air to escape the wave, Maser tanks rolled backwards at speeds the vehicles weren’t known for reaching. Eventually the water fell, missing the tanks and the jets that hovered above them. They had survived this, but something much worse was now in front of them.

A titanic shape came over the small and scared humans, some brave souls moving in for the attack.

Then the king bellowed his terrible sound….

TOKYO CITY LIMITS

The GDF ground force was continuing evacuation efforts in a frantic manner, some of the civilians hearing over their radios that the “target” had reached the coast. Koichi in particular tried to rush his friend and sister out of the city as quickly as he could.

“Let’s go! Leave your belongings! This whole place will probably be rubble soon anyway!” ordered Captain Sakaki to the fleeing civilians, the men and women directly under his command already motivated to see out their task.

“Stay together!” another GDF soldier ordered. It was clear they were having trouble keeping track of Tokyo’s massive population, but tried their best all the same.

The civilians were less than cooperative. Some were so fearful they might trample others trying to flee the cities, others clearly didn’t have the situation properly explained to them and were grumbling their way to safety.

“Was he right about the city?” Hiro asked as he ran with the other two.

“Dunno, maybe!” Koichi replied back.

“I thought you GDF guys were supposed to be able to handle stuff like this!” Yumiko said, some resentment in her voice.

“We are!” Koichi exclaimed. “The captain’s just putting a little fire in their butts! He does that! Better he does than….” Koichi’s voice trailed off.

“You still haven’t told us what this is!” Hiro finally said.

“I bet they probably don’t even know! All this fuss for some new Kaiju that might not even be aggressive or all that powerfu-”

Yumiko, and the entire city was suddenly silenced when a loud roar filled the air. It sounded distant, but fearfully close at the same time.

The evacuating civilians, even the GDF soldiers, all stopped in their tracks.

Eyes widened en masse, jaws hung open, panic was widespread. Some rushed for cars that the GDF had ordered be left behind and drove out of the city at dangerously high speeds, the weary GDF soldiers unable to stop them.  

Some knew the sound from experience, others from recordings, documentaries, footage from both the 54 and 55 incidents. But they all knew it. They all recognized the sound that seemed to call out their doom.

On the coast, the GDF found themselves virtually cornered in the face of this behemoth. They remained dedicated to their mission all the same. The Maser cannons raised higher, and they prepared for the imminent battle.

“Fire!” Yelled the leader of the coastal offensive over a radio.

The Maser tanks flashed to life, and streams of energy fired from their uniquely-shaped lenses. The energy blasts collided with Godzilla’s hide, causing small explosions on impact. The King of the Monsters let out another roar, but this was one of pain, rather than an announcement of presence.

Godzilla instantly remembered the way these little things bombarded him with their weapons. He had no quarrel with them then, he had dealt with his real enemy and left them alone, yet they attacked him anyway. Now, not only had they invaded his territory, but impeded his way by attacking him further. Their weapons were far more damaging than they had been all those years ago, but with his regenerative capabilities, was able to withstand the attack.

But the little things did not have such luck….

Godzilla lifted his foot and stomped hard on the ground below, cracking and breaking the concrete he stood on underneath such weight and force. The resulting shockwave rattled the Maser tanks, but they were able to keep their ground. They continued bombarding Godzilla with blasts of energy, and the Monster King roared directly at the machines and the men and women inside them, a sight and sound that would make any other person sully their trousers, but not the trained soldiers of the GDF. They moved back some, but continued to hit Godzilla with streams of energy.

Godzilla had no shortage of tactics however, and simply swept his long and massive tail in the direction of his enemies. Several of the Maser tanks were swept aside by the tail, knocked over, some being disabled from the collision. Pushed against buildings, light posts, and anything else that got in the way of their forced path of travel. But the assault continued. Godzilla’s tail began to move with more vigor, the titanic beast whipping at his attackers, launching Maser tanks into the air, crushing others under the weight of his tail, thrashing them aside until only a few remained.

It was only when most of the troops were either injured or dead, when their prized Maser tanks sat in ruin, only a few still bravely firing at their massive target, that those at GDF Central Command, and those at the Tokyo branch, realized that their coastal offensive was a total failure. All were in shock at the weapons that once managed to force the Kaiju of old into retreat, were as helpless as the JSDF were in 1954.

All except two men, Colonel Shindo and General Takarada. One knew it would fail and quietly mourned his lost soldiers, the other saw this as an eventually and simply waited to send out the next wave.

“Send in the aerial troops.” General Takarada ordered.

Colonel Shindo was enraged at this point. Enraged at the blatant disregard for the lives and safety of his men. So he decided to speak out against his superior, no matter what it would cost him.

“Why?” Colonel Shindo demanded to know.

“Why what, Colonel.” General Takarada replied.

“Why send out the aerial troops? Why sacrifice more men and women when we already know that Maser weaponry does little more than piss Godzilla off?” the Colonel continued.

“We are not simply using Maser jets Colonel. Recently, we have invented a powerful missile which should manage to actually harm Godzilla.” General Takarada explained. “It’ll be like one man versus a barrage of grenades, whilst the Masers provide support for-”

“And when that fails?!” Colonel Shindo interrupted.

“If it fails, we’re hardly out of countermeasures against Godzilla.” General Takarada answered, annoyance rising in his voice.

“Face it General, you know full well those pilots are as good as dead! Why not send out your prized Super-X II to face Godzilla?!” Colonel Shindo shouted, while those under his command looked in shock at this unusual loss of composure.

“The Super-X II is a last resort. You of all people should know this Colonel.” General Takarada explained.

“I know the plan General, but clearly it’s a plan doomed to cost more lives than it’s worth!” Colonel Shindo argued.

“If you will not cooperate, I will simply order the aerial assault myself.” General Takarada threatened.

Colonel Shindo sneered at the screen his superior’s face was displayed on. “This is my branch General. My troops whose lives are at stake.”

“And unless you have forgotten, this is my division Colonel.” General Takarada replied. “If you have a problem with that, you may request a transfer to a division of your choice. Although I must say, it’d be a massive waste of your talents.”

With that, General Takarada’s image disappeared and the screen it was displayed on switched off.

“This isn’t over….” Colonel Shindo said quietly.

INSIDE THE CITY

The streets were now in chaos. Absolute pandemonium. It was like Black Friday, a parade, and a terrorist attack all merged into one. People wanted to get out and they wanted to get out now.

Captain Sakaki attempted to keep order, commanding his troops to do the same. Koichi however, for once in his life, had elected to disobey orders. All he cared about in that moment  was getting his sister and best friend out of the city safely.

The stampede of humanity was proving too much, so Koichi pulled the two into an alleyway.

“We’ll have to find a less crowded way out of the city.” he said.

“Did you know?” Yumiko asked.

“Clearly he knew about a kaiju attack.” Hiro interjected.

“Yes, but did he know it was Godzilla?” Yumiko continued. She clearly wasn’t going to stop until she got an answer. It was then that Koichi understood why she wanted to be a reporter.

“Fine.” he relented. “They called him ‘the target’ most of the time, but we knew it was Godzilla.”

“Why couldn’t you tell us?” asked Hiro.

“The higher ups wanted to prevent a panic.” Koichi explained.

“So that’s why they chose to evacuate at the last minute.” Yumiko realized.

“Yeah.” Koichi confirmed. “We thought the Maser tanks would hold the big guy off. From what I hear, that ain’t happening.”  

“So the city isn’t completely evacuated and Godzilla’s stomped through your front line?” Yumiko asked.

“Pretty much. That’s why I wanted you guys out of the city so bad.” Koichi explained.

“Well, you can’t just get us out!” Hiro argued. “We have to make sure everyone’s safe!”

“That’s what the captain and the others are doing.” said Koichi. “Me? I’m helping you guys.”

“You’d risk thousands of lives to save two?” Hiro asked.

Koichi sighed. “Fine.” he said “If you’ve got any ideas, we can try and help everyone else.”

Hiro nodded.

As the three began to discuss a plan, jets flew overhead. Some were equipped with Maser cannons, others had specialized Anti-Kaiju payloads.

“Looks like the cavalry's here.” Koichi said.

TOKYO OUTSKIRTS

Stomping through the last of the Maser tanks and continuing on his path, Godzilla made his way into the outskirts of Tokyo, now unopposed. He marched forward, scaring off any animals who had been foolish enough not to flee. Any structures were just obstacles, easily demolished as the King of Monsters walked through them. Despite the carnage in his wake, Godzilla was for the moment….peaceful.

But that would change quick.

The King tilted his head upwards at the sound of the planes heading toward him.

“Alright men,” said the leader of the attack run. “We’re approaching the target. Once you’re within range, begin the attack. Don’t let up on him no matter what!”

“Sir yes sir!” replied the other pilots.

Godzilla looked up at the planes with not malice, but curiosity. He had not seen such things in many years. Some of them had invaded his territory recently, and those had been easily dealt with. These just seemed to be flying on their way…..until the attack started.

Without warning, Godzilla’s body was bombarded with the energy fired by the Maser cannons. The King of the Monsters roared out in pain, but these blasts were hardly enough to take him down.

“Alright, we’ve got the big lizard’s attention!” said the group leader. “Hit ‘im with the missiles!”

“Yes sir, beginning bombing run.” replied another, and he and his fellow bombers began moving in.

The second wave of jets moved in, firing their missiles in Godzilla’s direction.

The missiles exploded across Godzilla’s body. Where the Masers were a mere annoyance, these hurt. Actually hurt. He had sustained missile fire before, but not at this caliber.

And that fact was exactly what the GDF was counting on.

The planes continued to bombard Godzilla with missiles and Maser fire, quickly overwhelming the King of the Monsters. Godzilla roared out in pain as he was bombarded. Smoke and explosions covered his massive body.

But then a blue a glow began emanating from the smoke. Upon closer inspection, the pilots realized that Godzilla’s spines were lighting up with some blue energy. However, they thought little of it and continued their assault.

The fools.

Godzilla let out a cry not of pain, but anger, frightening everyone in the streets of Tokyo even more despite the distance between them and this beast. Godzilla’s mouth was now full of blue energy. His eyes almost glowing with rage.

Finally, one of the pilots realized what was happening.

“Oh shi-”

Those would be his final words, as soon after a beam of blue energy shot forth from Godzilla’s open maw, obliterating him and a few of his comrades.

The energy shot into the sky, and before the pilots could make any maneuvers, any counters, Godzilla sweeped his head along the direction of his targets, eviscerating them with his famed atomic breath. The beam itself could be seen for miles, as well as the explosions of the jets, their pilots having never stood a chance against such power.

MILES AWAY

Hiro, Yumiko and Koichi stopped in their tracks when they saw Godzilla’s atomic breath. Everyone did. Their plan just got a lot harder to pull off, with people more panicked than even before.

“We have to hurry.” said Yumiko.

Hiro nodded, but Kochi kept looking the direction of the beam of atomic energy that had just lit up the night sky.

Hiro put his hand on Koichi’s shoulder. “Friends of yours?” he asked. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s alright, “ Koichi said. “On the plus side, this means the GDF will be done playing around.”

“What do they have that’d possibly stand up to Godzilla?” Yumiko questioned.

“Remember the Super-X?”

“The ‘flying fortress’ from 84. Japan’s prised defense against a Kaiju attack that never came...until today.” Hiro recalled.

“Yeah, well we’re about to launch it, along with the sequel.” Koichi explained.

“You’ve created another Super-X?” Yumiko asked.

“Yeah, and this one’s been tailor-made for the big G.” Koichi said proudly.

“Well I hope it works.” Yumiko said.

“I thought you didn’t like us killing the monsters?” Koichi asked.

“Oh, your new Super-X won’t kill him.” Yumiko explained. “He’s a lot stronger than he was in ‘55. I’m just hoping it holds him off.”

Koichi crossed his arms and thought about it for a bit.

“Well I was just shown what the thing could do this morning, so…..you might be right. ” he relented.

“We should get moving.” Hiro urged.

“Right.” said Koichi, both siblings nodding. The three began making their way to Tokyo Tower to initiate their plan.

GDF TOKYO BRANCH

Professor Otonashi waited at the helipad alongside the GDF’s weapons designer, Dr. Takehiro Kensaku.

A helicopter touched down on the pad, large and weaponized. It had the GDF’s logo emblazoned on the side.

The helicopter doors opened, and General Takarada stepped out, hands crossed behind his back, a stern look on his face, along with two GDF soldiers serving as his guards, both carrying high-caliber weapons.

“Professor Otonashi.” he said. “I didn’t expect to see you out here. How goes your research?”

“Well it seems my theory is proving stronger by the minute.” Otonashi explained. “No kaiju has ever been able to resist Maser fire like this. For that matter, no kaiju has ever been this large! Except maybe that thing from the 2008 incident, but the American branch has been so reluctant to release any information, and all we’ve got to go off is the footage that got leaked onli-”

“Alright alright, that’s enough professor.” interrupted Dr. Kensaku. “You’re boring the general.”

“Actually.” clarified General Takarada. “I’d like to discuss the professor’s findings at a later time. But for now, I am here concerning the Super-X I and II.”

“Of course, right this way. We’ve just been making the finishing touches.” Dr. Kensaku replied, motioning the General inside.

“And while you’ve been making these ‘preparations’, my men have been getting incinerated!”

Dr. Kensaku looked shocked to see Colonel Shindo standing in the doorway.

“Yes.” the General admitted. “I saw the light show on the way here.”

“Is that all their deaths were to you?!” yelled Colonel Shindo. “A light show?!”

“Obviously not Colonel.” General Takarada corrected. “They were good men, and their sacrifices will be honored.”

“If you really believed that,” Colonel Shindo replied. “You’d take responsibility for sending them to their deaths in the first place.”

“I understand you were very close with your men Colonel,” said the General. “But I’m afraid we don’t have time for this right now.”

“Of course you don’t….” said Colonel Shindo, as he began walking forward. “You never have time for anything, unless it involves killing Godzilla!”

The General’s guards suddenly pointed their weapons at the Colonel.

“Stay back!” one of them instructed.

Colonel Shindo gritted his teeth.

The General remained stern. “Colonel.” he said. “I would recommend you stay in line, for you own sake.”

The Colonel was angry, but wouldn’t let himself be killed like his men were. Instead, he turned and walked back inside.

“Shall we continue, General?” asked Dr. Kensaku.

The General seemed out of it for a moment, before snapping back to reality.

“Of course.” he said.

The group walked into the building, where the General and his guards were led into a massive hangar housing the original Super-X as well as its successor.

“We’ve been working to increase the cadmium payload on the Super-X I like Professor Otonashi suggested.” Dr. Kensaku explained. “Additionally, we’ve given the Super-X II’s fire mirror an additional coating of our new artificial diamond alloy to prevent overheating.”

“Very good Doctor.” said General Takarada. “When they will be ready for launch.”

“Within the hour sir.” Dr. Kensaku said, worried about how his superior would react to the information.

General Takarada gave Dr. Kensaku a look that could kill, before looking back to the crafts standing before him.

“You have twenty minutes.” the General said. “Cease whatever last-minute modifications your people are making and prep both vehicles for launch. We have allowed Godzilla to rampage in our country for long enough.”

“B-But….sir!” Dr. Kensaku began to argue.

“That is an order.” General Takarada said firmly.

“R-right...” the doctor said, feeling rather defeated.

ELSEWHERE IN TOKYO

Godzilla continued his march throughout the city, undeterred now that he had obliterated the GDF’s aerial forces. He was like a force of nature, a hurricane or a tornado. Despite his reputation as a horrible beast he went to no great lengths to remove the manmade structures in his path. Bridges were walked through, buildings grazed by his body and de-stabilized  by his tail. Power lines didn’t even faze him, any building in his direct path was torn through with ease, then its remains walked over, not as if it were a threat, but as if it were an annoyance.

With each step, Godzilla encroached upon the terrified populous of Tokyo. With their other forces obliterated and their secret weapons not yet ready, there was little the GDF could do to impede him. But that wouldn’t stop them from trying…

A line of men with heavy ordinance weaponry was quickly made between the evacuating people of Tokyo and Godzilla. Behind the line was Captain Sakaki, who had coordinated the effort.

“Ready!” he said.

The men raised their weapons towards Godzilla.

“Aim!”

The men got Godzilla within their weapons’ sights, insuring they wouldn’t miss.

“Fire!”

All at once, the men fired large missiles from their weapons, all of which struck Godzilla head on and exploded.

Godzilla stopped in his tracks. He began looking around in confusion, trying to discern where those bright lights had come from.

“The missiles had no effect sir!” said one of the men.

“Try the D-03’s.” ordered Captain Sakaki. “They were made for digging into kaiju skin.”

Suddenly a GDF vehicle drove in and pulled up next to them.

“Captain,” said the driver, saluting as he did so. “We need your help coordinating the evacuation!”

Captain Sakaki sighed. “Very well, Major.” he said.

The captain got into the vehicle and the two proceeded to drive off.

“So what do we do?” asked one of the men at the defense line.

“What the captain said.“ answered another. “Prep the D-03’s, we’ve gotta hold this big lizard off somehow.”

Two of the men broke off from the group and ran over to a nearby truck, grabbing as many of the D-03 missiles as they could and loading their weapons with them.

“Hurry up!” shouted one of the men. “Big guy is getting closer!”

The other men looked up, realizing that Godzilla’s momentary confusion had worn off and he was now continuing along his path.

They hurried to ready their weapons, and once they were ready, the men raised them and fired.

The D-03 missiles were not like normal missiles. They were equipped with a high-powered drill at their tips, made to dig into kaiju flesh and really hurt.

And pretty soon, the weapons lived up to their proposed function, drilling into Godzilla’s flesh and causing him to cry out in pain. Some of the men dropped their weapons and covered their ears, due to the sheer noise of his cries. Others looked at their target, as if waiting for something….

What they were waiting for soon became pretty apparent, as the D-03 missiles, once lodged inside Godzilla’s body, began to explode, one after another, causing him to scream even louder as he began stumbling back, each explosion hurting more than the last.

When the last of the D-03’s had gone off, Godzilla was full of holes, as if shot with a dozen gigantic bullets, and he was bleeding.

“Hah ha!” yelled one of the GDF soldiers. “That’s right! Take that you big stinkin’ lizard!”

“Uh….dude?” said one of the others, tapping his comrade on the shoulder. The soldier looked up at their target.

To their surprise, Godzilla’s wounds were healing. The holes began closing, the blood began drying up. Faster than anything they’d ever seen. Soon after, Godzilla’s scaly skin began to cover the wounds, and within a few short minutes, it was as if the GDF’s attack never happened.

“Wha...what??” yelled another one of the GDF soldiers. “How!”

It seemed the man would not receive any answers, as soon he was much more preoccupied on Godzilla. The beast’s eyes seemed to be glowing. Glowing with rage. To say he was angry would be the understatement of the decade, possibly the decade. He was furious.

Godzilla didn’t hone in on his specific attackers, but he knew the threat lay in the general area he was in. So before any further attacks could be made against him, his dorsal spines began flickering to life, until soon they were coated in that infamous blue glow. He opened his mouth and let loose his famed atomic breath, wiping out the GDF soldiers, a few unlucky civilians, and several buildings, before finally stopping, believing the immediate threat to be over.

TOKYO TOWER

Every second, the situation in Tokyo grew more dire. Godzilla had barely been impeded from making his way through the city, damages worsening in his wake. The people were panicked and it seemed that the GDF’s evacuation efforts were failing spectacularly. The only thing that could rescue this failure of an operation was the daring plan to put together by Hiro, Yumiko, and Koichi. All they had to do was reach Tokyo tower and pray it would work…

Just a few short moments from reaching the structure, the three looked back to see their home city suddenly being set ablaze as Godzilla vaporized what they presumed to be GDF soldiers that had been foolish enough to challenge him.

Hiro immediately noticed the look on Koichi’s face. It was more likely than not friends of his had been lost in that blast.

“C’mon!” he urged. “We’ve got to keep moving!”

Hiro grabbed Koichi’s arm, which was finally enough to snap the man out of his funk.

“R-right..” he said.

The three made their way inside the tower and eventually found the abandoned control center.

“What’s our plan again?” Koichi asked.

Yumiko rolled his eyes. She had hoped at a time like this her brother’s skills of recollection might actually improve somewhat.

“We’re going to broadcast a signal to the countryside, which should hopefully lure Godzilla away from the city.” she explained.

“It should work because we think the big guy must have some kind of directional system, being partially aquatic and all.” Hiro elaborated further.

“So he might respond to an electromagnetic signal. But only this tower can broadcast something powerful enough to get on his radar.” Yumiko added.

“Ohhhh” Koichi said. “Phew, I thought we were gonna try to get the big guy to come over here.”

“He might still reach us given the complete lack of anything to stop him.” Yumiko explained.

“Crap.” Koichi responded.

“Hopefully we should still give the GDF enough time to get everyone out of the city.” Hiro noted, trying to bring some positivity back into their mission.

“In that case, it’s been nice knowing you guys.” said Koichi, moving into a position of attention and saluting the two.

Hiro chuckled. “Ever the soldier.” he said.

Yumiko meanwhile had already begun fiddling with the equipment.

“Do you even know how any of this works?” Koichi asked.

“Do you?” his sister retorted.

“Well no….” Koichi admitted.

Suddenly, everything began to shake. Even high up inside Tokyo Tower, the three could feel it.

“Impact tremors.” Hiro soon realized. He looked over to the others.

“He’s getting closer.”

Soon Hiro’s hypothesis was confirmed when a loud bellowing sound suddenly filled their ears with a noise so loud they had to cover their ears. It was as if Godzilla had roared in challenge of them in particular.

OUTSIDE

Godzilla lumbered ever closer to the large tower, which dwarfed even he in size. He was on the alert now. Anything could attack him at any time, even if he didn’t know what it was. He didn’t register these humans as….anything. It was as if the entire area had the potential to be hostile. He did take note of their structures though.

One large building, almost equaling him in height, was torn threw as the King of the Monsters let his claws slide through the concrete. The top of the building began crumbling down like an avalanche, crushing street lights and other objects below. Thankfully, the GDF had already gotten everyone out of this area. His eyes moved side to side, scanning the area for potential attackers, or anything that might just have been in his way. He moved his tail a bit faster. It was ready to swat at anything that got in his way, though for now Godzilla seemed content to use to separate buildings from their foundation, causing them to crumble under the lack of support.

Then, something caught his eye…

TOKYO TOWER, 22 MINUTES AFTER GENERAL TAKARADA’S ORDER

“Okay…” said Yumiko. “Signal will be ready to go in three….two…..one!”

The three turned their heads to look outside the tower, at Godzilla. His attention did indeed seem to be diverted. He began turning away from their location and beginning to lumber off into the countryside.

“It worked!” Hiro exclaimed.

Koichi pumped his fist in the air and said “Yes!” while Yumiko began cheering.

However, the celebration was cut short when a sound could be heard overhead.

“Are those….planes?” Yumiko asked.

“They sound…..louder.” Hiro mused.

“Oh no….” said Koichi

Suddenly, the three saw a barrage of missiles flying towards Godzilla, all colliding with his massive body and exploding on impact.

When the smoke cleared, Godzilla had turned around, and after that, he let loose another titanic roar. Their efforts, the signal, no longer mattered.

The call to battle was much more alluring…

The two Super-X crafts quickly flew over the tower, both on a course directly for Godzilla.

“This is the crew of Super-X II.” a crewmember spoke into their radio. “We’ve gotten the big guy’s attention.”

“Very good.” said General Takarada. “Continue the offensive. This time, we will not fail.”

“Roger that.” replied the crew member.

The Super-X I moved up slightly ahead of its successor. Two thin blue lasers then fired from the craft, striking at Godzilla and practically cutting right through him.

The Monster King let out a cry of pain, but as he did, the Super-X crew seized their opportunity.

“Fire the cadmium missiles!” ordered the vessel’s captain. “Now!”

“Open wide lizard lips!” said one of the crew as he fired the craft’s cadmium missiles right into Godzilla’s maw.

The cadmium quickly took effect, as Godzilla began foaming at the mouth. His breathing became labored, and it seemed he might topple over then and there.

But Godzilla would not give up. He shook his head, used a building to steady himself, causing heavy damage to it in the process, and began charging his atomic breath.

However this time, His spines merely flickered. The glow in his mouth was a faint one, like someone was shining a large flashlight from it.  The beam would not come out.

“Now he’s cooked!” proclaimed the lead Super-X I pilot. “Both teams! Hit em’ with all you’ve got!”

Seconds later, missile fire began pouring out of both crafts, bombarding Godzilla much like the jets he had previously eviscerated. Much as he might try, the King of Monsters could not retaliate, not while the cadmium halted his ultimate weapon.

Or so it seemed…

Despite the bombardment, Godzilla would not give up so easily. Bending over, turning around, and outstretching his tail, he managed to hit the Super-X I, sending the craft hurtling off course momentarily. The Super-X II poured on more missile fire to distract the beast while the Super-X I tried to course correct itself.

Godzilla turned around in spite of the missile fire and did something no one would have expected.

He slammed his tail into the ground with such force as to propel his entire body into the air, going above both of the Super-X’s, about to crush them under his weight…

Just as the Super-X one righted itself. Its successor had already moved out of the way, and its crew was now radioing in to the older craft.

“Crew of Super-X I.” they said over the radio. “Take evasive action now!”

“You heard em’!” commanded the captain of the vehicle.

“It’s too late!!!!!” screamed out another crew member as Godzilla’s massive body came crashing down on the Super-X I, sending it hurtling to the ground below.

Under Godzilla’s weight, the vehicle couldn’t even move, and soon it and its crew collided with the ground, being crushed between it and Godzilla and resulting in a massive explosion, along with the feeling of an earthquake when Godzilla hit the ground.

Watching the situation unfold from Tokyo Tower, Hiro, Yumiko, and Koichi, were nearly knocked off of their feet by the impact tremor.

“Holy shit….” Koichi said. “They didn’t mention him doing that in the briefing.”

“Your briefings probably didn’t account for one thing…” Hiro began to explain. “Godzilla is far more intelligent than he’s given credit for, it makes sense he’d be able to think on his feet.”

“But the university-” Yumiko was about to say.

“Never covered Godzilla in great detail, I know.” Hiro admitted. “But I found some sources online and began studying him outside of class.”

“Why?” Koichi questioned.

“There’s always been something about Godzilla that...kinda fascinated me.” Hiro explained. “Maybe it was the way everyone else acted about him. Part of me always wondered why.”

“Right now, we’re living why.” pointed out Yumiko. “The signal won’t work any more, he’s too pissed off. I’m sorry, but at this point we just need to get out of the city. ”

“She’s right.” agreed Koichi. “Now ain’t the time for studying the dude, especially when he could kill us.”

“You’re right,” Hiro admitted. “Let’s get out of here.”

THE ONCE CALM STREETS OF TOKYO

As the three humans made their way out of Tokyo Tower, the thing they were fleeing from, Godzilla, began climbing to his feet. Below him was a pile of metal, with scraps of flesh mashed in between. Godzilla found himself stepping in a puddle of metal, oil, cadmium, and a bit of blood.

But his fight wasn’t over yet.

The Super-X II remained in the air, and quickly shot more missiles in the Monster King’s direction.

Ideas for swatting the big metal pest out of the air raced through Godzilla’s head. Trying the same tactic with his tail, jumping at it, throwing something. But as the missile fire continued, and Godzilla’s rage boiled, his spines almost instinctively began to glow.

The cadmium was wearing off.

Noticing the glow out of the corner of his eye, Godzilla harnessed his returning power, and blasted his beam at the craft.

However, the Super-X II’s crew had also noticed the return of Godzilla’s ranged capabilities, and opened their Fire Mirror to capture the energy of the beam.

The light of the beam filled the entire sky, and it seemed the craft would be obliterated like anything else he fired it at. But this time was different. To Godzilla’s surprise, the Super-X II was still there.

Godzilla simply stared at the craft, unsure of what had just happened. When suddenly, a blast of green energy resembling his own beam shot out from the vessel, striking Godzilla in the chest! Godzilla was knocked back and the resulting explosion was large, causing heavy damage to a few buildings and helping to obliterate the one Godzilla had been slammed into from the blast.

The King of Monsters got back up as he always did, but more slowly this time.

“I think we did it!” said one of the Super-X II crewmembers. “I think we actually hurt him!”

“Indeed.” said the main pilot. “But keep your eyes peeled for any surprises. And keep the Fire Mirror open.”

Godzilla’s spines lit up in seconds, firing his powerful beam at the Super-X II again. Like before, it was caught by the vessel’s Fire Mirror, and shot back at him, knocking Godzilla even further back and causing more damage.

“Be careful with that thing!” one of the crew members yelled.

The pilot controlling the Fire Mirror turned to him and replied, “This part of the city’s already been evacuated, and it’d be a lot worse if we didn’t take down this big lizard.”

“Quiet, both of you!” commanded the captain. “All that matters right now is that we get this done! Keep firing!”

Using the energy the Super-X II still had, it began firing blasts from its Fire Mirror in rapid succession. Godzilla barely had any time to react before he was blasted over and over. It seemed the GDF would claim victory over its adversary on this day, as Godzilla was slowly annihilated by his own weapon.

Only one problem.

It was his weapon.

As he was being fired upon Godzilla began to comprehend what was happening. He replayed the pattern in his head. He fired his beam, the Super-X II fired back. He had thought he felt something familiar about the energy that was now threatening to end his life.

The kind of energy Godzilla fed upon.

As the Super-X II continued blasting, Godzilla began trying to absorb the energy. It took a few tries and some pain, but eventually he managed, standing up slowly in spite of the Super-X II’s assault.

“Sir!” said the crew member manning the Fire Mirror. “I think he’s absorbing the blasts!”

“What??” exclaimed the captain.

But it was already too late.

Once enough energy was absorbed, Godzilla’s spines began glowing again, this time with a greenish blue hue unlike the standard light blue. He opened his mouth and similarly colored energy sat inside. Godzilla then fired an even more powerful version of his atomic breath at the craft, and within seconds, it and all inside were completely obliterated.

STILL NOT OUTSIDE THE CITY

Meanwhile, the three who had tried to end this situation peacefully were still trying to make their way out of Tokyo Tower. The rumbling and bright flashes caused by the explosions weren’t helping, and even in spite of the Super-X II’s destruction they kept moving.

Eventually making it to the foot of the tower, the three made their way out.

“This way!” yelled Koichi, pointing away from Godzilla’s path, naturally. “The GDF’s got evac helicopters on the edge of the city.”

Hiro and Yumiko began to follow when a deafening noise got their attention.

It was the roar of Godzilla, and he was angry. His battle with the GDF’s forces had reminded him all too well what happened when he dared step foot onto human domain. He was going to raze Tokyo before he could be assured no threat to him remained, and these three humans wouldn’t be able to get away fast enough.

The mighty beast began lumbering towards them, death in his eyes. He now made a conscious effort to destroy anything which got in his way. Buildings were crumbled, Tokyo Tower was cut in half by a blast of atomic breath. The three only barely managed to escape the collapsing tower as its fiery remains fell to the ground below.

Regardless of their actual chances for survival, the three kept running. Fight or flight response, and right now, this was all flight.

The city soon began to come down around them as Godzilla continued his rampage. As if things couldn’t get any worse, a blast of atomic breath knocked utterly demolished a building in front of the three, causing the rubble to fall in just the right spot to block their path.

While the other two stopped, Koichi attempted to climb over the rubble. Turning back around once he got a vantage point, he instructed to the others “Grab my hand!”

“We won’t make it!” Yumiko said back. “It’ll take too long!”

“Well we’re not gonna die here!” Koichi argued.

“Guys….” said Hiro.

The other looked to see Godzilla marching toward them. He was frighteningly close, probably enough for his innate radioactivity to take effect, but not at lethal levels. He let out a massive roar, one that seemed to signal their end…

Until, as if snapping out of a trance, or perhaps snapping into one, Godzilla stopped in his tracks. He looked almost confused for a second, looking around as if he’d heard something. Then, as if this entire night had never happened, Godzilla turned around and began walking back to the sea.

The three were confused at Godzilla as he continued making his way back to his aquatic home.

Suddenly, the rubble that blocked their path out of what was left of Tokyo began to move. Koichi quickly jumped off of the rocks, barrel rolled, then pulled out his sidearm.

The rocks moved slowly, very slowly, but eventually, they managed to budge, creating a gap in the rubble, and revealing a woman standing behind them, her hand outstretched.

Koichi holstered his weapon and three began moving toward the woman.

“Who are you?” Hiro asked. “And how did you do that?”

The woman nearly collapsed from the strain of what she had just accomplished, though Yumiko managed to catch her in time.

“Tell…..Telepa...thy..” she muttered out before falling unconscious.

A WEEK LATER

By the time Hiro, Koichi, Yumiko, and their new friend, who later revealed her name to be Miki Saegusa, got out of the city, the GDF had evacuated everyone else. Walking through the destroyed Tokyo, it was morning when they got to the city’s edge, and cleanup crews had already begun appearing.

In the following days, Tokyo began to look like its old self again, though everyone knew it would take time. The Prime Minister officially declared the city would be repaired in a year, tops.

Since their university and their apartments had been demolished during the chaos, the four were forced to move in together and pool their money to rent a small house. It wasn’t their preferred situation, but it worked out well enough.

One day in particular, the other three were watching television when Koichi came in and changed the channel.

“What’d you do that for?” Hiro asked.

“The news is playing an interview they got out of General Takarada, the guy in charge of my branch of the GDF.“  he explained. “So don’t change the channel back with your mind.” he said to Miki in particular, clearly out of experience with such occurrence.

“Sir, what do you have to say about these shocking events which have befallen Japan just a week ago?” asked a reporter.

“The situation is tragic.” General Takarada began. “But the GDF did the best they could to stop that monster. The damage could have been worse.”

“And what do you say to the claims that the GDF’s assault on Godzilla actually caused much of the damage?” the reporter followed up with.

The general sneered. “They believe my men provoked him, yes?”

The reporter nodded.

“Fools.” General Takarada answered. “That monster needs no provocation. It’s a demon, not an animal.”

“Most of the scientific community, particularly in the study of mega-zoology, would disagree with you general.” the reporter said.

“Scientists always find a way of explaining what they don’t understand.” the general explained. “They’d say the devil himself was ‘just an animal’ if they got the chance to study him.”

“What will the GDF do in case Godzilla returns?” the reporter asked.

“Kill him.” the general replied simply.

“But after losing both Super-X’s-” the reporter began.

“We will destroy Godzilla, whatever it takes to do so!” General Takarada yelled, as he began walking into a helicopter which was meant to return him to GDF Central Command.

“Whatever it takes.”

Before the reporter could ask more questions, the helicopter door closed and the vehicle took off.

“So much anger.” Miki noted.

“Yeah, he’s always been like that.” Koichi admitted.

“You know, he and Godzilla are more similar than he probably thinks.” said Hiro.

The others looked at him curiously.

“They both do things with incredible drive and motivation,” Hiro explained. “But the question is why….”

He shook his head. “Whatever the reason, there’s no denying it now….”

“Godzilla is back.”

Characters Featured

Humans

Main

• Hiro Nakajima
• Koichi Takashima
• Yumiko Takashima
• Miki Saegusa

GDF Personnel

• General Oroshi Takarada
• Captain Misami Sakaki
• Colonel Misaki Shindo
• Kento Igarash
• Several unnamed soldiers

Others

• Professor Miyajima
• Reporter 1
• Reporter 2
• Japanese Prime Minister
• Koro Bessho

Kaiju

• Godzilla
• Anguirus (Mentioned)
• Rodan (Mentioned)
• Gezora (Mentioned)
• Kameobas (Mentioned)
• Ganimes (Mentioned)
• Zarkorr (Referenced)
• Pulgasari (Referenced)
• Clover (Referenced)
• Dogora (Mentioned)
• Gappa (Mentioned)
• Sanda (Referenced)
• Gaira (Referenced)

Alien Races

• Yog (Mentioned)
• Mysterians (Mentioned)

Trivia

• As the first film in this series, this story takes heavy inspiration from the likes of Return of Godzilla and Godzilla 2000, as both were solid beginnings for their respective eras that in my opinion, portrayed the character rather well.
• Koro Bessho is actually the Japanese UN representative in real life at the time I am writing this.
• Many character names were invented via taking first and last names of existing characters in the Godzilla films and mixing them around to create new names.
• The character of Hiro Nakajima is mean to be a tribute of sorts to Haruo Nakajima, the actor who originally played Godzilla, and continued to do so until 1972, who unfortunately passed away last year.
• The character of Yumiko Takashima was partially inspired by Lucy Casprell from IDW's Godzilla comic book series, Godzilla: Rulers of Earth.
• The character of General Takarada was heavily inspired by General Gyozen from the video game Godzilla unleashed.
• As can be gathered by his first name, the character of Captain Misami Sakaki is partially based upon Haruo Sakaki from the Godzilla anime trilogy, however aims to be more an inversion of that character, being more level-headed and lacking a single-minded drive to destroy Godzilla, while maintaining a care for his men and willingness to fight alongside them.
• Though no monsters other than Godzilla himself appear, several are referenced or mentioned in order to provide continuity.
  • The specifics of these references can be found in the series timeline.
• The description of Godzilla's roar as a "terrible sound" is meant as a subtle reference to the Blue Oyster Cult's song centered around Godzilla.