Author: Andrew Sudomerski, Joshua Strittmatter & Tyler Trieschock | Banner: Tyler Trieschock & George Petrakos

Table of Contents:
Prologue: A Small Light
Chapter 1: Lost in a New World
Chapter 2: Convergence
Chapter 3: Meeting of the Minds
Chapter 4: When Demons Come A’Callin’
Chapter 5: Trial by Hellfire
Chapter 6: Nothing So Undoing as a Daughter
Chapter 7: There’s a Bad Moon On the Rise
Chapter 8: The Battle Begins
Chapter 9: The Thunder of War
Chapter 10: For Not Whom the Bell Tolls…
Chapter 11: …The Bell Tolls for Thee
Chapter 12: Jet Jaguar FMT
Chapter 13: To Smile in the Dark of Night
Chapter 14: The Final Countdown
Chapter 15: Operation: Dragonslayer
Chapter 16: Hope in a Despairingly Long Nightmare
Chapter 17: The Adjacent Devil and the Adjacent Titan
Chapter 18: A Long Time Coming
Epilogue: In the Worlds After, Before the Gods

[Continued from Match 419]

Prologue: A Small Light

Abandoned Hangar – Japan

Everything had gone black.

Jet Jaguar understood what had transpired. One moment, he had been operating accordingly, the next his systems suddenly shut down. His deteriorating body finally got the better of him, even as he was half finished with completing the needed downgrade to operate the gunship. But after his sudden shutdown, it seemed the machine ceased all functions.

How long had it been? His body creaked from the forced movement, each failed attempt infuriating his circuits. The rusted automaton spastically smashed his head against the ground, unable to move, venting all his accumulating frustration. How could he have failed so miserably? Was the universe truly that cruel to him? To take away his chance at avenging those lost to the threat of Titanization? To Kubal’s selfishness that plunged the world into hell? Had Goro’s death been for nothing? The right side of his cranium cracked, spidering across his forehead and eye lens. He cared little for his condition…

For there was nothing left for him here. He was truly alone.

When his eyes flickered to life, he felt rigid, barely able to move any of his limbs. It wasn’t long before Jet Jaguar determined that his limbs had rusted from inactivity. For that to happen, just how long was he out for…?

He laid in front of the effigy that stood before him. It was only half-made, having only started on it after the completion of the UX-01-92. A memory flickered for the source of inspiration. A smiling robot, a human girl and her cruel father. The drawing was disproportionate to how he was, but it was this template that served handy. Not only was it simpler to build, but could have served as a backup in the event of an emergency such as what he was going through now. But he failed to account for the miscalculated step that led him to this point.

Every jittery movement was an excruciating toll on his failing body. Perhaps he was a bigger fool for not transferring himself into the second body sooner, even in its incompleted state.

At last, he stopped. His robotic, desaturated body fell limp against the cold, hard ground, but even its embrace was far too forgiving compared to the shame that lingered in his machine heart. Just within his peripheral vision was the half-formed idol created in his image, his symbol of hope against Kubal’s ruthlessness. He laid prostrate in front of it. How futile his efforts were…

He changed his optical spectrum, seeing the ebb and flow of light from his body. Before, it had once been free-flowing and beautiful; but now it had decayed, barely trickling from his prone frame. Maybe he had simply begun to run dry, but a deeper fear of obsoletion was getting to him. He’d never get the chance to right the wrongs of his mistake.

Maybe his wishes were never meant to be.

With a last flicker, his eyes went out. However, his body responded in kind, the antennae sprouting from his conical head. The distress beacon pulsed, calling into the empty vacuum of the empty facility that he had spent the last few years of his life in.

If nothing else, he had to push on–no matter the outcome. Even in the pits of darkness was a small, miniscule light of comfort. And perhaps that was better than nothing at all.

 

Chapter 1: Lost in a New World

Bougainville Trench, Pacific Ocean

Amidst a world without light or warmth or familiarity, Zilla floated amongst other dwellers of darkness. Glistening, miniscule marine life fluttered by, driven by all types of purpose the great marine reptile envied. Because while the boundless aquatic life seemingly knew their roles within the new world, whether it be predator, observer, or prey, the mutant beast meanwhile for the first time in his life possessed no sense of what he should do.

Such purposelessness had been inconceivable upon his home world. There, wherever there was, he belonged to a family which constantly endangered itself. Mighty titans of death or destruction routinely threatened his families’ lives and, responding to that uncanny sixth sense of his that knew when those he cared for were in danger, the monster champion would arise to meet that murderous force.

No matter the opponent, no matter the discrepancy in size, in strength, in power; Zilla clashed against those dreaded monsters without regret or fear for decade after decade. And while those clashes became rarer as time progressed, the last confrontation proved greater than anything he’d faced before.

To the dreaded dorsal spined leviathan which spouted azure flames, he buried the behemoth within the sea.

For the demon of the stars that summoned endless crystals, he aligned himself with the leviathan to plunge it into the depths of a volcano.

And after vanquishing a pink-spined fiend, ensuring his families’ safety, a void of black opened up within the air like a gaping, abyssal maw. With a thunderous roar he was swallowed, plunging him into a new world. When he finally broke free of his hastily created tomb and shook off the last vestiges of soil, a new nightmare descended upon him from a lush, life-filled landscape.

What was one curiously tall human, seemingly placid and smiling, became hundreds of ravenous devourers in the span of seconds. The first attacker he’d silenced with ease, crushing the ghoul under his three-toed right heel… but then the rest of the horde descended. Crushing jaws and unrelenting aggression forced the nimble mutant into a retreat where even unrelenting atomic fire could do little to stem the tide. Against the endless waves of pursuing ghouls, the atomic reptile bitterly swallowed his pride to retreat into the sea, losing his pursuers within the depths of the Pacific.

Days passed. Marred flesh mended thanks to a never-ending full belly. The oceans he now roamed were thriving with life; an endless, welcoming buffet no matter where he roamed. But after his wounds healed and the reptile focused on returning home, Zilla realized the scope of his troubles.

He was utterly lost; he was completely alone.

And with no sense of direction to pull him, the marine lizard floated between the imposing cliffs of the Bougainville Trench, weighing a return to the mainland for a final battle against the horde to find a way home—if such a path existed. Primitive thoughts clashed against instinct, unable to find consensus until reptilian eyes noticed a discrepancy: a monstrous shadow hiding amongst the darkness.

Dorsal spines blazed with power, illuminating the trench with unmatched, emerald light. The threat which lingered immediately retreated, beat back by the glistening aura; leaving behind a cloud of black ink as the unseen thing raced for some, distant shelter. He considered leaving the creature alone, allowing the would-be predator to slink off into whatever corner of the new world it called home, but the thought of conflict ignited what little motivation the lost reptile could latch onto.

A distraction for the current indecision, nothing more.

So with unmatched speed and ferocity, Zilla gave chase. Too focused on the fleeing shadow to pay any mind to the unnaturally warm waters he swam through, or the ocean floor which cracked and steamed in the reptile’s wake.

*****

Tokyo, Japan

The mission: Rescue and escort the H.E.A.T. members to safety from the anomalies.

The situation: Zilla nowhere in sight. Currently swarmed by unregistered organisms.

The outcome: Probable, even if unfavorable.

The multi-colored robot clenched his fists, summoning the strength available to him to thwart the horde of naked giants trampling over him. They were a relentless bunch, even one unusual humanoid scraping its head against the helicopter that contained Randy and Monique. Their lives were at stake, and he needed to be quick with it.

With a powerful swing of his massive 30-meter frame, the smaller creatures were easily dislodged, helpless as their bodies soared across the sky. A flick of his arm was followed by a lunge of his foot, each movement successful in peeling the plump zombies off his body. As the load lightened, Jet Jaguar was quick to activate his flight initiative, which pushed him to the skies by antigravity propulsion. The higher he climbed, the more the ghoulish humans lost their grip, haplessly falling to the ground. Then, with a rapid aerial spin, he shook off the last of them before pursuing the helicopter.

Despite their numbers, it was odd that their light-weight composition was strange when compared to humans of this scale. Although he himself was a size-changing robot inhabiting a universe of monsters that defied the basic understanding of physics, the encounter with these light-weight humanoids proved there was no limit to the types of creatures that could exist. More importantly, however, was their increased body temperatures. Like honey bees defending their colony, clusters of these creatures could easily overheat whatever prey or target happened to cross their path. It was wise not to be overwhelmed by them.

Upon being released from the horde, the android hero flashed in a brilliant light, reducing his size to 12 meters and matching the helicopter’s length. Smaller size meant more evasive flight and dexterity, though being mindful of the unknown territory they resided in. Although they had both outpaced the unidentified humanoids, there was one for concern still in hot pursuit. The same long-haired female type, keeping pace by crawling on all fours. She eyed the human passengers and himself, eager to take another pounce.

All the while, the robotic creation of Goro Ibuki kept a close ear on the back and forth between Randy and Monique. Being able to selectively isolate their speech from the surrounding wind made it easier to distinguish their discussion.

“Hey, you see that?” Randy inquisitively pointed out. “That is one humongo wall…”

“Fairly obvious what it’s for,” Monique had quickly put the pieces together.

Jet had likewise come to the same conclusion. These walls would’ve been infeasible against the might of a kaiju. But these much smaller humanoid organisms? It seemed to do the trick. Even seeing a flock of them huddled around the base of the wall only reinforced their purpose. The only oddity was the semi-circle hole, which didn’t line up with the rest of the more evenly distributed structure, possibly caused by an explosive.

But there were always going to be special exceptions to the rule.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hey!” Randy cried out in a panic, pointing to the ground below.

Jet shifted his gaze, seeing the quadrupedal entity in a specialized stance. It pressed on all four of its limbs, leaping with a tremendous bound unseen before. Its jaws opened wide, tearing the flesh around its maw, elongating its gate. Just before it could take a chomp out of the pilots in the chopper, Jet Jaguar swooped in front of them, taking the brunt of the damage. With arms crossed, the robot felt the square teeth sink into his metal skin, and the subsequent force nudged him back and bumped into the copter.

Although the airborne vehicle continued forward, it wasn’t enough as the back of Jet’s armored back scraped against the tail of the chopper, with the tail rotor shattering against the hard metal. Almost instantly, the Bell 412 spiraled out of control, struggling to maintain buoyancy. The landing skids sparked against the stone edge of the towering wall, descending to yet further uncharted territory. Jet likewise struggled against the throttling zombie, sinking its teeth deeper into his body of steel and circuits. Reeling with his other arm, the electric guardian threw his fist into the eye of the cretin, the impact causing a burst of steam and heated blood to rupture from the wound. Then, pressing against the creature’s skull, Jet forcibly lodged the humanoid off of him, allowing it to fall to the ground.

By the time he had finished, it was too late–the helicopter had likewise made a hard landing against the ground.

The scattered dust from the crash made it difficult to determine the condition of its crewmembers. In a panicked rush, Jet Jaguar hastily landed with a thud, kicking off with an immediate sprint over to the fallen chopper. His scanners quickly indicated they had made it in one piece, but unconscious; though there was no doubt that the helicopter was far worse for wear. Before he could scoop up the prone crewmates and make a run for it, the feral human shrieked and lunged for him. Side-stepping out of the creature’s trajectory, Ibuki’s son watched as the leaping zombie unceremoniously crashed into the ruined earth, its face obscured by dust and steam. He struck a battle stance, now ready to go on the offensive against this mystery cretin.

Yet before he could make a move, his auditory sensors detected the whirling screeches of metallic wire and the hisses of high-pressurized gas. Pops from firearms also caught his attention, and just as suddenly, there were streams of black smoke billowing in the air. Where did those come from? Then in front of him, he had barely registered a human-sized figure… Flying through the air?

What in the world was happening? Were they being ambushed?

Just then, he felt something scrape against the back of his neck. Like the grind of box cutters against a slab of steel, there was a concentrated pressure applied to the back of his neck, yet all it left were mild grooves and shattered blades. Jet turned to see his assailant, who whizzed by like a speeding bullet. The figure was cloaked, holding a pair of broken swords in their hands. Then just as quickly, they retracted their wires into a device strapped around the hips before quickly ejecting out to guide the human’s momentum.

When he turned back to face the anomalous creature, he found it slumped over. Had it been paralyzed? It happened so suddenly, it was impossible to determine the method employed.

They began to shout and scream, seemingly relaying orders to one another. The sound registered similar to Japanese, but the dialect had been one he was not familiar with. Before he could process and translate their words, the airborne human pulled out a flare gun and loaded it up with a shell, pulling the trigger. With an immensely loud ringing distracting him, the two soldiers slinked off into the distance. An acoustic burst? Jet had to wonder what it was for, but his intuition told him he was going to find out very quickly.

And not even a moment later, that prediction came to pass.

As the other two retreated further away, another soldier–this one different from the others–made a rapid approach, closing the gap. As the user skillfully propelled themself through the air with a combination of immaculate wirework and bursts of pressurized gas, the soldier flung into the air, meeting Jet Jaguar’s line of sight. Their movements were quick and decisive, and without any restraint, they bit down into their hand. The next thing Jet Jaguar knew, the person flashed in an enveloping, electrical light simply bursting with steam and heat. A whirlwind of destruction erupted from where the human once was, and what stood before him was no longer a person, but a creature no different than the cretin he had been dealing with previously.

Yet this one was refined–a large, toned body, ragged hair, and pointed ears distinguished this one apart from the other easily. And unlike the previous humanoid, this one towered over him at 15 meters. Without a moment’s rest, the giant made the first move. Lunging forward with a fist full of fury, the monstrous human directed its attack towards his grinning face, who could only deflect it by covering his face with his hands. The blow was full of raw power, flinging the steel fighter back effortlessly. The swelling heat stung his hands, without a doubt more intense than the waves of zombies he had dealt with previously.

With a boisterous roar, the titanic human demanded a fight. And it was a fight Jet Jaguar was going to have to provide, whether he liked it or not.

 

Chapter 2: Convergence

Moments before…

The Titans were on the move. That was the initiative for the Scouts’s mobilization. Her former home of Monzen had once again become the primed battleground for the fate of humanity. First the Colossal Titan, Shikishima’s coup, then the giant from the sea… A deep lingering stung to her core as memories of Armin washed over her. But she was quick to dismiss them, her heart steeled for the occasion.

No doubt, she thought, Eren felt the same.

But what the Scouts had found was nothing short of… unusual. An Abnormal was to be expected, but a helicopter? There wasn’t a dispatch team sent to the area last she recalled… but she couldn’t keep wondering the whos or the whats. That was for the Commander to figure out. She just needed to attack. To kill. That was all.

A two-pair formation was set, partnered with Shizumu, as they went ahead of the rest of the Scouts. Titan-like objects had been identified, both with unusual characteristics for Titans. One was a feral jumper, no doubt having mustered the determination to crawl over the wall… but the other was far beyond the typical Titan, even for an Abnormal. Its metallic body and appearance evoked more of a machine than a living being, yet it was too smooth to match any of their technology. A new Armored Titan?

“Shizumu, take the Titan, I’ll dispatch the other one,” Mikasa issued, keeping her stoic demeanor.

“Hold on! Chief! We don’t even know what the other one can do!”

Before Shizumu’s words could even register, she had sped off towards the metallic Titan. For the safety of humanity, for the sake of the Scouts… to vent her frustrations. But as her blades shattered against its nape, an uneasy sense of guilt and anxiety began to crawl through her mind. ‘Not again,’ she muttered to herself. Swiftly peeling away from the metal Titan, she turned to see it tracking her…

“It’s intelligent.”

She loaded up an acoustic shell. There wasn’t a point to send in more Scouts to their deaths, especially against an intelligent Titan. Everything had to be left to Eren to dispose of this other shifter. And not long after, there he was. Rushing in, biting down, transforming into his Titan form. And unlike the metal one, Eren had the clear height advantage as he went in for a decisive blow to the steel humanoid. But she couldn’t keep an eye on him for long.

“Chief, look!” Shizumu pointed to the source, a signal flare. But this one was purple, near the crashed helicopter. Hange and her soldiers were already on top of it, pulling out the two operators from it–both bloodied and bruised. Since Eren was dealing with the mystery Titan, maybe these two had the answers she sought.

But a thought came to mind; if the Titan Eren was fighting is indeed a shifter, then perhaps…

As they landed near the crash site, Mikasa could hear the hollering of Hange’s orders. “Call the trucks! We’re going to retrieve the helicopter and deck that thing out. Be handy to use a replacement.” Just as she finished barking orders, Hange finally took notice.

“Mikasa, what do you have to report?” The Scout Commander inquired. Although her usual giddiness would peek through from the mere thought of new Titans, she was also good at keeping her head straight–especially when lives were at stake. “Everything you can.”

“I’m not sure what to make of it,” Mikasa started, “it has skin with hardness equal to, maybe even greater than Shikishima’s Armored Titan. Not just that, but I think it’d be right to say that someone is controlling it.”

Hange pondered, bopping her head in a rhythmic nod. “Hmm, I see… and the damage?”

“Impossible to cut through. Only light scratches.”

“So like the green giant… but metal… if that’s all we got to go off of, then let’s hope Eren can help restrain the Titan for further study. Fortunately,” Hange perked up, as if the solution came to her, “we may have just the people… once they wake up, that is.”

Hange motioned to Mikasa the two unconscious strangers, both of radically different complexions unusual for those who lived within the walls. Their clothes, too, seemed like the material only ever found and sold within Wall Okuno for its innermost residents. Then a thought popped in her mind. A nagging feeling that irked her.

“Commander… is there a chance of them being part of Kubal’s personnel?”

Hange’s mildly gleeful disposition quickly turned grim at the thought. “I can’t deny it to be a possibility. But until we know for sure what we’re dealing with, it’d be best to withhold judgment. I hope you understand.” Mikasa begrudgingly nodded, complying with her Commander’s words.

“Commander! Chief! We have activity, they’re waking up!” A Scout shouted.

“Be quick, and restrain them,” Hange barked back, “We need to know all we can!” And without hesitation, the soldiers did as she willed. But the reporting Scout scurried up to Hange and whispered something out of Mikasa’s hearing. The Commander nodded with grim resignation.

“Mikasa, I need you to take care of things.”

With an astute and firm salute, Mikasa simply replied, “Yes.”

Without uttering another word, the Commander took off, scaling up to the top of the walls. Either way, she was entrusted with the task at hand–and to that she will fulfill.

*****

South Pacific Ocean

Never before had Zilla hunted like this.

When instinct propelled him to chase a monster, it was always backed by an important purpose. A creature that threatened the planet itself, perhaps, or a beast that dared bare its teeth towards his adopted family. But this hunt was unlike any other, for it was backed by no special purpose or objective whatsoever.

For the first time in his life, New York’s Lizard King was hunting another creature purely for existing.

It wasn’t exactly common that the intelligent saurian would be one to ponder over morals; normally, circumstances made it that he didn’t have to. In the world he knew, the process was rather simple: a threat arises that humanity cannot stop alone, so he would rise to the occasion to face it head-on. Alas, this was not the world the Lizard King knew. And as he torpedoed through the depths of an ocean he used to know inside and out, he found himself pondering over the unthinkable: questioning his own actions.

Was this how far he had fallen? Had this new, savage world truly brought him down to this level of low? It was one thing to take action against a rampaging monstrosity that threatened the lives of those he held close to his heart; it was quite another to hound down a fleeing creature for no other reason other than to satisfy a sense of boredom. A creature that didn’t even bother to fight back, no less, but chose flight before any conflict could begin. In his mind, the giant iguana couldn’t help but begin to wonder.

Was he no better than the beasts of his past? Was he no different from the monsters that brought terror to his family, the very ones he had spent so long fighting…?

The waters around Zilla started to lighten, at first so gradually he didn’t notice. Up ahead, the shadow of his “prey” seemed to be ever out of reach, not speeding up but not slowing down either. Just managing to keep ahead of the reptile, trailing multiple appendages behind it. As seconds turned to minutes, however, Zilla began to notice the subtle changes of the environment around him. The ocean floor was slowly rising to his level; the plant life was beginning to look different, as was the fish and other sea creatures about him. And with the slow brightening of the water, so too did he begin to see hints of sunlight that ever increased the further he swam.

Somewhere up ahead, there was land.

Seconds continued to crawl at an ant’s pace, and in time the slow increase of sun-lit visibility started to shed light on Zilla’s quarry. It seemed to be a massive cephalopod, and nothing more. A gigantic octopus, but hundreds of times as large as they were supposed to get. And it didn’t seem to mind that it was headed towards a body of land, aquatic creatures as they were…

An idea abruptly popped into the iguana’s head, a memory that seemed to go off like a bomb. Finally finding a good reason to abandon his chase of the Giant Octopus, the lizard leviathan undulated his tail like a dolphin and switched directions. No longer going in a straight line, the mutant iguana powered up towards the surface, hoping against hope to be greeted by the sight of a familiar island when he broke the veil of water…

Steam burst from the lizard’s nostrils upon meeting fresh air, followed quickly by the entire top of his boxy skull. His flaming orange eyes spied ahead, vision razor-sharp as ever… and confusion graced his mind when he spied what he was headed for.

It was not Site Omega, the Monster Island he recalled from yesteryear.

He was far closer to the island than he had realized—and just so, for when he looked back, he saw the walls of a gigantic hurricane dwelling far behind. He and the octopus had swam right under it, and didn’t even notice.

Even before the island itself truly began, several rocky karsts jutted from emerald waters for at least a mile about, each one brimming with vibrant vegetation and flocks of white birds. And the island itself, even from what little he saw of it, was beyond gigantic. Far more vast than any he had ever seen. There were massive expanses of jungle extending as far as his eyes could see—and in the grand scheme of things, he could only see a small fraction of it. For much of the distance was shrouded by intense levels of mist, typical for any tropical environment. When Zilla dared to take a whiff of the air about him, his senses confirmed his suspicions; this was no island he had ever seen. Everything about this land was entirely new, and was now his to explore.

Undulating his tail in a sideways motion, the irradiated lizard picked up speed to start swimming inland. His spines knifed through the veil of seawater like shark fins of stone, kicking up great waves in his passing. The closer he drew to shallow water, the more scents began to fill his nostrils. Scents of which he didn’t recognize, but clearly belonging to animalistic sources larger than any whale.

Perhaps when he stepped foot upon this island, he wouldn’t be alone…

The sea floor began to scrape against Zilla’s knees, enticing the lizard to cease his swimming at last. The shallows were upon him—and with it, the inevitable coming of dry land. Three-toed talons planted themselves against sandy seabed, contracting strength into the reptile’s long legs before pushing off. Salt water roared off the lizard’s body as he reared up, standing to his full mighty height with a rumbling growl.

The depths of the earth trembled as the mutant monster took his first step forward, beginning his trek inland. Water splashed around his heels as he waded through the criss-crosses of water channels, his footfalls disturbing flocks of birds from the mini-islands that surrounded him on all sides. Upon looking closer, though, the atomic reptile realized that not all of the flying creatures were birds. Flocking about now and then were small murders of flying reptiles, adorned with patterns of gray and vibrant yellow, and each sporting a saw-edged spire from their snouts like a sawfish. The minute pterosaurs circled about him once or twice, curious about this strange newcomer yet clearly keeping their distance, before eventually deciding to fly away.

Zilla kept his eyes peeled as he waded further through the shallows. He had the bare minimum of a look at this island’s fauna, and already it was the strangest he had ever seen. He had no clue what to prepare for the deeper he trekked…

To his left, a splash revealed a trio of tentacles surfacing briefly before vanishing beneath the boggy veil. His head cocking to the side, the atomic reptile strode over to the spot, only to see that the perpetrator had vanished once more. Before Zilla could question any of it, yet another splash attracted his attention even further inland. Again the iguana followed the disturbance—and again, the perpetrator was nowhere to be seen.

Was the cephalopod playing with him?

A sense of unease began to creep over the reptile’s nerves. When he heard the next splash, unlike before he stayed still. This was beginning to feel all too much like an ambush. Perhaps the octopus had meant for him to follow it, luring him into a trap so it could strike when he was unaware. Or maybe it had gotten fed up being chased, and was now planning to get back at him for the trouble he caused it. Either way, Zilla was not bent on playing either game.

Lo, for he was about to learn that neither scenario would prove true.

The next time he heard a splash, it was followed by the frothing of water as something massive emerged. No longer hidden by the shadows of the deep sea, the Giant Octopus made way into the shallower waters, fully visible to his orange eyes. The iguana hunched low with teeth bared, hissing a warning to the mammoth mollusk. But the octopus merely held its ground from afar, staring right back at him with its strange eyes. Before the Lizard King could ponder over what to do next, an entirely new sound announced the coming of another presence. The island trembled from the vigor of a booming roar, as loud as it was mighty, carrying across land and sea for several miles all around. Not even twitching, the cephalaod merely turned about, as if in expectance from the source of the powerful cry…

The shallow water rippled from the quaking of distant footfalls. Repetitive, hammering like primordial drums of war—and growing stronger with each step. A low snarl rippled from Zilla’s throat as his fight or flight response kicked in, tail swirling and talons tensed at their tightest. Fiery eyes narrowed into dangerous slits, showing the slightest hint of a glint that would prelude his most deadly weapon should the need for it arise. Whatever would show itself from that fog would be nothing he couldn’t take on, and he would make sure the unseen being damn well knew it.

He did not come all this way just to die here.

The pounding of great footsteps at the height of their power, a muscular form began to loom out of the vaporous haze. Bipedal in shape, with visible hands and feet that set Zilla on alert. Normally, the sight of something so human would be of no source for alarm for him—but these circumstances were anything but normal. The last time he had happened upon anything human, said entities had tried to devour him like rabid ants. For all he knew, he had crossed paths with yet another of the feral savages, larger than any other of its kind.

It was when the hulking form continued to walk out of the fog, though, that the Lizard King realized he was wrong. While the creature was distantly related to humans, it was nothing of the sort. It was a gigantic ape, adorned with tattered brown fur with the occasional missing patch to reveal dark gray skin. Ugly scars decorated different sections of his head and body, long turned stone gray with age. His eyes, dark orange in a manner almost similar to Zilla’s own, stared at the iguana with a most powerful gaze. Such a look, hardened by decades’ worth of struggle, combat, and experience, would’ve put off many a foe. Even the toughest would’ve stepped back in fear of such a sight. But Zilla made it clear he was no ordinary beast, and throated a growl that rumbled the island to its core; a warning for the primate to keep his distance.

Or else.

Despite the fury of the warning, the ape did not respond in any way. No hardening of his gaze, no steps forward, no growl or roar to announce the beginning of a fight. Instead, he merely continued to hold his gaze upon the new arrival in silence, as if contemplating over what to do with him. Zilla’s eyes flicked back and forth between the ape and the octopus, peeled for any signs that either could make a move…but it never came. Just a tense stand-off buried in thick layers of silence that threatened to set the reptile’s teeth on edge…

*****

The moment Mikasa signaled the attack, he was on the move. With at least one Titan disposed of, he could focus all his sights on this new Abnormal. Eren ignited his transformation, harnessing the power of the Titans in his grasp. But when he went to deliver a fatal blow, he instead found mild resistance when the steel humanoid blocked his oncoming attack. Despite its resistance, it did not fare well against the blazing heat of his fist, throwing the silver Titan back against the ground in a violent crash.

“No Titan can block like that… unless it possessed intelligence.”

Eren recalled the face of the man he hated the most, how he used his power to keep humanity in fear of the Titans; he also recollected the former Survey Corps Captain, Shikishima, and his ambitions to overthrow the government at the cost of innocents. Men with great power and selfish intent. There was little hope to cling to that this ‘Titan Shifter’ would be any different…

Eren clenched his Titan’s fists, lunging in for another blow. The metallic-skinned Titan was quick to evade the oncoming attack, using its smaller size and stature to avoid the flurry of swings and hooks that came at it. And even when he got close to another strike, the metal man would do its best to parry it with both their arms, deflecting the blow.

“Come on!” Eren shouted, his Titan roaring in tandem.

Every rage-fueled thought placed the blame on Kubal to some capacity, even as the grinning humanoid continued to evade his strikes. But he was quick to realize being fueled by the building frustration would not do him any good. With a sharp inhale, Eren temporarily cleared his mind of the lingering loss. It didn’t matter if this other Titan survived or not–it had to be stopped…

With a cleared mind and sharp focus, Eren lunged for a strike–and this time, a direct hit. Planting a firm punch to the grinning jaw of the metallic Titan. The immense force behind the blow forced the humanoid back, spinning around helplessly as it struggled to regain its footing. Before Eren could go in for another lethal hit, the robot man performed an unfamiliar gesture, which was followed by a flash of light. Registering it as the potential power of the Titans at play, Eren backed away to put distance between them.

“What is it…?” Eren didn’t even have the time to complete the thought as the Abnormal Titan began to grow, its mass, height, and volume expanding until it matched his 15-meter Titan. His eyes widened at the sight before him. “It grew?!”

Only with a moment to spare, Eren pulled into a defensive stance as the metal Titan retaliated with a punch of its own, finding it square in the center of his crossed arms. The impact fractured skin and bone as superheated blood geysered from the fresh wound. Even so, having the Titan this close was not a detriment, but rather a benefit. Pulling his right leg up, this opening gave Eren the chance to deliver a hard kick to the metal man, forcing it to stumble back on its feet. Eren used what little time allotted to him to prioritize the regeneration of his arms, which quickly began being patched up by skin and steam.

“A Titan that is able to freely change its size…” Such a power had been unheard of in the realm of Titans. Certainly, he had only recently learned that Titan Shifters were able to control how big or small their Titans could be, but to do that required discarding the body in favor of a new one. This Titan was able to alter itself at will without the need to discard its body. But this just showed that surprises were bound for every corner. For that matter, if this metallic Titan was anything like the green gargantua, then perhaps there was a chance of this thing not even being a Titan at all…

He gritted his teeth. He felt his judgment being clouded by uncertainty. It didn’t matter who or what this thing was.

He had to destroy it.

The burning fires of rage and fury overtook his mind as he murmured to himself…

“For Armin…”

For all they had been through, to reclaim their home from the corruption of Kubal. To seek freedom without compromise. To see the ocean… all their dreams they had accomplished and fulfilled together. And now in this world without him, only despair stared back. And he’d rebel against it, defy it to the bitter end.

Because it was what he had to do.

But even then… this is what Armin would want…

…right?

He took a breath. Not now. Just destroy.

Switching from defensive to offensive, with his arms fully healed, Eren rushed the colorful fighter with a flurry of swings and fists in an attempt to dismantle the metal Titan. But the crafty automaton was becoming wise to his movements; for every punch Eren threw out, the robot-like Titan swerved out of its path with skill and grace. With another deep breath, Eren kept his focus.

“Come on, take it,” he mumbled under his breath. With balled fists, he reared one of them back, leaving him wide open. With tremendous thrust, he hauled it towards the metal man, only for the silver humanoid to evade it, using the opening to strike at the lower jaw. The force behind the attack broke the jaw cleanly off, spraying heat and blood across their bodies.

“Perfect! I got you!”

Without missing a beat, Eren charged a powerful fist–this one tipped with blazing heat generated from his Titan. He lunged it towards the gut of the metal Titan, his teeth scraping down the arm, leaving a trail of sparks in their wake. Then, with a decisive blow, the fist landed directly on the emblem embroidered on the Titan’s belly.

It cracked.

Intense heat geysered from the impact, sending the metal man hurtling through the air at unprecedented speeds. Although Eren had ruined his hand performing the maneuver, he knew it’d heal in no time. He kept his eyes glued to the airborne humanoid, tracing the arc where it’d crash into the ground.

But that didn’t happen.

Instead, what Eren witnessed were protrusions from the Titan’s head sprouting outwards, and in just a few moments, swirling around in the air. It did finally come to a stop–but not in the means he had ever anticipated.

“It flies too…” Eren winced at the sight.

So many unknowns with this thing, but at the same time, if he could just get it to expose more of its tricks–however many there are–the better his chances at defeating it. Eradicating it.

Reorienting itself midair, the metallic human spun itself around, aiming its feet right for him for a devastating flying kick. It propelled itself at high velocity, closing the gap rapidly. But in those select few moments, it gave Eren ample time to evade–dodging just before the moment of impact. Though the blowback from the kick against the ground ruptured in flying debris and whirlwinds, the ensuing shockwave hurdled him back. He rolled until his back hit the wall, which stood sturdy amidst the chaos. Eren quickly rose to his Titan’s feet, but the dust obstructed any visibility. He couldn’t even tell where the nearby camp was.

It looked like nothing was there. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

He just had to wait and see what his opponent did next…

——

She felt her breath circulate through her lungs, quickly and steadily waking herself up from her abrupt trip into the unconscious. The rough landing did them no favors, and try as she might, the unpredictability of this new world forced her to keep on her toes at all times. Doubt gnawed in her subconsciousness, but she suppressed the swelling anxiety through sheer mental discipline and regained focus on the matter at hand.

They were in a tent, only big enough to house a handful of people. Hands were chained and interlocked together, with their legs bound by tight ropes. Monique felt her back pressed against Randy’s. The pieces started to fall together right away; they were being held prisoner. More importantly, as she came to quickly learn, by other humans.

Near the opening stood a young woman, unquestionably of Asian descent, with jet black hair that barely reached the base of her neck. The uniform she wore was one Monique had no prior recollection on from past experiences, especially with the cowl worn obstructing the mystery woman. Some kind of contraption was held at the waist, but once again the long cloak covered it from her view. The soldier’s facial features were sharp and well defined, highlighted with a guarded gaze Monique knew all too well. The face of a soldier who’s been through Hell and back, and the ability to do what is necessary.

As Monique continued processing her surroundings, she heard distant sounds equivalent to blasts of cannons or tank fire rumbling from beyond the tent. Was it Jet Jaguar dealing with that zombie? Or something more? A flood of other questions naturally flowed through her mind, but Monique had to gauge the situation as efficiently as she could.

“Where’s the robot?” Monique asked in fluent Japanese, which earned a startled look from their captor.

“Robot? You mean the Titan?” she responded in kind, keeping her guard up. Monique perked up at hearing those words. They had to be those humanoid zombies they were dealing with earlier. In her many years of experience, Monique knew not to press with a rapid barrage of questions; rather, she hoped to goad the woman into spilling the information they needed. “It’s currently engaged with our forces,” she said with an affirmed coldness.

A dissuasive, blanketed statement. Just about as Monique expected.

“Which district do you come from?” Her leering eyes studied them closely, even if Randy was still not fully there.

“We’re from beyond the wall. We were investigating the area until we were attacked by the Titans.” It was the simple truth, but even then there was so much she had to hold back. To pretend they were residents of this society within the walls would’ve been nothing short of falsified information that just simply wouldn’t have lined up. The lie would’ve been too obvious to the keen of hearing and those well-versed in perceiving. But the real truth was too absurd to anyone not in their predicament, unless they had knowledge about the portal that brought them here. But Monique couldn’t bank on them knowing, at least until she knew for certain.

But even hearing they were from beyond the wall, the soldier wore a mask of disbelief. “That can’t be possible… humanity died out during the Great Titan War.”

“Then maybe it’s time to check outside these walls, no?” Monique knew her statement held no validity; as far as they could tell, there were no humans left. But seeing the slight and subtle wince from their captor told her everything she needed to know. Perhaps that had been their mission statement. But if that was the case, what was keeping them back? The Titans were her first guess, but her hunch told her otherwise.

A stagnant pause overtook the black-haired soldier, contemplating her next question.

“…then where’s Kubal?” the detainer questioned, laced with venom and spite. The sudden shift took Monique aback.

“Kubal?”

Doubt marked the face of the soldier, but she kept her cold gaze nonetheless. More rounds of explosive bursts persisted beyond the tent. Monique heard the grinding of large-scale vehicles rolling by, gradually coming to a stop as their personnel dropped off. What was happening outside this tent was a mystery to Monique.

Just then, she felt shuffling behind her back, without a doubt Randy finally coming to. The dazed man reoriented his senses and looked around, trying to get a grasp of their current predicament. He shuffled some more, only to realize they were bound together.

“I’ll admit, not how I envisioned us being next to each other…” Randy remarked.

Monique simply scoffed at the pass; now wasn’t the time for his games. Though she knew full well it was how he responded to dire or perilous situations, or even a futile attempt to alleviate the swelling tension. But it was the effort that counted, no matter how bad it got.

Monique took notice of the woman’s shift in attention, directing her eyes to Randy. “Where do you come from?” her inquiry coming as cold as ice, awaiting a response from the sun-kissed man.

“¿Nada de inglés? Sorry, I don’t speak Italian,” Randy playfully retorted. But the eyes of the woman walled off his words completely.

“English, then.” To their surprise, the woman was able to speak in English. Bilingual, Japanese-English from what it seemed.

“What is your allegiance?” Monique interjected, taking her shot for valuable information.

“The Survey Corps. We explore the outside to expand humanity’s territory. We kill Titans, or anything that threatens humanity.”

“Wait, Titans?” Randy glanced at Monique, hoping for answers.

“Those human-like zombies, it’s how the natives address them.”

“Gotcha. Well, as long as there aren’t any Dragmas. In that case then, Miss…?” Randy turned his eyes on the woman, awaiting an answer.

“Mikasa.”

“Well, mi casa del ‘kasa, have you–?”

“You are in no position to ask. Where are you from?”

“Is that to me, or the both of us?” Randy simply asked, only for her cold gaze to make the statement for her. “I’m from New Jersey, a stone’s throw from the Big Apple. Frenchie here is from, well–” Before he could finish his statement, he felt a jab from Monique’s elbow that cut him short. “Ow! Okay, I deserve that for running my mouth.”

“How can I be sure that’s where you come from? How can you make certain you’re not part of Kubal’s forces?”

“Uh, Kubal? Mind filling me in there on that, Monique?”

“She hasn’t divulged any information in regards to him. I do think that she believes we are part of this ‘Kubal’s’ forces…”

Randy sat and pondered, thinking of the most optimal course of action. “Well, what have you told her thus far?”

“We’re from beyond the wall. That much is undisputed fact.”

“Then let’s just tell her! Certainly will help prove our innocence, yeah?” Randy suggested. Monique contemplated. All things considered, telling her the truth outright was a stretch beyond reason; but if Mikasa’s insistent they’re part of this extraneous force, then perhaps it’s their best shot at proving innocence.

“Tell me what?” Mikasa’s glare shot into them.

“Take us up to the top of the wall,” Monique firmly requested, “And we will prove to you that we are not affiliated with this Kubal person.”

Mikasa’s eyes shifted, contemplating the thought. “Not until the Commander returns. That is not in my authority to act on.”

“D’oh. In that case then…” Randy pondered, thinking what to say next. It was then a thought popped to mind. “Have you seen a giant lizard around these parts? Y’know, one as tall as a submarine is long? Maybe even almost as tall as that wall over there. We’re looking for him, and–”

The fierce soldier seemed dumbfounded at the mountain of details, so she quickly cut him off with a response. “No, we haven’t. We’ve had encounters with such monsters in the past…” Monique was quick to pick up a crack in the facade, her stoicism cracking ever so slightly at the hint of kaiju encounters. “But nothing resembling a lizard.”

“Darn it.”

Monique scanned the room, still hearing the booms of war occurring from beyond the tent. “Are you able to initiate a ceasefire?” Hearing this perked Mikasa’s attention, listening intently. “If you stop, Jet Jaguar will also stop fighting.”

“Jet Jaguar? The… Titan robot?” Mikasa clarified, affirming the previous facts.

“Yeah, he’s about as friendly as his big goofy grin appears to be,” Randy remarked, “Though I’ve never been big on the name. Maybe Robo-Titan would be better. No…”

the computer whiz contemplated a new name for their robot companion. He deliberated and brainstormed in his head, that much Monique knew without a shadow of a doubt.

“Can it be done?”

Mikasa shook her head at the inquiry. “Even if I wanted to… I’m not sure he’d listen. Not without the Commander’s orders.”

‘He?’ Monique took a mental note of that.

“Well… No hurt in trying, right?” Randy suggested, nervously grinning to keep his cheerful demeanor. But when Mikasa shot him an ice-cold glare, he instantly shriveled at the thought of the consequences that’d be brought upon him. But suddenly, Monique heard the hissing of gas and the grinding of wires nearby, no doubt other members of the Survey Corp. Only two entered the tent; both were women clad in the same uniform as Mikasa. The first of them had a soft, sheepish face, with light brown eyes and auburn hair tied back in a ponytail, her excess bangs drooping over the sides of her head. The other was an older woman with brown hair and equally brown eyes, though her goggles easily set her apart from the younger soldier.

“Did you get anything out of them, Mikasa?” The woman prodded at her subordinate, “Were they what you predicted them to be?”

“They claim not to be, rather they say they come from beyond the Walls.”

“Oh?” Her head perked with utmost curiosity, “An interesting answer… Can they prove it?”

“Atop the Wall. There we can find their ‘proof.’” Upon hearing this, the woman’s curious expression upturned to a crazy grin, her giddiness peeking through.

“Look, I can handle crazy, but this might be a step beyond my personal boundaries…” Randy quietly muttered.

“Welcome, strangers!” The woman blurted aloud, filled with a sudden excitement, “I’m Hange Zoe, the Commander of the Survey Corps. Nice to meet you! But as much as I’d love to get into the details, I need a question from you.”

A question… No, without a doubt, a request.

“Can you stop your metal man? Can I guarantee he won’t attack our soldier on the line?”

“Jet Jaguar will stop when he recognizes your ‘weapon’ as non-hostile.” Monique took note of Mikasa’s sharp glance. “I need your guarantee on that one.”

“I see… Mikasa, Sasha, release them. We are going to need everyone in attendance for this. Eren’s going to need to hear about it, too.” Without a retort or question, Monique saw as the two women soldiers unrestrained them, save for keeping their hands cuffed. Though much to her relief, she was at least no longer bound to Randy.

“Ow, hey, take it easy, will you?” Randy complained to the woman known as Sasha.

“Um, sorry,” Sasha politely muttered, almost uncharacteristically of a soldier.

“Come. Follow me,” Hange ordered.

——

How swift his foe was, its body posture and movement clued Eren in of its experience. No doubt a true and tried fighter that has seen the front lines many times. Every punch Eren threw out, the metal man was quick to evade. With its antennae still sprouted, it used its flight capabilities to enhance its evasiveness. The inability to make contact infuriated him, trying in vain to close the distance between himself and the artificial Titan.

Their fight took them again along the Wall, where a failed strike found itself embedded in the constructed stone that held the structure steady. But this time, Eren saw as the steel Titan propelled itself into the air, intending to deliver a chop near the back of his neck. With only a moment to spare, Eren forcibly pulled his Titan’s arm out of the Wall, his mangled hand steaming and sizzling with hot blood, and reflexively clasped his other hand around the nape. Narrowly avoiding the decisive blow, Eren leapt out of the flying man’s path as it crashed onto its feet, giving him the opening he was so desperately seeking.

Lunging toward the metal Titan, Eren started by using another frontal kick attack, successfully connecting with the armored plates. The humanoid rolled along the ground until it smashed against the side of the Wall, its movement cumbersome from the strike. As the metal man struggled to regain its footing, Eren used this chance to throw himself on top of the humanoid, pinning it to the ground.

“I got you!”

Despite the resistance the artificial man put up, it was struggling against his wrath. His superheated hands burned to the touch, keeping the Titan pinned to the ground. But before Eren could guarantee another blow, a new sensation washed over him as he felt himself being lifted off the ground. And it wasn’t just him; it was the Titan that was lifting itself off the ground. Before Eren could turn the tide in his favor, the machine-like man flipped Eren onto his back and ensured complete control over the scenario at hand.

Then, a sudden burst of light shined from the Titan’s eyes, overwhelming his vision under the intense ultraviolet light. All he could do was squirm and roar as he fruitlessly tried to regain control, but the next thing he knew, he heard the flesh of his Titan violated by the steel hand of the other. Just as quickly, he felt an immense force caress his human body, forcefully pulling him out of his Titan’s cockpit. It was firm, yet simultaneously restrained, barely leaving a dent in his gear. Sunlight bathed Eren as he coughed his lungs out from the sudden change in environment.

As he regained his senses, Eren saw the hole in the neck of the Attack Titan, steaming and bleeding from the area where he was gouged from as it slowly decayed into nothingness. He stared into the camera-like eyes of the Titan, who had since turned off its high beams, seeing its fixed grin in full display. How desperately he wanted to transform right then and there, but he felt his stamina sapped from the fight. Without rest, he’d be unable to transform again. His gear was unusable in this state, leaving him at the mercy of this mystery Titan.

“Well what are you waiting for? Just do it!” Eren shouted boldly, violently hacking in the Titan’s hand.

Death comes for all, and Eren knew he was no exception to that. Dying here… nothing short of undesirable. But instead of feeling the hand clench and forcefully jettison his organs, the metal hand relaxed as the Titan opened its palm, allowing Eren to move freely. He weakly stood on his feet, feeling the Titan blood steam off of him and the metal hand. Another flash from the Titan’s chest shined like a star, and before he knew it, the Titan began shrinking. Using this time to escape, his gear burst to life as he wired his way to the ground. As he did, he saw as it continued reducing in size until it became of human height.

It stood there, emitting a quiet hum. With nowhere to go, Eren slowly approached the machine-like humanoid with cautious steps.

“You could have killed me right then and there… what do you want?”

The robot waved its hand, almost insistent it didn’t want to fight. The screeches and whines it made were indecipherable to Eren’s hearing, but its body language communicated its intentions well enough for him to understand. Eren scoffed at the idea.

“Even if those are your intentions… The world is cruel. You shouldn’t hold back, no matter the reasoning.” Before he could say more, a blast from a signal flare caught both their attention. “A yellow flare?” He surmised it was to terminate the fight, which was only ever used to cancel an operation.

“Eren!” he heard Hange’s shouts from a distance, “Come over here! And bring Jet Jaguar too! I really want to inspect him!”

“Jet Jaguar?” Eren turned to the robot man, who nodded in affirmation. The two made the silent trek as they covered the distance between the battlefield to the tent as they made their approach to Hange and the others. Mikasa and Sasha were there, guarding two strangers he didn’t recognize.

“Ahhh!~” Hange’s sudden glow up filled her with an intense excitement, the same kind of reaction as instigating a Titan. His Commander kept a certain child-like enthusiasm, even when things were bleak. He wasn’t sure if it was an endearing trait or an obnoxious one, but he knew to keep his mouth shut.

“I can’t believe you’re not a Titan! What’s the secret?” she jumped around, giddy and ecstatic as she prodded Jet Jaguar at every conceivable angle. Jet Jaguar simply responded with his metallic screech. “Eh? I’m not sure what you mean,” she groaned, wanting more out of the robot man’s pool of knowledge. It was then he saw Mikasa approach the ecstatic Hange.

“Commander, Eren,” Mikasa reminded her. Almost at the drop of a hat and a simple clearing of the throat, Hange switched from gleeful to stern.

“Right. Eren,” Hange shifted her attention to him. “There’s been a development. First off,” she gestured to the two cuffed strangers, “These are Randy and Monique. They, and their compatriot Jet Jaguar, come from beyond the Walls.” Eren was taken aback by those set of words, but kept his stoic composure as he allowed Hange to continue. “We are going to need to scale up the Wall to verify their claim. But more importantly, thanks to Sasha’s scouting…”

The following words she uttered shook him to his very core. His quick glance at Sasha told him that she was just as nervous about this as anyone else. Rampant thoughts sweltered in his mind. Those words, that name, something he’d thought he’d hear again. ‘No…no no no.’ Of all the things Hange had to say…

…Why did it have to be him?

 

Chapter 3: Meeting of the Minds

The ape started to move forward. Slowly, but not in a way that made Zilla lower his guard. The iguana did not show it, but his leg muscles were tensing tight enough to snap; more than ready to spring should worst come to worst. The primate walked right up to him, looking him over for a moment… and then motioned his head sideways with a snort.

Motioning the reptile to follow him.

Zilla remained unflinching, even after the ape turned about face and began trudging back into the island. Equal parts surprise and undying caution kept the iguana stationary, not exactly buying the simian’s seeming request. Halfway through, though, the ape stopped and turned back to look at him once more with an arched eyebrow. Another snort echoed from the mammal, the request still the same.

Slowly, carefully, Zilla took a step forward.

With the pace of a black leopard stalking an antelope, the Lizard King began to follow in the ape’s footsteps. Only when he was close enough did the simian continue his walk, knowing for certain that the newcomer was trailing behind. Zilla took a moment to look sideways, briefly sparing a glance at the Giant Octopus who still remained where he was. The cephalopod was no louder nor more active than usual, merely continuing to stare right back at the squamate mutation. No hint of bad blood, no sign of communication, nothi–

SMACK!

One of the mollusk’s tentacles slapped Zilla across the face. It didn’t really hurt, so much as take the reptile by surprise. For a moment the desire for conflict sparked within the great reptile… but as the two giants held their gaze, eventually it died away and Zilla moved on.

Perhaps he deserved that.

All potential bad blood cast aside, New York’s former protector focused all caution on what was ahead as he resumed following the ape. It seemed he had every right to retain his uneasiness; when the shallows ended and the recesses of the island itself began, more than a few strange creatures caught Zilla’s eye every few minutes. Some were minute compared to the mutant iguana, hardly half the size of his massive foot. Others, however, seemed to approach a little too close to half his own size. How such an alien habitat had come to be, the lizard had no clue; but one way or another, these strange plants and animals had somehow grown to fit every ecological niche available to become a stable ecosystem.

The deeper the kaiju traveled into the island, the more considerably the fog lessened. Forests were not the only biomes this island possessed; vast floodplains criss-crossed what would’ve been a grassland with large lakes, creeks and river channels. And it was here that the ape came to a halt, a notion of which Zilla himself soon copied.

It was here that the monoliths of Skull Island roamed about.

Zilla’s eyebrows broadened upon greeting the sight of other kaiju, while the primate turned to spare a glance at him. The sound of suckling tentacles emanating from behind, Zilla looked over his shoulder as the Giant Octopus shambled casually past him, clearly fine with being out of the sea as he went towards the other monsters. The beasts all seemed to talk amongst themselves upon seeing the iguana, uttering deep grunts and growls in a conversation Zilla knew little about.

A quadrupedal dinosaur with floppy ears and an amber nasal horn bellowed to a bipedal theropod with knife-like teeth, who grunted back in reply. Their banter was joined by a massive walrus with cyan opal-like eyes, who bellowed seemingly in approval of the lizard’s presence. However, a mighty screech voiced its disapproval, in the form of a giant tuatara-like reptile with a row of spikes running down his back, neck and tail. A roar of agreement echoed from a gigantic lion with eagle’s wings, who spared Zilla a gaze that radiated mistrust. When the others looked to a strange, reptilian biped with horns and whip-like appendages for arms, however, said creature simply threw his arms upwards and shrugged in what looked to be complete disinterest.

Which was the opposite of the response from the next kaiju. A winged reptilian with a curved horn atop his head, with fangs like tusks giving him a saber-toothed overbite, grunted his disagreement with the lion and the Varanopode. He too, approved of Zilla’s presence. In this world, more was always better.

It was then that all of them turned to the biggest kaiju of them all, one that made Zilla stiffen in alarm. A golden, two-headed dragon stood tall and mighty on two columnar legs. Fanned tapestries for wings stretched out wide from both sides of his armless body, of which was adorned in scars just as old and ugly as those of the ape. Spiked horns crowned each of its remaining heads, all of which gazed upon the mutant iguana with hardened red eyes. Even the ape seemed to look at the xanthic drake with an expression of utter respect.

On this island, Kong was not the only king.

After a long moment of silence that sent a growing chill through Zilla’s nerves, King Ghidorah’s side heads screeched a proclamation, determining the final verdict of this stranger. Varan and Black Moth glared with contempt, hoping to eject the wanderer much as they did with the strange alien Shipdraw ages ago. The others wavered in uncertainty, not wishing to cast aside a potential member for their ranks.

Yet before it could be announced, an abrupt rumble in the soil told them that it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

A hollow, otherworldly howl split the damp air, startling the monsters stiff. Fight or flight instincts kicking into gear, Zilla snapped his head around to look back, eyes wide in alarm. He did not recognize that cry, but he knew it meant trouble when he heard it. In the blink of an eye, all kaiju were even more on edge and staring out in the direction of the shore with furrowed eyes. Once more, the earth rattled from the echoes of mounting tremors, but unlike before Kong was not the source; even the King of Skull Island was tense and silent, curling his lip in unease as the tremors grew stronger.

The imminent sign that the threat was growing closer.

Another demonic roar reverberated across the island; the prelude to a hulking, glowing shape lumbering into view from the boggy distance…

*****

Thoughts and concerns swirled in Mikasa’s mind. Everything had to go according to plan–otherwise they’d be putting their lives at stake once again. The squadron remained stationed at the top of Wall Sotono, the Scouts guarding the trio of robed figures prepared for the exchange. It wasn’t often she acknowledged the weather. But the bleak, cloudy skies reflected the doubt that gnawed at her heart.

“Hey, if you don’t mind me asking,” piqued a sickly Randy from under the cloak, “Mind if I can ask for another bodyguard? I am not vibing with this Shimozo guy. Sasha would be better. Preferred, actually.”

“Quiet, imbecile!” Shizumu barked with a hushed sternness.

“Randy,” Monique interrupted, shooting daggers at her compatriot. With a disgruntled sigh, Randy relented and kept quiet. Now was not the time to bicker or nitpick. And if Randy spoke out of line again, she swore she’d stick a blade up to his neck. Mikasa glanced at her Commander, who was peering through a set of binoculars, surveying the abandoned world beyond the Walls. Though she knew she was to keep a lookout for their ‘special guest,’ Mikasa couldn’t help but wonder if the claims of their visitors had credence to them. An overlooked outpost? A hidden bunker like those beneath the Walls? It was hard to say.

She heard her Commander issue for Monique’s presence. Though she kept her eyes firm in front of her, her ears couldn’t help but pick up the conversation between the two.

“That’s it? The place where you came from?” Hange asked, almost taken aback by whatever it was she was seeing.

“Indeed,” Monique responded, “That is the place we came from, and where we need to get back to once our objective is complete.”

“Objective?”

“A large friend of ours was here, we found his footprints near the portal.”

“Wait, like a Titan friend?! Can I see him!?”

“Not the type of Titan you’re familiar with. But unless we can track him down or use a beacon to lure him, finding him is going to be incredibly difficult.”

A portal? She thought it’d be impossible. Though she understood Monique’s vague words; had she tried to tell her that outright, she wouldn’t have believed them. Such a preposterous story wouldn’t have passed. But it is what it is…

Movement.

Without a second thought, Mikasa pulled out from her holster and fired a flare. It was indisputable.

“He’s here.”

—

Earlier…

“…But more importantly, thanks to Sasha’s scouting, we have received intel that Kubal wishes to schedule a meeting atop Wall Sotono. No weapons.” Hange concluded. Upon hearing this, Mikasa turned to see Eren swelling in an uncontrollable anger. A deep seated rage that hadn’t risen up since that day.

“You… you can’t be serious, right?!” Eren seethed between his teeth, “That bastard’s still alive? How?! I thought we made a clean sweep of the entire area for the bodies!”

“I wish I knew. There isn’t a whole lot of clean information on Kubal; anything that is public may have been altered by the Military Police. Who knows how many times he’s been eviscerated.”

“Wait,” Mikasa said, “You’re telling us that Shikishima…”

“His sacrifice only halted Kubal. It might’ve been only a matter of time before his return.” Hange’s grim expression told it all. Shikishima, the former Captain of the Survey Corps, leader of the anti-government rebellion, and the Armored Titan, had failed in stopping Kubal’s reign.

“Then it’ll be up to me,” Eren muttered with clenched teeth, “To murder that son of the bitch!” A tense silence washed over them as Eren made his bold proclamation. But it was Hange who spoke up first.

“Eren, you’re not going. That’s final.”

“Commander, what do you mean–?”

“I can’t afford your temperamental attitude in this pivotal moment. Kubal’s taken many things from us, but sometimes we have to try and make peace with those demons.”

“So what, you’re just going to give up?!” Eren blurted with heated breath, “The Scouts will never go down without a fight! If you can’t take the fight to him, then I will!”

“Eren…” Mikasa muttered. She felt and understood his rage and anger. Even as she was groomed to be the perfect killer, she knew Eren valued his friends beyond all else. But something in her couldn’t stand up to him, and she didn’t understand why.

“Eren, stop!” The sudden shout took everyone aback as everyone’s attention shifted over to Sasha of all people. “You think you’re able to do this by yourself? Last time, it took all of us to fight against Kubal and Shikishima. You weren’t able to do it without us. Mikasa… Sannagi… Jean… Armin… Do you think Armin would want this?”

Mikasa heard the sorrow seeded in her words. She knew Armin and Sasha had been seeing each other after the retaking of Wall Sotono. Mikasa was informed of the fact she was assigned to a mission within Wall Nakano, preventing her from being there when they encountered the green giant. A quick glance at Eren told her that her mourning words washed over his rage, diminishing the hate seething in his heart.

“I don’t know what Armin would have done…but not this. N-not this.” Sasha stammered, trying to keep her emotions in check. Only their heavy breathing remained as an awkward pause permeated the air.

“So, should we be here for this?” Randy asked, breaking the silence, “Seems like pretty personal affairs here.”

“That’s why I have a plan.” Hange affirmed, ignoring Randy’s remark. “From previous reports, Kubal’s only ever been after one thing… and that’s you, Eren. If we brought you along, then there’s the risk of your capture. It’s why we need them.” Hange pointed to the three strangers.

“If I may ask…”

Before Randy could complete the thought, Monique cut him off. “What for?” She responded, direct and to the point.

“You will act as our hostages of a new rebellion, and Jet Jaguar as a new Titan appropriated from the encounter. Then we trade off Jet Jaguar, and–”

“Whoa woah, no way José, you’re not pawning off our guy here for free!” Randy rebutted, “I am against this plan!”

“For once, I think we agree on something,” Monique chimed in, “Who’s to say that this Kubal will be tricked by a robot?”

“Well, if Jet isn’t from around here, then what are the odds of Kubal knowing any better? Besides, there’s also the phase two rescue plan to get Jet Jaguar back for you. We track him back to wherever Kubal is hiding, and bam! We nail him!” Hange explained ecstatically.

“Wait, hold on, I think we’re missing context here,” Randy interjected, “Kubal who? Like, can he also turn into a giant naked person like your guy right here?” He said, pointing to Eren.

“Correct,” Hange clarified, “For clarity, Kubal is able to become the Colossal Titan, the most powerful of all the Titans–or even the strongest thing on Earth. Then there was Shikishima, a man who possessed the Armored Titan… More importantly, Kubal is also the leader of the Military Police, who double as enforcers for the Security Treaty. In essence, they control the flow of information we do, or don’t, receive.”

“Literal 1984, geez,” Randy quietly quipped.

“Hidden in plain sight, essentially…” Monique presumed. Hange silently nodded.

“Nothing about this will go right,” Eren retorted, “Kubal is a monster. We can’t expect him to be so easily tricked. Our priority should be to subdue him as soon as possible.”

“There are other ways than heading straight into battle, Eren,” Hange responded. While Mikasa felt Eren’s sentiments, Hange’s orders were in the best interest of saving lives instead of putting them at risk. Both of them she understood well. But the words that came out of Monique took them aback.

“Commander Zoe, we’ll go with your plan,” the pale-skinned woman spoke plainly. Before her compatriot could vocalize his disdain, she asserted herself and continued. “I understand the wish to be tactile, but given the information provided, we can’t always be sure things will go according to plan.” Monique turned her gaze to Eren before facing back to Hange.

“Please, hear me out.”

—

Now

From the moment she fired the flare, the mood shifted drastically. Every Scout armed themselves to the teeth with their blades, fingers on their triggers. Even the Commander ceased her jovial demeanor as all eyes spotted the figures making their approach. Even after all this time, his face was burned into her memory; and once again, the fate of the future would begin atop the Walls.

The man needed no introduction as Hange initiated the dialogue.

“Kubal! Here as promised. We kept to our word.”

The ragged dictator seethed with an intense animosity, one Mikasa felt like his breath was down her neck despite the great distance between them. Then, he shouted back, “And you’re armed to the teeth! Hardly keeping to your word, I say.” But there wasn’t much of a difference either way, provided if he simply transformed right then and there.

“Did you bring Eren Jaeger?” The boisterous man boomed with his external voice.

“No. However–”

“If you refuse to hand over Eren Jaeger, then we can’t make any guarantees of your protection.” The woman next to Kubal interjected.

“Wait, wait wait,” Hange awkwardly waved, trying to reel in the situation to her favor, “That doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to give!”

“Unless you have Eren, I don’t want to hear another word!” Kubal roared.

“We have another Titan! Thanks to these rebels, we were able to locate and acquire another Titan for the deal, though the host is a strange one.” With a motion, Hange ordered them to bring up the two humans robed in their cloaks. Randy whined as he was taken for presentation, though the words weren’t discernible enough for Mikasa’s attention to focus on. The improv hostages two were forced to their knees, hoods thrown back and exposing their faces to the warlord before them.

“Hey Monique, this guy gives me the creeps. Don’t want him stealing my personal information,” Randy whispered.

“Shut it.”

Observant eyes scanned the two ‘rebels,’ but his reactions and subsequent response remained the same. “I have no clue what stunt you’re trying to pull, woman,” Kubal bluntly stated, “but bring out Eren Jaeger, or there will be consequences.”

“Very well then!” With another gesture, Hange ordered that the third cloaked figure be brought up. The towering robot stepped in Kubal’s presence before disrobing, exposing his metal smile and colorful body. “Here you go!” Hange exclaimed.

Mikasa remained on edge. Their reactions were different this time; instead of confusion, it was shock. Widened eyes of recognition. Were the odds truly against them? She had to wonder how on Earth either of them could even recognize this interdimensional foreigner… but before she could ponder any longer, Kubal’s expression shifted from shock to laughter.

“You’re kidding!” Kubal wheezed hysterically. “My two worst enemies, joining forces! I should have known that this was staged.” His hands clapped amusedly, taking steps towards them without hesitation. The woman, meanwhile, stood behind. “I want to say, impressed with the clean up job!” Kubal boomed sardonically. “Wonder how long it’s going to hold!”

Without hesitation, Jet Jaguar held his hands out wide, as if suggesting to Kubal that he’d had to pass through him before getting to anyone else. Mikasa gripped her gear. It was do or die time.

“Please, tell me something, Jet Jaguar…” Kubal boasted loudly. Anxious sweat dripped from her forehead. He knew its name.

“Is he dead? Did that coward get what he deserved?” Mikasa saw the robot get into a defensive stance, prepared to do battle if need be. Even Randy and Monique were cautious. But he did not approach the dictator, rather he kept his ground. Before Kubal could say anymore, a hiss stopped the man in his tracks. Almost immediately after came a flash of light.

“Wait, what is that…?” The hiss was without doubt from ODM gear, but there shouldn’t be anyone operating it. “Unless…oh, goddammit! Break! Fall back!” Hange shouted, and on cue the Scouts scattered, using their gear to fly around, finding safety amidst the walls. Mikasa was no exception to that. She saw Jet Jaguar turn his back to Kubal, rushing and scooping up his people to avoid the incoming disaster.

“Come on, dude, GO, GO, GO!” Randy panickedly shouted at the top of his lungs, the man kicking up a nervous sweat at the train-wreck occurring before them.

With a casual leap, the robot put distance between them and the dangerous man. Despite the vast distance they put between them and Kubal, they still felt the heated whirlwind of the thunderous light. Mikasa saw the familiar formation of Titan muscle strands and calcified bone, with the face of a demon glaring directly at the target. All Kubal could do was stare at the beast before him, only for the enlarged fist of the Attack Titan to belie its size, striking its target with utmost precision. Shredding the top of Wall Sotono, Kubal didn’t even last for a moment. One second, he took the full impact of the meaty fist; the next, his broken body was shot off faster than a bullet, soaring high in the sky.

With the midair punch having sent Kubal flying, Eren’s Titan began to fall to the ground, though the Titan was quick to catch himself as he landed with a heavy thud. Even though he found the mark, now was not the time to celebrate. It was then Mikasa noticed the woman, Kubal’s partner, no longer standing where she was… nor was she retreating. Instead, she had jumped off the wall, with a knife in hand.

Her heart began to sink.

“Eren!” she shouted at the top of her lungs, pulling out a signal flare. Loading the gun, she fired off a black flare in the direction where the woman had dropped. She had hoped the signal was enough to inform the Scouts, but more importantly, for Eren. But just as she did, another bright flash of light emanated from the side of the wall. Unlike the golden glow of Eren’s transformation, this one was an ever so familiar hue. A deep purple flash of light washed over them.

“That… that’s not possible.” Memories flashed before Mikasa’s eyes. Her heart shuddered, and her hands trembled. Another whirlwind blasted through the sides and top of the wall, taking everyone off guard. As the fierce winds died down and the steam dissipated, Mikasa was still in utter disbelief at the sight before her. Standing along the side of Wall Sotono stood yet another familiar face.

There was no mistaking it. She whispered in dreaded anxiety.

“The Armored Titan…”

 

Chapter 4: When Demons Come A’Callin’

Just because an organism lacks eyes, doesn’t mean it is a helpless wretch.

Many an animal has other ways of detecting what lies around them when eyes are not an option. Some use their sense of smell, one of the strongest senses of them all, to differentiate the environment around them and the factors that contribute. They can tell whether flora or other fauna are in their general proximity, just by the different smells they can give off. Others use more specialized senses, such as echolocation; a sound uttered by the organism that bounces back into ears so sensitive and scalpel-sharp, that an animal with terrible eyesight can tell whether another animal—food or foe—is around them, and which direction to take to either pursue or avoid.

For the volcanic berserker known as Obsidius, it was neither.

Imbued in his being through the unnatural power of the crystals that birthed him, the infernal golem detected those around him via means unlike any normal animal: the strength of their life signatures. Just by being in the proximity of other creatures, he could tell the health, size and fitness of each and every one without seeing or smelling a thing.

And through such sensory methods, he could tell that a particularly powerful signature was amongst those ahead of him.

There was no other such a signature could belong to; it had to be the one from before. The beast that had reduced him to pieces, shredded him right down to his molten heart. A heart that it should’ve destroyed, if it wanted him to remain deceased. But being a creature of magma, having his heart submerged in molten rock at the moment of his death, it was a no-brainer that he still lived and breathed. The molten blood of the earth had regenerated him quite quickly, primed and ready for round two.

The lava monster knew not specifically where he was; he could’ve sworn that the energy here felt… different, than what came before. But in the end, where he was didn’t matter. After having spent much time hunting for his ‘killer,’ he had detected a signature of immense power near his vicinity. The golem didn’t even hesitate to hound after it, a sweltering thrill coursing through his magmic blood. His patience had paid off, and he had finally found the loathsome entity that had so foolishly believed it had killed him.

If he had such organs to see, the satisfaction would be nothing short of gratifying to see the look of shocked terror on his to-be-victim’s face.

But for now, imagining it would have to do as he announced his arrival with a roar, beating his chest. The hatred brewing in his being was even hotter than the lava that composed his body. His ‘killer’ was a present he had been waiting far too long to open, and now the moment to do so presented itself before him. Smashing his fists against the moist earth, Obsidius barreled forth with deadly intentions.

Howling how he would murder the beast who had been so foolish to damage him.

*****

Then

“Please, hear me out.” Monique firmly pleaded. “If this Kubal is as much of a threat as you believe he is, and if you’ve already had run-ins with him, then I believe an offensive countermeasure is required.”

Eren heard his Commander humming as she pondered the words of a stranger.

“And what do you believe that will accomplish?” Hange responded.

Wasn’t it obvious? Part of him couldn’t believe the faith this foreign woman was putting into him. This individual understood the situation with a keen eye. Kubal’s death isn’t an option, but an inevitability. So Eren brewed in silent rage as he listened to what this woman from another land had to contribute.

“Kubal is set to arrive here with no armed guards, no troops, and no weapons–except for his Titan power.” She took a glance at Eren with a confident knowingness. “And use him to spear the ambush.”

“With all due respect, that is a risk I’m not willing to take,” Hange asserted, “Provoking Kubal with an offensive attack is only going to put the entire population of the Walls in jeopardy. He survived a point-blank, high-yield explosive to the face. If that didn’t do him in, then there’s nothing that will.”

Despite the assertion, Eren felt his spirit burn. He wanted to argue against his Commander, tell her how wrong she was. But he knew to keep his mouth shut and keep in line. It’d only create unneeded friction.

“And what will happen if Kubal sees through the ruse you have set up? That’s a high gamble in itself, no?” He could see the stranger’s words affecting his Commander. She knew well of that being a possibility. Monqiue continued. “You cannot use a spear as a shield. Flying in the face of danger is sometimes the biggest risk of all.”

“Sounds like that’s coming from experience,” Hange remarked.

“More than I’d care to admit.”

“Well then, if I may interject, ladies,” Randy interrupted in a flirtatious manner, much to Eren’s annoyance. “Maybe we can lay out an evacuation plan if things head south. Got any tech?”

“Some. Not sure how useful it’ll be, resources are rather limited. But if you have the skills for it, we won’t say no.” Hange admitted. “Or it just might be your head!”

Randy gulped, his face told it all. Now he had Hange’s expectations to live up to.

“So in the meantime, we’ll follow through with your plan, Commander,” Monique said plainly. “And for Plan B, we use him.” She motioned to Eren.

He wasn’t sure how to feel. Complete strangers giving their input, he wasn’t sure if they could be trusted. His heart was still hardened from past ordeals and betrayals. Randy was a nuisance that he’d wish to punch in the face, but Monique was someone at least deserving of a modicum of respect.

But even respect did not translate into trust.

“You have a reasonable head on your shoulders, however I must decline the suggestion. It’s too much of a risk to take. It’d be better to deal with Kubal, not the Colossal Titan.” Hange said matter-of-factly. “I know a spear cannot be used to defend, but we can’t risk losing it, either.”

“I see, how unfortunate,” Monique rebutted, “One more thing. The Titans, do they have a weak point?”

“They have a weak point at the nape of the neck. Back here,” she said, pointing to the back of her neck, “It’s a small area, nearly one meter across and roughly thirty centimeters wide for most. Though Kubal is deeper than that from what we know. Anything else?”

The foreigner shook her head, confirming the Commander’s inquiry. With that, Hange began barking orders. “All units begin mobilization. We have a date with Kubal in less than half an hour.” She turned her eyes to Sasha and Eren.

“Yes ma’am?” the soldier whimpered.

“I need you two on the truck with the helicopter crew. I have a feeling that the crashed heli is going to be in need of repairs, and maaaybe so our guests have some kind of transportation back to their homeworld.” Without hesitation, Sasha saluted before turning around, making her departure with the clean up crew.

“The rest, let’s head up the Wall. Make sure all of our guests are robed. Shizumu, take–” before Hange could even complete her words, the metallic arms of Jet Jaguar wrapped around his two companions and began to ascend. The panicked cries of Randy became evident, nearly puking his guts out. The other, Monique, kept her composure. “Oh, thanks, I guess. Shizumu, you’re coming with us.” Her eyes shifted to Eren. Anger gestated in his heart, boiling over his personal limits.

“Hange, this is bullshit! Even they know this plan of yours won’t work!” Heat steamed out of his mouth. His frustration became more and more obvious. A glare shot from Hange’s eyes, one uncharacteristic for the usually jovial commander.

“Eren… What’s more important to you? Kubal, or the mission?”

He didn’t hesitate. “These are mutually exclusive. The extermination of Kubal benefits the mission of protecting humanity!” Rather than rile up anger, the Commander kept her composure. Her lack of a response creeped in as the words settled. But his mind refused to differentiate them; they both had the same end-point. How could there be another way…?

“Truck. Now. I won’t be hearing anymore of it.” Slinging her ODM cables, Hange flew up the Wall, leaving him behind. There were hidden compartments in the Walls that allowed ease of travel, but in the intermediate time after Kubal’s initial defeat, a blueprint just showed off a maze that was nothing short of a complicated puzzle. Even the MPs that had been taken into questioning couldn’t comprehend the labyrinth; one wrong move and there’d be no way out. Though it seemed Kubal knew his way around them well from past experiences…

Without any immediate options at his disposal, Eren headed to the large tow trucks, the Scouts securing the crashed helicopter to the large trailer, aligning it and anchoring it down tightly for the road ahead. Hopping into the back of one of the Humvees, Eren took a seat. Though trying to escape here would do him no good. But just as he thought on it, the other soldiers filed in and lined the back of the vehicle, Sasha included.

The engines roared to life as the armored vehicle hauled their load back to HQ. The familiar bouncing from the rugged roads was all too familiar to the Scouts now, though it was infrequent to travel in daylight. As time passed, Eren glanced at Sasha. The emotional wear was written all over her; she didn’t have the best poker face. Even so, Eren knew not to force it out.

“Hey Sasha,” he whispered, nudging his head to her, “Are you holding all right?”

She was taken aback by Eren’s initiation, taking a couple of moments to respond, keeping as quiet as possible. “I dunno,” she replied earnestly, “All of this is out of my league. But no leaving!” she said firmly. “Hange’s orders.” Eren nodded in compliance, awkwardly shuffling in place. He felt all the eyes on him. Did they all hear his outbursts? Not like his feelings about Kubal were of any secret. Still, it felt… strange.

Eren glanced out the open back of the Humvee, staring at the helicopter being towed. The longer he sat, the further away they were from Kubal, and the more his chance at revenge slipped from his hands. Was there really more to this that he didn’t realize? He threatened them before, instigated the breach of Wall Sotono, and led many to unnecessary deaths. Just how was there room for compromise…?

“Eren… about earlier.” Hearing Sasha’s voice brought him back to reality.

“You might not have been wrong. About Armin, that is.” He took a pause, contemplating his next choice of words. “I don’t know what he would do. It’s beyond frustrating, but he always found a way out of a compromising situation. If only he were here now…”

Her eyes began to water, but she held them back. “What happened to him was out of your control. No one blames you for the circumstances around his death.”

“I know that!” Eren snapped back. But his sudden reaction earned a jolt from Sasha, with a nervous sweat gleaming from her skin. Seeing this, he sighed.

“Sorry. Let’s save it for when we get back.” He sternly replied. It was clear that she wanted to say more, but she kept it to herself. It was probably related to her emotional outburst from earlier. Not that it was easy. Her skills lie in fighting Titans and hunting animals, invaluable for the Survey Corps. But emotional tethers were another story. Especially after… Armin…

Something caught his peripheral vision. A signal flare. It was so far away, but still visible in his line of sight.

Kubal. It had to be.

He breathed in.

There was now considerable distance between where Hange and company were at. He had enough gas to get there at full throttle, a resource he thankfully didn’t expend during the conflict with Jet Jaguar. More importantly, the signal flare was only visible because they were atop the Wall. Any flares shot from the ground would be difficult to track from this distance. But the guilt of betraying Sasha ate away at him, but it wasn’t an option. Not just as a friend, but as a soldier with responsibilities. So they all can live long, plentiful lives.

He exhaled.

But it had to be done.

Faster than anyone could have anticipated, Eren rushed out of the Humvee and leapt out of the moving vehicle. He heard Sasha screaming at him to come back, almost ready to pursue him. Just as he anticipated, she fired a flare as a warning to the others; but the chances of them noticing were slim. Even an acoustic shell had limited range, and more than likely would attract a Titan in its place. He felt the wind against his face, climbing higher and higher atop the Walls. Maximizing his gas, he sped off faster than anyone bar none, perhaps aside from Mikasa.

For a moment, he felt almost sure Sasha and a few others would be in pursuit. Though given his speed and reflexes, he assumed they didn’t because it would be a moot point that would only endanger their lives. Consequences be damned, he had to do this.

Blistering the fastest he’d ever been, Eren scaled across the Wall alone. The moment of truth approached. All that burned at his forethought was putting an end to Kubal’s tyranny, to the suffering he’s inflicted upon the countless lives of the Scouts and civilians alike.

It was payback time…

—

Now

Everything went without a hitch. He summoned all his wrath and might to reduce Kubal to paste, much as the dictator did to Jean during the reclamation of Wall Sotono. He felt the small, frail body crunch under his rage, and subsequently fling off the top of the wall. Although such a moment would be worthy of celebration, there’d be no victory until Kubal was confirmed dead.

Even then, said achievement left a hollow feeling in his heart. Killing Kubal would never bring Armin back. But if nothing else, it was done for his sake… though before he could dwell on it any further, a familiar shout and a signal flare informed him that the threat wasn’t over. It was Mikasa calling his name. As his Titan’s body fell against the ground, leaning against the sturdy wall, he saw what she was addressing…

It was something he’d never thought he’d see again.

From the flashing purple hues, a body began to morph and materialize. Organs and skin formed out of the shining light as a titanic human emerged from it. Bone white plated covered its entire form, with hair and visage that was almost a complete imitation of the former captain of the Scouts. Magenta light pulsed throughout its body, coursing with heat and steam. Blank eyes stared at Eren, focusing on him.

“That’s not possible…” Eren murmured in disbelief. “Captain Shikishima…?” Thoughts ran through his mind. He had no context to the sudden appearance of the Armored Titan. All he knew for sure was that it had returned.

“I don’t know what the hell is going through your head, but…” Eren seethed hot air from his teeth, “But I beat you once. And I can do it again.”

As the Armored Titan slowly rose to its full standing height, so too did Eren get into position. If it’s a rumble they want, it’s a rumble they’ll get!

But before either could make the first move, the sky above them began to shine a brilliant golden glow. Off in the distance, a new sun was birthed high in the sky. In that moment, he realized what was soon to transpire. “Shit…”

*****

Skull Island

Both Kong and Ghidorah alike looked to the outsider, eyebrows arched from the golem’s vengeful proclamations towards the iguana. Looking right back at them with nothing but the utmost sincerity in his eyes, Zilla simply hissed back.

He had no idea who this creature–or the problem it had with him specifically–was.

Getting down on all fours, the infernal beast howled a war cry and broke into a charge, sending hundreds upon hundreds of leafwings and psychovultures taking to the skies in terror. Briefly holding out an arm, King Kong grunted for his fellow titans to hold back before sprinting towards the newcomer. Axe in hand, the great ape responded to the golem’s bellow with a war howl of his own.

The moment the primate was within range, Obsidius swung a fist towards his head. Kong ducked reflexively, sliding in towards his opponent’s legs before throwing his axe forward. The blade struck the golem’s calf, but barely dug any further in than the tip. Kong’s eyes broadened, realizing his enemy’s hide was much tougher than he…

WHAM!

A hammer blow from Obsidius’ other fist came down upon Kong’s cranium, knocking him flat. Quick as lightning, the lava monster went berserk upon his fallen form; laying into him with fist and claw alike. Smashing the ape’s torso with punches that shook the mountains, the volcanic killer howled for blood. Thinking quickly, Kong held up an arm and began blocking the painful strikes—if only temporarily.

Exactly when Kong swung his axe forward, Obsidius seized the offending arm mid-swing with one hand. Before the ape could enact a counter, the golem clocked him straight in the face. The King of Skull Island hit the ground like a ton of bricks, but already his adversary wasn’t giving him any moment of rest. The insidious killer reared back with a hollow inhalation, his mouth glowing brighter in preparation to unleash the blow that would surely kill the simian…

…before something heavy slammed into him from the side, knocking him away!

Stamping the boggy soil, Zilla bellowed furiously at the volcanic berserker before going back on the offensive. Shaking his head in an effort to fight the headache he now possessed, the Great Ape opened his eyes as he looked at the attacking lizard. If the residents of Skull Island didn’t have a reason to be thankful for his presence before, they all certainly did now. The ape stared in amazement as the squamate pounced upon the magmic beast, tearing at it with tooth and nail in a ferocity he had never seen before. Even when the golem started to shake him off, even when it was clear he wasn’t going to be down for very long, Zilla kept attacking him where he lay. Unrelenting in his mission to fell him here and now, his resolve blanketed in an aura devoid of any fear.

To the king of the island, it was a most inspiring sight.

Sadly, Obsidius seemed poised to cling onto life longer than the other kaiju wished. Belching a quick burst of lava upon his scaled torso, the golem reveled in the lizard’s screams before lashing out. Striking both legs against his quarry’s face, the lava monster sent the iguana recoiling away before standing back up. Scrabbling wildly at his burning torso, Zilla hissed in pain before putting some distance between himself and the infernal brute.

His injuries were but a mild inconvenience, and H.E.A.T.’s great champion defied the murderous thing ever further with another fearless roar. Behind the defensive lizard, Kong looked to Ghidorah; his features weaved in an expression of uncertainty. What should they do at the moment? Should they assist him… or was it best to hold back? Picking up on this, Ghidorah’s left head screeched to the ape, giving him his answer on the matter. And Kong nodded in agreement.

Zilla would face this battle on his own… for the time being at least.

It seemed the great lizard was no stranger to fighting battles on his own; his days of fighting with monstrous allies at his side were a more recent development in the grand scheme of things. If this was his battle to prove himself to the island’s denizens, then so be it. Zilla was no youthful rookie. Years and years of experience fighting foes of all shapes and sizes went with him, and he would rely on them yet again to put down this strange attacker just the same.

Eyes fixed on his quarry, Zilla began to lumber in a circle around Obsidius; a motion the golem copied. Staring at nothing but each other, the titans waited for one or the other to make the next move; all while the other kaiju did nothing but stare at the tense standoff. Even those select few who did not approve of the iguana were still and quiet, the tensions beginning to wear on their nerves…

A mighty bellow from Zilla was followed by a fearless charge back into the fray.

******

Not a single thought registered. Not a feeling pricked at his nerves as he sailed high in the sky. He saw his limbs shredded from his torso, but the concussion left him unable to feel the impact. Such raw power and immense force would have no doubt killed any other man. But Kubal was far from ordinary. He was gifted with a latent power very few others possessed. A power to forge a future through his iron fist.

Yet such gifts did not make him special.

“And life isn’t going to hold back, Kubal. So never give the courtesy.”

Those words rang in his mind, bringing his consciousness back from the brink. It was then he felt every sting of agony course through his body. His nervous system screamed in burning pain as a rush of endorphins swelled in his brain. He felt his throat resonate with a guttural shriek to ease the suffering. Pathetic. He must be ruthless, to fight against the cruelty of the world! But such a mindset only proved he was a weak man, no different than the humans he so vehemently despised.

All because there was one stronger than him. Her bright smile flashed in his mind, igniting his wrath and retribution. If this pain was all Eren could deliver…

…then he is nothing.

A surge of light pulsed through his remaining body, his back sprouting bony appendages that wrapped around him. Veiled under shimmering light, he began to transform. Weaving muscle strands knitted around the forming calcified structures that made up his bones, with tendons bridging between the muscles and limited tissue of his Titan. Heat waves emanated from his body, pushing away the overcast that permeated the skies. With his power, he opened the sun’s beaming light unto this world, and his might radiated through it.

Shockwaves pulsed from the fireball, leaving riptides of roaring winds in their wake. He was so high above, it did little destruction; but it made sure his presence was felt to all below. Even as the Walls protected them, there was no doubt that they could feel the wind push against the mighty superstructure. When his body had completely formed, it was then he began to fall. From the burning fireball, he tore through the bottom as he made his descent. There wasn’t a need to soften the landing; he knew his Titan could withstand it. Rushing wind filled his Titan’s ears, and in a matter of a few, deliberate moments, he crashed against the earth with a resounding, destructive boom.

Dirt and dust ripped from the surface, scattering them to the air above. Even the landing impact generated another shockwave, though far less pronounced than his transformation. It wasn’t long until the Colossal Titan rose to its full magnificence, clocking in at 150 meters. This time, he’d show the Scouts what for. His true wrath, his true might. Before, he had kicked a hole in Wall Sotono to drive out the rebellious scum. But now the Scouts proved their fruitless efforts would only lead to more trouble.

To strip humanity of its protection from the outside world.

With eyes that could peer beyond the 100-meter wall, he saw that Azusa had already transformed into the Armored Titan. Then there was nothing to worry about. Clenching his Colossal’s fist, it began to generate tremendous heat. Radiating with a golden light that pierced the skies with their god rays, he concentrated its power into a single, focused point. Immense force started at the shoulder joint, pressing and forcing itself through the entirety of his arm. A ball of pressure worked its way until it centered in his palm, meeting with the generating heat from his hand. It wracked his Titan with tortuous pain, but Kubal refused to let it deter him. When he felt ready, he opened his palms and thrusted it forth.

From the center of his palm, a bright flash of light pulsed from it, shooting out a blitz of highly pressurized air. The concentrated point of pressure zipped across the landscape, carving a trench in its path. When it finally made contact with Wall Sotono, the concrete and structural integrity disintegrated, the man-made barrier shattering upon impact. The explosive knockback blasted thousands of tons of material across the other side, littering the outside with rubble and debris. Even what remained of the structure clearly wobbled from the tremendous power inflicted upon it.

The commotion forced the puny insects to move, the cataclysmic blast scattering them all about. In the chaos, he saw as the Armored Titan stood resolute against the collapsing wall and destructive winds; the Attack Titan was less fortunate. The vile giant was thrown off its feet, punctured by the bricks and shrapnel from Wall Sotono. It was a pathetic sight. Their target had been quickly rendered immobile, leaving him to the mercy of Azusa. Finally, this can all be over with, as it should have been from the get-go…

The tremendous height and eyes of his Titan enabled Kubal’s attention to drift to a pulsing light from afar. Though quite the distance, his Titan’s eyes were sharp, and it didn’t take much to decipher the strange object’s soft luminance. Its ethereal appearance had to be a portal, or at least that was the conclusion he came to. But such a sight was not what he would have ever conceived in his long life. Its black ripples looked like that of water, but its alien presence suggested otherwise.

It was then it dawned on him. Humans he had never seen before. A fresh and new Jet Jaguar. If they truly did come from the other side… His eyes flashed at the implication.

There was a chance.

But first, there was business to deal with. By any means necessary.

Even as Azusa reached over for the fallen Attack Titan, Kubal knew what he had to do. They would reclaim their old lives back, no matter the blood that had to be shed. Even with Eren falling back into his clutches once more, there was no longer a need to sustain the humans of Wall Sotono. To ensure the demise of the Survey Corps and the rebellious element therein, he did what needed to be done.

Sucking the air through his Titan’s teeth, the Colossal Titan took in a tremendous amount of air in one, massive breath.

Then he, with a deafening blast, let out a cacophonous roar.

 

Chapter 5: Trial by Hellfire

The mutated iguana ducked under a swinging fist, going in low and slashing past his enemy’s heel.

However, the damage was minor at best, and as Zilla emerged behind the golem, Obsidius whirled around and charged as if he hadn’t been harmed at all. Ignoring the pain of his own wounds, the Champion of H.E.A.T. snapped on his heels and sidestepped the killer’s stampede—only to have to evade again when a blast of lava erupted from its eyeless maw.

Molten rock met boggy water and wet grass, causing a gigantic pillar of steam to birth upon impact. At first, the lizard paid this little mind; but as he evaded a second lava blast from the golem, an idea struck his brain.

Like a raven pestering a coyote, Zilla roared mockingly at the lava monster, daring him to hit him with his best shot. His rage spurring to new levels, Obsidius happily obliged and spewed yet another river of molten rock in the reptile’s direction. Fighting hard not to smirk, the squamate instantly darted aside and began to run in a wide arc around his opponent. And to his immense satisfaction, Obsidius cooperated beautifully and continued spewing after him; trying seemingly in vain to score a successful shot on the speedy lizard.

And all the while, the lava kept bombarding the soaking wetlands around them, rapidly producing the same results as before.

In record time a huge shroud of vapor and mist formed all about the molten golem, completely shrouding his field of vision. Had it not been for the endless glow of the magmic cracks across his body, he himself would’ve been shadowed entirely from the outside view of the other titans. Seeing this from a distance, Kong and Ghidorah kept their keen eyes on the unfolding battle. The others looked at one another, their expressions speaking of their amazement as they realized the iguana’s plan. Zilla could still see Obsidius—but the same could not be said vice-versa.

From behind the ruling beasts, Black Moth growled. Very bizarre, no? But a screech from Ghidorah mused something different.

There was promise.

Outside the vaporous haze, Zilla growled in satisfaction. His eyes fixed on the telltale glow of Obsidius like a hunting eagle, the reptilian defender sprinted into the evaporated water. The bewildered golem hardly had a moment to counter before the lizard’s tail swiped out his legs, bringing him to his stomach with a furious roar.

Skidding to a halt on the other side of the cloud, Zilla snarled and prepared to go in for a second round. But as he charged, however, a blast of lava abruptly exploded in his face! Caught completely off guard, the lizard shrieked as he was caught full-force by the infernal river that now enveloped his head, neck, and shoulders. He tried to retreat, but in his agony he could only stumble and crash to the ground. As the molten rock seared his flesh and he scrabbled painfully about it, he heard Obsidius’ mocking roars close by.

The reptile’s makeshift vapor shroud had done little to mask his life signature of which the golem could so easily detect.

Slamming his fists into the ground, Obsidius bellowed as he pushed himself back onto his feet. The wails of his quarry were the sweetest melody he had ever heard; something he thirsted to amplify tenfold. Ignoring the vaporous mist around him, the lava monster let loose another sweltering blast upon his prey. An elephantine scream from the reptile rewarded his efforts like a delectable supper, doubling Obsidius’ bloodlust.

With the mist not even a hindrance anymore, the magmic monstrosity closed in on his waiting present. Clawed hands grasped the wounded saurian, and without mercy Obsidius lifted him off the boggy earth before slinging him back down with all his might. Another cry escaped the lizard’s jaws—which was cut off by what the psychotic golem did next. Leaping sideways into the air, Obsidius brought the full weight of his elbow crashing down upon the hapless squamate; the impact of the blow resounding with a vomit-inducing CRACK!

The wind had been completely knocked out of the heroic reptile, his throat managing only a wheeze most piteous to hear. A sound seemingly akin to laughter reverberated from Obsidius’ glowing maw, reveling in the suffering he brought upon his prey. It was everything he had famished for and then some—and he wasn’t even done. Oh no, his quarry’s suffering had only just begun. Reading back with his maw glowing to life, Obsidius vomited yet another stream of lava upon the great reptile; having the time of his life with its screams of agony.

From afar, clawed paws tensed into the wet earth. Not even the mighty Varan could keep his composure in the face of such a noise. Zilla’s screams were ghastly to behold, piercing and all-echoing across the vast expanses of Skull Island. Varan and Black Moth spared a glance at one another. Neither one of them had liked or trusted the iguana when he arrived… but was there really anything to truly hold a grudge against?

Were they really going to just stand here and do nothing, while a brave warrior was beaten to an inch of his life after saving their king from death?

Trying his best to fight the pain, Zilla twisted to direct himself at the lava monster. His spines and eyes flashing with a pulse of light, the scaly champion wasted no time in spitting his atomic breath. The emerald flames engulfed Obsidius, and a howling roar echoed from within the jade inferno. New York’s Protector fought hard not to smirk while firing…

…as if it would’ve mattered.

The blast came to an end—and what it revealed shocked Zilla to his core. Obsidius stood entirely unharmed, smoke and vapor wisping off his infernal body. Zilla’s atomic flames hadn’t harmed him at all.

They had fed him.

Howling with delight, the blood-drunk Obsidius curled up into a ball and rolled right at the dumbfounded reptile. Entirely caught off guard by the new tactic, Zilla didn’t have time to evade before the living wrecking ball slammed into him, knocking his injured form silly. Not bothering to give even a second of respite, the lava monster leaped upon the injured saurian with a quaking body slam, before quickly proceeding to batter away at his flesh with fist and claw alike. Jets of crimson flew in spray after spray, beginning to paint the water around them a sickening velvet that would surely draw aquatic scavengers to the scene. Zilla could hardly even cry out under the golem’s fury, for each strike followed so rapidly after the other they all but shut him up.

A roar of pleasure erupted from the demon’s cavernous maw. It was all he ever wanted, the delectable and sweet taste of karmic vengeance. The excruciating fate he had been waiting to dole out upon his ‘killer’ for far too long, and now there was nowhere to run or hide. A point-blank burst of lava puked from the golem’s jaws to blanket the reptile in its sweltering fury, and Obsidius nearly applauded at the sound of his prey being cooked alive…

…which was all ripped away when he felt something slam onto his shoulders with a baritone shriek.

Extended claws scratched against flesh of stone, their mammalian owner growling as she attempted to find a killer grip on her inorganic foe. The lava monster howled and staggered, rearing his arms up in an attempt to dislodge Black Moth—and was knocked right off his feet by a second kaiju body-slamming into his side. A screech to tremble the mountains echoed into the air, announcing Varan’s entry into the battle. As Obsidius writhed and thrashed about on the boggy wetlands, the survivor of Blood Rock and the Mountain God Baradagi spared a glance at one another. All was communicated with merely a glance, no sounds or head motions needed.

Former reservations be damned, they were aiding the lizard.

Another roar split the air, followed swiftly by a four-legged form tackling Obsidius with feral ferocity. Baragon snarled and crunched upon the golem’s mineral hide, snagging him by the neck like a black leopard hunting an ape. At first the strange dinosaur had trouble, but his efforts were eventually rewarded when his canines pierced the rock that composed the golem’s flesh. Magmic lifeblood leaked out, though at first the archosaur resisted the searing sensation; the perks of being able to spit a heat ray.

Him hanging on was exactly the opportunity Black Moth needed to attack again.

The winged lion pounced upon the thrashing Obsidius, securing a grip to the other side of his neck while she clung on with her claws. Adding her body weight to the fray, the griffon pitched in to aid her ally in restraining the repugnant killer. It was an effort far easier said than done, for the lava monster continued to flail about in earth-shaking fury, but they made do if only for the moment.

A moment Varan capitalized on, by leaping over to the side of the injured Zilla.

The defender of New York groaned upon trying to muscle through the pain of his wounds, as he had done so many times before. His arms trembled like leaves as he applied pressure, trying to rise back up with a strained growl. The world needed him, his new allies needed him. And somewhere out there, in places he could not see, his family needed him. So he would keep fighting. He would try his hardest to stand. He would get right back into that battle and see it done, no matter how hard his injuries tried to do him in.

His limbs buckled. An anguished hiss left Zilla’s throat as he fell…

…and was caught when Varan lunged under him, before pushing upwards and hoisting the wounded iguana right back on his feet..

The prehistoric reptile grumbled softly as he re-situated Zilla, all potential animosities as dead as a mayfly. No growls of reluctance, no gloats, nothing. Varan knew he had been wrong to dismiss the iguana, and now sought nothing more than to rectify that mistake. As if in accommodation with his thoughts, Zilla growled his gratitude to the triphibian, wiping out any last trace of potential bad blood with it.

A bellowing shriek pierced the air, catching both reptiles’ attention.

They turned back to the battle, just in time to see Gudon barrel straight into Obsidius, tackling him like a football player. The very moment the golem went down, the horned monster howled and began to repeatedly beat his enemy with his whip-like arms. Loud crack after crack resounded in rapid-fire succession as Gudon let loose his bloodlust upon the volcanic killer, rearing his horned head to the sky and screaming a deafening cry.

He just wanted to kill something.

Varan fought the urge to shake his head. That absolute madlad…

A shriek left Gudon’s maw when a rocky hand punched him in the face, sending him reeling. Obsidius tore up the boggy ground around him as he returned to his feet—and already he was met with yet more trouble, when a frigid mist began to blow over him with the force of a blizzard. The water and mud around him froze in less than three seconds, as began his obsidian skin. Steam billowed in metric tons off his body as the Antarctic temperatures clashed with his molten body heat, and Obsidius’s roars of surprise were met by yet another mighty bellow.

Flapping his wings, Peguila roared as he spewed a continuous blast of below-freezing vapor, unleashing the full power of cold itself upon the volcanic berserker.

An infernal luminosity birthed to life in Obsidius’ opening maw, signaling the coming of his most violent attack. The winged titan noticed the change, but continued to lay down his frigid fire. If he could just keep up the blast long enough, he might be able to freeze the interloper before he could let loose at all.

Alas, the clashing temperatures only served to birth more vaporous haze, and Obsidius reared back in preparation to return fire…

A quick blur charged without hesitation into the frigid fray, knocking the golem off his feet before zipping right back out on two agile legs. Temporarily, Peguila ceased fire, eyes wide as Obsidius’ lava blast discharged harmlessly off course.

His scaly skin now dotted with a layer of permafrost, Zilla growled as he fought against the cold that now bit at him. It was painful, but so long as it meant one of his comrades lived, it was worth it.

Obsidius was scrambling frantically to his feet when he heard it. Not one, not even three, but a whole chorus of roars. It was not any new arrivals, but something else entirely. Something he learned the hard way when a pair of taloned feet slammed into the golem from behind in a kangaroo kick, grounding him yet again. Gorosaurus’ mighty roar was joined by those of his brethren, and Obsidius felt his magmic blood run cold.

All of the kaiju of Skull Island were attacking together, seemingly inspired by their latest newcomer.

Pushing off with his knees, Obsidius lashed out with a fist, clobbering Gorosaurus across the jaw just seconds before another shape pounced upon him. Black Moth was onto him yet again, gnawing at his neck while trying to wrestle him to the ground. Aiming his head up, Obsidius tried a new tactic and discharged his lava skyward, causing the molten rock to fountain back down in an infernal rain. The winged lion yowled as some of the magma fell upon her skin, quickly banking off the golem to retreat to a safe distance.

Obsidius fought the urge to chuckle—which would’ve been shut up anyway, when Varan and Gorosaurus pounced upon him from left and right.

A hollow roar escaping the volcanic killer, Obsidius thrashed and flailed, trying to use his sheer body weight to his advantage, but neither saurian would yield; each clasped one of his arms in their jaws, and both of their bites were like vices. Still the lava monster continued thrashing, deciding to pit his sheer strength against their respective bite forces. Perhaps with enough force, he might be able to—!

WHAM!

Before he knew it, another heavyweight body-slammed him to the floor, a trumpeting howl echoing from its tusked jaws. Pinning the volcanic berserker with his blubbery weight, the reptilian walrus mimic known as Maguma wasted no time in attacking his prey where it lay. Sparks erupted again and again as Maguma pierced the golem’s hide with his fearsome tusks; a predicament which only worsened when another roar bellowed into the air.

Having recovered from his earlier headache, Gudon spread his arms and leaped forward, landing his entire front half upon the lava monster in a body slam. Fueled by new levels of crazed excitement, the horned biped drew his arms back and began to repeatedly whip the downed Obsidius; all while Varan and Gorosaurus restrained his arms with their unyielding jaws.

It was all they needed for what came next.

Even the sheer furious might of Obsidius couldn’t contend with the wave of sheer, unrelenting wrath that followed. As one, the denizens of Skull Island let loose their war cries to the heavens and attacked. Gudon was merely the very first of an entire angry mob that soon followed his lead; one after another, kaiju after kaiju charged forward and leaped onto the pinned golem to unleash their bloodlust upon his hapless form. Baragon clawed and bit furiously into the killer’s mineral hide; Maguma joined him and resumed stabbing into the fiend with his prehistoric icepicks for teeth. Screeching for vengeance, Black Moth was not one to be left out and pounced on her quarry just the same, mauling him with rapacious intensity.

Bellowing along with his monstrous comrades, Peguila played his part by kicking and stomping upon Obsidius’ neck and chest. The lava monster howled in anguish and tried to rear up, to spit his infernal essence and turn the tide in his favor—only for his hopes to be dashed when a swarm of tentacles erupted from the boggy water, wrapping around his head like a swarm of angry pythons and grounding him right back down. His lungs audibly gasping for air, Oodako didn’t waste an ounce of strength as he held the golem fast, keeping him wholly restrained while his packmates doled out upon the killer their savage punishment.

A roar to rival even Kong himself split the air, carving into Obsidius a new wave of horror as the last combatant announced his joining in the mobbing. Using the pain of his wounds to fuel his fury, Zilla pawed the boggy earth below him before leaping like a giant, reptilian serval. The earth vibrated tremendously as the iguana landed upon the volcanic berserker, laying into him with foot, tooth and claw along with his fellow kaiju.

What had once been a battle, had now become a massacre. Pieces, chunks, entire strips of Obsidius’ magmic frame were chipped apart, ripped and torn away to disgorge bleeding fountains of lava. It was a dangerous defense mechanism, yet the monsters did well to let it touch them as little as possible as they continued their assault. Not even the gigantic plumes of steam that immediately rose from where the lava leaked into the water, did anything to save the dying golem, whose screams of agony continued to echo throughout the depths of Skull Island as its colossal denizens pickaxed him alive.

From a distance, Kong and Ghidorah watched in content as the massacre unfolded. The ape looked to his fellow king; the dragon’s left head turning to look back at him, while his right head kept its eyes on the battle-turned-butchery. No language was needed to know they were both thinking the same thing.

Amongst the angry monsters enacting their vengeance, none laid more furiously into the infernal interloper than Zilla. The reptilian champion shredded and crushed the spawn of SpaceGodzilla like an angry child with a taunting piñata. Swipes of clawed hands and crunches of toothy jaws removed more of what made Obsidius recognizable; the lizard tearing, all but digging his way through the ailing killer—until he spotted something that immediately seized his focus.

Glowing cracks of lava streaked through the exposed mass, radiating every three seconds with luminous power with a thrumming beat, and in the blink of an eye Zilla knew. He had exposed Obsidius’ heart to the world.

As the other monsters continued crushing and mauling the lava monster apart, the mutated iguana didn’t wait even a second. Ignoring the searing heat, the lizard snatched the golem’s heart in his boxy jaws and yanked. With a spurt of molten rock, the infernal organ was torn free from the savage womb of Obsidius’ destroyed torso. Holding it high with a fierce growl, Zilla tossed the organ to the side; watching it bounce once, twice, thrice, four times before it finally squelched to a pathetic halt on a tiny “island” of grass surrounded by marsh water.

The Champion of H.E.A.T. snarled as he stormed towards the thrumming, “beating” organ, the earth thundering with his angry footfalls. While most of the kaiju only continued to ravage Obsidius where he lay, one of them ceased his part in the assault. Peguila grunted as he followed the reptilian defender, fully intent on helping him finish the job the right way.

—

Molten ‘blood’ spurted violently from two sockets that were no longer whole as Varan and Gorosaurus pulled so hard, they ripped their quarry’s arms right off. No howl, no roar nor even a scream came from Obsidius’ broken maw, but instead a stomach-churning gurgle that grew weaker with each ticking second. This was how he was to go out. Shattered, maimed, mutilated, rendered utterly helpless, and completely robbed of the revenge he sought so badly. All that time, all that effort, an entire second shot at life and therefore a chance at retribution… spent for nothing.

The pointlessness of it all stung more than the beating the other creatures gave him ever could, even as they crushed and tore apart his rocky flesh this very moment. His return to the land of the living meant nothing in the end. Just a prolonged cruel joke before the end, a final mockery from life before the end. A reminder that he might as well have stayed dead the first time around. With these thoughts running through his mind, Obsidius managed to spend his final seconds grateful for one tiny, seemingly insignificant thing in all of this: that he had no eyes, and could not see.

Because as molten, hellishly torturous as these final moments were, at least he didn’t have to add onto it the humiliation of seeing his former killer end his life a second time.

A last reminder that it was as if his resurrection had never happened at all.

—

Two pairs of eyes took only a moment to stare at the magmic, beating heart of Obsidius before them. One pair, yellow with pale irises that seemed to reflect the cold land from which their owner hailed from, stared with similar intent at the beating heart of the volcanic berserker. The other pair, a draconic fiery orange that seemed to burn like the fires of the nuclear bomb which gave rise to their bearer, seethed with a fittingly fiery rage at the life source of Obsidius. Both sets of eyes glowering with contempt, focused with lethal desire at the thrumming object.

That moment was a fleeting one.

Peguila let loose his subzero spray. At first, steam plumed off the infernal heart as the Antarctic temperatures met its superheated surface; but in time steam gave way to snow as the rock began to calcify, the veins of lava beginning to lose their glow before fading altogether. Paler and paler the heart grew as sheets of ice encased its hardening form, until eventually the winged freezing monster ceased his spray.

Amber eyes looked to flaming orange ones, and the two kaiju nodded to one another before Zilla raised a foot. In the blink of an eye, it was all over; the iguana’s foot came down with a force to shame a collapsing building, smashing the frozen heart of Obsidius apart like a dried clay statue. Shattering it out of existence, scattering it into a thousand little pieces—before a blast of atomic fire followed suit, melting and vaporizing the pieces into vapor that blew away into the wind.

And with it, the glow of Obsidius’ own body faded away, his movements coming to a silent halt.

His superheated breath ceasing to be, a low growl echoed from the depths of the triumphant lizard. All eyes now looked to him, from Varan and Black Moth to Ghidorah and Kong—all except Gudon, who continued to wail on Obsidius’ already massacred, expired corpse. A quick slap in the face from Oodako, however, ceased his ravenous frenzy right quick.

After a moment of silence, all the inhabitants of Skull Island began to lumber towards the mutated iguana. Before long, Zilla found himself surrounded by the beasts on all sides, every one of them eyeing him intensely. Before the squamate could make sense of what was going on, the two largest monsters on the island trudged towards him. Their hardened gazes fixed on him like visual vices, Kong and Ghidorah made no sound as they marched up to the former Champion of New York; the earth rattling from every one of their thundering footsteps. For a moment they merely stood there in silence, as if casting an unknown judgement upon the reptile who remained equally stationary.

The moment was upon him.

The great golden king raised his scarred wings, shouting his final proclamation. A motion Kong likewise copied, raising his axe on high.

Not out of fear, or begrudgement, but sheer and genuine respect.

It was then the rally of monsters erupted in victorious shrieks of approval. Zilla’s fiery eyes scoured over the fellow giants, before he reared his head to the sky and let loose a spectacular roar of triumph, joining them in their cause. Ghidorah glanced at the newcomer, recognizing something deep within he hadn’t felt in a long time.

A spark of hope brought back, one thought to have been long diminished. The spirit of a hero, like the blue humanoid he had fought alongside with all those centuries ago.

But their celebration was short-lived. From places far beyond even their sharpest sights, places so very far away, a distant call echoed faintly. A call that Zilla had never heard before, but made him and the other kaiju tense in alarm and snarl lowly.

A call filled to the brim with nothing but a terrible, molten rage…

 

Chapter 6: Nothing So Undoing as a Daughter

Wall Sotono, Japan

It was all so sudden. Her heart was elated the moment Eren threw his fist at Kubal, and had that been the end of it, it would have been a much needed victory. But it wasn’t. The reappearance of the Armored Titan, the rushing winds from Kubal’s transformation, and the subsequent destruction of Wall Sotono devastated any hope of a chance at overpowering their enemies. Amidst the turmoil, Mikasa found her footing among the still-standing structure of the Wall, now filled with an even larger gap than during the Wall Sotono Reclamation operation. To see all their efforts be discarded so swiftly, it hurt to see everything the Survey Corp worked for come crumbling down… Doubt gnawed at her decision to turn against Shikishima’s ruthless plan to attack the heart of the Walls, to bring down the government from within–and by proxy, Kubal.

But she made her choice long ago. It was only a matter of living with it.

Even with everything afire and ablaze, she heard Hange shouting at the top of her lungs for a retreat. There was no scenario where they’d be able to feasibly turn the tables in their favor. Eren was rendered catatonic from the blast, his Titan unmoving. Seeing the white-plated Titan beginning to make the move forced Mikasa to prioritize Eren above all else. But her determination was quickly whiplashed by the sudden burst from the Colossal Titan’s maw. Such a boisterous and powerful roar it was, so much so that if she didn’t make the effort to cover her ears, she’d certainly lose her hearing. Even as her hands clasped over, she felt her eardrums vibrate from the intensity of it all. Her mind scurried for reasons, but it became evident very quickly.

A Titan’s roar acted as a lure for other Titans. She had seen this with Eren and Shikishima–and now, Kubal. The implication wretched her gut, and one that didn’t take long to manifest. Even from high above the ground, the structures felt the rumble of footfalls making their approach. The Titans were coming. Fast.

“Don’t let Eren fall into enemy hands!” Hange shouted at the top of her lungs, “If we lose Eren, there won’t be a chance in Hell for humanity’s survival!” Mikasa revved for the coming conflict. Wild Titans were already on the prowl, most shuttering their malformed feet towards the Colossal Titan. But there were detractors from the group, eager to chomp upon the flesh of the Armored Titan–to no avail. The woman controlling the Armored simply continued her stride, ignoring the bites of the Wraiths. Then there was Eren, still prone and unconscious. Mikasa anchored herself, prepared to jump…

“H-hey, wait!” That was Shizumu’s stuttering. For a moment, Mikasa didn’t want to divert her eyes; she had to remain locked in on Eren at all costs. But it didn’t take long for a figure to zip by, coming into focus as they made their rapid descent. But there was something off; no soldier in the Survey Corps could top its speeds. Only her and Eren were some of the most maneuverable bodies when using ODM gear, but what she saw defied those expectations. Then it started to come into shape; there was no hissing from the gear, nothing suggesting it was propelled by gas, but rather by its own will…

Her eyes widened. The robot!

Clutched in Jet Jaguar’s hands were a pair of Shizumu’s ultrasteel swords, evidently pulled straight out of the sheath with no controllers attached. The size-altering robot retained his human size, gliding over the stampede of Wraith Titans converging on Eren. Mikasa saw as the robot man wielded the swords with grace, only dispatching the ankles of the taller Titans with precision and skill. Jet Jaguar was getting close–but the Armored Titan was even closer.

It was then an idea popped into her mind. Without hesitation, Mikasa pulled out her signal flare, loading the handgun with ammunition–it didn’t matter which one. Pulling the trigger, a trail of green smoke crossed over the eyes of the Armored Titan. Her simple action quickly brought the ire of the Armored Titan, whose wrathful gaze turned onto Mikasa. However, the Titan returned to the task at hand, its hand closing in on Titan-Eren’s neck–

–only for more rounds of signal smoke to pelt around and against the hardened skin of the Titan, obstructing its vision. Mikasa quickly saw Hange and the Scouts loading and firing at the Armored Titan. Even if it was a wordless exchange, Hange’s beaming smile told it all. ‘Nice going!’, no doubt. But that distraction only held the Titan’s attention ever so briefly. It wasn’t enough. Next thing she saw, the Armored Titan resumed its action and clamped around the Attack Titan, gripping tightly and pulling his lifeless body from the ground. Mikasa’s heart sank as she saw the Titan pull its hand, in turn flipping the husk around, exposing its nape. Steam swelled from the nape, making it difficult to discern the finer details.

Before they knew it, a sudden rush of wind washed over them. Even from their distance, the heat made it abundantly clear it was from the Colossal, gushing steam from his body in order to curtail the smoke of their flares. In an instant, the once blinded Armored Titan was now able to maintain contact with their intended target. While Scouts lost balance, they managed to find safety along the Wall, clinging to dear life.

When the steam cleared, all that remained was an excavated hole and a pair of blades plunged into the fleshy walls. Almost immediately after, Mikasa heard the whirring of the flying robot man heading straight to the safety of the walls. In his arms was the unconscious human body of Eren, evidently still stunned from the ordeal. But now wasn’t the chance to rest, especially when the Armored Titan came to the exact same realization. With its larger size, its movements were slow and deliberate–but when it came to closing the gap, Jet Jaguar and Eren were in perfect reach.

She knew she had to do something.

Thankfully, she wasn’t alone. Another volley of green smoke fired at the Armored Titan, the Scouts doing their best to obscure the Titan’s vision, even as they dispersed from the outpouring steam. However, this gave Mikasa the opening she was looking for. Darting from the wall, using the wind behind her back, her hooked wires found their anchor in the bony, hardened skin of the giant. She swirled through the air with expertise and grace, with blades in hand, she gunned it for one of the fingers of the Titan. Even if it was on a much larger scale, the Armored Titan had a few weaknesses. Hardened skin covered most of its body, somehow even more durable having withstood Kubal’s attack, but for flexibility, there were exposed regions of skin. Mikasa had exploited this with Shikishima’s Titan, lobbing off his fingers.

Zooming past the retreating Jet Jaguar, Mikasa flew towards the primary finger of the Armored, digging her blades into the base of the extremity. Propelled by the steam from her tank, she circled around the digit, superheated blood gushing from the freshly made wound until she successfully detached it from the hand, giving the Armored Titan a moment of pause. Its subsequent pained cry meant the diversion was successful. Just before the fist of the white giant could close in on her, Mikasa made her escape, tailing Jet Jaguar and the retreating Scouts. As they parted ways, Mikasa heard and saw the cataclysm unfolding. In a fit of rage, the Armored Titan was screaming and bashing in the pestering smaller Titans into pulp, leaving a bloody mess in her wake.

The Colossal Titan, however, kept his eyes on them. Shifting into action, it unleashed another blast from its palms, trying to aim for them. A quick shout from the Commander ordered to crawl along the Walls, protected by the rest of the superstructure as the winds chipped at it piece by piece. Fortunately with Jet Jaguar in tow, the Scouts could focus purely on maneuvering until they felt out of range of the Colossal’s wrath. The last thing Mikasa saw were the two monstrous Titans exterminating the smaller ones that closed in…

She had to count her blessings. Whatever was going through that sicko’s head was of no concern to her. Everyone was on the run as the Colossal and Armored Titans became ever more distant from their view. Their fuel wasn’t going to carry them for much longer; but thankful foresight from the helicopter crew sent a reconnaissance team, hoisting everyone on board for the long trip back.

Even so, tension filled the air. With the walls breached and beyond repair, she could only cling to a small hope that something would turn up…

******

Rage coursed through his veins. Anger overcame him, venting his frustrations by slaughtering the nearby Titans that had converged. He didn’t do this to save the humans of the walls; rather to ensure a clean getaway. The loss of a few dozen mattered little in the wake of millions of Titans that would be converging on this place in time. Smashed, ruined Titan bodies littered the breached wall, reduced to pulp or burned to cinders.

‘How. Did. You. FAIL?!’

Such words he refused to direct at himself; but rather his wife, who was so close to acquiring Eren Jaeger. To end his daughter’s nightmare once and for all. And she failed! Even with all the power in the world, the Colossal’s might had a drawback; if he wasn’t careful, there was a chance he’d kill the Titan Shifter, ending their chances at restoring his daughter. Therefore, he had to leave the capture to Azusa. Talking to them, what a joke…

And Jet Jaguar…

He couldn’t ponder on the hows or whys any further. They had to go. Leaning his Titan against the broken wall, nape pressed against the edge, he detached from the fleshy tendons that controlled the supergiant. Spilling out of the burning mass, Kubal landed on the wall with a thud. Not the most graceful landing, but such was not important to him. He saw his wife fumble the same exiting her Titan, but was quick to make herself presentable by comparison. Kubal took heavy strides as he made his approach, more than ready to butt heads against her.

“You, you,” Kubal seethed with venomous rage, “You only had one job! He was right there in your grasp!” His domineering glare shot down as he stood over her. But she shot a glare back at him.

“Why didn’t you do something about it, jackass!” Azusa barked back, “Maybe put more backbone into those pathetic bursts of steam!”

“Shut it!” Kubal retaliated, “Maybe if you were in my position, you’d understand!”

“Understand what, Kubal?” Azusa hissed, “That you didn’t help anymore than what was needed? Because the Titans gathering here might steal Eren’s power on the off-chance? No, I don’t think I’d understand–”

Kubal snapped at her. “There’s a portal! Several klicks out near the coast.” He saw Azusa ease her tension, her sharp gaze softening. “Those hostages must have been native to that world.”

“And if there’s a whole other world…” Azusa’s eyes widened at the prospect. No doubt, she had come to the same conclusion he did. A potent silence befell them. But he knew it had to be done, to guarantee that he’d have his little Titan back. There was hesitance written all over Azusa’s face.

Because of the grim reality that was soon to follow, and the enormity of it.

“It is the only way,” Kubal said with firm resolve, “The virus burned itself out a long time ago, and the people here have developed immunities. But the chance to ignite it anew with the other vial… A whole new population, one of them has to have the same odds in creating a Titan for Nariko to consume.”

Her gloomy expression weighed down, deep in contemplative thought. For Kubal, the rest of humanity was expendable. So long as he can have his family back, to live the rest of their lives together… Nothing else mattered. Azusa began to nod, understanding what must be done. “For Nariko,” she whispered.

He nodded in satisfaction. “Good. Then let’s get back.”

“Not without a plan,” Azusa shot back.

“Fine. But don’t let this one be as stupid as talking to them. See how well that worked out.” Without uttering another word, they walked along the top of Wall Sotono until they found a segment still operating with power. A hidden door flipped open, and they both went into the built-in elevator. If anyone had seen them, it would seem as if they vanished from the face of the Earth. But the elevator took them deeper than that; beneath the Walls were a series of complex tunnels built in secrecy at the behest of the Japanese government. Such a luxury only existed for the wealthy; or in his case, those with the power to tear it all down.

They had to gear up for the final voyage to the world beyond–a slimmer hope for their daughter and pull her out of her everlasting nightmare.

******

Survey Corps HQ, Iruma, Wall Nakano – Several hours later…

The trip to their headquarters was nothing short of disastrous, but miraculous that they even survived the suicidal ordeal to begin with. But everything turned as Monique expected; since their roles as temporary pawns had been used up, there wasn’t any need to keep them untied. She found herself thrown into a steel cell, whereas Randy was put to work to fulfill his end of the bargain.

No ease, no rest, no downtime. Just four hours of grueling silence.

Such a short time flew by for Monique within the confines of her prison, under the watchful eyes of her hopeful new world friends. Of course, if Randy failed in delivering on his promise, the denizens of the post apocalyptic Tokyo would no doubt retaliate. No matter how innocent or casual the group’s leader Hange appeared, decades of experience allowed Monique to see through her hospitable facade.

She’d kill them all if they proved useless or dangerous, but maybe not if they were able to pick at her curiosity.

While not thrilled to deal with possible traitors in her midst, the pony-tailed leader seemed to revel in the possibilities of their arrival and Monique held no doubt it was why she was escorting her to Randy’s makeshift workshop. Hange wanted to be the first to see Randy’s tantalizing success or death-inducing failure.

Reaching an aged classroom door, the woman stopped and shifted her attention back to Monique, the Scout leader’s smile seemingly glistening against the orange light of the setting sun which bathed the school’s halls. A clear path shown along the tiles, indicating many feet have been in and out of these halls and this very room, and the weariness of everything outside of the trail. As Monique was escorted in by Eren and Mikasa, she absorbed everything she needed to see.

CCTVs lined the back wall, stacked on top of each other as if on display at a supermarket. While the room lacked tables and chairs, the massive chalkboard still ensured the essence of a classroom, even with Sasha and her battalion wielding guns and swords standing about, cackling with Randy at the center of the group. Then, as if caught by the principle, they straightened to attention while others backpedaled to the corner of the room, distancing themselves from a man that could very much die any moment. All things considered, it seemed like he was the life of the party, as usual.

“Oh, hey, is it time?” Randy quipped, throwing up his hands in mock surrender.

Monique exhaled sharply. “You’d do well to take this seriously.”

“Nah, listen. You did all the talking last time and nearly got us killed. My turn, mi novia.” He turned back around, making the final touches to his discoveries in the four hours granted to him, with Jet standing idly by. Feeling the twitch of her left eye, Monique’s permanent glare tightened.

“Too much, got it,” Randy noted, backtracking to the center of the room. “So ugh, you wanted me to find info on that Kubal guy and… well, I can’t. In four hours, I have no idea who that dude is.”

“I told you this was a waste!” Eren barked at Hange, but the leader paid no mind, too focused on Randy’s obvious shit-eating grin.

“Do you have something else worthy of your life?” Hange inquired, to which the promisee raised his hands up once more, seemingly in defeat.

“My life, no chance. What I offer is priceless. Five mind blowing facts that will not only make you unable to kill us, but will make you thank us.”

Monique’s instinct to belittle Randy’s confidence roared to life, but the latter statement was the equivalent of a double down for their shared fate. If Hange’s mind wasn’t blown by the end of Randy’s presentation, they’d all be dead. For once, Monique hoped that her friend’s theatricality would blow her away.

“Okay, so going least important to most, the Colossal Dude’s hanging out some 200 kilometers from here. Some bunker or complex, not sure which and not sure exactly where, but they are live!”

A snap of Randy’s fingers signaled Jet Jaguar’s pressing of a button on the keyboard. CCTVs blinked alive, revealing distant cameras and the staff working beneath them. Men and women, unbeknownst of the new eyes, were hauling and undergoing preparations for something big.

Randy gestured at the monitors, the footage flicking between different areas of the fortified bunker. “Second, I reversed their mikes. Been eavesdropping on their chatter. From data encryptions from the metal man here, they know about the anomaly hanging out in your front yard there. Or the place we came from–you get the point.”

Hange’s smile thinned, but she said nothing. Hearing the words fall out of the CCTVs was enough for her.

“Mind blowing fact numero tres!” He said, holding up three fingers, “We’ve got inbound. A lot inbound!” On Randy’s cue, Jet Jaguar toggled the screens to show a thermal camera from one of the many satellites adrift in the Earth’s atmosphere. “All big, all nasty, and no room for negotiations! A herd of Uglies are going crazy, they are crossing all over the Asian mainland and heading straight for Japan!”

“But that’s impossible!” Eren blurted in a furious outburst, “Titans aren’t known to swim!”

“Well, it would seem these fellas are either all Olympic gold medalists, or Colossal Dude’s big fat roar finally got their butts to scurry over here. No matter the case, if I had to guess, ETA in about 2 weeks to a month for the ones overseas–but for the Uglies on the mainland is a whole different ball game.” The camera zoomed in, showing signs of activity all across the Japanese countryside. “We might only have 18 hours to prepare for a whole swarm of Titans breaking through.”

“So that’s it, then? We just sit here and die?” Hange said grimly, almost uncharacteristically so. “Even if we got the cruiseliners up and running, there’s no way to evacuate everyone to them…”

“If I may, I said I had ‘Five Mind Blowing Facts’ to share,” Randy replied with a wink, “There is some hope. Best bet? Pack up and head for New Zealand.”

Eren bristled, clearly agitated with his little diatribe. “You want us to run?”

“Yeah,” Randy answered without hesitation. “Unless you want everyone here to be squashed.” Before anyone could stop him, Eren clenched his fist and landed a solid punch across Randy’s jaw. The sun-kissed man staggered, but steadied himself, rubbing his face. “Ow. Okay, maybe too straightforward with that.” Even if Randy got what was coming to him, it didn’t stop Monique from shooting a glare at Eren, who was being pulled back by Mikasa.

Hange sighed. “What did you find?”

“Look here,” he gestured to the screen, to which Jet already set it to a screen over New Zealand, the camera changing optics to detect radio waves. “New Zealand may be home to survivors, they started sending out a distress beacon fairly recently. Less than five days ago, I’d say.”

“Recently? Why haven’t they been trying to make a distress call before?” The Scout Commander inquired.

“Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe they finally found a sustainable power source? Or they just set up shop? Can’t really gain any additional intel on this place, either. But certainly, it has to be better than here.”

“Hinging all our bets on a wild goose chase…” Eren murmured, frustrated at the prospect.

“It may be our best bet,” Hange quickly declared. “You covered a lot for four hours…”

“And I still have one last trick up my sleeve! Or I guess two, depending how you look at it.” On cue, the screen changed to a blueprint of the Walls, quickly morphing into a grid diagram of their inner workings.

“So here are probably some of the weirdest walls I’ve ever encountered, with all these weird rooms and tunnels.”

“Ah, I recall Eren’s report of the government-sanctioned ‘white room’ back when Shikishima was still Captain, correct?” Hange said, glancing at her commandant.

Eren hesitantly paused, but confirmed the course of events. “Even so, none of us have been able to make heads or tails out of the Walls’ configuration.”

“If you give me more time, I can get into the systems here and help with that.” Those words perked Hange’s curiosity.

“How so?” She simply asked.

“So if I am able to reroute, I just might be able to help the different areas of the wall follow a consistent path. Luckily for you, there is an exit way that leads directly to the cruiseliners.”

“You’re serious…” Her gloomy demeanor returned to her more jovial persona, igniting a sense of hope for the operation.

“Yup. Not only that, this tunnel system is loaded out with goodies and doo-dads.”

“Those government rooms are chalk full of technology I can barely comprehend,” Eren admitted, “It must be how those in Wall Okuno live…”

Monique chimed in. “Then it must be reasonable to assume they’re stockpiled with nonperishables and canned goods for catastrophes such as this.”

Eren nodded in agreement. “All these resources, and not even remotely informed of how it works or opening up to the people… It sickens me.”

“There is a flaw in your plan, however,” Hange added. “The total wall population is about 240,000.”

“Oh… And a cruiseliner can hold, how many?” Randy asked.

“About 8,000, I want to say, given their sizes,” Hange answered.

“Even if each one was holding double capacity…” The problem became evident right then and there.

“That’d only be 1/5th the entire population, tops. At best, we’d have to make multiple round trips to ensure everyone’s safety…” The Commander pondered the morality of the situation.

“Do you think the MPs would really wait that long?” Sasha asked inquisitively.

“If not the MPs, then Kubal certainly wouldn’t,” Eren stated coldly.

“Wish I could say, but I think that’s going to be up to you guys to figure out,” Randy added, “In the meantime, I have one more mind blowing fact…!” Switching the CCTVs once more, the orbiting satellite filled the screen with a gargantuan supercell, its rough winds swirling around a stationary location. “I got side-tracked from Kubal research, and found this oddity of nature… So I hacked into an acoustic satellite, and I found something worth not only your time, but our time too. Listen.”

With another tap on the keyboard, what started off as static rain gradually morphed into a cacophony of trills and shrieks. A hellish choir of monstrous roars and bleats resounding from the eye of the storm. But while the Scouts couldn’t tell what they were looking for, hearing the familiar cry of Zilla amongst the shrieks and bellows certainly caught her attention.

“Randy, when was this recorded?” Monique inquired.

“The recording for this was less than 24 hours ago. Dare I say, even less than that. The Z-Man has been found!”

“On an island presumably infested with other monsters, great.” Monique rolled her eyes, but there was a part of her that was grateful that they knew the approximate location of their giant reptilian ally.

“Looks like you found your Titan friend!” Hange asked quizzically. “But what is it you have in mind?”

Randy straightened out, grinning widely, wincing in pain from Eren’s punch. “We need the big guns. Jet Jaguar needs to head to wherever our Z-Man is and maybe, hopefully gather some reinforcements. It sounds like he’s made a bunch of friends there already.”

“And your ‘Z-Man,’” Eren interjected bitterly, “You think he can stop Kubal?”

“Colossal Dude’s pretty ridiculous, but he’s our best shot against him. What I can tell you is this,” Randy injected firmly, “he will put up a fight if needed. For our sake. For family.”

Monique grunted hearing Randy’s machismo, but there was some truth to it. It just had to be phrased in the cheesiest way possible, even if he was well-meaning.

“A monster that protects its family…” Eren fell silent, not uttering a word further. Taking in all the information given, Hange nodded reflexively.

“You get to keep your head, Randy! Ain’t that great?” Hange’s smile widened considerably. She then exhaled, redirecting her eyes to all the squadmates gathered here, changing personas completely. “We need to move, now. And Randy, take the time you need to get everything in order for evacuation.”

Sweat dripped from Randy’s worried face. “Um… Thanks?” Monique quietly breathed out. They weren’t dead, at the very least. Not yet, anyway. With his theatrics finished, Randy returned to the computer, typing away and hacking the needed systems for preparation. All the while, Hange, Eren, and the Scouts all made way for their own tasks at hand, no doubt commencing for an 18-hour shift before the Titans arrive.

Hacking was always Randy’s thing, but it was something Monique never paid much heed to. It was simply trust that he’d get it done and be able to do it efficiently. Her eyes peered at the tech whiz punching in a combination of numbers and letters, pulling up an assortment of screens on the primitive machine.

“Before we get to the more complicated matters with the walls, let’s get the easy stuff out of the way first.” In a few clicks, Randy pulled up the coordinates for the giant storm, the place where they’d no doubt find Zilla. “Sending the coordinates your way, J–” He stopped, almost as if an idea popped into his mind. “I got it!”

Monique was taken aback by the abruptness of Randy’s idea. Did he figure something out?

“Full Metal Titan! That’s what you should be called! Boo-yah!”

Monique didn’t express it, but she would have placed her hand against her face if she could. Typical Randy Hernandez tomfoolery. Jet Jaguar simply stared at the hacker genius, unsure if just idle or contemplating the suggested name. But Jet Jaguar’s answer came quickly as the robot gave a firm thumbs-down to the idea.

“Phooey,” Randy complained, “Full Metal Titan is such a badass name for you! Ugh!” Her teammate sighed in disappointment, no doubt unable to really find a name that sticks.

After transferring the data to Jet Jaguar, the machine dismissed himself and headed outside, taking flight to the predetermined coordinates Randy had sent him. With the tech whiz doing his thing and rerouting the complicated tunnels for the most optimal path, Monique departed. Giving the Scouts, for as off-kilter and potentially untrusting as they are, an extra set of hands with the heli’s repairs would do more good than harm.

*****

Missile Defense Station, Japan

His heavy footsteps rumbled through the silo, Kubal’s frustration burning to a peak. There was no time to waste. Surrounding him were goddamn idiots who believed they could proceed without his consent. His boiling temper was already pouring into drenched sweat, patting his uniform with the musk of his body odor. It was pointless to take the rickety elevator, the stairs were faster.

The next door he came across broke off from its hinges. This rage only became empowered the more he heard the brittle wailing coming from the bottom of the facility. Her monstrous cries told him everything he needed to know.

She was in pain.

His fractured mind raced at the potential culprits. He had to wonder how a bunch of spineless good-for-nothings would dare be bold enough to enact this on his little Titan. If he didn’t get answers immediately, he’d promise all hell will break loose. But first and foremost came his entire world.

He was the only one there who would be able to protect her.

The scientific curators tasked with the study of Wraiths surrounded the gaunt, misformed Titan, her spinal column burdened with a series of large needles piercing her back. Her arms and legs flailed helplessly, her bemoaning fueled the anger of the father. They pleaded with him, but their words did little to detract his seething rage.

“Who did this? WHO DID THIS, ANSWER ME!” Kubal bellowed at the top of his lungs, terrifying every living soul in the vicinity. As they well deserve to be for their foolish actions. He saw his wife rush in from behind, keeping a steady distance.

“Kubal, wait!” Her words cut through the menagerie of excuses and cowardice from the faculty that operated this safe haven. She was the only other person–besides his little Titan–that he’d heed any words of. But if she dared spout nonsensical bullshit again, he’d punish her all the same.

“What?” Kubal spat, venom dripping from his lips. “I better get an answer for this.”

“S-sir,” one of the faculty members, a nameless face as far as he was concerned, shakily and reluctantly spoke up, “It was under your list of demands to study the Wraith and the properties of Titans. After Azusa, Nariko is the only pure Titan…”

“And I said nothing about using my daughter for any such experiments!” Kubal propped his fingers near the neck of the expendable pawn.

“Kubal, Jesus Christ, just listen to them,” Azusa rebutted.

“How can you be satisfied with this? You support these heinous creatures and their actions?” barked the grimacing dictator.

“No! I’m not happy with what came out of this!” Azusa insisted, “But if they have anything that can help her, for God’s sake… Maybe a less convoluted alternative to curing her!”

Heat vented from his nostrils, his swelling anger if only ever so partially tempered. With a sigh, he issued the go-ahead for the spokesperson to speak before he fully lost his patience.

“Well sir,” they began to explain, “We were collecting spinal fluid samples for a control test. There was a major breakthrough with how the spinal fluid plays a key role in Wraith-based mutations. It’s impossible to reproduce the original virus with this, and any open-air experiments end with it evaporating instantly…” the scientist paused, wearing thin on Kubal’s patience. “But we experimented with several different samples of bodily fluids and found that the cells of Nariko responded most to spinal fluid.” They gestured to the doorway. “This way, sir, and I will show you the proof you seek.”

Kubal’s face, still contorted in rage, snapped at the surrounding medical team. “Take those things out of her. Do not pull this stunt again, you got that?” Without hesitation, the teams of researchers began to remove the obstructions and equipment out of Nariko’s vicinity. He followed the individual into the research office, showing a projector and rolling footage that Kubal was willing to assume were from the experiments. Azusa stood by his side, also waiting for the evidence provided by the scientist.

“Sample A is Kubal’s spinal fluid with Nariko’s. The explosion of cells and the ensuing reaction shows her Titan cells, or ‘T-cells,’ consuming the spinal fluid and ingesting it as a part of itself.” They let the footage roll, witnessing the exact situation he testified. “We tried out other parts as well. Skin cells, saliva, whatever else we could…” Kubal’s wrathful gaze singed at the scientist. But such an outburst wasn’t needed.

He had something else in mind.

“Continue,” he said coldly.

“R-right, so to the point, all of Nariko’s T-cells, regardless of which part of the body we used as the template, ushered the same results. On a cellular level, Titans wish to consume human spinal fluid. And because of both you and Azusa having Titan powers…” The video was changed to a photo at the press of a button, showing the aftermath of said tests. “Her Titanized state is able to absorb your properties and mix them as a part of her. Effectively, she has the powers of the Colossal Titan in this sample…” The image changed again, showing crystalized samples. “…and the Armored Titan in this sample. The current leading hypothesis is that if a Wraith Titan eats your Titan, they revert. It may be why Azusa was able to become her human self after the captive’s execution.”

“How much fluid will it take?” Kubal grimaced.

“We don’t know… The exact quantity is an unknown variable before reversion can occur. We need more time and samples for that.”

“There won’t be any time,” Kubal stated firmly. “So tell me how any of this is going to be helpful.”

“Wait, why?” the nebbish scientist inquired.

“There will be a mass gathering of Titans converging on Japan,” Azusa stepped in, “There’s limited time. Is there an application to your discovery?”

“There might be,” they said, “If Wraith T-cells are able to adopt the properties of those with Titan powers, then maybe your powers can be shared if injected with each other’s spinal fluid. We won’t know any of the adverse side-effects this will cause, but it’s only a hypothesis–”

“Do it.” It was cold and direct, but it was the exact thing Kubal needed to hear. “Don’t waste my fucking time and do it.”

“But sir, the effects may cause permanent damage–”

“And I can take it! So just do it.” His intense scowl and fierce demand made it all the more clear of his intent. The scientist sheepishly inquired Azusa for her consent, to which she quickly obliged. Without daring to utter useless disputes, the medical associates pulled out their syringes and planted them between the spinal discs. Fresh samples were drawn as the glass vials filled with spinal fluid, the associates careful to withdraw and exchange for a quick injection. Spearing the needle into their spines once more, the fluid of Armored flowed into him, and without doubt the same for her and the Colossal.

A painful wince overcame Kubal, a burning sensation running up his back. The headache built into an over-stimulation of fiery sensation, almost forcing him into an unfocused trance. He tried to keep his breath steady, the tingling pricks at his nerves swelling for each passing moment. Its burn was comparable to all the rigorous hell, the torture, he had endured. Then, in what felt like a flash, it was over. Almost by instinct, he could feel the thoughts and feelings of his wife and her intuitive use of the Armored Titan’s powers. It was hazy, but clarity didn’t matter when in use on the field. And for him, there was no doubt in his mind she was experiencing the exact same sensation.

And that she was. Sweat coalesced and moistened her skin, labored on the floor, her breath panting and erratic. But she got up and stood strong. Good. He had chosen her right, her firm attitude and strength in spirit was what drew him to her so long ago. But above love or desire was stone-cold pragmatism. There was more hell for them to pull through to be reunited.

And she was strong enough to pull through.

“Prepare another vial,” Kubal issued, nudging his head towards the Titanized Nariko, “I will need all the Titan power I can harvest.” There was reluctance from the spineless scientist, unsure if Nariko harbored some secret power they didn’t know about. But a sharp glare from Kubal commanded them to heed his word as absolute. As they prepared, a messenger from the surveillance team–he thought their name started with an ‘L’–came barging in.

“Kubal, sir, we have intel on the Survey Corps. They seem to be on the move.”

His interest immediately piqued. “Where to, soldier?”

“Along the coast of Wall Sotono, near Monzen. Details unknown. Unfortunately,” the messenger paused, “our systems have also been compromised.”

Kubal snapped at him. “How so?” he furiously demanded.

“We don’t know! There was a bypass in the firewall, and every countermeasure we took to stop the hacker…we couldn’t do anything!”

“Useless!” Kubal barked, infuriated by their incompetence. The scientist returned with the serum, only to be snatched out of their hands by an assertive Kubal. His nostrils flared, his angry eyes focused on the needle tip as he squirted the fluids. It was just as they said, it evaporated into steam as it made contact with the air.

Now it was time to put it to the test.

“You are all useless!” With an equally aggressive maneuver, Kubal thrusted the syringe back into the spineless dog that dared put his daughter in harm and discomfort. He pushed the fluids into their bloodstream, the scientist screamed and yelped in agony, their face growing pale at the ramifications soon to follow. Their movements backed away from Kubal, putting distance between them. In a matter of moments, they collapsed onto the ground, losing all sense of control as they spiraled into a seizure.

Then, they were enveloped by a beaming light.

Their body vanished in a whirlwind of chaos, replaced by the steaming form of their Titan. The gaunt humanoid, leaning and crouched over, was estimated to be in the 7-meter range. Its piercing eyes gazed at him, lunging in to consume him whole. But Kubal was quick on his feet, skipping aside as the hungry Titan slammed face-first into the pavement. The MP Commander immediately sprinted to the fallen Titan, climbing its enlarged head and quickly getting to the nape. He anchored himself, grabbing its hair and steadying his position. Then with a firm planting of his boots, he grinded his foot against the sensitive part of the nape–the kill-point of any Titan. He hammered his foot in deeper, breaking and tearing the skin in a superheated blitz of boiling pain. The Titan spasmed under his might, inducing both intense pain and paralysis to the ravenous giant.

With another firm stomp, he pushed the lightweight Titan down to the ground. Letting go of its hair, Kubal crouched over and began to savagely tear through the nape with his hands. One meter long and ten centimeters wide from the information made public about them. Heated blood sprayed from the tearing wound, Kubal’s fearsome grasp stripping the nerves out of the nape. With a wheeze, the Titan’s movements came to a crawl, falling limp as its body began to dissipate. He hopped down, his body wrapped in blood and steam as the Titan fluids began to evaporate.

Rage-induced eyes beamed at the stunned crowd, almost too afraid to even budge. But one by one, they regained their will to move, turning their backs to Kubal’s wicked ways. It didn’t matter where they went off to–certainly, anywhere else would be better than this hellish ‘paradise’ they were promised. By the time they had all fled, the remains of the Titan had completely disappeared from the face of the Earth.

Before long, all that was left was Kubal, Azusa, and Nariko. As it should be.

“We don’t need them,” Kubal stated plainly.

“Sure we don’t,” Azusa retorted bitterly. But he dismissed her remark, Kubal instead marched to his office within the silo. Azusa followed, if only for company’s sake. He rummaged through his disorganized mess, looking for the safe he kept his darkest secret in. Pulling it off with his strength alone, the metal door came flying off as he reached in for its contents. And in his hand was the other vial of the original Wraith Virus, the very thing that brought this world to the brink of total annihilation.

“The spinal fluid serum was never going to match the raw power of the virus. Unless you can retrieve Eren Jaeger, this is the key for Nariko’s recovery.”

“And how are we going to get there? You heard Leo, the systems of Okuno have been compromised. The inner wall schematics may not operate in our favor–”

“That is where your power comes into play. Your Titan will be able to charge through the Walls and get there in a reasonable time. Find out what’s going on with the Survey Corps and stop their plans by any means necessary. Am I clear?” Hearing this, Azusa nodded, albeit reluctantly. “What’s the problem?” Kubal shot back, noticing her hesitation.

“There’s a lot to deal with, especially with the horde…”

“There is no other way around it. The Titans will keep them put, and you bring them in further. Do whatever it takes,” Kubal reiterated. “For Nariko.”

She caught her breath. “For Nariko.”

He placed the Wraith vial, protected under a thick layer of shatter-proof glass, securely in his pockets, assuring it won’t break when things get hectic. “Let’s get going.” They left the office and headed to an open area of the silo, putting distance between them and Nariko. Biting her hand down, Azusa initiated the transformation ritual, engulfed in a purple light. The explosive burst unveiled the new and improved Armored Titan, its alabaster armor sheening against the glistening sunlight. Between the armor lay bright red muscles, distinguishing its appearance from the predecessor. A horrid mixture of the Armored Titan with the Colossal’s muscle strands.

Placing her hands along the walls, she began to climb. He rested along her shoulders, her ascent going higher and higher… By the time they peered over the top, night had fallen across Japan. The time it’d take to get there–even by the speed a Titan could provide–

–the sun would rise upon their demolition of everything the Survey Corp had planned.

 

Chapter 7: There’s a Bad Moon On the Rise

‘Just focus.’

Her mind drifted away before pulling back to reality, her strength servicing her Scout brethren in the restoration of the foreigner’s helicopter. She didn’t really consider herself much of a mechanic, but when it came to hoisting any of the heavier parts or propping up the airborne vehicle, there was nothing she couldn’t do in that regard. The helicopter had taken substantial damage from the crash, but most of its vital components were functional. While the Scouts chattered amongst themselves, she continued to work silently. Sasha had taken watch in the event of a Titan breach, leaving Eren and the Commander in the office, without a doubt being reprimanded for his reckless actions against Kubal.

Then there was Monique, one of the foreigners.

Despite not being among their ranks, she was far from trustworthy; however, there was no denying that they intended to pose a threat to their way of life. If anything, there was something on her mind she wished to ask the stranger from the other side. It was important, but not enough to make it public to the others. She’d rather ask in private. All the while, the foreign spy tested the cockpit controls, relaying to the others what needed fixing and what was primed and ready. The respiration ran as smooth as it could, considering the time crunch they were placed under.

Less than 18 hours. Wall Sotono had fallen once more. The pressure… It was nothing short of immense. But there were small miracles. The tech whiz getting everything situated with his skills, the coordination from everyone to ensure the safety of everyone in the Walls… This wasn’t going to be a repeat of the last breach. She had to remind herself of that.

This time, the cruelty of the world returned–and they were going to push through it, no matter how bad it got.

Then there was a sudden thud from the office Eren was in. Their voices vibrated through the walls in anger and frustration before the door hurled open, leaving a fuming Eren to exit his Commander’s presence. Hange bursted out after him breathless, but stopped in a knowing sense of futility. Mikasa’s instincts urged her to find him, but she withheld. What was she to do? In her experience, he needed his time alone when he got mad like this. Even so, she remembered how Armin reached out to him, confronted him when he threw a fit. But she didn’t know how to approach him like Armin did…

Eren’s outburst had no doubt caught all eyes and ears in his direction. And it came much to Mikasa’s surprise when the foreigner reached out to her. “Is everything all right?” she said plainly. Mikasa was taken aback by Monique’s straightforwardness.

“It’s… Okay. He just gets like this when things don’t go his way.” She couldn’t be like Sasha, letting loose the floodgates like that. She had been attuned to be reserved. It was the life she served under Shikishima, and even now it was what kept her safe. “It’s for the best.”

Monique cocked her brow, seemingly tentative. “Sometimes isolation is what’s needed. Other times, it must be confrontation that necessitates change. But always keep the door cracked, you never know how things will turn out.”

Her words rung with sincerity, no doubt a pull from experience. “Thank you.” Mikasa responded. “And thank you…” she paused, giving a moment to gather her words. “…For believing in Eren when the Commander wouldn’t.”

“Making that call is never an easy choice to make… But, de rien.” The Frenchwoman rebutted in earnest. “Just go talk to him. If he cares, he will listen to you–even if he’s resisting you the entire time.” A light, but confident smirk graced Monique’s countenance. “You’ll figure something out.” Mikasa nodded, taking action as she followed Eren’s pathway, only using her gear to bypass any gaps and obstructions that stood in her way.

To her surprise, she saw him standing atop the Wall’s edge, peering over the horizon, taking in deep and deliberate breaths. The lunar light stretched his shadow long across the ragged stone, and for a moment he looked less like a soldier and more like a monument. Mikasa’s steps were silent until she stood beside him.

“You shouldn’t be up here alone,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “What did the Commander say?”

Eren didn’t answer right away. He dragged in another breath, eyes fixed on the distance. Finally, he muttered, “Said we’re stretched too thin. That we can’t spare anyone for risks. Hange… she told me point blank that if I keep making decisions like the one against Kubal, we’ll break apart before the enemy ever does it for us.”

Mikasa’s expression remained unreadable, but her grip on her scarf tightened. “And she’s right about that. We don’t have the people. Every loss cuts deeper than the last. I could have lost you.”

Eren’s jaw flexed. He finally turned, and there was fire in his expression, stubborn and unyielding. “I couldn’t let him dictate our path. If we allow cowards like him to act freely, we’re finished before the Titans even touch us. Maybe I did make it harder for us now, but at least we know where we stand.”

“Knowing doesn’t mean surviving,” Mikasa shot back. “We should leave.”

He finally turned toward her, his eyes sharp, restless. “And then what? Keep running? Hide while people like Randy keep pretending it’ll all work out if we just believe hard enough?” His voice dropped, bitter. “I’m done running. If I stay, I can face this head-on. I can do it.”

Mikasa shook her head. “You can’t.” Her voice cracked at the name in her mind, but she pressed on. “You don’t get to throw yourself away just because you’re angry. You know Armin wouldn’t want that. He’d want us alive to fight another day.”

Eren’s face softened at the mention, but only for a breath. He looked away, back toward the horizon. “After Jet Jaguar, I’ve been brainstorming a countermeasure to break through his armor. I didn’t get the chance to use it on the Armored Titan, but next time for sure…” Eren held a grim resignation, almost regretting what came next. “Armin believed in fighting for a better world. If I run now, then everything he gave up is meaningless.”

“You’re twisting his memory!” Mikasa snapped. “Armin believed in us working together, not you throwing yourself to the wolves alone.”

He stepped closer, defiant. “We’ve been playing it safe for years, and where has it gotten us? Armin believed in fighting for more than survival. If I run now, then everything he died for is wasted.”

The name struck her like a blade. Mikasa’s hands clenched at her sides. “Don’t you dare!” she hissed. “Don’t you dare use Armin as an excuse to throw yourself away. You think I haven’t lost him too? You think I can stand to lose you as well?”

For the first time, Eren faltered, his eyes softening, guilt flickering beneath his rage. But only for a moment. His resolve quickly returned, hard as stone.

“I’m sorry, Mikasa,” he said, his voice low and final. “But this is my demon to dispose of. No one else’s.”

Before she could answer, the loud bangs of flares caught their attention. A black flare arching inward, aimed within the land of humans. It normally signaled for Abnormal Titans, but the direction suggested otherwise…

Passed down from word of mouth, the nearest soldier barked at her and Eren. “The Armored Titan has been spotted! It’s been spotted outside of Wall Okuno and is currently trajected to collide with Wall Nakano within the hour!”

They were taken aback. Her eyes widened with shock. “Already…?” All hope for humanity surviving in the walls dropped to nonexistent. “I will inform the Commander,” Mikasa stated bluntly.

But before she vaulted off to relay the news to Hange, she took one last glance at Eren. His eyes were clearly mixed with conflicting emotions. But there was nothing else she could add. Bolting off, Mikasa left him behind. Her chest tightened, the weight of helplessness pressing down harder than the grip of any Titan.

It was his choice to make from here.

******

Skull Island

For a while, all Zilla could do was stare.

Not a nerve in his body had felt right since he heard that demonic, distant war cry, for there was something about it that shrieked, screamed abnormal to him. He couldn’t find it within himself to go socialize or rest with the other kaiju, even despite his own wounds that still bit at his scaly hide.

His mind and senses entirely on alert, Zilla kept his eyes fixed on the horizon. Standing tall and erect, a reptilian colossus holding the demeanor of an ever-watchful stone gargoyle. Burning orange eyes scoured the distance with razor-sharp efficiency, keeping watch for any sign of something approaching. Somehow, he just knew that whatever had uttered that faraway call, it was nothing benevolent.

But that was not the only reason he stood where he was.

The lizard felt a little twinge, a tug of something that bridged the risky gap between tension… and yearning. He had heard nothing else besides that call, no other sounds or vocalizations to signify to him that there was more than just that call’s source. And yet that little twinge pulled ever persistently at his nerves, egging him to stand guard and wait.

That twinge, that tug that so dangerously held that fine line that he waited on… was hope.

Hope that maybe, just maybe, his family was out there after all.

Thromping footsteps grew closer to the great reptile from behind, as both Kong and Ghidorah lumbered over until they were both standing at different sides of their new comrade. A sniff of the battle axe held traces of power that matched Zilla’s own, curious about it. But it wasn’t long before he refocused his attention to the biped and the dragon. The ape held an angry scowl as he too stared off into the same direction that the mutated squamate had been looking, his upper lip curling for a moment to bare pointed canines with a low growl.

Ghidorah, meanwhile, had a reaction far more unnerving: he made no noise whatsoever. The dragon simply stared into the distance in a cold and dreadful silence; his two heads crossed in a dual glare with an intensity that one could swear could kill. No teeth were borne nor claws extended, just a silent look of brewing wrath. Icy, venomous, and terrifyingly quiet… and filled with an all-too obvious aura of recognition.

As if the hydra knew exactly what—or who—that call had come from.

There was an entire story to be told here, one that Zilla had never gotten to witness, yet could perceive clear as the water all around him. It was written on his new companions’ faces plain as day: there was history between the two kings of this island, and whatever had made that frightful war bellow.

And with it, Zilla felt a twinge of fear intermix with his hope.

Fear that his family’s lives, wherever they were, may be in terrible peril…

The iguana’s eyes twitched. The very start of a growl began to stir within the depths of his spined dewlap, his taloned feet starting to tense into the soil. He saw something. Something was out there in the horizon; something small to the eye, something airborne… but something shaped like a life-form.

Something approaching the island, growing ever closer…

Now a full growl was rumbling from the depths of Zilla’s gut. His tail began to swish like an angry cat, teeth bared and claws poised to get straight back to ripping and tearing just as they had done with the late Obsidius. He didn’t know what this approaching thing was, but if it was the bearer of that terrible call, then he would not hesitate to rend it to ribbons to scatter across the—

Abruptly, his growl stopped.

The being was rapidly getting closer—but rather than fear or caution, Zilla felt a pleasant surprise radiate through his scaly form. He recognized this being! A humanoid entity of silver, blue, and orange steel and a semi-conical head, its mouth-like speaker shaped in a permanent smile. He remembered this entity—this android—as an ally, a companion of whom had aided him in a battle with the menace of Gyaos.

This change of pace being more than welcome to the lizard, Zilla roared a friendly call to the incoming robot, garnering confused expressions from his newfound allies standing beside him. And sure enough, the robot seemed to pick up speed, clearly reacting to the iguana’s call. Like a metallic meteor, the smiling android closed the gap between it and the boglands of the island in less than a minute, landing before the bewildered Titans on its feet like the superhero it resembled.

At first, King Kong held fast to his axe, keeping a combat stance despite the robot’s lack of any aggressive gestures. A thunderous growl reverberated from the depths of his lungs, warning the droid not to try him after today. Beside the simian, Ghidorah held his fierce glare just the same, though his expressions had slightly calmed in comparison to before.

Holding his hands out in a passive manner, Jet Jaguar immediately set to trying to diffuse the tension. A series of mechanical whirrs echoed from the speaker in his mouthpiece, playing at frequencies so uniquely beyond human comprehension that they bypassed barriers of language and vocalization; a key that opened the door to possibly limitless communication. One by one, the kaiju of Skull Island understood the robot’s dialect; he did not mean any of them harm. A fact Zilla was quick to back up with an elephantine cry, announcing to his fellow titans Jet Jaguar’s status as an old ally.

The android’s whirring screeches continued, wordless sirens of exemplary communication that soon rendered each and every kaiju present silent.

Jet Jaguar was not merely here for friendly greetings… but to ask for aid.

Hearing this, Ghidorah, Kong, and Zilla all spared one another a glance before the robot continued… and stillness turned to audible tension when the metallic newcomer described the cause for his pleading for aid:

That there was a threat at hand that needed vanquishing. A threat that the inhabitants of Skull Island knew far too well.

The grasp that Kong held on his axe tightened, his growl returning; a growl quickly shared by the two-headed dragon next to him. Glares of all sorts were quickly crossed upon the faces of the other kaiju present… with the sole exception of Zilla, whose expression was less a glare of fury and more a stern gaze of alert. He had never met this threat face to face, never beheld the visage of the entity which his fellow monsters hated—and feared—so much.

…that was, until something within Jet Jaguar changed.

Within the workings of the android’s speaker, something shifted. Blaring screeches began to convert into something else, something even more coherent to the mutated iguana. Something less mechanical, and far more recognizable. And upon clarity, the lizard’s fiery eyes widened in ecstatic vigor.

Voices. Two voices in particular.

Voices Zilla knew better than any other…

That hope, of which he had been so fiercely clinging to as the sole thing to keep him going in this strange new world, bloomed like a spring flower upon hearing those voices. One would have to wipe clean his memory of every day of his existence to make him forget those voices. Jet Jaguar hadn’t needed to say anything; one recording of those sounds, and Zilla had understood. His family was finally here—and there was something terrible and malevolent lurking out there in the world. Something that posed a great threat to their lives, meaning only one thing.

Just like the old days, they needed him.

With a mammoth cry, the Champion of New York announced his own decision: he was going. And he cared not if his fellow titans agreed with his choice. He was going, and nothing and no one was going to halt him.

Most of the other kaiju stared at the iguana with flabbergasted, confused expressions. Dumbfounded that their newest member cared so much about a couple of humans of all things. Not a mate, nor lost offspring, but humans. The tiny, hairless, bipedal apes that had all but taken over the planet for millennia on end, had terraformed the world for a time and caused giants like themselves so much trouble.

The ones who had brought about the Wraith Titan scourge in the first place.

But one colossus in particular held a very different sentiment than his other kin. While gazes of bewilderment greeted Zilla from most of the others, Kong beheld the reactive reptile with a look of compassion… and recognition.

The lizard was not the only one to have lived a life protecting humans. Even decades later, Kong remembered how an entire tribe once lived here on this very island, protected under his wing. For years they looked up to him, called upon his might whenever a fell threat emerged to plague their peaceful existence, counted on him to vanquish said threats in the heat of battle.

The ape’s gaze drifted down to the boggy grass he stood upon, forlorn and gazing beyond the barriers of time. They had long since died out, his people. And with that notion, Kong found himself curling his hand into a fist. He may have lost his people.

That didn’t mean his newfound friend had to lose his.

Hefting his axe, Kong grunted softly to the iguana and trudged over to him, placing a friendly hand on his shoulder.

Zilla wouldn’t need to worry about going alone… because Kong was going with him.

A metallic roar added its owner’s input to the matter, turning heads to his xanthic presence. Ghidorah made his own answer every bit as clear.

So was he.

With his position clear, the golden king’s left head turned to gaze at his fellow kaiju. And one after another, they all stepped forward. Black Moth, Peguila, Varan, Gudon, Baragon, Gorosaurus, Maguma, and even the shambling Oodako; all of them lumbered forth to stand by the side of their kings.

They were sick of waiting. Sick of hiding out, letting the world simply go about being ruled by a sworn enemy while standing by and doing nothing. It was long past time for that tide to change, for their world’s balance of power to at last shift.

Maybe before, they would’ve merely waited it out; elected to simply stay put and remain hidden, as they have for so long. But their recent battle with the fearsome magmic killer, Obsidius, had changed them. Their standing up to a powerful hostile force and overcoming it, despite the odds against them, had sparked something in them that they thought had gone dormant long ago.

Seeing the reptilian newcomer, Zilla, stand up to and fight Obsidius to the finish without hesitation or fear had inspired them all. And now, they all would stand right beside their new comrade.

They would follow him, just as they followed King Kong and Ghidorah.

So what if it was their death march. At least they could die knowing they at last were fed up with hiding, and opted to try and do something about it. They could die together, as warriors in arms, just like Zilla had been willing to do when the volcanic berserker had intruded on their home.

They could die giving the Colossal Titan hell.

And if they didn’t meet the Grim Reaper? If they succeeded in their final war, and toppled their foe once and for all? Then they would usher in a whole new world. A new tomorrow, one with no more despair, no more hiding to elude the famished jaws of death.

A world where hope was reborn.

Rearing his head to the sky, Zilla unleashed a fearless roar that made the deepest depths of the earth tremble. Raising his axe, King Kong let loose his own war bellow; one of which was rapidly allied by the metallic screeches of Ghidorah. And one by one, every one of the other kaiju joined in. Any and all debate there might’ve been left was officially over, and in response Jet Jaguar gave a thumbs up.

They would fight.

To the last monster standing, if need be.

******

When the news dropped of the Armored Titan’s sighting, it was all hands on deck. While some members of the Scout Regiment remained behind to continue repairs on the battered heli, others were torn away for evacuation preparations. Much to Monique’s relief, Randy had managed to reroute the complex inner-workings of the Walls for higher efficiency—though the damage sustained was a setback, he somehow devised a workaround. She hadn’t the faintest clue of how, but she entrusted the technical mysteries to his qualifications.

But that didn’t make things easier for the herculean task ahead of them. Admirably, Hange carried that burden on her shoulders with a series of sharp orders and commands to ensure evacuation could roll as smoothly as possible.

“Prioritize the infirm and children! Route the convoys to the southern approach!” Without a moment of setback, the Scouts scattered to fulfill their duties–to act as vanguards for the fleeing civilians, whose stranded confusion caused murmurs among the populace. It was no surprise, Monique could overhear what they were saying to an extent. The doubt that flowed from their lips, questioning the good nature of their authority–no doubt a mistrust scarred from Kubal’s tyranny over these people.

The logistics of the operation confounded Monique. How were they ever going to manage to escape with such limited capacity? And with the walls becoming compromised one by one, there’d be no safe measure against the incoming horde. A tense snip tugged in her chest; there’d be without doubt casualty, and even if everything went off without a hitch, could they really just abandon 4/5ths of the population to the Titans now that there was no vanguard to protect them…?

It was cruel. So was the way of the world. But she could hear Randy’s imaginary rebuttal. ‘It doesn’t hurt to hope!’ She smirked, but quickly resumed default when signal flares began to pop. Red trails lingered in the sky, aimed in the direction of the source…

“Monique, I need something from you.” Monique was taken aback from the request of the Scout Commander. “Update your hacker friend of the situation. Begin evacuation procedures across the walls as planned.” Monique nodded. Even if their terms weren’t the strongest, it was better to play along with what Hange said. She at least had their best interest in mind.

Recalling the path down the corridors, Monique took it in stride as she strolled through the busy hallways, with Scouts frantically moving about in every corner. When she found the makeshift lab Randy was stationed in, he found him by his lonesome. Then, likely having heard her footsteps, Randy turned to greet in his typical fashion.

“Oh hey there, Frenchie! What brings you here?”

“Titans.”

“Already?” Randy grimaced. The jumper had already been a bad enough experience for the both of them. The thought of encountering more was a rodeo they were familiar with, but not a delightful one. “Can’t we like, toss zombie meat in their direction or something?”

She shrugged, “You’d gag.” She certainly wasn’t an expert on Titans, neither of them were. But if there was anything she did know, Randy would rather steer clear from any foul stench that didn’t involve the ‘Big Guy.’

“Word from the Commander. You’re authorized to initiate the evacuation route.”

“No problemo! Getting on that right away!” In a blitz, Randy’s fingers danced with the keyboard, inputting code and commands with immaculate speed and precision. In what felt like a matter of moments, Randy celebrated as he input the final command. “Boo-yah! Now everything has been set in motion. Let’s just hope this insane hair-brained scheme works, yeah?”

Monique dismissively nodded. “Find anything else?”

“Oh, uhh,” Randy paused, “Not much. How’s the Bell handling?”

“Progressing well. Though whether it’ll be done before the creatures get here is another story.”

“Yikes.” A twitch of concern washed over Randy’s face, a tick Monique picked up on clearly. Though with the burden and responsibility of the task given, who wouldn’t be worried?

“Mind doing another sweep?” Monique plainly asked.

“Oh sure. Doesn’t hurt to be thorough. And no pings from ol’ Roboman, but…” The CRT flickered between different screens, each registering the worsening developments of the unfolding scenario. Heat-detection was clearly picking up on the mass-horde of Titans en route to the outermost wall.

“Let’s see here…” Before Randy could say anything further, the computer began to beep, signaling them of… Something, Monique wasn’t sure as to what.

“Hang on, new development?” The tech whiz quickly pulled up the screen, showing the satellite hovering over Japan. He cycled between all the frequencies, but didn’t notice anything new or unusual. “That’s odd, I’m not seeing anything… Hmm, nothing noteworthy with the Uglies.” The sun-kissed man pondered on what this old piece of tech was reciprocating. Something that couldn’t be seen… Unless.

“Wait,” Monique interjected, “Turn back to the radio frequencies.” She pointed to the monitor, noting a dull pulse around the Shizuoka-Yamanashi Prefectures, near the base of Mt. Fuji. “What’s that?”

“Ooh, good catch, Monique! A low-frequency pulse, it looks like. Curious… It is a lot closer to us. Think we should have Full–” Before Randy could say anything, a quick glare from herself said it all. “–Jet Jaguar investigate it first?”

“We only have one Jet Jaguar, and we need every bit of time before either the Titans or Kubal get here. Sure it’d be wise to send him over when we need all hands on deck?”

“About that–” A sudden rumble shook the powerful wall, a vibration that rocked the entire structure. It was without doubt that the Armored Titan had made a breach–and even less doubt that it was not going to stop.

“Shoot. That’s… not good. Definitely not good.” Randy uttered, wide-eyed and terrified.

“Well if you don’t have anything else, then dépêche-toi! To the chopper, your tech wizardry might be helpful there!” Before he complied with her command, Randy made some final adjustments on the primitive tech with his portable computer.

“Before we depart, need to make sure that the Jag knows and… Presto!” Without hesitation, the moment he was done, Randy made a run for the helicopter. But only one thought crossed her mind. ‘The Jag? Really?’ She moaned silently, following her compatriot to the chopper.

*****

His feet tapped the ground, and before he knew it, he was off. He’d take lead, a beacon to an army of monsters that sought to reclaim this planet. From the powers of tyranny, from the iron grip of one man. Jet Jaguar knew he didn’t need to see them to indicate they were following him. The rally cry of Zilla assured him of that. His flight kept him above the territorial grounds of Skull Island and the torrential waters surrounding the isolated landmass.

The tropical humidity clung to his silver skin, even as flight was underway. But such would not be the case for long. Crashing waves collapsed under him, but what laid ahead was the roughest storm he had only broken through recently–and now he had to go through it again. But if it was any consultation, he wouldn’t be alone on this. The supercell was an anomaly in of itself, but acted as an effective deterrent against any external threats to the island’s prosperity. Even its waters were nothing short of a series of deadly riptides if they weren’t careful.

It wasn’t long before Jet found himself at the storm’s edge, ready to plunge into the darkness once more. The radio waves began to scramble from the erratic lightning that brewed within, making it difficult to discern if any of Randy’s messages–or another signal–were coming his way.

But he wasn’t alone.

Speeding beneath him was Zilla, an ally from the battle against Ravenous Shadow and the Green Gargantua. One whose strength was dependable in times of need, even when things had only gotten worse. A lit torch that illuminated the uncertainty. Others followed in the reptile’s wake. A giant octopus strolled right alongside him, traversing the murky depths as they sailed through the booming storm. Two others bobbed and weaved through the crashing waves, the massive walrus and the triphibian varanopode competing neck and neck to outpace the other. Behind the aquatic-capable ones were the terrestrials; the theropod that maintained buoyancy amidst the storm, as too were the subterranean titans, who were out of their depth and merely getting by. The red horned one was holding out better than the whip-master, who fared poorer in water.

Then were the titans of the sky, who had to withstand the torrential winds pushing back against them. To force them back to the safe haven that was Skull Island. But they were a persistent lot. The winged lion braced against the windstreams, booming a defiant roar that only reinvigorated their hope for a better tomorrow. Another chirp came from the flying freezing monster, whose body was coated in a glacial mist that spewed from its body. It froze the condensation around it, leaving a trail of hail and snow in its path.

At last were the Kings. Although Zilla had inspired hope, it was still they who caught up to their allies and led the charge into war. The golden king flapped its majestic wings, tearing through the storm with no resistance. The ape king stood upon the back of his steed, issuing a commanding roar to the perpetuating cyclone, holding his axe high and mighty in an act of defiance. So decreed the Kings.

Hopes were held high for the coming conflict, but what the future held was one he could not see. Jet Jaguar had to put it in good faith that things would be all right.

What else to cling to in times of trouble but faith?

—

They entered the darkness together. And it is through trial and tribulation that they will emerge as one.

The blasts of lightning increased, as did the perpetual winds and rainstorm that beat them down. But they were resilient. And maybe it was this togetherness that would help them in the battle against the tyrant that kept an iron grip on this empty Earth. The Kings of Skull Island had long since passed him up, leading the way for their troupe against an indomitable foe. But for Zilla, there was more at stake.

His human compatriots. His father, whose scent he had lost during the calamity against the cosmic sultan. A home to return to once this war was over. If he wasn’t careful, there was a sure-shot that he wouldn’t make it out of this alive. But it was an experience he had readily brushed with in the past; the clash with the alien invaders was nearly the death of him had it not been for Kiryu. For every battle he partook in, death was almost certainly looming over him. And now was no different.

Perhaps, this would be his last fight for all he knew.

For every dip Zilla took under the water, the more it showed the contrast. Although the surface was ravaged by the torrential superstorm, the sea beneath was blanketed by a calm under the shadow. Even in the shadow of the storm, life thrived here. Maybe somewhere down there was a second chance for humankind, or lifeforms like humans. When this desolate world returns to its natural beauty. But that was not for Zilla to contemplate. He was surrounded by allies on all sides.

And together, they can overcome.

They moved as one, brunting the harrowing storm that pushed against them. Crashing waves splashed against the sea-faring beasts and creatures of the earth, and the fliers of the sky remained undeterred by the fierce winds of Mother Nature. Even as they were extensions of the Earth’s natural cycle, they still had to overcome her last obstacle. One that protected them from the threat of Man beyond her veil.

But the start of their long journey to the biggest threat on Earth was going to come to an end soon enough. Ahead shone a light at the outer rim of the storm, signaling that this rough patch was going to end.

Somehow… Zilla found something comforting about it.

This storm in of itself was a task to overcome, a powerful obstacle that tested them all as they traversed its broiling might. For millions of years, such storms had terrorized life on earth as unstoppable forces that could only be waited out; undefeatable and unnegotiable until the moment they moved on or dissipated. By traditional wisdoms, this storm should’ve been no different; an immovable object and unstoppable force rolled into one, and to fight it would be a fruitless labor.

This hurricane should’ve been something one couldn’t fight. An act of god. When one saw such a typhoon on the arrival, they had to get out of the way.

Yet here, they all were.

Braving the storm, pushing through its bellowing wrath. Holding together with all their might as they made a journey many would deem impossible. And now, there was light ahead of them, a foretelling that this task was almost complete.

If they could brave this storm, who was to say what else they could face?

The winds were beginning to lessen, the cracks of velvet lightning starting to lose their godly intensity the further they pressed on. More light began to peek through the tiring clouds about them, the triumphant sight of the other side starting to greet the lizard’s determined eyes. A titanic roar echoed from his boxy jaws, calling to his comrades that they were all but there; a roar that his new allies answered one after the other with their own.

Before the light then bathed them in its full and victorious warmth as at last, air and sea-borne alike, the great giants broke through. And the glorious sight of the sun welcomed their presence with open arms.

If the enemy they sought was a storm, they could conquer him too. No task, no obstacle, no enemy was truly undefeatable.

So long as they never gave in and continued to pull together, they could fight the hurricane.

They could win.

*****

Kubal held onto the Armored Titan as her feet sprinted into a charge. The quaking stride shook the very ground beneath them, the body of her Titanized state radiating heat unlike her previous transformation. A side effect of her adopting traits of the Colossal, perhaps. But such observations were irrelevant to the greater goal at hand. His focus razor sharp to bring back her smile–to pull her back from the terror of being a monster, to rescue her from the brink of death.

From the silo, Azusa’s footfalls burned the foliage around her. The journey there was nothing short of uneventful, but Kubal remained wary. The night sky was without doubt going to dawn soon enough. Despite the wind rushing around him, he stood steadfast. If the Scouts were wise to their movements–such as the hacker who compromised their systems–then he had to be sure that no surprises came their way.

And he knew such a risk would occur after they climbed over Wall Okuno.

Within the hour, the Armored Titan found itself closing in on the innermost wall of their isolated society. Due to her increased size, crawling over the wall was less of a hassle compared to the much smaller 15-meter state. Even so, she had to be careful not to damage Wall Okuno; it was vital for their future, to be protected from the Titans around them.

But all else? Fodder. And nothing more.

He’d take away everything from them to fuel his own ambition. But beneath all this destruction was a dream. A utopia for his family, for his lineage. Nothing was going to stop him from achieving it. But what came after? For Kubal, such existentialism didn’t matter. He’d bare the brunt of the tortured soul for all he cared.

If it meant her happiness above his, that was all that mattered.

The breeze washed over him, silently waiting for the moment of inevitability, for time to fly as the long trek from Wall Okuno to Wall Nakano came to a close. His ears clogged with the sound of rushing air and the rhythmic bodily functions of the Armored Titan. The massive centrical wall came into view, its bold frame outlined by the dawning light that peeked from the horizon. Japan was truly the Land of the Rising Sun for a reason, even when they had started the voyage in the dead of night.

Kubal felt a memory sting. That moment. “I know she means the world to you. I have siblings that mean the world to me; but the cost will be far too great. There must be another way!” Hearing the words of that hypocrite boiled his blood to no end. There is no other way. That much he knew for certain.

It was then the words of his late father sprang to mind once more.

“And life isn’t going to hold back, Kubal. So never give the courtesy.”

He clenched his fists. He had inflicted cruelty upon his world, and now he had full intentions of spreading that cruelty to another. And it wasn’t going to stop until he got what he wanted, even if many worlds had to fall for it. He knew he would make it happen.

As the Armored Titan made the approach, Kubal knew it was wise to hide in the grooves of the Titan’s shoulder protrusions. Then, upon impact, his ears were filled to the brim with the chorus of destruction. The wall barely held the Armored Titan back, plowing through the reinforced wall as mechanisms and stone scattered across the vacant lot. Without stopping, Azusa’s Titan pressed on.

And soon enough, there would be nothing to hold them back.

*****

“Woohoo! Yeah!” The celebratory chant from Randy was hardly random. Within the limited time allotted to their dire situation, the necessary components to the helicopter were finally completed. Although some diagnostics were required for fine tuning, the vehicle was otherwise good to go. It was only a matter of waiting on Zilla before they could even think about getting out of here alive.

But should they? It was a thought that troubled Monique greatly. An insurmountable task to save as many lives as they could… Even the Scouts, as unstable as they could be, were still keen on saving as many as possible for the outset of a better future. She pondered this as Randy gave confident high-fives to the nearby engineers who ultimately got the job done. The man had his ways with people, it seemed. And just before she knew it, the engineers had scattered to help with the monstrous task at hand.

“Now we just wait for Nick’s pet, ai-je raison?” Monique asked, even if her doubts gnawed at her. At the very least, she wanted to see what her crewmate was thinking.

“I was thinking that… How badly I want to get out of here.” Randy said, scratching the back of his neck nervously. The tone in his voice gave away that he wasn’t ready to leave. Not yet.

“And what is it that you want?” Monique pressed, prying the answer out of the tech whiz.

“With how bad everything is here, I figured why not give that signal in Mount Fuji a closer look? The J-Man is gonna get my looping transmission, so I was thinking of heading over there and checking it out. Maybe it’ll have something that can even the odds.”

“And we have enough fuel to make the trip and back?” Monique questioned.

“Full tank!”

“And the Titans?”

“Erm… Think we’d have to ask Crazy Commando about that one. Not sure if we’d make it without a pinch of their guards…” There was no doubt the Scouts needed every person available to them. Even so, taking the venture outside the walls was more than a risky maneuver, but a life-threatening one. There’d be no guarantee they’d make it out alive; or that they’d be able to escape from the confines the future presented.

Even so, it was time to take matters into their own hands. Whatever it took.

A shriek suddenly zipped past them. Monique’s combat instincts kicked into high gear, noticing right away the source of their attacker. Unlike most of the other Scouts in the facility, this one was distinguished by their on-hand bow and arrows. The arrow had not penetrated the hull of the copter, instead passing through the open doors and embedding into the nearby wall. She recognized the sharpshooter from earlier, and it was beyond clear that it was a warning shot.

Had it not been, Randy would have been dead where he stood.

“Stop right there!” Sasha cried out, “You’re not going anywhere!”

“Why not?” Monique demanded, “Your Commander offered it to us as a means of returning to our home dimension.”

“Wait… Really?” the archer raised her head, doubt written on her face. Be it from the words she heard or if her instincts had been wrong, Monique couldn’t fully tell. Regardless of the matter, it was only a second later before she pulled the bow back for another shot. “How can I be sure?” Sasha interrogated.

“Ask your Commander about it. She will tell the whole thing.” Monique firmly concluded. She had to be careful with her words; the immense pressure on the Scouts was no doubt getting to them. Likewise, this was not her or anyone else’s domain to condemn reckless actions; this was a world on the brink of human extinction. It’d drive anyone up the wall.

“But I heard you talking about leaving!” Sasha took a decisive step closer. “…and without considering taking any survivors with you!”

“Whoa, whoa, hey!” Randy chimed in, “It’s not like that at all!” Randy’s once sun-kissed skin had turned pale and sweaty from the first arrow. When Sasha geared up for the second, he became even paler.

“Wait!” Monique interjected, “We did not wish to abandon your people in your time of need.” At that moment, Monique knew she had made up her mind. Perhaps Nick would have done the same without any hesitation. “We caught wind of a signal near Mt. Fuji and hoped we could return with reinforcements.”

The Scout sharpshooter turned her bow to Monique. “Known ally?”

“Yes,” Monqiue lied, keeping her composure. Had this been Mikasa or even Eren, they would have been in deep trouble; but Sasha didn’t seem like the hardened warrior type. “We only got word not too long ago. But in order to do that, we have to breach into Titan territory. And we may need your help.”

“Titan territory? Are you…” Sasha cut herself off from finishing her statement, struggling to think of something else to say. “You gotta be out of your minds!”

“Well, we’re the Humanitarian Environmental Analysis Team!” Randy said with a cheerful jig, trying to restore his beautiful complexion to his paled face. “Doing crazy things is kind of our thing!”

“Huma.. Enviro… What’s-it-what? You just said a string of words I don’t understand,” Sasha admitted.

“We analyze threats and assess them accordingly.” Monique explained plainly. “Just so happens we get wrapped up in a lot of calamities. Comes with the job.”

“Or H.E.A.T., ‘cause we’re sizzling hot to the touch!” With an eloquent spin, Randy shot fingerguns at the Scout, wrapping up his theatrics. It would seem his charisma won her over as she lowered her weapon.

“You’re a funny guy, Mr. Randy,” Sasha remarked. She showed clear signs of agitation, but at least it was no longer hostile.

“It’s Hernandez,” Randy flirtatiously clicked back.

“Think you can ask your Commander about it?” Monique interjected, ensuring Randy wouldn’t be able to pursue the matter any further.

“O-of course!” Sasha stammered, “Just wait first, okay?” Before either of them could say anything, Sasha had already darted off.

“Hope we get a full squad,” Randy remarked.

“Don’t be so hopeful, they’re going to be busy enough as it is,” Monique stated coldly.

“Nothing wrong with holding onto a little bit of hope, right?” the tech whiz rebutted. Monique refuted with a stern ‘hmph!’ of her own. Maybe there was, maybe there wasn’t. But all she knew for sure was that they had to wait and make sure everything was in order.

If Randy was right on his assessment, then it’d make the risk worthwhile. That was provided they’d come back alive.

*****

He had a choice to make. And it was in that choice he felt regret swell up; why was that? Exact his vengeance against the man who ruined the world, but threatened the livelihood of all those he ever cared about. Eren would see to it, or at least that’s what his heart told him. It was a mutual benefit; the destruction of Kubal would lead to the peace of humanity…

When the Armored Titan breached through Wall Nakano, Eren manifested that choice into action. Knowing there were armored vehicles outside of Nakano, he propelled himself and hijacked the nearest one. Driving wasn’t his strongest forte, but so long as no one got in his way, there’d be no qualms. With all the chaos and craziness abound in the Survey Corps, now was the prime opportunity to enact his will.

He couldn’t trust his Commander’s wisdom. He found his heart becoming colder and colder to heed the words of his friends. It was an incredibly selfish choice, and he knew it. But if it was for them, his friends, then it would be justified…

Right?

Revving the heavy engine to life, the armored car began to grind rubber against the dirt road, twisting around and making a mad rush through the near-empty city into the dense foliage of nature. Trips from Nakano to Sotono took no more than roughly two hours, depending on the terrain. But the Armored Titan, given its gigantism and running stature, easily outpaced any vehicle known to the inhabitants of the Walls. Without a doubt, it would make it to the outermost wall first. But all he had to do was tag where the Armored Titan would be.

Where there was the Armored, the Colossal was sure to follow.

“I’ll get you, Kubal,” Eren muttered in an angry reprieve. It was then Eren realized what the choice was going to cost him. Somewhere in his heart, without his Scout-mates nearby, he felt the sensation dwelling in him. One that gnawed at his heart. Where his one-note obsession was leading him.

A place of loneliness.

 

Chapter 8: The Battle Begins

The ocean stretched beyond comprehension, the voyage to the lost land of Japan was no easy feat. Even when they escaped the confines of the supercell, the sheer distance was truly outstanding. The calmer waters provided no resistance, but it almost became an endurance test in itself. For Jet Jaguar, it wasn’t as much of a concern about his energy output. He could last, so long as combat or enlargement was kept to a minimum. But some of the others were showing mild fatigue, especially the monsters that’d without question be built for a subterranean environment.

Thankfully, the horizon showed itself; from the small mountains near Kamakura—and more importantly, the gate that held the place Jet Jaguar called home. Its black surface pulsated an eerie glow, an effervescent ripple traveling unnaturally across the torn open space. The jagged crystals, flowing with extraterrestrial power beyond control, sustained the portal’s integrity. The path home, only obstructed by an obligatory sense of duty to protect and guide these walled people to a safe haven.

A task Jet Jaguar greatly abided by. One he’d see through to its bitter end.

As they closed in on their destined location, the scramblings of a message were being picked up by his antennae. A looping message no doubt from the H.E.A.T. tech wizard Randy Hernandez. Coordinates to a location near Mt. Fuji. With his speed, he’d no doubt be able to make it in record time.

But first, some ground rules had to be set.

Torrential cascades flushed from the colossal giants that stepped ashore, the residual waterfalls flooding the beach in a downpour of sea water. The mere sight of so many monsters gathered in one location was nothing short of breathtaking, each coming in different species and sizes. Zilla and the sea beasts were in fair condition. However, the airborne creatures grounded themselves and rested from the long voyage. Even the land-dwellers collapsed onto the brush that bordered the beach and the foliage, taking this moment to rest before all hell broke loose.

Jet witnessed the ape king jump off his steed, approaching Zilla with his battle axe in tow. The beast king grunted at their reptilian compatriot, who in turn gleamed at himself. It was the answer they were waiting for, something Jet Jaguar was keen to deliver.

Via a series of electronic screeches and body gestures, Jet Jaguar communicated exactly what was going to entail. First, the protection of the anomaly. Without it, he and Zilla would have no way home for themselves or their human companions. Second, to prevent the threats of all kaiju-kind–the Colossal and Armored Titans–from entering the portal in the interim. His eyes projected holograms of the two Titans, trusting the higher intelligence of Zilla and Kong to comprehend what they were dealing with. Third, a weak-point. Placing his hand on the back of his neck, Jet emphasized that it was the place where Titans rested. He had to put it on faith they’d be able to communicate the idea to the other primitive beasts in their midst.

Kong snorted, suggesting an understanding of the information relayed to them. Then a fourth message, one for Zilla specifically. He received information on the whereabouts of the lizard’s human comrades, and that the robot would be back once they have been corralled. The boxy-headed reptile snorted contently, the red-orange eyes of the lizard king watching as Jet Jaguar took to the skies, darting off into the realm of Titan territory.

He had to put faith they’d be able to hold out until then.

*****

The last breach.

With a monstrous slam against another portion of Wall Sotono, Azusa’s Titan did the deed and had escaped the confines of the centrical walls that had protected the last bastion of humanity for the last 100 years or so. The loud cacophony of air resounded like thunder, with pieces of Sotono scattering in the wind, destroying any standing structure or tree in their path. Dust flooded the vacant streets and foliage, pushing over the frailty with the force behind the sudden surge. It was then the white-plated Titan crawled to a walk after hours of nonstop running, taking the chance to catch her breath.

It was the only stop Kubal was going to give her.

He stepped out of the crevice in the Titan’s shoulder, taking in the sight. The anomaly hung over the hillsides of Kamakura, pulsing as it did that day. And with the vial stored in his pocket and encased in thick, shatter-resistant glass, he’d make the final push into frontiers unknown. With the promise of humans on the other side, there’d finally be a chance to restore his daughter to the smiling child she was–that was provided they couldn’t retrieve Eren Jaeger or the Attack Titan in a timely manner.

The closer the Armored Titan got, the more details came into view… Including a rather unexpected welcome party he’d rather not deal with. A menagerie of giant monsters congregated into this one spot. It couldn’t be a coincidence. His blood boiled seeing the now two-headed dragon he thought had been shredded by the Wraith Titans of the past. Surely, it should have succumbed to its wounds. And the ape looked familiar, though different to his memory’s recollection. He remembered tearing the heart out of the other one back during his stint in Osaka, how it had been the one of four monsters he killed that month. Had this one been its offspring?

It didn’t matter. All he needed was power, and that alone spoke more than any word ever could.

He leaned into the massive ear of the Titan and began to speak. “Azusa, put me down. You continue as planned.” Even for the Armored’s blank eyes and stiff expression, he felt a certain hesitation on Azusa’s part. But with a firm grunt, the white giant willingly complied with his request. Bringing her giant hand up, Kubal stepped onto the white-armored hand and was lowered down to the ground. The surrounding slopes gave him the needed cover from kaiju and Titan alike, at least for the time being. It wouldn’t be long now before everything here was stampeded by the Titan threat.

Even so, he knew he had to break through that portal. No matter what.

The Armored Titan’s slow stride quickly turned into a rampant charge, putting distance between the two of them. She had a mission to do, as did he. Pulling out his trusty blade, he slit his bare palm, igniting the Titanized ritual he had performed so many times before. Enveloped by a radiant light that reflected his fiery rage, Kubal was wrapped by bony protrusions and fleshy tendons, encasing his body in a protective sack as his Titanized body began to manifest into reality. The electrical pulse from the transformation washed over the surrounding foliage, and next thing he knew, Kubal had become his fully realized self. Now adorned with the white armored plates of Azusa’s Titan, the Colossal Titan boomed a hellish roar that challenged the despicable creatures before him.

It was now do or die. And for Kubal, there wouldn’t be a standing body to get in his way once he was done with them.

*****

A roar like a great mammoth echoed from Zilla’s jaws as their gargantuan foe took shape before them.

A wind so strong as to match the wrathful storm of Skull Island, yet packed to the brim with a heat that tested the lizard’s resistance with a vengeance, blew over the gathered giants as if it were the fury of a god. King Ghidorah shrieked out to his fellow kaiju to stick together as the superheated winds battered his scaly body, his call greeted by bellows of equal parts distress and comradery as they all obeyed their draconic leader.

As the winds slowly started to die down, Ghidorah’s right head screeched once more, informing his comrades exactly what they needed to know.

He was here.

A war cry to shame the denizens of Hell bloomed into the sweltering air, heralding the stand of a gigantic humanoid of alabaster plates and crimson musculature that bulged like the great statues of Greek craftsmanship. And with his arrival, Ghidorah’s two heads snarled.

After so long, the Colossal Titan stood before him once more; more lethal and powerful than he had ever been yet.

At first, the other kaiju held back in a frozen silence. Even those who had never encountered this foe personally, knew exactly who this entity was and what he was capable of. Even those who were yet strangers to his presence knew what he had brought about. This was the foe from whom Ghidorah had sustained his old scars, still ugly and rugged to look upon even to this day. This was the bastard who had ushered this world in its bleak, apocalyptic state.

The great king ranked as their strongest, the two-headed hydra barking at them to stay back. To study, to understand the menace they stood up against. As the denizens of Skull Island stepped back, King Ghidorah took flight, his mighty wings generating a dust storm from his flight path. Zilla eyed the golden dragon en route to the one who ended this world, waiting to study what this dreaded Colossal Titan was capable of…

A wail from Maguma directed their collective attention. Beneath the pinniped’s fins was a mound of dirt, with a gaping hole next to it. Kong checked among their ranks, realizing that… Baragon was missing! But a firm bark from Kong forced them to maintain silence. They couldn’t afford to let their enemy know of this development, they just had to trust that the superheated nephilim didn’t notice. Kong irked in frustration.

Such recklessness always posed dangerous consequences…

—

The wild beast tunneled underground, parting the sands and packed dirt with his brazen claws. For any materials too tough for his claws, he melted with fire and carried on. Certainly, this Colossal Titan was a force to be reckoned with… But a surprise attack from beneath would certainly catch him off guard! Feeling the vibrations from Ghidorah’s low flight trajectory, the maroon reptile clenched his tongue.

Clawing through the earth beneath him, Baragon’s nasal horn glowed to life, illuminating the dark around him.. This giant may have bested Ghidorah in the past. He may have murdered Kong’s father. But that was then.

This was now.

Baragon crushed the soil as his movement displaced the earth around him. He knew it was likely he would not come out of this battle alive, that this was his final war. So what? Dying fighting such a foe would be a greater honor than going so much as another minute hiding or staying idle.

His instincts continued to serve him well, giving him a pin-point location of the Colossal Titan’s whereabouts. If he was fast enough, he’d be able to get the jump on him before Ghidorah got there. His golden king may have ruled the skies, but Baragon mastered subterranean travel! A show that the Earth was not to be trifled with!

Homing in on the vibrations of the Titan’s shifting feet, Baragon took aim, and in a matter of moments, leapt into the light…

—

Cackles echoed from the two remaining heads, closing the gap between him and the Colossal. The glowing yellow eyes of the hellish human were kept locked and firm, the massive superhuman taking an aggressive battle stance. Ghidorah was coming in range, prepared to fire away. But before he could, the ground next to the armored nephilim began to dishevel and erupt with a pillar of ejecting dirt.

Ghidorah saw it all transpire before his eyes.

The collective bore witness to the moment.

With a fearless roar, Baragon exploded out of the soil with fangs poised to crunch—

Like it was as easy as breathing, the Colossal Titan whirled around and thrust his fist towards the archosaur’s open jaws with all his wrathful might.

Baragon didn’t even have time to make another sound before his skull was shattered. Gore, brain matter and teeth flew in every direction as the dinosaur’s body was vertically split in half. Blood and shreds of organ matter decorated Kubal’s muscular form only to cook out of existence from the extreme heat, while both halves of Baragon’s bisected body landed on opposite ends behind him. Within one half an organic beating gradually began its course of slowing to an eternal halt, the final persistent pounding of a once-proud heart that didn’t know it was dead yet.

A horrific chill, frigid and all-agonizing, plummeted upon the gathered kaiju like an invisible avalanche.

It had happened just like that. One moment he was amongst their ranks, and the next Baragon was dead. Gone forever, never for them to see again. The battle hadn’t even begun and already they had lost a longtime companion.

It had all happened so fast.

Kubal wanted to scoff.

Tricks. That’s all this floppy-eared reptilian had up its scaly sleeve. Just a bunch of deceitful tricks, to play around instead of going in with all its might. Hit and run, nothing else.

A creature that held back.

His experience against such pitiful beasts taught him all the tricks he needed to know. The soft vibrations had already alerted him well before the creature could even ambush him. Such a fool it was to pretend it even had a shot against him. He didn’t even need to look.

The words of his father roared as a chorus in his mind. A firm reminder of the fate that awaited the foolish kaiju that dared try to stop him.

Kubal looked over beyond the incoming dragon, following them with his furrowed gaze. His Titan’s glowing eyes met the gathered monsters; an infernal grim reaper awaiting the execution of what he perceived to be worthless worms. The harbinger of death waiting for them all to come to their doom.

What had once been an hour of hope, of the promise of triumph…was now cloaked underneath a brewing atmosphere of one thing and nothing else:

Fear.

Their enemy was far stronger than he had been since Ghidorah had last seen him—and that was anything but an easy feat. They were horribly underprepared, even in regards to a foe they knew would be far from simple to defeat.

…had they already lost?

Boisterous screeches erupted from King Ghidorah’s jaws, spearing against the Colossal Titan.

No! They would not submit. They refused! Too long had they accepted defeat, had let the cruelty of this new world reign supreme while they hid away with what little safety remained.

There were always going to be casualties, even losses right from the get go. No war of this magnitude was won without them. Outmatched and outgunned in every category, Baragon had still died doing what his seemingly-primitive mind believed in. He had died fighting, had left this world a brave warrior right to the last breath. It was more than possible that many of his comrades would suffer the same fate. Perhaps, even for Ghidorah himself.

If that was the way to honor Baragon’s passing, then it would be so.

Silently wishing the dinosaur’s spirit a safe passage to whatever afterlife awaited him, the two-headed monster screeched a challenge at his old rival and stormed towards him on powerful sails, the sky quaking from the force of his mighty wingbeats.

Even now, dread and fear mauled his heart and soul… but he could not let it stay him.

Not anymore.

Whipping around with a thundering growl, Kubal correspondingly tightened his broiling fists.

Like the temper of a building volcano, steam began to radiate from the dictator’s body; sweltering and searing to the touch. His fist began to tremble with ever-mounting fury, his eyes redirecting back to his priority target.

He was ready.

‘Let’s end this, you persistent fucker,’ he thought viciously.

Mid-stride, the creation of the Futurians flapped his wings and lunged for his hated foe… and then, mere meters away, abruptly stopped.

Undulating his body vertically like a dolphin, the dragon launched his two tails at Kubal like dual whips of gold. They may have lacked the spiked ends they once possessed, but that didn’t stop them from making good blunt force weapons.

Even so, the Colossal Titan seemed just one step ahead.

Reflexes honed by over a century of this same routine, Kubal snapped up his right arm and caught both tails in one hand. And with a good hard yank, brought the hydra towards him—

—just as simultaneously, Ghidorah put up both of his feet, using the momentum of the pull to his advantage.

By the time Kubal realized the dragon’s plan, Ghidorah had already crashed both feet into his face with an earth-rattling BOOM, sending the nephilim onto his back.

The Futurian Creation had dealt the first blow.

Razor teeth just itching to tear into the dictator’s flesh, Ghidorah lunged and chomped upon the Titan’s arms—and found a problem. The goliath’s armor plating was too thick, a factor even Ghidorah’s own past experience had unforeseen. If true and meaningful damage was to be dealt, there needed to be a way to get through the—

BAM!

An armored, steaming knee slammed into the hydra’s gut, knocking half the wind out of him. Not wasting the opportunity, Kubal reared back a foot and slammed it into the empty spot where Ghidorah’s middle head once towered, mighty and frightful. The golden king of Skull Island was thrown back by the ungodly force of the blow, pain shooting through his torso and eliciting twin howls of anguish as he too was grounded.

Armored muscles bulged as they planted furious palms into the earth, pushing a humanoid frame back to a standing position. Aurum-hued wings slammed against the earth, sending a once-grounded hydra back onto his feet with a duo of relentless war cries. Golden lights sparked in the back of his throats, making way for the discharge of his most formidable weapon. The gravity beams ripped through the earth before trailing to meet Kubal, lancing against his hulking frame in bursts of sparks and smoke…

…which rapidly faded upon discharge, revealing a most terrifying sight indeed: hardly, if any, damage at all.

Once again, fear fought to rise in the hydra’s soul, hungrily gripping his heart in its foul teeth. Even his most formidable means of offense weren’t enough to breach his old rival’s thick armor.

They would have to hit even harder than that…

For a moment Zilla took a step forward, preparing to intervene—only for a mammalian hand to stop him cold. Despite sympathizing with the iguana’s intentions, Kong grunted firmly.

Not yet…

Pawing the earth beneath him, King Ghidorah roared his fears away and stampeded back into the line of fire. If brute force or firepower were not yet enough to injure the humanoid monolith, perhaps he could find ways to soften him up a bit.

With a bellow to tremble the planet’s core, the Colossal Titan stormed to meet his draconic adversary. The two met in a bone-rattling CRASH that sent a shockwave ripping through the air for miles, echoing off the mountains like a thunderclap from Olympus. Knifelike teeth gnashed against armored plating as Ghidorah’s right head snapped upon Kubal’s throat, while his left head bit down upon the murderer’s right wrist.

Kubal was not one to make things so easy, and began to repeatedly punch the hydra in the torso with his free fist.

Crimson eyes cringed and winced from the force of the blows, yet Ghidorah did his best to withstand them and shoved back against his quarry with his gigantic body. The Colossal Titan may have been a horror in the department of sheer power, there was one advantage King Ghidorah did hold over his murderous foe: weight. At 20,000 metric tons heavier, the Futurian Superweapon was able to push back against Baragon’s killer, all while using his gigantic wings as a means of leverage to keep himself afoot in his efforts.

So Kubal just fought harder.

Punching with one hand, evolved into kneeing with one leg, and with Ghidorah truly began to feel his limits getting tested. He was amongst the most durable kaiju around, but even he could only withstand so much before so much became too much.

And the killer’s fearsome blows were only getting stronger with every hit…

Another idea hit the hydra’s mind.

Snaking his two tails between his own legs, Ghidorah lashed them forth and wrapped them around the berserker’s heels, squeezing as hard as he could muster in an attempt to hold them in place. It was a half-rewarded effort; while it was enough to slow the power and frequency of Kubal knee-slamming him on repeat, it was not enough to stop it altogether.

That’s when the golden drake switched tactics.

Point blank, Ghidorah abruptly fired his gravity beams into the Titan’s throat and right wrist. Fire and smoke erupted forth from the corners of both of the hydra’s jaws, managing to startle Kubal, so unexpected was the attack.

Other than surprise, Kubal hardly felt a thing.

Putting all his might into his necks and tails, Ghidorah yanked hard to the side and managed to sling the Colossal Titan onto his back. Lifting a foot, he slammed it upon the humanoid’s stomach and looked upon the results of his handiwork. And with it, he was greeted with yet another frigid chill.

Hardly a thing, other than burnt splotches that were already beginning to slowly clear—

In an instant, Kubal had switched from passive to berserk. A superheated knee jutted upwards and slammed into the back of Ghidorah’s leg, sending the dragon forward just enough that the nephilim could throw a fist right into his left head. The impact that CRACKED through the air was a most sickening sound for all to hear, and it was more than a miracle that the hydra’s left head avoided the same fate as Baragon’s poor skull mere minutes ago.

But the force of the punch was more than enough to bestow upon the unfortunate head, a brutal concussion.

Screeching in agony, the Futurian bioweapon was all but helpless to fend off the second, rageful punch that connected with his stomach. An all-encompassing quake reverberated through the earth as Ghidorah was floored onto his back—and unlike before, the Colossal Titan didn’t waste a second to be slow.

His body steaming to life, Kubal was on his feet in an instant, and leaping upon his downed adversary the very next. Ghidorah hardly even had time to fend him off; a measly gravity beam spearing out of his jaws to strike almost harmlessly against his attacker’s face… before a heated fist slammed into his right shoulder with horrible force. The hydra’s functional head caterwauled in pain as he felt the bone crack under the force—only to be hushed when another fist slammed into his face, hitting it against the earth.

Crouched atop his hapless quarry, the armored killer beat into the dragon with thundering punch after punch. Scale and muscle rippled, bones began to succumb to stresses they weren’t meant to take, screeches of agony were drowned out by bellows of bloodlust as Kubal let loose the broiling depths of his rage.

There would be no escape for the pitiful wyrm this time. No last minute getaways, no pitiful attacks to throw him off. This was where Ghidorah’s resting place would be—or at least, what would be left of him.

Under the searing heat of the Colossal Titan’s presence, Ghidorah snarled weakly as the former lifted both arms high, preparing to bring both fists down upon his right head with all his strength…

SKREEEEEENK!

Before Kubal had a moment to contemplate what sounded like an all-too familiar cry, something impressively heavy had slammed into his side with such force it sent him flying off his draconic victim, crashing hard on his side. He was not one to stay down, and quickly rolled over and returned standing…

The strange, theropod-like beast stood protectively over the battered Ghidorah, glaring at Kubal with eyes that seemed to burn with a special kind of fire.

A defiant fire that Kubal had seen before, so long ago.

The differences were plain and evident, yet the similarities were undeniably there. And when the reptile reared its head and thundered the sound barrier with another almighty roar, perhaps for the first time in over a century Kubal felt just a twinge of unease.

As if no time had ever passed at all, it felt as if he were face-to-face again with an old rival. One long since gone by his hand…

 

Chapter 9: The Thunder of War

Earlier…

Whirring tires closed in on the massive Wall Sotono. Its dreary grey walls stood tall and firm, even with the damage it took from the Armored and Colossal Titans. But the moment of truth was coming ever closer as Eren rode through the giant hole created by the Armored.

Kubal had to be near. It was just a matter of locating him…

But the situation quickly became even more problematic than he thought. Nearing Sotono were a series of smaller Titans peeking from the sides of the hole, sprawling into the land within the wall. He had seen others earlier, without question also crawling in from the giant wound from the Colossal Titan’s spurt from earlier. Although he knew these wheels could outpace some of the Titans, others may be able to catch up with him. He just had to hope his vehicle wasn’t confiscated by then.

Veering a hard right, Eren drove with reckless abandon as he zoomed past the wandering Titans. The curdling sounds of tires attracted their collective attention, but so long as he kept pedal to the metal, they wouldn’t be able to stop him. Keeping steady became substantially more difficult the more he accelerated, but with no civilians in harm’s way, he knew he could risk it. Gas guzzled from the exhaust, keeping speeds high and intense.

With the distance closing, he saw the Armored Titan at a standstill. But when it moved to drop something off, it had to be him! No doubt about it! But it was the Jaeger Titan’s next actions that was cause for concern; as the transformation of the Colossal Titan occurred before his very eyes, the Armored was already venturing off in its own direction. Eren’s gut was kicking at him with grim recognition.

The boats. Their only hope for escape!

Realizing this, he knew the car wasn’t going to be enough to catch up to the Titan. So he had to compromise. Lowering the window flap, Eren crawled out of the rushing vehicle with wind filling his ears. Using the latch of his ODM gear, Eren pressed on as much gas as he could muster to fling himself out of the still-moving car, abandoning it with a sudden and explosive crash that distracted a lot of Titans. Propelling himself like a slingshot, Eren moved at astronomical speeds, slinging himself to the general direction of the Armored Titan. As his ascent made its peak, he knew he would fall sooner or later. And from the trajectory, he’d never make it to the Armored Titan.

Not as a human, anyway.

Slashing himself with his blade, Eren reignited the raw power of the Titans once more, engulfing his body in a whirlwind of steam and sewing organic compounds. From the light birthed a roaring demon of justice. His scale matched that of the Armored, but his free fall gave him more than enough momentum to deliver every ounce of his rage into a concentrated punch! Without question having heard him from behind, the Armored Titan turned around and saw Eren face to face–the next thing it knew, a raging fist slammed into her face, tumbling her over and skidding back from the monstrous impact.

But even such a perfect strike wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Delivering that kind of blow may have fractured the Armored Titan’s face, but it left the Attack Titan’s fist in no better position. But in prioritizing its regeneration, he’d be able to throw another blow in no time.

The blank eyes of the Armored Titan glared at him. And Eren knew they were after him specifically. So if it was any consolation, they wouldn’t divert their attention back to the boats. He was their target for whatever reason it may be. Both Titans struck battle stances, more than ready for combat.

And with a booming howl, it was payback time.

******

Near the base of Mt. Fuji – Japan

The cutting blades of the Bell 412 whirred as they flew overhead. Thanks to Commander Zoe, they were granted special permissions for Sasha and a pair of other Scouts to guard them for their outside expedition. Considering the insurmountable task ahead of them, Monique had reservations of pulling away the help they needed. But if Hange was willing to put her faith in them that they’d find something, then who was she to feel conflicted about the verdict?

Although the group of five remained confined within the limited space of the cab, Monique kept her focus steady on operating the helicopter. Without road paths or elevation to obstruct their path, all she had to do was keep flying straight–and more importantly, high enough out of any Titans, jumper or otherwise. Randy fidgeted with a small hand-held transceiver in his hand, ensuring they kept track of the mystery signal that was guiding them there to begin with. It was an objective they had to meet, no matter what.

A ringing pulse fired up the closer they got. No doubt they were getting close, but there was no obvious spot of the signal’s source. If they didn’t find anything soon, there was a chance they’d be in trouble.

“Anything?” Monique inquired. Although addressed to Randy, she had no qualms if someone else spoke up first.

“Not that I’m seeing, chief,” Randy replied in his usual playful manner, with a twinge of concern mixed in there. A stillness permeated as Monique awaited a response from anyone.

“Down there!” Sasha blurted out, “There’s a ridge at the base of the mountain.”

“A volcano, actually,” Randy remarked. He was promptly ignored.

“An underground base, it seems,” Monique responded, “No aerial entrance that I can see…”

“Then it looks like we’re gonna have to take a landing,” Randy added. But she knew full well what that’d entail.

“No chance,” Monique firmly stated, “That’s not a risk worth taking.”

“Hold on, wait, lemme try something.” Randy set aside his transceiver, pulling out his portable computer and began typing away. It was a handy device to intercept signals and frequencies from what Monique recalled from their past adventures. “If there is a chance this place still has power, and is able to receive radio waves… Ah ha!” With a confident press of the command key, an overgrown portion of the forest began to part open. The cylindrical hole led straight into what seemed like an abyss, the sun shining into the hole for what would no doubt be the first time in a long time.

“Oh ho ho, yeah!” The enthusiastic hacker pulled his fist with excitement. “Still got it!”

“Look down there!” Monique’s eyes darted in regards to the soldier’s statement. Deep in the abyss, there was something down there, its shape oddly familiar. Had they found a stored superweapon? One to potentially turn the tide of battle? With a smirk, the only way to know was down.

“Make sure to close behind us, Randy. Can’t afford any Titan pursuers.”

“You got it!” As the Bell descended farther into the depths, Randy inputted the command key once more, forcing the giant sliding doors closed, their intense vibrations shaking the cylinder of the facility. “Dark, but Ugly-proof!” the tech whiz added.

Monique flicked the switch, activating the spotlight to illuminate the dull innards of the hidden bunker. She kept her eyes peeled for any potential landing pads, but the light shone upon the mystery weapon that rested near the bottom of the cylinder. Randy, meanwhile, only gawked in awe at what he saw.

“There’s no way that’s the Garuda, right? Of all things, the Garuda!” the young hacker said with ecstatic glee. “But it looks so different from what G-Force has.”

“Different universes have different rules. A different outcome compared to the decisions made in our own reality, even if the base concept is rooted in the same principle or event” Monique postulated.

“It’ll be confusing to call this Garuda and the other one Garuda… Garuda-2, maybe?” Randy suggested.

“I have an inclination that the natives wouldn’t appreciate being labeled as a ‘number two,’” Monique retorted. “Especially since we have no idea what entails in the other portal. Since both opened at the same time, if there was a Garuda in the other portal, which would be designated as ‘number two’ or ‘number three?’”

“Touché,” Randy replied.

“Anything with the signal?” Monique asked.

“Oh right.” Scrambling for the transceiver, Randy pulled it out, noticing that it was pulsing tremendously. “So, we’re definitely a lot closer to it now than above ground. That’s the good news. But surprisingly, the Not-Garuda there isn’t the source of it…”

“Monique, over there,” Sasha pointed out, “A stable landing point.”

“Good. Then we can set ground and start looking.” Pulling and twisting on the control handle, Monique carefully guided the Bell to the platform in question. As the whirling blades kicked up the light dust around the metallic hull of the bunker, Monique landed with a graceful thud, ensuring the helicopter wasn’t going to slip or fumble. The cab doors flung open, all the passengers scurrying out as Monique turned the engines off, conserving fuel for a safe flight. At the very least, there were no Titans rummaging about that she could tell.

“All right, Scouts, spread out!” Sasha ordered. “Mr. Randy, where to?”

“I think it’s nearby…” He shifted the transceiver, waiting for the most intense ping before pointing, “Over there!” The room was on the ground layer, the three Scouts immediately hurtling toward it with their incredibly swift speed. Monique was impressed with their physicality, no doubt operating the ODM gear takes intense physical prowess and spatial awareness to even use it. As her and Randy hauled down the metal stair frame, the Scouts were just one step ahead of them, carefully surveying for any potential threats lingering nearby.

They flicked the light on, proving this place still channeled power. It was then Sasha began shouting, “Come here!” Monique hustled, hastening her step to the area. Randy tried likewise, but was far more sluggish about it compared to her stride. When they caught up, what they saw took them aback.

On the ground was Jet Jaguar.

“Whoa,” Randy said, wide eyed and befuddled, “I can’t believe what I’m seeing…” As if to verify for himself, Randy scanned the rusted robot with the transceiver. And just as everyone expected, powerful pings were going off–this was the source. All the more proven with the fallen Jaguar’s sprouted antennae, which only ever came on when receiving or emitting signals.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to Monique. “This makes too much sense.”

“Whaddya mean?” Sasha inquired.

“Kubal had a strange reaction to Jet Jaguar on top of the wall. Made an odd claim about teaming up with the Scouts. No doubt he misidentified our Jet Jaguar with this one.”

“Wait, so you mean…?” The Scout Elite asked, curious. Monique knew she wasn’t there with the transaction with Kubal, so it was clear to spell it out.

“This is Kubal’s enemy. And by proxy, someone who can give us more intel on him than any of the Military Police records ever could.”

“Don’t mean to address the elephant in the room,” Randy interrupted, “But if that’s this universe’s Jet Jaguar, then what the heck is that?” He pointed directly ahead of where the prone body laid, which was a robotic effigy that looked identical to Jet Jaguar. Yet like the Garuda, there were fundamental differences. The machine was clearly only half-built, with an upper torso that was more rotund than the default Jet Jaguar model, with a massive battery pack lodged into its back. Its arms were long, ending with black, crane-like prongs for gripping, each rectangular in shape. The last notable difference was its chest compartment, covered by grey metal gratings and a thick yellow outline, almost like a door to enter within the obtuse robot.

“Must’ve been a contingency plan. Given his condition, no doubt he had suffered from operational failure from an encounter…” Monique assumed.

“…From the Colossal Titan!” Randy exclaimed, “The metal of this JJ has been clearly warped by intense exposure to heat. And if Kubal knew about our man right here, then the two have beef with each other. So are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

Monique smirked. “Let’s wake him up.”

*****

Zilla’s roar was not merely a challenge to the Colossal Titan; it was a rallying cry. A call to arms. A lesson the nephilim learned the hard way when Gudon, Gorosaurus, and Kong charged at him with battle cries of their own. A hellish fury gleamed in the primordial eyes of Gorosaurus, thirsting for vengeance over Baragon’s brutal butchery. A sentiment King Kong shared most passionately, for Baragon was not the only soul that had fallen to this dark human. This was the monstrosity that had taken Kong’s father from him.

Kong had loved his father more than anything. He had been strong, wise, and he never doubted or gave up on his son. He had been his safe space, the one whom he had always looked up to when things became fearful and dire. And the Guardian of Skull Island wanted nothing more than to avenge his death… or die trying.

And Gudon?

Flailing his whips about like a horned madman, Gudon’s war cry was unmistakable. Let’s kill EVERYTHING.

Before Baragon’s murderer could respond, a messy, black substance abruptly dropped upon his head from above with a thick, wet smack.

Taken aback by this abrupt combination of events, Kubal was taken by surprise when all three ground-based kaiju tackled him off his feet. Gudon let loose first, exploding into a howling fury of bashing whips that smacked and smashed repeatedly all over Kubal’s armored body.

Jaws like a bladed vice snapped down upon the humanoid’s right arm, twisting and shaking with rabid fury as Gorosaurus tried everything in his power to be the one to draw first blood from the fell killer.

Kong covered for the Allosaurus by attempting to bash the Colossal Titan’s nape in. Thunderous punch after punch to the dictator’s neck sought to rend his armor, tear his sinew and crush his bones; each one fueled by the rage of his father’s murder. This foul killer couldn’t be immortal. He had to have a breach, a kink in the armor in which the other kaiju could exploit.

The dictator’s punishment was far too long coming.

He had to pay.

Unfortunately for the great ape, Kubal had full intention of making such a sentiment far easier said than done. Packing every ounce of his own rage into his mighty form, the Colossal Titan bellowed and smashed his cranium into Kong’s in a sickening headbutt, then lurched forward with such force he knocked Gudon away and staggered Gorosaurus at once. Wrenching his arm out of the theropod’s jaws so hard he splintered a few teeth, he swung it around to clock Gudon in the chest at full power. The blow rippled through the horned heathen, three squirts of blood flying from his maw and nostrils simultaneously as he was sent careening away like a softball.

And with horrifying speed that seemed to belie his immense magnitude, Kubal swung both fists into Gorosaurus’ side in a haymaker great enough to splinter a hill.

Already, two kaiju were temporarily down and badly injured. And the Colossal Titan intended to render it permanent when he charged towards Kong with fist a-steaming—

—and was once again caught off guard, when another splat of something wet and repulsive smacked onto his head.

Startled, he looked up…

SPLAT!

Whatever it was, it was now entirely on his face. His vision was all but black as he roared out in frustration and scrabbled wildly at his face—and was left open to a hairy fist clocking him thunderously across the face.

Above the deranged dictator, the ones responsible persisted in their endeavors. Clutched in the avian-pantherine paws of Black Moth, Oodako sucked in another chunk of air before dropping yet another ink bomb upon the humanoid killer, this one thicker and larger than the last. Flapping her wings so as to keep aloft, Black Moth began to circle away from Baragon’s murderer, if only to regain a bit of stamina—and wait for the perfect moment to enact this same plan to their advantage.

Seeing that blunt force trauma was clearly not enough, Kong decided it was time to pull out the big guns. With a fearless roar, the Guardian of Skull Island swung his axe into the murderer’s sternum with all his might. Sparks showered, tiny chips of ivory plating sprinkled off the blow… and nothing else. No blood, no flesh, nothing.

Again and again Kong swung, striking the ink-distracted goliath time after time with unyielding ferocity; yet despite his ever-strengthening blows, nothing ever came of it. Just more sparks and tiny shards of armor, nothing more.

He would have to chip away at Kubal for hours if he was going to finally breach—

It was at that moment that it hit him.

As if in perfect accommodation with his epiphany, a trumpeting roar tore through the air as Zilla dashed past the Colossal Titan, bending low and slashing across his legs with his claws and dorsal spines alike. Following swiftly behind him, Varan roared as he flew right into Kubal’s face, bashing into him and sending him staggering back. Blindly, the kaiju killer tried to reach up and grab his attacker, but the triphibian was already soaring far out of reach on leathery flaps of skin.

But the most perfect moment of all arrived when a blast of antarctic mist washed over the Colossal Titan, unrelenting and unceasing. The humanoid goliath howled out in rage as the below-zero temperatures began their rapid work, coating his armored form in a quickly growing coat of ice.

The culprit was unmistakable. Glowing eyes narrowed with rage, Peguila smirked as he kept up fire. The winged freezing monster relished in the booming cries of the Colossal Titan as he worked on freezing him alive, hoping against hope that he was beginning to feel just a semblance of the pain he had caused them all. He wanted to hear the murderous nephilim scream.

He wanted to make him suffer for what he had done to Baragon.

Capitalizing on the winged beast’s diversion, Kong roared out to Zilla, informing him of his latest idea. Seeing the ape hold his axe high, the iguana snorted in immediate understanding.

A surge of light streaking across his scutes, Zilla’s eyes flashed a burning yellow before an atomic ray catapulted from his jaws. His aim scored true; the emerald flames engulfed the ivory blade of Kong’s axe, and upon their touch it immediately lit up with a jade glow. The irradiated reptile didn’t hold back, and kept up fire for a good thirty seconds; all the while, Peguila continued to keep the Colossal Titan distracted with his freezing mist.

Only when the mounting heat became too much did King Kong hold his free hand up, bellowing for the squamate to cease fire. A request Zilla obeyed instantly, snapping his jaws shut to end the green inferno.

It was then that steam began to radiate off of Kubal’s monolithic form, signifying the building of immense heat. Ice started to melt off his armored muscles, only to be continuously replaced by more as Peguila ignored the growing heat and kept up fire. Water and heated vapor began to billow up and around the Colossal Titan as the two opposing temperatures continued to clash, reaching ever greater levels of intensity—until, most unexpectedly, a truly shocking phenomenon occurred.

Such was the quickly mounting power of the temperature clash, that the very weather itself around them began to change. The clouds above began to darken into an ugly, near-black shade of gray. Lightning started to dance in the darkening heavens. And before long, sheets of rain were starting to plummet onto the battlefield, adding to the clouds of water vapor that were already spreading about to add a layer of humid haze to the line of combat.

Still, both bearers of such forces refused to relent, and kept up their respective battle of two opposite elements. And in doing so, one failed to notice the green light that shone through the rain and vapor like a beacon in the storm.

Rearing his fist, Kong roared out to his fellow kaiju. The plan was simple: keep the armored killer occupied as long as possible. All… except Zilla, whom he looked to with a knowing expression.

A look that the iguana shared.

Powering every ounce of strength his leg muscles bore, the great ape charged towards the lizard. With a magnificent leap, he jumped onto the reptile’s back, gripping one of his spines as Zilla took off running away from the battlefield.

While such a sight was rather surprising to witness, the other monsters had full faith that there was no abandonment in their leaders’ efforts. Whatever the ape and the lizard were planning, it would be most beneficial. Their own role in the matter was simple; despite the thunder above, they had all heard the order loud and clear.

Stall the Colossal Titan.

Stall him, keep him occupied… and buy their leaders time to execute whatever they had planned.

Not even bothering to stand anymore, Kubal mustered all the strength he could into charging through Peguila’s mist spray. It was a most arduous effort… yet in the end, he saw it done. The winged biped had no time to evade before a heated fist slammed into his chest, sending him recoiling with a hideous wheeze; the wind having been knocked out of his lungs.

Predicting a coming attack from behind, the dictator whirled around with his fist ready to thrust…

…only to be once again caught by surprise when Varan, flying in tandem with Black Moth, fired a purple sonic beam from his fanged jaws. The beam struck the Colossal Titan right in the face, fazing him just enough for both flying monsters to knock him sprawling with a dual aerial body slam.

The heat radiating off the nephilim’s body stung more than a little, but the pair muscled through it and banked away. Their quarry was downed. They just needed to keep him that way until Kong and Zilla returned…

A pair of jagged golden bolts streaked into the humanoid murderer’s downed form, spearing against him again and again with repetitive persistence. Even while wounded, King Ghidorah was still a capable fighter—and he too had heard Kong’s order just the same.

Not one to be left out, Varan fired his sonic beam from overhead, striking the humanoid killer in the face. It was not meant to kill, not even to harm, but merely to faze. To distract.

To keep him in one place.

And before the Perfect Darkness could retaliate in any way, he caught one fleeting glimpse of another winged form flying overhead… before another glob of ink splattered onto his mug.

Clutched yet again in Black Moth’s paws, Oodako’s suction of air almost sounded like a mocking chuckle as the winged lion gained some distance from the stunned Titan.

More gravity rays and sonic beams pelted the Colossal Titan where he lay, still keeping up all effort to stall Baragon’s killer—an effort which found itself joined by not merely a third, but also a fourth defiler. Before he knew it, Kubal felt not one, but two heavy bodies slam atop him. A familiar roar was followed by repeated slam after slam of whipped appendages against his face and torso, easily recognizable as Gudon.

The second let loose a trumpeting howl of wrath before proceeding to chop and pierce away at the Titan’s armored flesh, announcing its identity as Maguma. Like Kong before him, the walrus-like reptile tried to find any chink, any hidden weakness in the dictator’s armor to target and exploit.

No matter how in vain the effort seemed.

Yet already, the Colossal Titan was beginning to regain his terrible strength. Thrashing and jerking about through his enemies’ combined assault, preparing to reemerge with arms swinging.

Seeing this from afar, Black Moth roared and changed direction, heading right back into the fray with Oodako in tow. They couldn’t afford for him to get up yet. They had to do something, and fast.

Flying overhead, the airborne lion wasted no time and dropped Oodako himself. Not even seeing it coming, the Colossal Titan had no counter when the Giant Octopus landed right onto his face; immediately wrapping all tentacles around his head and upper body before chipping and biting at his face with his serrated circle.

For a moment it seemed that the three monsters had the demon on the ropes, restrained and growing ever closer to defenseless. Held in the perfect position for whatever attack Kong was planning to unleash.

But then…

Muffled within the body of the Giant Octopus, a roar to lay low the thunder above reverberated forth as Kubal’s thrashing resumed—and doubled in vigor. Even the crazed Gudon, wailing on the Colossal Titan with all his fury, was quickly starting to have a hard time keeping his quarry down…

…before the monolith reared back his arm, and then lurched up and swung it at maximum effort.

Both kaiju took the full brunt of the swing, sent flying off with cries of pain before Kubal instantly set to grabbing Oodako. The giant cephalopod tried his hardest to maintain a foothold, but in the end it was not to be; with a firm and painful yank, the dictator pulled the hapless octopus off and slung him to the ground like a toy.

Seeing the killer’s attention all but focused on the cephalopod, Ghidorah wasted no time in flapping his wings and breaking into a flying charge, intending to take the Perfect Darkness by surprise. Varan flew right beside him, electing to help the dragon’s efforts—only for both to be taken unawares when the Colossal Titan whirled around with a swinging kick of his thick, reinforced trunks, taking both of them right out of the air in an instant.

Both giants crashed aside the nephilim in a bellowing heap… and leaving Oodako entirely at the dictator’s mercy.

The octopus could only stare, small in comparison yet defiant to the very end, as Kubal marched upon him. Rearing both fists high to bring them down upon his head…

A pair of mile-echoing roars split the air.

Barreling towards the armored murderer at his top velocity of 500 miles per hour, Zilla fired an atomic ray mid-run into Kubal’s face—and riding atop him like a great primordial jouster, glowing green axe in hand, was King Kong. Orange eyes furrowed in a furious, determined glare, the Lord of Skull Island snarled. No more waiting.

The time was now.

Contracting his great legs, Kong leaped off his squamate steed. Below him, Zilla did not stop firing his radioactive flames until he was right in front of the dictator—then abruptly snapped on his heels, simultaneously whipping Kubal’s heels out from under him with his tail, while banking away.

Leaving him entirely vulnerable as Kong came down upon him.

The last thing Kubal saw before everything went white was the ape, roaring at the top of his huge lungs, axe raised high before slamming into his chest with every ounce of might the primate could muster.

BOOM!

A light to rival a star bloomed across the battlefield, the blast so great it drove away sound itself for a moment. Every kaiju, from Varan and Oodako, to Kong and even King Ghidorah himself was blown back by the shockwaves that burst to life from the hit. Rain and steam alike evaporated for several hundred meters, the light shining as a beacon in the tempestuous darkness from as far away as Mount Fuji…

 

Chapter 10: For Not Whom The Bell Tolls…

Mount Fuji

The signal’s pulse intensified the closer he got. Each moment spent away from the monster horde, the more he worried for their well being. But stopping Kubal from reaching the portal had to be done, no matter the cost. He simply hoped Randy’s gambit would pay off in full. They needed all the hands they could get–be that in the form of knowledge, or an extra set of battle hands for the war of humanity.

His scanners detected activity beneath him. He saw the Titans in mass migration, all coming to the same location. The 18-hour limit was nearly up, and the Scouts were going to have a lot more on their hands than just the Colossal or Armored Titans to contend with. He just had to hold out in good faith that there’d be something here in this lost world of Titans and monsters.

The truth.

The beauty and enormity of Mount Fuji became ever present, but he followed the trail left behind by the one who left this distress call. It beckoned for help, for anyone to reach out… It was then he saw a ridge that protruded from the volcano’s base. Flying gracefully, Jet Jaguar touched down, ensuring he was scaled to the entrance that led to this mysterious bunker. A shot of dread overcame his circuits. The door had already been pried open… But its weather and overgrowth showed that such an event transpired long ago.

Hurling himself into the darkness, Jet Jaguar found that the growth had only extended to the frontmost entranceway and not much further. To his surprise, the facility was truly enormous. He had wondered if his home dimension had a similar such bunker stashed away under Mt. Fuji. But that was an answer for later. His auditory receptors picked up on the residual whips of a motor blade, no doubt from the Bell 412 that Monique and Randy came in. All he had to do was follow their general direction, and he’d find them promptly.

Taking flight, Jet Jaguar flew into the darkness, barely lit by small lights aligned against the crevices of the floors and ceilings. It was then he shined his high-beams to full effect, illuminating what he saw. Along the walls were what he best surmised were scrapped superweapons of the anti-kaiju variety. The most completed among them barely had a furnished endoskeleton to build from. A Mechagodzilla from the looks of it, but its structure didn’t match with anything he knew from his database.

To Jet Jaguar, this place was a tomb of fruits they were unable to grow. A scrapyard of weapons that would never see the light of day. But one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so he believed. Off in the distance, he saw a light. Without question a room, and even less doubt that he’d meet his compatriots. Upon analysis, he deactivated his high-beams, gently landing on the ground.

Time to see what was hidden in the dark.

*****

Mikasa felt the air thicken with each passing moment.

The crowded subterranean venues became borderline impossible to contain. According to the Commander, Randy had set up everything as optimally as he could. Although storage within the standing walls was deemed a risk to safety, the underground passages–which had only been exclusive to the central government and MP until recently–were beginning to clutter. Every Scout from the elite to the cadets were tasked with guiding and streamlining the evacuation process, keeping them in the hidden shelters until they could reach the cargo vessels.

But the odds had been stacked infinitely against them. Time and time again, the Scouts pursued freedom beyond the walls, yet had been punished each time for it. For her, it was worse for wear; trained as the strongest soldier, only second to Captain Shikishima, and yet her futility showed when it mattered most. But she couldn’t afford to regret it, otherwise it would crush her.

The voice of the Commander boomed through the speakerphone, addressing all the concerned citizens of the operation and method. The partial solution was to simplify the selection process, which had been reduced to a raffle. Whether they liked it or not, an unbiased approach was needed given the limited capacity. At maximum, 16,000 per vessel, and it was going to be far from comfortable.

However, despite the raffle system, priority was given to the women, children, elderly, and disabled. They required the most care in this operation. And it was the sworn duty that they’d make it out of here alive. Where Hange’s operation truly began.

She recalled the plan of operation. The organization of the underground shortcuts proved vital; with two large groups of people separated from the passageway, and being safely tucked underground, it prevented the Titans from clawing under and feasting on them. The raffle would then determine who would get priority to the boats, creating an organized line from the exit to the boats, with only the operating Scouts given a headstart to get the boat loaded and ready to sail.

And it was her duty–and the team she led–to dispatch any stray Titans that didn’t take the bait. The raffle system for the first set was complete, it was simply a matter of waiting for Hange to finish the address. And right on cue, the door that led to the hell outside slid open. The first set of Scouts, comprising the skeleton crew required to operate the boat, were dispatched as the others lined up. Following that up, the other Scout-mates were paired in groups of four, keeping a straight line from exit to the boat. With her versatile experience, Mikasa was issued to accompany the skeleton crews en route to the ship, a task she’d have to do in each succession.

It was far from an easy task, but at the very minimum the Titans were clear and in sight.

With little effort, Mikasa swung around these accursed ruins, recalling the fall of Armin at the hands of the green garguanta. But she couldn’t let those memories consume her. There was an even bigger monster that lurked far off; ones that threatened their very existence. She kept focus, guiding the skeleton crew to the boat with surprisingly little difficulty. The other Titans were drawn to Wall Sotono, desperately trying to claw away at the structure. As preparations began, a signal flare was fired to begin the first wave.

They’d make it out alive, even if it killed them.

*****

The fist against his chest.

The painful impact of his small body hitting the floor.

The pain…so much pain…just make it STOP…

Kubal jolted his Titan eyes open to agony. Burning, raw agony that mauled his torso with a terrible vengeance. For a moment, he was no longer in the mountainous regions of Japan, surrounded on all sides by a legion of primordial monsters. For just one moment, he was back in that little house in Tokyo. On the floor, all senses consumed by an everlasting pain, as a malevolent shadow loomed over his small physique…

…and just like that, it ended.

Before long the vision of the past was snuffed out, and he was back on the rain-drenched battlefield; no longer a small boy, but a giant amongst giants. A Titan amongst Titans.

A Titan with a gigantic, gaping wound that all but replaced his upper torso, still spewing literal metric tons of blood.

A wound that festered with searing agony.

An agony which doubled when two gravity beams speared into the open wound. Flesh detonated, muscle charred and exploded—and the Colossal Titan roared in pain. Not to be outdone, Varan stood beside King Ghidorah and fired his sonic beam into the exposed injury. Agony filled Kubal’s form to the brim as he caterwauled to the rainy sky.

His enemies had managed to inflict pain upon him.

The calls of the wounded dictator did not in any way go unnoticed. Shaking his head as he managed to pull himself onto his feet, Zilla’s eyes widened in shock at the sight that greeted them. The humanoid demon was no longer shrugging off his allies’ attacks. Visible injury had now been dealt, and further still was being afflicted.

Their plan had worked. They had injured the devil!

Standing to his full height, Zilla bellowed forth a booming order that was certain to be heard. A call to arms to all of his fellow kaiju. The devil was hurt, his armor had been rent.

Attack!

Hearing the iguana’s command loud and clear, Varan and Ghidorah kept up fire, solely targeting their quarry’s chest wound. Standing beside them with a loud war cry, Gudon added to the conflagration by revealing something entirely new; twin crimson beams of energy leaped forth from his maroon eyes, piercing into the dictator’s exposed musculature with fiery explosions. Neither Varan nor Ghidorah had seen him do that before, but they were more than happy to have additional firepower on their side.

Trying his damndest to fight through the grueling torture, the Colossal Titan fought his way to a sitting position—which quickly became more complicated when a pantherine form pounce upon him from the side. Black Moth’s fearsome canines gnashed against his head, the winged lion shaking her head as she wrestled him back to the ground.

He didn’t even get the chance to punch or grab her off; for the gnashing jaws of Gorosaurus chomped down on his right arm while Oodako wrapped his tentacles around his left, staying him for the time being.

It was just what Zilla needed to leap onto his body and begin biting into his exposed muscles.

The torturous ache of his chest, so great it rendered him prone upon the cold wooden floor…

The Colossal Titan bewailed in agony, like a dying god trembling the earth with its final cries. Hot blood flew as the iguana ripped and tore—then leaped off to allow the dragon and the flying lizard to open back fire into his wound. Flame exploded, charred flesh flew, and regenerative properties were hindered significantly by the nonstop frequency of attacks.

Yet even then, helplessness was but a stranger to the Perfect Darkness.

His howls of pain turning to those of wrath, the nephilim began to thrash through his captors in a strengthening bid to shake free. Attempting to put down his furious resistance, Gorosaurus tried to bite down harder and thrash his head from side to side; even planting a foot down upon his arm with all his strength.

The Allosaurus was rewarded for his efforts by being tripped to the ground, when Kubal put all his strength into yanking his right arm out of his grasp. Even hardly able to see with Black Moth still attacking his face, Kubal relied on his sense of touch and flung his fist straight into Oodako’s face. The octopus’ blubbery skin saved him from mortal injury—but still wasn’t enough to prevent him from being flung away like a pinball. Before Black Moth had a chance to even react, the Colossal Titan grabbed both sides of her head and tossed forward, throwing her right into the path of Ghidorah’s gravity beams.

The winged panther bellowed in pain as the beams blew off chunks of her sides, and immediately the hydra cut off his attack. As the felid dropped, Kubal began to clamber back to his feet—an action that a certain large theropod shared. Thinking of nothing but preventing the murderer from reaching his pantherine comrade, Gorosaurus reared back on his tail and lashed out with both feet. The kangaroo kick slammed into the humanoid’s stomach, knocking him back down…

The boot to his stomach left the air knocked from his lungs…

…and pushing off with one arm, Kubal bellowed a roar of fury and lunged back; punching the Allosaurus in the face so hard, he knocked out several teeth and took him right off his feet.

Gravity beams blasted back onto his body again, their bearer trying to divert the heathen’s attention; but the Colossal Titan was already taking a step towards the injured archosaur—

—and wailed in pain when a glowing blade suddenly slashed right through his armored form, sending blood spurting into the air as a majestic roar announced King Kong’s return to the conflict.

His royal axe shining alight with Zilla’s atomic energy, the ape threw every second of time and ounce of effort he had into swinging his axe into Kubal’s body over and over. Unlike before, this time the axe had little trouble breaching the nephilim’s armor; hacking great rents into his muscular physique that bled like a stuck swine. The kaiju killer tried to defend, to counter, to find any way of staving off the wrathful ape; but Kong swung too fast, with far too much fury. Further and deeper, he cut through the dictator’s once-impenetrable armor, making every blow count as he set to cutting down his defenses.

A strategy he was far from alone in participating.

An all-too familiar roar split the air as Zilla barreled into the fray and ducked low, slicing his dorsal scutes into Kubal’s flesh like knives through butter. Muscle and ailing armor was torn like paper, and there was blood everywhere. And before Baragon’s murderer had a chance to retaliate, the mutant squamate whipped his legs out from under him with his tail, sending him crashing right back down.

The others weren’t going to give him a chance to get back up.

A vaporous spray cold as the storms of Antarctica blew upon Kubal, informing him of who had returned to the battle. Every last bit of firepower Peguila had in him, he dedicated to this moment; unleashing the full, furious might of his freezing breath upon the injured devil. He would not stop until he knew for certain the killer couldn’t escape, nor fight back. Until he was all but disabled, and entirely at the mercy of his monstrous comrades.

Ghidorah, Varan, and Gudon, wanting to add their input to Peguila’s brilliant attack, let loose their respective beams into the fray just the same; doing well so as to keep targeting where the dictator was most vulnerable. The other giants held back, but they would not stay that way for long, this even Kubal knew.

It was only a matter of time before they would all leap into the fray at once, and have at him with all their ravenous fury…

It was only for a minute or two, yet to the Colossal Titan it felt like a millennia had passed before Peguila finally cut off his subzero spray—and the very instant he did, the giants of Skull Island were upon him.

Zilla led the charge, pouncing upon the already maimed Titan like a leopard upon an antelope. Conical teeth crunched failing armor to rend great pieces of flesh off a gigantic body, all while clawing into the dictator’s form with a frenzied vengeance. Gudon followed quickly in the iguana’s wake, simply stomping and kicking the downed humanoid in the face and neck. And one after the other, every one of the vengeful giants followed. Black Moth, Varan, Gorosaurus, Oodako, King Ghidorah, Maguma; and with his axe still shining like an emerald torch, King Kong wasted not a second in resuming hacking and chopping into his swarmed quarry.

With every swing, every chop, every slice he ripped into the nephilim’s ailing frame, the mighty ape thought of nothing and no one else but his old man. His wise and loving mentor, his best friend and mighty protector who had taught him so much… and had been so violently taken from him.

So he would be twice as such in avenging him.

Like angry medieval villagers overthrowing a cruel leader, the monsters dogpiled the humanoid devil; ripping and tearing him apart, piece by piece with tooth, claw and blade.

Until in time, they began to reach the murderer’s neck. And under their feral ferocity, it too began to come apart in shreds of bone and flesh…

—

Light began to shine through the domain of muscle that surrounded Kubal.

There was no mistaking what was happening, no denial despite his former potency. The monsters had breached his defenses, and now they were ripping their way through his vessel. Tearing in—and beginning to expose the man behind the monster.

Yet in this moment, which would’ve stopped the heart of any average man with terror, all the dictator felt was a blinding rage.

The agony of his torture spread through his nerves like a genetic wildfire, burning and all-encompassing, yet Kubal merely used it as fuel for his engorging wrath. Used it to picture every hit, every kick, every bottle against his head, every throw of his body against that cold, unforgiving floor…

Light flooded into his once-concealed vicinity as the monsters ripped away the flesh that once shadowed him from sight, shining down upon tear-stricken eyes bloodshot with volcanic fury. Kubal didn’t spare his foes a second.

The time was now.

In a spurt of bloody flesh, Kubal tore himself free of his titanic vessel, soaring into the air in the midst of the once-frenzied kaiju. Taking just a quarter of a second to lock eyes with the visibly widening ones of the iguana.

And took the last three quarters to plunge his teeth into his wrist.

 

Chapter 11: …The Bell Tolls for Thee

Abandoned Hangar – Japan

Click.

With a firm press against the grating, the chest compartment of the Jet Jaguar look-alike was closed tightly. Having scoured the nearby stations for resources, a couple of portable batteries were hooked up to the large backpack. In a matter of moments, it was prime time to see if Randy’s off-the-cuff idea would work or not.

“All right, let her rip!” Randy’s jovial mannerisms surged with a hope that was infectious. And on cue, a steady current flowed into the massive battery pack, ticking the small indicator piece by piece, showing progress of the charge. “Remember to let it overcharge, juice needs to go into the inner sanctum if this is gonna work.” To Monique’s surprise, she’d never thought Randy would ever pull big words like ‘sanctum’ out of his personal dictionary.

Between the room scouring and the clean up of the mess left behind, she had to remember to put Randy on cleaning duties when they got back to HQ.

Minutes passed, the indicator ticking ever higher to a full charge. Waiting around was all they could really do, dragging along akin to watching water boil. She knew time was limited; with all the hell that was no doubt transpiring near the Walls–or even the portal for that matter–she had to wonder how the Scouts were holding up in this insanity.

Though if their scenario was anything like H.E.A.T.’s, this was just par for the course.

A final tick. Full tank.

“Now wait for the overcharge, and we are going to Frankenstein this dude to life!” Randy exclaimed, eager to see the fruits of his intuition. To the naked eye, nothing happened. But from Monique’s limited understanding, excess energy was still charging in the battery. According to Randy, the added energy would defibrillate the ‘heart’ and spring the new Jet Jaguar to life. While she had reasoned such methodology would backfire on most machines, Jet Jaguar was always a one-of-a-kind robot. Maybe Randy’s crazy theory might just work.

Either that or they should’ve left it to Mendel.

With a sudden jolt, the blue eyes blared from the half-made machine.With a quick order from Randy, the external batteries were safely turned off, earning a victory cry from the enthusiastic hacker. The other Jet behaved almost human-like, shocked at being brought online. There was a pause, a moment for the automaton to process the events that had transpired.

“Data synchronization in process,” the robot said. “Copying, transferring, storing. Oral audio test, 1, 2, 3, A, B, C…” It continued down the path of numbers, letters, and integers, uttering mostly incomprehensible numerical mumbo-jumbo as far as Monique was concerned. Its linguistics became more complex and fluid in a matter of minutes. For her, Jet Jaguar was always an enigma from the reports concerning the 1973 Seatopia invasion. In it, Goro Ibuki claimed he just gained sentience to fend off Megalon long enough for Godzilla to arrive. Was this process of becoming sentient similar to that day? It wasn’t an answer she desired to know, but an intriguing question no less.

“Looks like Robodude is calibrating, just give him a few and…” Randy waved his fingers, casting them forth as if forcing the magic moment to occur. It didn’t.

Sasha stared at the bulky machine intently, scanning it from head to… torso. “So how’s he gonna move without legs?”

“I’d imagine we’ll either have to build him some, or…”

Monique cut in. “We don’t have time for that.”

“Given,” Randy retorted, “Though there are spare parts in the other room that could be retooled. Little motor engines on the side of the battery, cover it up, and bam!”

“If you were a roboticist, maybe. But that field is far out of your depth.” Monique’s words proved cutting, with the sun-kissed man defensively backing down.

“There was a tripod in the other room,” one of the Scouts acknowledged, “Would it be possible to connect the two?”

“Maybe, but getting the right wires in is a pain in the butt,” Randy responded, “I can do the programming half without issue, that’s easy-peasy for me.”

“I can do the programming.” The suddenness caught everyone off guard as the robot spoke. “And I can help guide the needed equipment in the robotics department.”

“How long would it take?” Randy was keen to ask.

“Five minutes for the Harvey substitute. Less than twenty for the alternative flying gear. Less than five for the additional weapons.”

“Oh shit, he was listening in,” Randy muttered to himself.

“Provided all tasks are performed at top-most efficiency, no breaks, and done with utmost expertise.” In other words, no screw ups allowed.

“But to do that, we would need…” Before Monique could complete her statement, the familiar hum whizzed from behind. She felt relieved to see his upturned smile after his prolonged absence.

“Jet Jaguar,” the robot concluded. “Is this one yours?”

“Well, yes! But not like, ours-ours, but he comes from another dimension,” Randy awkwardly explained. “I mean, we come from that dimension too, and there’s a giant portal, and–”

“Wait.” The sudden interruption stopped Randy cold. “There’s civilization from where you are from?”

“Yes,” Monique answered, “And a man by the name of Kubal is en route there.”

Hearing those words, the robot nearly shuffled out of its resting spot, almost in a panic.

“That’s… not good, isn’t it?” Randy piqued.

“The place you hail from is in grave danger. If Kubal is allowed to escape into your realm, it will spell the end of all of humankind.”

Monique felt tense. And she knew full well that news stirred unease, audibly hearing the gulps from Randy and Sasha. Even the other Scouts trembled behind the weight of his words.

“What on Earth went on here…?” Randy simply inquired, setting aside his usual jovial persona.

“I will also need to be filled in on as much as possible,” the other Jet Jaguar requested. He turned his soft blue gaze upon his counterpart, “Please, Jet Jaguar, begin operations as quickly as you can.” Without hesitation, Jet Jaguar darted off, with Sasha giving subsequent orders to the Scouts to aid the robot man.

“I’m not with these folk, we share this world together,” Sasha spoke up, addressing the robot directly.

The other Jet Jaguar simply nodded. “Then let’s begin.”

*****

The initial blow had all his force behind that punch. Every bit of inertia that amplified the thrust of his strike. And all it achieved was fracturing the face of the monstrous foe. The Attack Titan bellowed a booming roar at Eren’s behest, trying to goad the Titan Shifter into attacking.

“Come at me!” Eren shouted. Even without an audience to hear, releasing the pent up anger through words kept his mind sharp and focused on the target at hand. It staved the madness that lurked in his heart. Once again, he was face to face with the Armored Titan–and last time he failed miserably. Had it not been for Mikasa, for the Scouts, for Jet Jaguar… He had failed them. For not being the spear they needed most.

That was going to change.

He commanded his Titan to move, tumbling through the ruins, closing the gap with utmost haste. Hurtling his body with all his might, he tackled the Armored Titan with a colossal impact, forcing it down to the ground. Without relenting, the Attack Titan drove its fists into the steaming face of the hostile. He put all his weight behind each strike, but without the added momentum to enhance the pressure, his fists barely left a dent in the Titan’s armor. But he refused to stop, every hit counted before the Armored Titan could regenerate.

Unfortunately, such efforts proved fruitless.

Vicegrips clamped around each swinging fist, the compressing force breaking the skin of the Attack Titan. The strength of the Armored was unmatched by most, some even considering it the Strongest Titan that had once been wielded by the Strongest Man… Though a troubling thought pervaded his mind.

“Shikishima, you bastard…” Eren muttered, recalling his previous bout with his former Captain, “…Had you been holding back the entire time?” By the standards of Titans, the Armored always had the advantage in defense. But he recalled being able to fracture his armor, breaking its face, splitting it in two with a helicopter blade… Yet this new Armored Titan was unlike him. Its armor was nigh impossible to penetrate, and now the once magenta skin under the armor had changed to a crimson like that matched the Colossal Titan’s muscles. Eren had thought he could conquer the Armored Titan with raw strength alone. But now he realized for certain:

What he fought now was the true strength of the Armored Titan.

Slipping its leg from under, the brunt force of the Armored Titan’s kick sent Eren hurling. His Titan hands shredded from the impact, freeing him from the opponent’s grip. He crashed onto his back, leaving his steaming stumps regenerating his lost hands. But he knew the host of the Armored wasn’t going to give him that courtesy. Having since stood back up on its legs, the Armored Titan made the approach with the full intent of stomping the Attack Titan into the ground. Eren had to be quick, for each crushing stomp ruptured the land around them in a cascade of explosive bursts. He rolled around with swift maneuverability, evading each lethal blow. But he knew he couldn’t maintain defense forever…

Coming to an abrupt stop, Eren took the risk. As the Armored brought up its leg, a quick and decisive leg sweep from the Attack Titan knocked the alabaster warrior off its feet, sending it careening into the ground with remarkable weight. Using this chance, Eren got back to his feet and made sure to put distance between them, placing himself along the edge of Wall Sotono. It wasn’t difficult to discern the screeching hunger of the Wraith Titans nearby, but it seemed whatever plan the Commander had in store was keeping them occupied.

At least, for the smaller ones.

Kaiju-sized Titans had been spotted amongst the migrating horde. Their towering figures made it easy to evade, and Eren knew his Titan could match them. Even so, that didn’t make them any less imposing. A Titan was a Titan, regardless of size. So when he had backed into the wall, he felt the sudden jump of a large Titan press against him. His tongue clicked in frustration. His attention had been tunneled on the Armored, it didn’t occur to him that these brutes had started converging on their fight.

It reminded him that time was running out. This place was soon to be swarming with Titans.

But he wasn’t going to let that stop him. Grabbing a firm hold of the wild cannibal, Eren forced the Titan off of him, adjusting his grip accordingly until he got a hold of its leg. Pulling it from down under, the primitive Titan lost its footing as Eren hauled it behind him, prepared to weaponize the savage creature. As the Armored Titan rose to its feet once more, the Attack Titan mustered its mighty strength and battered the white-plated humanoid with the giant Wraith, splattering its superheated blood all over the marble skin of the enemy. Its wailing cries fell on deaf ears. Once again without stopping, Eren continued to swing the mangled husk of the Titan into the Armored, each strike shredding the naked humanoid more and more until it started evaporating–no doubt having destroyed the nape in the process.

But even this proved futile against the skin of the Armored Titan.

“How did you…” Eren didn’t finish his statement, but his mind swirled with endless thoughts. How were the powers of Shikishima’s Titan stolen? Or perhaps even transferred, if the Colossal Titan’s new figure was anything to go by. Even after they had reclaimed the Walls from the terror of the Titans, there was still so little information they had. Most of the information interrogated from the MPs had only vague hypotheses and ideas, but nothing concrete about the functions and special abilities of the Titans that hadn’t already been public knowledge. A simple gut instinct told him there’d be no way Captain Shikishima would give himself over… Or even be alive to result in the catastrophe they were up against.

But those ideas had to be put on hold. Right now, he had a threat to dispose of.

And he had a plan.

The Attack Titan immediately lunged for the Armored, looking to lock and restrain the Armored with a specialized technique. Figuring there’d be harder-than-steel opponents like Jet Jaguar that’d overpower his raw attack, pressure grappling was his next best bet. Restrict their movement, let the natural hardness of their exteriors crack, and then dispose of them from there.

Dodging the hellish punch of the Armored Titan, Eren swerved into its personal space, locking his body with his opponents. His muscle-bound extensions wrapped around the Armored Titan’s arm, squeezing with all his might. First he’d throw the enemy Titan down, a technique he had experienced from Lil, and then–

Before he knew it, a burning sensation overflowed from the pressure joint. It didn’t take long for Eren to abandon his hold on the Armored, backing away from the scalding heat that overwhelmed him. When he saw the damage, his Titan’s skin puffed and blistered from the freshly hewn burns. But the same numbness pricked at his human nerves. Eren cursed aloud. The Armored Titan had also shared the Colossal’s steam ability, which only became more evident with how the arm had shrunken from muscle consumption, closing the gaps in the armor and pressing them together. He criticized himself for not anticipating this sooner.

Eren grimaced. He furrowed his Titan’s brow. This was going to be one hell of an uphill battle… For a moment, he allowed himself to survey the entire arena. And out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Scouts guarding and deterring any incoming Titans, dispatching them to the best of their abilities. Some had been eaten alive, but they fought with everything they could. A line of people migrating to the boats in a miraculous single file line… Eren recalled the Commander mentioning this during his heated debate with her. A raffle to determine the selection among the population, with only priority given to those in need. It was the best they had with the worsening situation at hand; it was at least something to cling to. Even with the odds stacked against them.

Before he could conjure his next attack, a sudden flash of light shined off in the distance. The source of it appeared far too abruptly to be the rising sun… And when he realized, his eyes widened. Even the Armored Titan diverted its attention, both of them staring at the same thing.

A mushroom cloud ominously looming overhead…

*****

Somehow, Zilla just knew.

He didn’t know what, he didn’t know the specifics; yet somewhere in that brain of his, call it gut instinct or an inclination of some sort, the Lizard King somehow knew that the very moment that little human shot out of the corpse of the murderous Titan, something utterly horrific was about to take place.

It was with utmost tragedy that he had no time to inform his comrades of just how right he was.

The very moment the iguana started to cry out a warning, it happened. A light like a new sun being born lit up right in the middle of the gathered monsters—and from what followed in an instant, such a comparison was not far off. A sweltering heat like none any of them had ever felt washed over them, point blank, as a titanic explosion bloomed into existence and disemboweled the earth and air alike for an entire mile. Several roars and screeches of untold suffering were drowned out by the devastating combination of scorching temperatures, and the earth-shaking power of the godly rupture.

His flesh already burning to a crisp, Zilla did the only thing he could think of to avoid the terrible conflagration: he began to tunnel and burrow into the depths of the earth, as fast as his claws could take him. But sadly, none of the other kaiju were so lucky, and could only wail silently through the roar of the explosion that cooked them alive.

Even despite the agony that tore through his form, King Kong tried to bellow out to his comrades; to tell them to stick together, to try and fight through it, to not give in. But even for himself, it was an uphill battle just to try and get back on his feet… even as the infernal blast finally began to subside and die away.

And when it did, the sight that greeted his broadening eyes was nothing short of a horror.

He wasn’t the only one grievously injured. Most of his monstrous companions were covered head to toe in the most hideous burns he had ever seen. Black Moth looked nothing so much as a ragged imitation of her former self, having lost most of her fur and feathers alike amidst the blast. Maguma, Gorosaurus, Varan, and even Gudon looked as if they had emerged from the torturous fires of Hell itself; missing an eye, or teeth, or even a toe or three.

King Ghidorah hardly fared any better. Even he, the most durable kaiju around, was matted with ugly scorches and blackened patches of missing scales. His wings were even more tattered than they had ever been, and some of his horns appeared to be half-melted.

A heart-wrenching groan echoed from Maguma as he summoned all his strength to roll over, flopping piteously onto his side—and revealing a miraculously, mostly unscathed Oodako, having used his own body as a shield to protect the octopus from an attack that would’ve surely killed him.

But worst of all, Peguila looked nothing so much as like a charred corpse, his wings so tattered they merely resembled giant, gnarly fingers of burnt bone. His left eye had been burned right out of its socket, and his once-mighty tusks no longer existed. Had it not been for the tiny rasps of breath that wheezed out of his mouth, no one would’ve even believed he was alive…

Through the dying ash and smoke, a howl to quiver Lucifer himself made itself known. Bursting forth from the aftermath of the rupture, the Colossal Titan emerged like a Greek statue Grim Reaper; entirely reformed and uninjured as if his previous predicament had never happened whatsoever. Steam radiated off his regenerated body like the fires of Tartarus itself.

And he stormed towards one adversary in particular.

A tiny, defiant rasp managed to wind its way out of Peguila’s lungs before collapsing onto his back, barely moving a muscle. With horrid and destructive footfalls, Kubal loomed over the winged freezing monster. And yet even looking like a charred zombie, Peguila managed to breathe out a single, weak wisp of frozen air…

…before Kubal heaved a mighty stomp straight at his throat with all his might.

The winged kaiju’s neck itself exploded, severing his head from the body in a single blow. The disembodied skull bounced away like a basketball, while the body itself teetered off its feet and collapsed, forever unmoving, with a thud like a deathly drumbeat.

Even the most wounded kaiju present watched the spectacle with widened eyes, that agonized pang of loss reverberating through their chests.

Had they known it in itself was a prelude to what was about to happen…

Not bothering to waste time mocking the winged monster’s demise, the Colossal Titan whirled about and stomped towards the next nearest behemoth he could find. Crippled and blistered with burns, Black Moth gurgled in warning as the dictator closed the gap upon her, the desire to butcher glowing in his eyes—

—and a mountain-quaking roar of rage split into existence as a glowing axe blade slashed through his armored frame, staggering him.

Nothing but pure, molten red encompassed King Kong’s eyesight as he slashed into the mad humanoid; a superheated, crimson haze of flesh-eating rage that starved for bloody revenge. Famished for it like a wolf that had gone days without food. This was it. No more. NO MORE lives would be taken by this barbaric, murderous madman!

He had taken Baragon, he had taken Peguila, he had taken his beloved father…but it stopped NOW. His killing spree ended right here, today!

Howling fearlessly to the heavens, Kong hacked and slashed into the butcherer with repeated, rabid intensity. Blood sprayed and steam billowed, singing Kong’s already injured body, yet the King of Skull Island refused to let it stop him.

More steam began to wisp from Kubal’s body, even as he staggered from each slice of Kong’s axe…

Images of Peguila, of Baragon, of his late elder filling his mind, the great ape snarled horridly as he chopped and sliced faster, harder…

The dictator’s fists tightened harder than a noose, the armor around his fingers cracked, trembling with wrath…

Kong leaped out of the way of the first punch, weaving in around to the Colossal Titan’s side before continuing to chop and slash into his statue-esque body…

“And life isn’t going to hold back, Kubal…”

Steam trailing from his body like an angry volcano, the nephilim’s glowing eyes narrowed into bloodthirsty slits.

“SO NEVER GIVE IT THE COURTESY.”

As Kong raised his axe, Kubal whirled around and hurled his steaming fist at the ape without an ounce of effort to be spared. No evasions, no possibility to miss, the superheated punch went straight for the great primate’s face.

The last thing Kong’s widened eyes saw on the mortal plane was the dictator’s infernal fist rocketing straight into his sights with certainty of impact assured, the brass knuckles cracking before they even connected. And the last thing he heard was the burst of steam that exploded like the barrel of a shotgun.

…and the very first to greet him, amidst what had seemed to be a tunnel of endless blackness, was a light.

At the end of which waited a familiar figure.

Of whom he had missed so torturously, for so, so long.

 

Chapter 12: Jet Jaguar FMT

Earlier…

The first crew had nearly loaded up. But amidst the chaos, despite the limited prep time, the people flooded the cruiser at rapid capacity. The skeleton crew struggled to haul the needed supplies on board aside from what they could carry by hand. Even worse yet, some of the Titans were catching on to the line of humans making their desperate bid to escape.

Mikasa twirled through the air in elegance, slashing off the napes of three Titans in an aerial ballet. Their large bodies fell and crumbled to her might, dissipating into steam shortly thereafter. Even so, other Scout units corralled the Titans away from the populace to the best of their ability. Coordination became key as they dismantled a Titan piece by piece until a clean cut to the nape could be secured, but such tactics came at the cost of excess gas. She knew they had to be careful and on their feet, no matter what.

The deep, vibrating rumble of the cruiser engine roared to life, signaling the near-readiness to take off. The tail end of the first group also came into the clear. All things considered, Mikasa considered it a miracle they’d even managed this much… Though she had to attribute that to the fighting off in the distance.

The vicious strikes of the Attack Titan slammed against the durability of the Armored Titan. She wanted to believe Eren had returned to join her and the Scouts from escaping. But she knew full well that wasn’t the case… The Armored Titan was simply an obstacle to overcome, to allow the Scouts the freedom to escape from his sanctimonious hell. The choice he’d make would only come after the Armored Titan was conquered. Would he stay and flee with them? Or join the army of monsters in the war against Kubal?

That was his choice to make… And she regrettably knew that.

Suddenly, a flash of light shone its brilliance over the horizon. Soon after came a gust of destructive winds. The dueling Titan Shifters buffered part of it, but the ensuing shockwave and the deafening vibrations rocked the stationed cruisers in place, scraping against each other. Titans and Scouts alike were also disorientated from the raw, destructive prowess that lingered far off in the distance.

It had to be Kubal. No doubt about it.

For all her proficiency, not even she could withstand the turbulence that threw her off key. She was helpless, unable to reorient herself in a timely manner… But rather than fall face-first into the ground, the sudden lunge of a Titan had her in its grasp. Its harsh grip squeezed her human body, threatening to crush her…

“Oh no you don’t!” A familiar cry rang hard and loud, the buzzing gas of Shizumu sped towards the nape of the Titan, proficiently wielding his dual blades and lobbing the nape off the Titan. With its hold loosened, Mikasa used this chance to reorient herself and hook herself down to safety. Shizumu landed nearby.

“Chief, are you okay?” The Scout asked, concerned for her well being.

“I’m okay. Thank you,” she replied plainly.

“Still got enough gas?” he asked. Mikasa nodded. Her tank still has some juice left, but there was no denying that a refuel was in order sooner than later.

The sudden boom of the cruiser roared to life, with the last few huddling aboard. The amount of time it took for a single vessel was astronomical… The absolute miracle this herculean task should’ve been by all rights an impossibility. But to their relief, as soon as the anchor was pulled and the ropes unfastened–it sailed off. It was uncomfortably packed to the brim from what they could tell, crammed nearly shoulder-to-shoulder and well beyond its carrying capacity. But its powerful propellers hoisted its large load as the demobilization ship departed from dock.

It was a matter of leadership on board that counted, and they trusted those recruits to care for the needs of the civilians–not an easy task, that was for certain.

A signal flare pointed in their direction. The operation was to continue. It was also a sign for the second skeleton crew to make their approach, flinging across the dedicated pathway set for them. They reached for the second ship, beginning fine tuning and organization before calling for the mass migration of predetermined evacuees.

“You all got this, ya shits!” Shizumu shouted in encouragement as the crew flew over them. Even if Mikasa wasn’t one for outward directness, the boost in morale was appreciated. Needed now more than ever.

Then, another boom. But this one wasn’t the rumble of a cruiser–it was instead of an indisputable thunderclap of a giant fist against another.

And the results were more than dire.

When she turned, her eyes widened in horror at the sight before her. “EREN!” She didn’t even control her outburst, almost reflexively it came out, catching Shizumu off guard.

She only saw the tail end of the impact, but even what she saw was nearly unbelievable. Eren’s Titan flung in an arch, soaring high above even the highest point of the 100-meter tall Sotono. A deep, sizzling impact broiled around the frontal neck of the Attack Titan, with the orange glow dying down from the Armored Titan’s burning fist. A clear uppercut from the towering brute. Even as the orange glow faded, steam burst from all sides of the searing hand, the red muscles vanishing as the alabaster plates closed the gaps. The entire other arm of the Armored had also been sealed, suggesting prolonged use of steam.

‘Impossible,’ she thought. ‘Shikishima’s Titan never possessed that kind of ability…’ She remembered how much Shikishima detested his Titan. How he wished to overthrow the central government and Kubal as a human, a knight in shining armor that would spark a rebellion against the corrupt. As he believed, no human being would follow a Titan to war. But when push came to shove, he used his Titan once all had been lost. A desperate, rampaging final bid to reclaim the bomb and use it against the central government, no matter how many lives it took. She had to wonder… That desperate gambit, his battle against Eren, had it all been a farce? Had he despised his Titan so much that he refused to bring out its full potential? The hardened armor, capable of holding back against Eren’s punches? The super-sized state? Did he know about any of it?

So much of Shikishima was an enigma for her. And now, it was a power that wasn’t even his anymore.

She grimaced. ‘Bastard.’

As her mind stored away the Shikishima case, she saw the gradual descent–time returned, and the Attack Titan began to fall at the pull of gravity. His trajectory was aimed square at Wall Sotono–and without question, the end result wasn’t going to be pretty. She couldn’t make out the finer details, but what came next was a nasty sight. With the full force of a falling body, the Attack Titan splattered from the impact. Skin ruptured with superheated blood and steam, pasting the thick, grey walls with crimson red and intense vibrations; so much so, they began to sway. The skull of his Titan split straight down the middle, and even fingers launched from their sockets from the tremendous impact.

From the hole where the Scouts and civilians emerged from, there was an audible cry of anguish–as if the bowels of hell began to scream from the terrified people underground.

Death had been for certain. And that felt justified when the twitching corpse began to evaporate. Titan decay took a while, and those of the super-sized scale certainly took even longer. With the rising steam, she couldn’t see if Eren had made it out or not… But concerns of Eren had to be put to the side.

There was the Armored Titan to contend with.

“Chief!” Shizumu called out, “What now?”

“Be ready and standby… To challenge the Armored Titan!” Mikasa called upon the nearby squads, only those essential as not to deter from the main operation. Her eyes glued to the Armored Titan–and as if acknowledging her mere presence, it scowled at her.

Fear ran deep in her heart, but her will kept her afloat from the terror that laid beneath her skin. How it was going to turn out, she didn’t know…

*****

Zilla erupted out of the Earth with an ambush in mind—just in time to watch Kubal’s steaming fist collide with Kong’s skull.

The boom that echoed across Japan rippled through the air itself in a shockwave that traveled for several kilometers around, a vicious wind blowing behind it to whip over all in its path, and shards of hardened crystal scattering beyond the wind. A sound like an organic thunderclap speared through the sound barrier far and wide, nauseating and stomach-twisting to an untold extreme.

All too befitting to the heart-stopping sight that now greeted nine pairs of horrified eyes.

No one, not even King Ghidorah, could comprehend what had just happened. The golden dragon, the eldest, most experienced of them all, was stone-silent at the sight that his two heads now beheld. Even he felt like it was a nightmare, one that he should be waking from any minute now. A bad dream trying to play tricks on his troubled mind.

Even he couldn’t yet comprehend that the sight of King Kong’s headless corpse, collapsing to the earth with a trembling quake, was indeed very real.

It felt as if the very air itself had turned cold. Every body in the vicinity felt a sickening tightness, a tension as if they were going to freeze from the inside out. As if their hearts had stopped beating in the wake of what they just saw. Icing them all from the inside out as the avalanching reality of the situation began to finally, truly set in.

One of the mightiest souls to ever walk the planet, had fallen. A leader. A king. A guide. A warrior. A guardian. A protector.

But most importantly, a dear friend.

Amidst the maimed crowd of injured monsters, one in particular began to quiver—but not with fear, and not merely with grief. The air was torn by a piercing shriek of baleful desire, and pain no longer meant a thing to its bearer who now charged the evil dictator. Two of his toes having been burned off and his left eye charred shut, Gorosaurus muscled through the agony and used it to fuel the seething rage that now consumed him.

Trying to get back to his feet, King Ghidorah roared out in an attempt to stay his saurian companion, but the enraged Allosaurus would not oblige. His one good eye seeing that same crimson haze of fury, he thundered the earth with his footfalls as he closed the gap between him and Kong’s killer.

Knowing exactly what fate awaited the dinosaur if he charged alone, Zilla wasted no time in dashing forth to assist him.

As the Colossal Titan prepared to deliver a roundhouse kick to the theropod’s incoming face, Zilla teetered sideways as he ran right past the nephilim; his dorsal spines cutting deep into his still-wounded side, having not yet finished healing from Kong’s final assault. The humanoid bellowed in painful surprise—and allowed Gorosaurus to take him at full force.

Like a hunting tiger, the outraged saurischian pounced upon his bipedal quarry, slamming his jaws shut on his neck as he knocked him onto his back. Now knowing that was where the true killer resided, the dinosaur shook and twisted his head in a fury, desperate to tear the brute’s throat open for its atrocity.

A wish that was not to be, when a steaming fist collided with the side of his neck, audibly cracking the vertebrae and knocking him clean off. Seeing his friend in peril, Zilla charged right back into the fray…

…but unlike before, he did not do so unnoticed.

As the iguana tried to take the dictator unawares, the Colossal Titan snapped on his heels and swung both fists into Zilla’s head. The lizard was knocked silly by the godly hit, his jaws aching with a furious vengeance that refused to relent anytime soon.

Seeing an opening, King Ghidorah spat his gravity beams from a distance, actually managing to rend Kubal’s wounds that hadn’t fully healed yet—but unlike before, the madman all but ignored it and, much to the dragon’s horror, continued storming towards the recovering Gorosaurus.

Even in grueling pain, the wounded archosaur was quick to find his feet again; the adrenaline-fueled desire to make the dictator pay for Kong’s murder boosted his strength. Snarling, the Allosaurus contracted his leg muscles and prepared to lunge—

—just as the steam-sheathed Kubal put all his vigor into a sideways punch to the dinosaur’s lower jaw.

The reptile’s jaw was sent flying into the distance like a frisbee in a spray of gore, no longer a part of his body. Hardly even having time to stagger, the crippled carnosaur was helpless as Kubal seized him by the neck and squeezed with all the strength he had… and an instant later, refocused all that strength into forcefully thrusting his neck backwards.

With a nauseating, organic SNAP, Gorosaurus’ neck was broken at a backwards ninety-degree angle. The dinosaur’s pupils broadened to encompass his eyes with a sea of black, his body going limp as a wet rag in an instant as Kubal tossed him aside like garbage.

The great Allosaurus was dead before he even hit the earth.

Before the dagger of grief could even slip into the flesh of the witnesses, Kubal was on the attack. Ignoring the rageful gravity beams singing into him, the Colossal Titan pulled a tactic most unexpected: his armor began to fracture, the snap resounding from the source. His body began heating up, the steam building beneath the surface…

And in an instant, they burst. Shrapnel of his own armored flesh launched at high velocity, the large chunks sweltering towards the airborne beasts. They shredded through the hydra’s chest and sent him reeling onto his belly with a screech of pain. More found their mark on the left side of Black Moth’s face.

The upper left portion of the panther’s skull was blown off from the high-accelerated piece of fractured armor, bringing forth a howl of agony from her once-mighty jaws. Living in a world of nothing but excruciating torture, the winged cat could only swat and claw fruitlessly as Kubal grabbed her by the back of the neck and forced her head to face upwards.

Raising his large hand, the superheated nephilim forcefully shoved it straight down her throat.

The explosive emission of steam seared and tore the beast asunder, obliterating the entirety of Black Moth’s upper torso; head, neck and chest shredded apart in a blooming inferno, sending her smoke-infested lower half falling limply to the ground. And with it, a thick and acrid stench permeated the battlefield with a merciless ferocity.

The horrific and stomach-churning stench of impending doom…

A pair of crimson beams joined with a purple sonic ray to lance into Kubal’s back, snapping his bloodlusted attention to the perpetrators in question. Hideously wounded yet brimming to the core with rage, Varan and Gudon roared their respective cries into the face of the Grim Reaper.

Refusing to give in to the ever-growing shade of defeat…

*****

Abandoned Hangar – Japan

Operations began as soon as the other requested. Jet Jaguar, with the aid of the other Scout members, began to pull the necessary resources from the next room over. One by one, piece by piece, they worked hard and vigilante to transfer everything over to where the other Jet Jaguar resided. The Harvey, a wheeled tripod machine, was shuffled under the upper torso of the rotund robot, placing it gently as Jet Jaguar began detaching and reattaching the needed parts for the two halves to connect. All the while, their dialogue overlapped during the progression of this second body, with pivotal pieces of information that needed to be cleared up.

“‘The road to Hell is paved with good intentions,’ a proverb I am sure you are all familiar with,” the other Jet Jaguar began. “My mentor Goro collaborated with a renowned geneticist by the name of Dr. Shiragami, using my specs and knowledge as a reference to understand the mystery properties of the sample he was working with. The prospect was to grant humanity immortality, but such fruits did not prosper as intended.”

“Wait, like Doctor ‘I created a giant plant monster’ Shiragami?” Randy interrupted.

Monique scolded, “He’s not going to know about that.”

“Right right, sorry. But I’d imagine this is the part where this Kubal dude comes into the picture and ruins everything?” Randy assumed.

“An accurate assessment,” the other Jet Jaguar continued, “Kubal Kunimura had been subjected due to a bizarre genetic occurrence in his DNA that, in short, allowed him to become the Colossal Titan you’ve already witnessed. Unfortunately, Shiragami’s formula to achieve such a state was too dangerous and volatile to be used publicly… But that didn’t stop Kubal from doing as he wished.”

“The Wraith Virus was man-made?” Sasha interjected. The other Jet Jaguar simply nodded.

“To my understanding, it is. Though the samples were attained by Shiragami, I am afraid I do not know the extent of where he obtained them from, or if they had been propagated by him.”

“I know you went over how Goro and Shiragami wished for a better future,” Randy persisted, “What’s this Kubal dude’s whole spiel in this?”

“Kubal has a family, his wife Azusa and his little girl Nariko. Nariko had a terminal illness that research into the Titan Program would have been used to reverse or cure her ailments. But when Kubal procured the Wraith samples, he had used it on his daughter to prolong her life… At the cost of the rest of humankind. I had tried to stop him, but failed to put an end to his terror… So here I am. Trying to remedy a regret that has haunted me for far too long.”

“This Azusa,” Monique spoke up, “Is she a woman with black hair? Fierce glare?” She went into the minutia of her appearance, sparking a reaction from the other JJ.

“Yes. How do you know?” the automated machine inquired.

“We had encountered her earlier with the Scout unit,” Monique stated plainly. “She was with Kubal the entire time, possessing a Titan of her own.”

“Impossible… DNA records showed her and Nariko didn’t possess the same genetic anomaly as Kubal.”

“If I may,” Sasha skittishly raised her hand, “I dunno if this will fill in the gaps or not, but I heard about an Armored Titan appearance… And the only known individual to have had it before then was Captain Shikishima of the Survey Corps…”

“Are you suggesting Titan transfer?” the robot asked.

“I-I’m not suggesting anything!” the Scout awkwardly stammered, “I’m just throwing that out there.”

“No… I think you’re onto something with that,” the sentient robot commended. “It fits with the conclusion based on my own Titan research. I had mentioned that Shiragami’s formula was volatile, but my research shows it’s because Wraith warps and contorts the essence of the human soul. Titans themselves consume humans primarily seeking the likes of Kubal’s genetic anomaly, though I hypothesize these people too need to undergo Titanization for the full effect to occur.”

The operating Jet Jaguar listened intently, as did his human compatriots. The lingering answers they didn’t realize they needed. It was then Monique spoke up with the question that had one inevitable conclusion. “To revert to their human state?” she said.

“Correct. In essence, I believe it is through consumption that the power of a Titan can be passed from one to another. But since I couldn’t acquire a sample from Kubal, or any others like him for that matter, it was impossible to test those hypotheses.” Almost succinctly timed, the connection was fully completed between the other’s two halves. “Calibrating,” the automaton uttered, struggling to synchronize his auto gyro as its wheels fumbled around like a newborn learning to walk. In a matter of moments, the synchronicity adjusted accordingly, accustoming to the new treads.

“Thank you for your continued help. I have offered all the information that will be of aid to you, so I request your exchange of information.” With everything looking in order, the wheeled Jet Jaguar scuttled out of the confinements of the room, with everyone following suit to the vast, open space. Bar the Bell 412 and the massive gunship, there was hardly a soul beyond their small group. “Aerial attachments here, it would have been too cramped to do everything in there.” Without hesitation, Jet Jaguar began work promptly attaching and welding the extensions onto the battery pack.

“Introductions first,” Randy suggested, “I’m Randy Hernandez, tech whizzo and software programmer at H.E.A.T.! And that’s Monique, French Secret Services and kicks serious butt!”

Monique sighed. “From another dimension, as you already know. Trying to find our ally, a giant monster designated ‘Zilla’ by our government. Long story, but we are trying to help the Scouts with a massive evacuation that’s run into some serious trouble.”

“Sasha Braus, of the Survey Corp Regiment.” She formally saluted, fist clenched over her heart, as did the other two in tow. “The Scouts with us are Kazuki and Shinobu. Had to stop government corruption and a political revolt, currently trying to evacuate as many civilians as possible. Requesting your aid in this operation.”

The robot nodded compliantly. “I am Jet Jaguar, the creation of the late Professor Goro Ibuki.” Hearing that from his counterpart brought a heaviness to his artificial heart. But the circumstances made sense given the conditions. How Goro would last this long in a world devoid of humanity would be worse than dying…

“Okay, wait,” Randy interjected, “If you’re Jet Jaguar, and he’s Jet Jaguar,” he enunciated his point by gesturing to the only other Jet Jaguar present, “Then I think a new name is in order!” The operating machine groaned, knowing full well what Randy was going to suggest.

“Since you know of the Titans, and both of you are Jet Jaguars… Pa-bam! Full Metal Titan! How does it sound?” Randy enthusiastically declared, his jovial mannerisms certain that he had this one hook, line, and sinker.

“In good faith, I cannot fully rebrand myself. I wish to carry the legacy of my late mentor by carrying the name of Jet Jaguar. As such, supplanting it with ‘Full Metal Titan’ is out of the question.” Hearing that, Randy groaned in dismay. “However, I do acknowledge my role in the development of the Titans, even if it was only adjacent. To better distinguish the two of us, allow me to humor you with ‘Jet Jaguar FMT.’” the robot responded dryly.

“Jet Jaguar FMT… JJ FMT… FMT…” Randy said aloud, reiterating and letting the name settle, “Y’know what, it has a nice ring. At this point, I can’t complain.” The tech whiz threw his hands up, admitting defeat. “In no universe can I change the name of the mighty ‘Jet Jaguar’ it seems,” the tech whiz replied sardonically.

Jet Jaguar’s sensors perked. Something was amiss. The tone of how FMT adopted the name didn’t ring with the humor he claimed. Perhaps because both were Jet Jaguars by heart that he could perceive the hidden resignation. A deep and lingering regret that boiled beneath the surface. But to call him out on it was not the best move, or maybe he was just imagining it. But to feel that grimness must have been the result of mistakes… And while aiding in the creation of the world-ending Wraith certainly was a part of it, Jet Jaguar had to ask himself:

Was Goro Ibuki murdered? He decided to keep that to himself. For now.

“Oh right, I guess there’s the other elephant in the room,” Randy said, gesturing to the massive gunship. “Wanna know, what is that thing?”

“That weapon was developed from the UX-01-92 blueprints left behind by its creator, Kazuma Aoki,” FMT replied, “I had since honed and developed it with the resources allocated from the lost Mechagodzilla project.”

“Hold up, Mechagodzilla??” Randy exclaimed. “We could have had a super badass killing machine… or a pew-pew gunship.”

“Considering my deteriorating condition,” FMT retorted, tapping onto his chest compartment, “the time required to complete the Mechagodzilla would have been astronomical. Instead, shifting gears to completing the UX-01-92 and recycling the various weapons that were meant for Mechagodzilla to use myself.”

“Then wait, lemme ask you this,” Randy inquired, “Why are you asking for wing attachments if you’re going to use the gunship?”

“Because I have a recommendation,” the automaton requested. “That Jet Jaguar be equipped with the armaments of both the UX-01-92 and the Plasma Beam Cannon arm attachments. The Mechagodzilla Hangar has more experimental weapons laying about, I will find something for myself. Besides, the more weapons we can scrounge up from here, the better our odds will be against Kubal. You will need all the help you can get.”

“Then… Can we have the liberty of naming the gunship then?” Randy asked, “We have a Garuda in our native universe, so maybe a name so as not to mix the two up?”

“You have a penchant for naming, don’t you Mr. Hernandez?” Jet Jaguar FMT responded. “I have no qualms. If Aoki’s dream has been fulfilled in another world, and since I myself will not be donning the weapon, it is yours to use as you please.”

Before Randy even had a chance to conjure something, it was Monique that contributed to the most straightforward answer she could give. “Toryu.”

“The Toryu gunship, hey hey, I like it!” Randy said, chipper and content. “But what does ‘Toryu’ mean, exactly?”

“She named it from the Japanese word for ‘Dragonslayer,’” FMT answered. Randy erupted in a giddy excitement.

“It’s going to be used to fight a monster like Kubal, am I correct?” Monique interjected. “We also don’t have time for 20 questions. The sooner, the better.”

“Understood,” replied the rotund machine, Once again as if in sync, the wing attachments were ready. Experimenting, the rotors whirled if ever so briefly, simply to show they could be powered when ready. “For the final touches will require me to execute the size-changing parameter. Your help will no longer be required. Please, begin your retreat to your home dimension as soon as humanely possible. I wish you both the best of luck.”

Nodding compliantly, Monique gestured to Sasha to order the Scouts to return to the Bell. But before they could leave, Jet Jaguar FMT had one more thing to say.

“One more question. The evacuees… Where are they going?” he asked.

“New Zealand.” Monique stated, “There’s a show of activity there. Whether or not it’s another Walled outpost like this one here is beyond us. But if it’s the best chance these people have, it’s a risk that has to be taken.”

Jet Jaguar FMT nodded in understanding, allowing them to leave. The whirling of the helicopter sprung to life as its cab filled with the pilot and its passengers, making its ascent above the newly christened Toryu, the sliding doors parting ways no doubt thanks to Randy’s hacking. The gleaming light from above shined upon the gunship.

It was then FMT responded in the screeches native to a Jet Jaguar. Come on, let’s prepare. In an instant, both metal beings grew to monstrous sizes. The cavernous space had allowed them to operate freely in their giant states as FMT instructed him to recover the Plasma Beam Cannons, Railguns, and the Maser Blades stashed away in one of the hidden compartments. Finding the Maser Blades, Jet Jaguar helped attach them to the bulky, three-pronged hands of FMT’s new body. To ensure maximum weapons capacity, he lent the Railguns to his counterpart, holding them in his three-pronged fingers.

What happened to your Goro? Jet Jaguar asked with his metallic screech. He scrounged around and saw two sets of shoulder mounts, each possessing missiles in them. It took him a bit, but he managed to clamp and wire the circuits into FMT.

Kubal nearly killed him. But even so, an accident with the Titans allowed the Wraith strain to turn him into a Titan… I had done everything to try and cure him, and learned a lot from studying him… But when I discovered how the Titans operated, I put him out of his misery…

Jet Jaguar placed his hand on FMT’s shoulder. Not one that condoned him for his actions, but one of a sympathetic heart. There was no easy answer to that dilemma.

Jet Jaguar, do you think once this fight is over… That I can join you into your dimension?

He was taken aback by that request. But the motivation was easy to understand why.

Goro.

You miss him dearly. But allow me to ask; is it more important for you to be united with another version of Goro, or to provide information to the people of your world when all is said and done?

Jet Jaguar FMT contemplated the matter as Jet Jaguar began strapping the Toryu gunship to his back and attaching the extended control wires into his back, ensuring a quasi-remote operation.

I don’t know.

Jet Jaguar slipped the two arm-mounted Plasma Beam Cannons over his hands, hefting the bulky arm attachments. He looked up to the opening above.

Make the choice you won’t regret.

Taking flight, Jet Jaguar flew off with the Toryu and weapons in tow. He heard the bustling and whirling of FMT’s wing engines sputtering to life. It wasn’t long at all before FMT followed his flight path, exiting the Mechagodzilla Hanger and breaching into the warm glow of the ever-rising sun. Without question, the helicopter his compatriots left on got a good headstart, but with their enlarged sizes and output, they’d be able to catch up in record time.

What choice FMT made was going to be his to make. But for Jet Jaguar himself, there was no burden he held onto. He could only keep pushing forward.

 

Chapter 13: To Smile in the Dark of Night

The surroundings were not ideal, but they could work around them. Several tall structures allowed their ODM gear to cling to even elevation with the Armored Titan–but once they were gone, the target was their only reliable point. Either that, or try from the ground… An angle of attack few Scouts, even among the best, could manage.

But Mikasa was in a league of her own.

“Shizumu, lead an attack on the Armored,” Mikasa ordered, “I’ll keep low and see for any weak points.”

With a grin, Shizumu relayed the orders. “Look up, fellas! Time to press the assault!” Flying high, she saw as Shizumu and those following his trail pressed their attack against the enemy. Massive swings distorted the air for every movement the Armored Titan enacted. From what she could tell, there wasn’t an easy exploit like the last encounter. The Armored Titan’s fatal weakness had always been the gaps in the very armored plates that protected it. But now, having the steam emission power at the beckon, those gaps had now been closed.

She had to find another opening.

Her sharp eyes noticed a sizable gap in the Achilles heel, burning red hot. But another peek above showed trouble. Wires that tried to cling to the red muscle were dispersed by bursting steam, leaving the Scout either to bid a desperate retreat to the structures or continue swinging using the white plates to cling to. Either that, or splatter against the ground, an unfortunate feat she saw for herself as a Scout-mate plummeted to their death. She heard their cries for their fallen ally, too late to do anything to save them.

With a burst of gas, she kept low, aiming squarely for the open heel. With a fierce slash, Mikasa carved the thick muscles open, but the lack of reaction showed it wasn’t enough. She had to try again. Spooling her wires, she clung to the armor for a roundabout, circling around for another hack and slash. Yet what she feared came to pass, as the bleeding wound and the muscle fibers erupted to life with steam, pushing her away with immense force. Her wires clung with all their grip in the Titan’s armor, but she had to relent. It was getting too hot to hold, she had to retreat.

Letting the superheated gust blow her away, Mikasa secured herself onto one of the nearby remains. Her eyes were kept sharp and observant, looking for anything to combat their tremendous enemy. Or even issue a full-scale retreat if need be… As the Scouts buzzed around the Armored Titan, she tracked the smallest of discrepancies in the Titan’s movements. She could only passively watch as the humongoid giant flailed in her super-sized state, swatting another Scout with her gigantic palm. The blank eyes of the Titan began shifting focus, turning her head in the direction where the Attack Titan had been… Before veering to the general direction of the dock.

Then it clicked. The Armored Titan hadn’t moved since they began the attack. But she knew the Armored Titan, at least under Shikishima’s helm, was not an immobile entity. Even if her armor was reinforced, that shouldn’t by any right keep the Armored Titan from simply charging forward…

The steam. The pressurized steam consumed muscle, that had to be the contributing factor. And so long as they kept up the assault, there was a chance they could keep the Armored Titan pinned. But how long they could hold out was another matter; it certainly wasn’t going to be enough time for another haul of people to fill the second ship. Especially as she knew for sure that her tank would run out much sooner than later…

Even then, all they needed to do was burn her out. And maybe then an opportunity would present itself.

Slinging high above to relay this realization, Mikasa shouted, “Keep up, and don’t stop! Focus on evasion and maneuverability!” If she specified more, there’d be no doubt the host of the Armored would pick up on her plan. They had to goad her into using as much of her steam as possible. But her keen vision noticed a peculiarity. A magenta glow circulating throughout the Titan’s body, a similar light during the battle between Eren and Shikishima. An active state of intense heat, no doubt.

But a call from Shizumu brought even more concern. “Mikasa! The mouth! It’s glowing!”

Her sight aligned to the gnashed teeth, a distinct orange glow accumulating behind closed gates. From the shifting plates, it became clear whatever was gestating consumed an exorbitant amount of muscle mass. And in doing so, the differences between Shikishima’s Titan and the woman’s was all the more evident–as the face plates closed together, sealing all exits and exposed muscle. Bar the blank eyes, silver hair, and the rigid teeth, it no longer looked like an imitation of Shikishima’s Titan. The face resembled that of the host, more than ready to unleash burning fury.

“Move! MOVE!” Mikasa’s desperate plea couldn’t have been uttered faster. But even then, she only had time to save herself. The gates of hell parted, with a lethal combination of bright luminance and burning steam soared out of the Titan’s maw. The rest were caught up in the initial discharge. If the intense heat didn’t melt their wires, forcing them to fall to their deaths, then they were incinerated on the spot. Mikasa felt the sweltering heat catch up with her. Had she been any closer, there was no doubt she would’ve met her end right then and there…

And even worse, the trajectory of the blast was aimed squarely at the docked vessels.

Upon impact, the gust of flames crashed against the steel hull, burning through it with little resistance. There was no doubt the skeleton crew sent aboard died from the blast. It punched straight through and found itself breaching the third ship, likewise tearing it asunder with raw power. Both cruisers exploded in a horrific display. Mikasa felt a pit drop in her stomach.

Out of the nearly 48,000 that were planning to find a new home, only 16,000 of them were going to make that venture… And that was only if the Armored Titan was going to give them the right of day.

As she landed near another Scout unit, they all could only watch with drained, pale faces the unfolding nightmare before them. Their hopes and dreams stolen from them once more… Only reinforced more when the half-burnt body of Shizumu crashed near them.

The Armored Titan didn’t stand as magnificent as it once did; without the muscle mass, the alabaster plates made the humanoid look thin and frail. It could have been mistaken for a Wraith had it not been for the closed creases in the armor. With its mighty flames extinguished, the Titan huffed in exhaustion. She knelt down, propping up with its hands and knees. Whatever trick the host pulled expended it greatly. Be it from the vicious projectile or even not having the chance to rest after the reports of its nonstop run, maybe it’d collapse and die.

How she wished that to be true.

Residual steam poured from the Titan’s open maw, almost lifeless as it rested in place. But it wasn’t long until its head shifted, peering in the direction of the last boat, which had not fully escaped out of the Bay area. To her horror, the Armored Titan began to move, regaining its footing and stamping towards the open waters. With a colossal splash, steam began to sizzle all around the superheated Titan as it began its trek to their last bastion…

Mikasa slumped over. Her heart rattled and her cold disposition broken. Tears welled up in her eyes knowing the truth. They failed. The others called to her, but their voices didn’t register. She cut herself off from the outside world, ruminating on the pointlessness of it all. But Eren flashed in her mind. She clenched the dusty scarf she held so near and dear to her. She was alone with him, even if he stood there, so close, yet so distant.

‘Eren. Please…’

*****

Every loss in this battle tore a bleeding chunk from the hearts of all who partook, no matter how hardened or combat-crazed. Not one was more important or agonizing than the other; they were all exactly the same. Each death turned the world itself gray, lanced into their souls like blades of rancid venom.

The images of Baragon, of Kong, of Peguila, of Gorosaurus, of Black Moth’s brutal demise stilled through Gudon’s primeval mind like picture reels; fresh reminders of what had once been a part of his life for so long, that had now been taken away for eternity. And with each one, a wave of boiling-hot rage slammed into him, fueling his unchangeable resolve.

Itching for a fight as he may have always been, that didn’t change that Skull Island had become his home—and with it, its inhabitants his friends.

His family.

Even Gudon’s rather brutish mind couldn’t help but wonder who the murderer before them truly was… and why he would commit the atrocities he had. What had driven this human mutant to such mad bloodthirst? So sweltering, so as to kill and mutilate so viscerally and sleep at night?

What had turned him into such a monster, so as to make even Gudon’s usually simple train of thought ponder something this complex…?

Next to the horned behemoth, Varan didn’t seem bent on pondering such things. Spreading the flaps of skin his arms had left, the Varadaki bounded towards the dictator in a series of great frog-like leaps. The Colossal Titan swung a fist, one that the reptile just narrowly avoided before circling in around his enemy’s side. A sonic beam speared forth from Varan’s jaws and into the Titan’s side, earning a grunt of rageful pain, for the brute’s armor was still in the process of regenerating.

The muscular humanoid whirled on the surprised triphibian, ready to throw a bone-shattering punch—and was tackled off his feet by an intervening third party. A roar much like that of Godzilla himself rang into the air as a crescendo of defiance, announcing the third party’s identity as Zilla.

Hardly a second upon hitting the ground, Kubal wrung his arm around the iguana’s neck with a loud slam, before lunging down and biting into his neck like a feral ape. Screeching in pain, Zilla twisted his body to aim his feet at the bloodthirsty nephilim; then with all his might, he lashed out with a tri-clawed foot and kicked him right in the face, sending him off.

Knocked away, the Colossal Titan recovered far too quickly and prepared to lunge at the lizard again, but was stopped when a pair of velvet beams detonated off his face, bringing forth an anguished howl and shrouding his vision. Gudon’s furious cry mocked the dictator—which was soon joined by another when a blubbery body slammed into him and began to stab at his face with a pair of ivory icepicks.

Even hideously maimed by the infernal rupture of Kubal’s second transformation, Maguma still tried his damndest to avenge the deaths of those he held so dear. His first two attacks were rewarded with spurts of blood and flecks of muscle…

…but it was his third that scored a one-and-a-million hit.

Rage gleaming in his cyan orbs, the walrus-like reptile thrusted forth and impaled his tusks straight into Kubal’s face, rendering him blind.

The earth and air alike quivered in terror from the humanoid’s howl of agony, and for a second the monsters began to wonder if unwanted attention might have heard such a bewail from a distance. But that second passed, and they all snapped themselves back to the important thing: the murderer was blind. He was entirely without sight.

If there was any time to attack the giant and tear him asunder while he was vulnerable, it was now.

Conical teeth crunched into hot muscle as Zilla joined Maguma in the melee and went into a frenzy, biting and clawing at Kubal’s monstrous physique while his armor had yet to regenerate. Sure enough, blood spurted and muscle ripped like the meat it was, and the Lizard King got all the information he needed.

The devil was not invulnerable.

Wanting nothing more than to assist their comrades in making the dictator suffer, Varan and Gudon threw their weight into the melee. Mauling and beating the humanoid with a berserk fury, ripping muscle and sinew like frenzied dogs into a steak—and they weren’t alone.

A metallic screech echoed from above before something massive slammed into Kubal’s chest, cracking bone and cartilage alike, and even blind the dictator was able to decipher the identity of his attacker just by sound. King Ghidorah cackled for vengeance as he leaped up and down, over and over; using Kubal as a living trampoline to keep him entirely grounded.

A familiar feeling of a slimy body slammed into his face, informing him of another kaiju’s return to the fray. Air suctioning into his lungs, Oodako completely wrapped himself around Kubal’s regenerating face, biting violently into his face with his razor-sharp teeth. Lack of facial expressions concealed the volcanic rage that coursed through the octopus’ blue blood, hungering for the same satiation of vengeance as his peers as he furiously attempted to chew the nephilim’s face off.

It was then that the blind Titan felt something shift; sans the Giant Octopus, the monsters no longer tore into his mere body. As King Ghidorah continued to repeatedly crush his feet upon him and Oodako continued mauling his face, the other kaiju changed their assault to one part of his body specifically.

The neck.

A trumpeting roar from Zilla resounded a desperate order, one his companions were only too eager to follow up on: attack the devil where he was weak. Rip the nape asunder!

Teeth crunched. Claws ripped and savaged. Flesh and blood fountained into the air. Gravity beams detonated now and again as all six kaiju focused all they had into destroying the heart of the demon. The jaws of triumph mere seconds away…

…before a furious howl like a tornado siren erupted from Kubal’s jaws.

A burst of steam exploded from every inch of the Colossal Titan’s wounded frame, catching every single kaiju in its wrath without hope to evade. Scalded by the searing temperatures, the monsters roared in agony as they were all flung back from their enraged quarry… Freeing him of their assault.

It was a golden opportunity Kubal was rapid to seize. The very second his eyes healed, the dictator clambered to his feet with a thunderous growl and charged the closest kaiju to his proximity: the horned monster, Gudon. The minotaur-like beast was too wounded and surprised to counter as Kubal seized him by the horns, then yanked him downward and slammed his knee into his throat with a loud CRACK. Stunned by the hideous blow, Gudon could only retch as the Perfect Darkness then slammed him face-first into the earth.

It was merely a predecessor for what was to come.

Planting his foot on the back of Gudon’s neck, Kubal grabbed both of his horns… and began to pull. Memories of times long past flooded his brain—and with them, he used the rage of every one to fuel his demonic strength…

The fist against his small face…

The boot against his gut…

The alcohol bottle against his head…

“And life isn’t going to hold back, Kubal…”

A horrible, organic, bile-attracting crack began to echo into the rainy air…

“SO NEVER GIVE IT THE COURTESY.”

The most disgusting pair of SNAPS imaginable sliced through the sound barrier for miles as Gudon’s neck dislocated—and Kubal ripped both of his horns free in sprays of bloody ivory.

Glowering down upon the crippled kaiju, Kubal reared one of the horns high—only to whirl about face and charge Varan, who was still recovering from his steam-induced wounds. Before the triphibian had a chance to react, the Colossal Titan stampeded right into him…

SHINK!

…and plunged the horn in his right hand straight through his chest.

Varan’s body suddenly shuddered, his eyes snapping wide and a gagged wheeze managing to escape his jaws—but the madman wouldn’t give him the luxury of dying slow. Grabbing the saurian by the neck, Kubal stomped back over to the crippled Gudon and, horn still in one hand, hoisted Varan high above his head as if he weighed no more than a child.

And thrusted him down onto Gudon, back first.

Fresh blood squelched into the air when Varan’s dorsal spines pierced all the way into Gudon’s back. A new wave of pain shooting through him like a hundred molten knives, the now-hornless kaiju managed to echo out one last bellow…

…before the Colossal Titan aimed towards his head, and brought down the other horn with such force, it buried almost completely into the ground.

Gudon’s skull was split in half like an elderly honey melon; literal metric tons of gore, bone, and brain matter puddling around where a mighty head once resided. Two once ferocious and terrifying behemoths, ancient relics of a long lost age, were now just two lifeless, desecrated corpses piled onto one another like afternoon trash. Left to rot upon the earth, to feed the crows until there was nothing left but bones.

…was defeat inevitable?

It was a bone-chilling prospect. To have spent so much effort, overcoming trial after trial, one obstacle after the other; coming so far… all just to end up with this. Only four of them left, all in terrible—and ever worsening—condition, while no matter what plan they enacted their foe always seemed to be one step ahead.

So much hope…just to then suffer so much loss.

Baragon, Peguila, Kong, Gorosaurus, Black Moth…now Varan and Gudon…

Already, portions of Kubal’s armor were beginning to regenerate. Ivory plating started to crystallize and harden around the madman’s terrible frame, beginning the process of shielding him from any and all damage once more.

Zilla’s own natural healing factor could only do so much, before so much became too much. He could only fight for so long… and his allies had no such healing capabilities at all. Unless by some miracle they managed to take their relentless foe down, he would wear them out and systematically end their lives.

Staggering back to his feet, even King Ghidorah began to ponder an old strategy, one he dreaded more than any other. One he hoped he would never have to contemplate against this vile adversary ever again.

Was fleeing truly the only option?

The portal to another universe was not very far away. It would not require much effort to close the distance and finally enter a brave new world, one where a fresh start awaited those who had lost so much in this one.

…but that was no guarantee that their enemy wouldn’t follow them.

More of the Colossal Titan’s armor regenerated, starting to prominently re-enter his physique…

The four kaiju, the last of the Skull Island resistance, were at a crossroads. A choice lay before them—and they would have to make it quickly. For the window of opportunity to do so was closing faster than even the smartest of them realized…

His armor already halfway recovered, the Colossal Titan broke into a heavy sprint, picking up speed. Twin jaws snapping open, King Ghidorah opened fire on the murderer with his gravity beams. Chunks of cooked flesh detonated in blooms of fire and smoke, yet the pain seemed all but inconsequential to the nephilim.

Mid-stride, the dictator contracted his leg muscles and leaped…

Unwilling to relent, Ghidorah continued to blast him…

Still, Kubal landed right on top of the two-headed dragon, knocking him to the ground…

BOOM!

With a furious cry, the Colossal Titan threw back his head as another infernal burst of steam erupted from his body, more sweltering than any that preceded it. Glowing embers blew amidst the makeshift storm, such were the incredible temperatures. Zilla, Maguma and Oodako were blown back by the sudden inferno—but King Ghidorah, trapped under the feet of his enemy, could only wail in torture as the unexpected firestorm scorched him alive on the spot. Even his thick golden scales had limits to how much they could take, and now they were being pushed considerably past their limits…

Amidst the aggressively strengthening haze of agony, the hydra mustered the strength to rear his necks and let loose his gravity beams… only to be shocked when the beams dissipated before they could form in the first place. The nuke-like temperatures had wiped them out on the spot, too much for their properties to handle.

Pinned, charring on the spot and nowhere to go, the dragon screeched in a blend of agony, and a rage every bit as atomic as the makeshift firestorm that currently burned him alive.

The sound of the wyrm’s tortured wails was music to Kubal’s ears. Many a western tale told of terrifying and almighty dragons, beasts of fire or lightning that were amongst the most frightening and powerful foes a mortal man could possibly face in combat. Monsters of such vigor and ferocity that any man who dared to face them was gambling his life against all but insurmountable odds.

Except in the end, every single such tale ended in exactly the same way. Something the dual-headed drake cooking under his foot failed to know: no matter how huge, how fierce, how supposedly powerful the serpent in question was…

The dragons always lost.

The Futurian Superweapon continued to writhe and howl under the horrific temperatures, all while his slayer-to-be continued to stare down upon him; continuously emitting more boiling steam, a hint of a smirk starting to tug at his mouth. Even as his body began to show signs of visible thinning, such as the energy and muscle mass spent to emit such steam, Kubal kept up his horrific attack.

The desire to see the hydra die was even more superheated than the temperatures themselves.

So focused the dictator was in listening to the dying roars of the dragon… that he failed to notice another huge shape, moving through the ember storm at speeds to shame a cheetah.

WHAM!

35,000 metric tons of reptilian muscle slammed into Kubal, knocking him off the maimed hydra and bringing his steam eruption to a relieving end. Ghidorah all but gasped for air as the conflagration died off, doing his best to stay conscious despite the excruciating pain that now consumed his senses. But when clarity returned to his eyes and allowed him to look upon his savior, he realized that said savior wasn’t doing much better than him.

His scaly skin barbecued to a nigh-unrecognizable husk, Zilla hissed and panted as he fixed his fiery gaze on the already recovering Kubal. Smoke that reeked like death itself curled off his charred form, a scent so putrid it would make even the most hardened humans empty their stomachs. He had braved temperatures that had all but roasted him into an iguana delicacy, just to merely knock the murderous madman away from the ailing dragon—and had paid a hideous price in return.

Just looking at the state he was in sent an arctic chill through Ghidorah’s burnt body, informing him of everything he needed to know. A confirmation of his worst fear.

This wasn’t going to last.

They weren’t going to win this conflict.

…leaving really was the last hope of survival they had left.

Hoisting the burned hydra to his feet, Zilla hissed to Ghidorah—and the dragon’s two heads snapped right to him, eyes broadened in shock at the lizard’s order.

Take the other two and go.

But he was staying behind, to bide them time… and keep this devil from following them through.

The golden king of Skull Island screeched in objection—but a particularly loud and desperate bellow from Zilla interrupted him on the spot. It was not a request, it was a firm and direct order. This had to happen.

And it needed to happen now—for the Colossal Titan, his spent muscle mass beginning to regenerate, was already stomping towards them, murder glowing in his devilish eyes.

A roar ordering his fellow kaiju to go echoed from Zilla’s jaws before he charged the Titan Shifter, trying his best to ignore the agony that chewed at his body. His heart-poisoning sorrow clambering to new heights, in the heat of the moment King Ghidorah reached a decision: he would obey the iguana’s command. Turning about face, the maimed serpent began to trudge towards the anomaly as fast as his injured legs could carry him; an action Maguma and Oodako were all too reluctant to follow.

Zilla ducked low, snapping around for a tail whip to Kubal’s legs—only for the nephilim to think faster and catch his tail with both hands. Yanking up with a terrible roar, the Colossal Titan lifted the bellowing reptile over his head and slammed him down upon the earth behind him.

But rather than continue his attack, he turned his attention to the fleeing giants.

A cowardly sight to behold. Only so strong until their numbers dwindled and the futility of their strength became obvious, and then they tucked their tails between their legs and fled.

They would rather hold back and flee like the animals they were, than stand and face their doom like the symbols of power humanity believed them to be.

Too bad.

Fists curled hard enough to hurt, Kubal charged after the fearful behemoths. The kaiju moved with all the strength they had left, but none of them were amongst the fastest of their like.

And worst of all, one in particular lagged behind, for he was slower than his peers…

—

Try as he might, Oodako could hardly keep up even with his wounded companions. In the water, he was a speed demon; a swift and agile predator, worthy to be a symbol of prowess for hunters to look up to. Fast enough that there was hardly a creature in the sea that could outswim him. But on land, the giant octopus was no such entity. Slow and heavy, pulled by the weight of gravity into a stalking behemoth, his only hope for any true speed was propelling himself forward in great leaps.

And still, even that wasn’t enough.

Teeth gritting hard enough to crack, the Colossal Titan was rapidly closing in on his position; his feet leaving massive craters in the earth. Even with the anomaly just a few hundred meters away, there was not enough time; Kubal was much closer, and getting ever so much closer still. By the time the octopus turned around to prepare an ink squirt, a counterattack he knew had far too little a chance of working, the bloodthirsty dictator was already almost on top of him…

A tusked maw grabbed the cephalopod and yanked him out of the way, surprisingly careful not to harm him.

Maguma growled a genuine apology to the giant octopus—the reason for which Oodako would learn far too late. Leaning his head back and putting all his might into his neck muscles, the walrus-like reptile thrust forward and SMACKED Kubal’s Colossal body with Oodako himself…

…and then, as hard as he possibly could, turned and threw the mollusk like a softball, in the direction of the portal.

A loud gasp of air compensated for a cry of grief before Oodako vanished into the anomaly… And splashed down, alone, into the waters of an unfamiliar world.

*****

He had landed with a bone-shattering thud. Everything was a blur, his head pounding from the concussion. A cognitive fog draped over the entirety of his mind, unable to discern memory from reality. Or even his sense of time. How long had it been? He struggled to recall what had just transpired. But only a gut feeling remained.

He screwed up.

But why did he screw up? His memory failed him. Left prone and helpless, he could only bleed out in this blurry state between the conscious and the void. Eren felt the heat releasing, the steam closing his wounds from the landing. But how on earth did he wind up here to begin with…?

Slumping with all the strength he could, he turned to his side. Focusing with everything his foggy mind could muster, he saw his Attack Titan, bloodied and ruptured against the wall. Its exposed neck had a popped blister where the nape resided. Had the impact been so violent, he was forcefully ejected from the Attack Titan? It was his only assumption. To have even landed on the Wall by all rights should’ve been an impossibility.

He should be dead. Why then was he still alive in this cruel world?

The more his body healed, the more he could move around and focus. Propping himself upright, Eren surveyed the situation. Titans clawed at the wall, desperately trying to seek and devour the humans beneath their feet. Even some of the smaller ones had noticed him, but could do nothing to breach the gap. Of all coincidences, or fate, or whatever happened, Eren was grateful to have landed atop Wall Sotono.

Off in the distance, a worst-case scenario. The two shipping vessels they had procured from that fateful day had been destroyed. The Armored Titan, having lost a lot of mass, had made a mad dash to the water… He forced himself up, gnashing his teeth into his skin to reignite Titanization. Nothing happened, only the sputtering of blood from a freshly opened wound. He swore to himself, unable to transform into the Attack Titan when he needed it most. With his body still healing, there was nothing he could do but wait…

His heart sank. He screwed up so badly. A slip up in his movement that allowed the Armored to get that punch in. How he broke the trust of Hange and Sasha. His dismissal of Mikasa’s concerns. What the hell would Armin think? It all came crashing into him, shame welling up in his soul. His blind hatred for Kubal had burned bridges that he took for granted. And at what cost? Would it truly be worth saving humanity at the cost of those he loved?

Would he be able to confront his own mistakes?

Mustering his strength, he stood up, only able to watch from the sidelines as the situation unraveled. There was no clean direction, the Titans would swarm him in no time. Even if he managed to push through, it’d be too much of a giveaway for the Armored Titan… Or he’d be overwhelmed without the protection needed against their gnashing teeth. But when his ears popped, returning his hearing, the whirls of helicopter blades echoed through his eardrums.

At first, he saw gleaming objects off in the distance. “Is that Jet Jaguar…?” Eren mumbled to himself. It was either the robot man, or two airborne vehicles heading in Kubal’s direction. Perhaps it was his woozy state, but he couldn’t tell clearly… But what did come in crystal clear was the rotary beats of the chopper nearby. It was the vehicle the Scouts repaired for the interdimensional people. Fumbling through his equipment, he pulled out the signal flare from its holster and fired. Green smoke rose high above the wall, hoping it’d mark his location to them. Fortunately, it proved fruitful as the air-cab shifted gears, heading for his general direction.

As the helicopter hovered over the wall-tops, its door flung open. In it, he saw the two strangers–detesting Randy’s presence in particular–and three Scouts, including Sasha among them. His chest tightened seeing her on board, but knew there weren’t going to be any other vehicles to get him out of this situation. He clung onto the railings, propelling himself through the door and taking the last available seat in the rear end of the cabin. The door handler shut it tight, allowing the chopper to move out of harm’s way.

A permeating silence hung in the air. Words were stuck in his throat. He wasn’t sure if she had forgiven him–or if he had even forgiven himself for his selfishness.

He saw the tech whiz meddling with the frequency knobs, presumably trying to make contact with the Scout’s radio transceiver down below. “Hello, Commander Zoe?” Randy spoke into the hand microphone, “Hello?”

“Hello?” Crackled the voice of Hange from the other side. “What do you got?”

“We got your Titan Guy here.” The sun-kissed man gestured the transceiver to him. Eren maintained silence, refusing to partake in this man’s witty annoyance. It was also better than an outburst, but every word uttered only got under his skin. “Hmm, doesn’t really want to speak right now.”

“Ugh, it’s fine,” Hange sighed, “Things are looking terrible over here. We got one of the ships out, but the Armored Titan pulled a new stunt out of its ass and destroyed the other two. So your little side trip better be worth the time, Randy.”

“I think you’ll like to know that we got reinforcements!” Randy exclaimed, “The Big J got some nice fancy tech from an abandoned weapons facility, and we even found a second Jet Jaguar that has some serious beef with Kubal. Gave us the low-down on everything he knew about Kubal and the origins of the Titans!”

“That’s great!” Hange sarcastically cheered, “Now how is that going to help us with our current predicament?”

“I, uh,” the dreadlock haired man stammered, “I could try rerouting one of the JJs over to deal with the Armored Titan if you–”

“No.” It was the first words Eren spoke of his own volition, cutting Randy off. “Let me take care of the Armored.” He felt the steam around him lighten and his strength returning. It’d only be a matter of time before he could transform again.

“Eren,” Hange’s voice crackled through the radio, “Is that what you really want?”

“It’s only a matter of the practical choice,” Eren rebuked, “The Jaguars are better equipped for fighting Kubal right now. The Attack Titan doesn’t have the raw power to break through the hardening, but the Armored is showing signs of fatigue. If they fly me over, I can take them from above.” Even as he explained himself, he felt an inkling of guilt in his stomach. He admitted to his mistakes to himself, but why then could he not speak up to those he held closest?

Because, he realized, maybe in his heart of hearts his actions were still dictated in defeating Kubal.

“I see. Do as you must, then.” It was his Commander’s only response to him, sounding defeated. He felt the sting of guilt in his heart. Though seemingly complying with his plan, the helicopter began to shift, courtesy of its pilot, Monique. Flying over the hordes of Titans and the land, they found themselves over the waters of the old bay. They’d be on top of the Armored Titan in any given moment.

“Eren, I think there is something you should know,” Monique spoke up. “According to the other Jet Jaguar, it’s surmised Titans are able to transfer their powers through consumption.”

He gleamed at her, confused. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Utilitarian by trade,” she responded, “if it helps to be able to use your Titan to its fullest, then you have the right to know.”

“Why do you put so much trust in me?” he demanded. ‘Despite the fact I’ve screwed up so much…’

“It’s not a matter of what you did was the right choice or not. Everything comes with a cost, sooner or later. But if you can live with that decision without regret, then all you can do is push forward to uncharted territory,” Monique firmly concluded. “In the end, I trust you will do the right thing, no matter what it takes.”

What the hell was the right thing? The more he thought about it, the less sure he was.

“Besides,” Randy proclaimed, “screwing up bad can be like flunking a college test. It hurts for a while, but then it becomes one heckuva motivator!”

Eren seethed. “Why do you always joke? Why are you always like this??” Maybe another punch would shut him up.

Even if the stranger from another land jolted back from his directed anger, the sun-kissed man kept up the perky attitude. “Because when you’re in Hell with your friends, you need someone that’ll always smile. A positive force goes a long way in keeping spirits up.”

That bombshell disarmed him like no other. In his voyage to take down Kubal, the smiles that had once permeated his closest comrades had eroded away. He always assumed the loss of Armin had taken its toll, but was it really his actions that took away those smiles? But when this ‘comedian’ was around, it seemed like there was a pervading light in the cruel darkness. A quick glance at Sasha all but confirmed it for him. Something different sparked in her; her frown had upturned into a small smile hearing his words.

A sight he didn’t realize how much he had missed until now. Shame welled even more, that this clown could bring something he had failed to provide.

Hope.

“We’re here,” Monique stated, the helicopter orbiting the steam cloud rising from the bay. No doubt, the Armored Titan lurked just beneath them. And the other cruiserliner, their last sign of hope for a better future, was just in range. Eren stood up and opened the door, prepared to make the jump. But before he could…

“Eren,” Sasha meekly spoke up, her eyes becoming firm with confidence, “Do you… Intend to still go after Kubal?”

He stared at her, lingering regret in his eyes. ‘I don’t know.’

“I’m sorry. For everything.” He couldn’t afford to waste anymore time, taking the risky plunge to the waters below. Once again, running away when conflict came his way. A coward, through and through. As he made his descent, he chomped down on his fully rejuvenated hand, the sparking light surrounding his body. The protrusions sprouted from his back, encasing him as it formed the nape of the Attack Titan. In rapid succession, the full body of the Attack Titan materialized into its complete form, falling rapidly towards the source of the steam trail.

With a booming roar and a colliding splash, a pillar of water and steam shot high into the air, nearly reaching the helicopter he departed from. Eren had successfully intercepted the target.

Now, he had to put a stop to them. No matter what.

 

Chapter 14: The Final Countdown

A trumpeting roar howled from the tusked reptile known as Maguma, as he turned to face what he knew was his doom. A roar informing his remaining comrades that it had been nothing short of an honor to fight alongside them.

It was the last noise he would ever make.

Cruel hands seized him by both tusks, applying every ounce of terrible strength to spare before yanking to both sides. The air was violated by the echo of sickening SNAPS as both of Maguma’s tusks were ripped right out of their perches.

Only to find themselves back inside their owner, when Kubal thrusted them both inwards like a pair of daggers, and impaled the reptile’s head with his own tusks.

From just in front of the anomaly, King Ghidorah watched as Maguma’s lifeless corpse plummeted at the dictator’s feet, limp as a boned fish. Twin shrieks of rage and grief tore free from the dragon’s heads, his body now feeling all but ready to collapse in on itself. All of this death, this loss… it was becoming too much to bear any longer.

Nearly all his beloved comrades were forever departed; the void they left behind eating away at his heart like ravenous, starving beasts.

And already, the murderous madman was looking to add him to his list of victims…

In an eruption of dirt and earth, Zilla exploded out of the earth and tackled the nephilim; screaming forth a loud roar telling Ghidorah to run for it.

It was now or never.

In a minute effort to give Zilla one last little advantage, the draconic king fired two last gravity beams at the Titan Shifter’s head. His final attack over with, he at last turned away and charged at the portal, doing his best to shrug off his agony and exhaustion just one more time.

Hoping that some way the iguana would avoid his companions’ fate, Ghidorah passed through the anomaly, vanishing into the new world…

A distance away, the Lizard King’s odds were hardly looking as good as the departed drake had wished. Like a professional Judo fighter, the Colossal Titan grabbed the frenzied iguana by the neck and threw him over his shoulder, slamming him hard onto his back. The impact shot a vicious bolt of pain through the reptile’s burned body, but still he muscled through it and twisted onto his stomach like a cat.

He had to keep this vile killer from entering his world.

No matter the cost.

Spines flashing, Zilla loosed an atomic ray into Kubal’s face as he stood to his feet—but it was not to harm, for the squamate knew his opponent’s armor was too strong. Rather, it was to distract; to faze him, so that he wouldn’t see his next attack coming.

Taking inspiration from a departed friend, the Champion of New York snapped back and leaned on his tail, lashing out with both feet. If there was an afterlife somewhere beyond the mortal veil, hopefully Gorosaurus was watching with pride as Zilla lashed out with a kangaroo kick, one that connected straight to Kubal’s ugly mug with a crack that echoed even through the depths of the earth.

A bellow of wrathful shock echoed from the Colossal Titan as he staggered from the hit, which Zilla responded to with an elephantine trumpet.

That was for Gorosaurus.

The lizard ran straight towards his quarry, then edged sideways to pass by him—while simultaneously slamming his tail into Kubal’s jaw, nearly knocking him off his feet. Another vengeful roar.

That was for all the other lives the dictator had taken.

Not bothering to wait, the mutated reptile charged back at the madman, spines flashing in preparation for a point-blank atomic ray—and horribly underestimated his reaction timing when Kubal whirled around and seized him by the jaws, stopping him flat in his tracks.

And hardly a second later, the humanoid slammed him upside the jaw with a full-force uppercut that knocked him silly.

Furious hands grabbed the lizard by the head and neck, gripping with enough force to start cracking bone. With one hand he held the squamate fast to the spot, crushing any and all hope of running away. And with the other, he curled into a fist and began slamming it into Zilla’s skull with thunderous punch after punch. Teeth cracked and broke, skin rippled, bone started to rapidly toe the line of dislocation as Kubal vented his full and furious rage. Picturing a whole different face in place of Zilla’s, using that image to fuel his volcanic wrath…

He paid no mind to dual airborne shapes moving in his direction, gaining velocity by the second…

Another punch connected to Zilla’s jaw, causing blood to cough from his mouth.

The shapes grew nearer…

Kubal reared his fist all the way back, steam starting to radiate off his body as he prepared to throw the same punch that had taken Kong’s head off, and would certainly do the same to this troublesome reptile—

WHAM!

Two sets of feet donkey-kicked the nephilim off his feet, freeing the injured Zilla and sending him falling to the ground with a hiss. Feet that were not organic; but metallic, mechanical in nature…

Shaking his head, Kubal returned quickly to his feet—and his eyes were met with a sight that sent a genuine bolt of surprise through his nerves.

Not one, but two Jet Jaguars stood before him. One built particularly blockier than the other and driven by tripod wheels rather than feet, with both adorned in strange battle armor; different assortments of gear and weaponry that he was but a stranger to. One helping the wounded Zilla back to his feet, while the other, blockier one held its glowing blue gaze solely on him.

Two visages of the same old enemy come back to haunt him like pestering ghosts.

A thunderous growl rippled from the Colossal Titan as he assumed a combat stance, his narrowed eyes scouring across all three of his foes. He had put down an entire assortment of pests prior to this. He would have little problem with a few more. He would see to it that their resistance would mean nothing.

Their efforts would only delay the inevitable.

Thunder rumbled in the rain-infested sky above, as if Mother Earth herself was signaling that the final battle had begun…

*****

A mass retreat was in order. With nothing else they could do, there was no point in keeping put in this doomed location. But worse yet was the clamoring from the public that had migrated from their homes. If there were no Walls to protect them, where would they truly go? Would Wall Okuno be enough to sustain them all? Arguments and bickering broke out among the populace, filling the subterranean chamber with the hollowed cries of the angry and the weeping. Even with Scout interference, trying to quell the rising tension, fights erupted into a free-for-all that left many injured, even dead.

There was no hope for this place.

Mikasa remembered this hellish cacophony, similar to when Monzen had fallen all those years ago. When the Colossal Titan first appeared, when the Titans swarmed in… The mass panic that sprawled the streets of her hometown, people trampling over each other just to survive. Silenced screams as people were eaten alive. The horrors, the destruction, the terror of the Titans manifesting once more in the present. But it wasn’t just humans versus Titans. Humans had fought and killed for as long as humanity existed, now it was just those primal roots bubbling to the surface.

How the hell were they going to get out of this one? She could only wonder.

With pressure ever mounting from within, Mikasa hung around the Commander’s quarters. Shacked up with antennae to pick up any frequencies, the Commander adjusted the radio frequency in order to make contact with the helicopter crew. Mikasa used this chance to restock and refuel; fresh new blades, pristine and sharp yet ever so flexible for slicing, and canisters filled to the brim in preparations for mobilization. But from where they were stuck, there was no escape. When the Scouts had been recalled into the hidden bunker, the door closed behind them–ensuring no Titan could get in. But with the Titans pressing on their doors, it’d only be a matter of time before that portion of the wall collapsed–either bringing down the entire structure onto them, or simply allowing the smaller ones to run rampant among the population.

Eventually Hange made contact with the Bell, gaining information in regards to their side venture. Mikasa’s heart skipped when she heard Eren over the radio. He lived. A moment of reprieve for her worried mind. But even so, he sounded distant. For as much as she chased him, he always seemed to get farther and farther away from her… No matter how hard she pushed, he was just out of reach. But every time he stepped out of line, her and Armin would… bring him back.

She couldn’t let these feelings stew, not now at least. But it stung nonetheless.

“Has Eren departed?” Hange asked over the radio. They gave the confirmation. “Swing around to the inner Wall. The door to the outer portion is swarmed with Titans. Even if the inner Wall poses a risk, it’d be safer.” The moment comms cut off, Hange slammed her head against the desk. Her frustration groans made it clear the stress and unraveling scenario was getting to her.

“Come the hell on!” The Commander roared in vexing contempt, “We’re trapped in here, and now the last bastion of humans is left to that idiot!” Her groans trailed off after the initial outburst, a good scream needed to get it out of her system. She blew air, steadying her breathing to regain her composure. “Sorry about that.”

“No need to apologize, Commander,” Mikasa issued, “You have a burden to carry.”

“Sometimes it feels like I shouldn’t be the one in charge,” Hange stated. “It’s a miracle the Scouts have lasted as long as they have under me… But I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to hold.”

“You can hold out, Commander. Just until this nightmare is over.” Mikasa usually wasn’t the one to deliver words of encouragement. But perhaps even the slightest bit of encouragement would be enough to get by, even amidst the violence spreading among the people. “Just think of… P-pretty things,” Mikasa awkwardly stammered. Maybe being fully encouraging wasn’t her cup of tea.

“Thanks for that,” Hange chuckled. “It’s appreciated.”

Suddenly, the radio crackled to life.

“Hey, uh, this is Randy of the Helicopter Battalion,” he said, clearly with an etch of concern, “I’m seeing something weird right now.”

Hange sprung for the hand radio. “What is it?”

“I don’t know, it’s huge and it’s flying, but–” the sudden gasp of Randy could be heard as another set of hands swiped the microphone from his hands. Mikasa couldn’t help but lean in, eager to absorb every piece of information that they were about to relay. What entailed, she had no idea.

“Commander, this is Sasha, do you read me?”

“I do. Continue.”

“Randy’s not pulling your leg, there’s something high above!” Sasha desperately shouted. “But it’s hidden among the clouds. And there might be another unidentified object pulling into the bay!”

Mikasa felt her and the Commander pull in a cold sweat. Were they being ambushed by unknowns? Were the monsters slated to aid the foreigner’s ‘Zilla’ coming en route to their location? With the ruckus no doubt going on between the Attack and Armored Titans, anything was possible.

The buzz from the radio crackled intently, leaving them with white noise for a moment. “Hold on,” Randy said, pulling the mic back to him, “We’re getting some interference.”

Hange tweaked with the settings, trying to clear the signal from distortion. But the more she tried, the less it worked. But through it, indiscernible words echoed from the broken frequency. When she was able to hear Randy again, it became clear they were also being hijacked by a third party.

Then the voice came through.

“This is Captain Craig McKenzie of the S.S. Alpha, calling,” the stranger, that of an older man, issued, “We received a looping transmission l from this vicinity and haven’t been able to get through to you. What seems to be the situation?”

The Scout Chief stared with bated breath, almost shaking at what she was hearing. Commander Hange no doubt felt the same, almost speechless from what they had just heard.

“L-looping transmission, that’s me, uh, sir!” Randy blurted from the other line, “That had been left open for our Jet Jaguar to meet us as Mt. Fuji!”

“Are there any survivors at the Mt. Fuji area, son?” McKenzie inquired. Hearing this, the Commander butted in.

“N-no they aren’t, Captain McKenzie! This is Hange Zoe, Commander of the Survey Corps, sir. We are currently in an underground labyrinth beneath the outermost wall, surrounded by Titans. We had sent out a boat en route to a location in New Zealand, threatened to be compromised by the enemy faction.”

“Ooh, Commander, eh?” the old man pondered. “I suppose I am under your services. Allow me to contact my compatriots. They are skybound and routed to the Mt. Fuji area. This isn’t their first rodeo with this business.” And with a click, the static ceased and clarity returned.

“Randy! Monique!” Hange cried out, “Change of plans! Drop the Scouts off the top of Wall Sotono. Sasha! Do you read me?”

“Yes ma’am?” Sasha replied.

“Fire as many signal flares as possible. Whatever you have left, we need to make ourselves clear and visible, understood?”

“Understood, Commander!” The comms cut off once more, allowing a moment of silence. Mikasa heard a sniffle, unsure as to who. But the second made it clear it was from Hange. Contrasting to her anger, tears rolled down her face. In a moment, hopelessness turned on its head. She couldn’t hold back any longer; her dam burst wide open, sobbing against the desk. Mikasa rubbed her back, comforting her Commander. They were tears mixed with joy and anguish. Even Mikasa, for her cold demeanor, couldn’t help but be misty eyed.

The burden they had to carry was no longer just theirs to hold. And now there was a hope this nightmare would soon come to an end.

*****

“Got you!”

The moment the water erupted with both their Titan bodies colliding into each other, Eren ensured he’d keep her pinned to the seabed. With a column rising high above, he felt the water carve an open hole that led straight to the bottom–but before long, the vacuum was filled with rushing water, smothering the superheated monstrosities in the cold embrace of the bay. Its crushing force slammed into them, even bruising the tough skin of the Attack Titan. Even so, Eren refused to yield.

No matter what, he couldn’t afford to let her free.

He tried to keep her in a vicegrip, but the watery environment proved to be a detriment. The buoyancy made them float, allowing the Armored Titan the chance to gain control. She shifted around, twirling around and breaking free from the Attack Titan’s grip. Before he knew it, the plated warrior slipped from his grasp, rising to the surface amidst the shallow waters. Eren followed suit, bursting ahead in a thunderous roar, hurling himself towards the bleached paladin.

Waves sloshed and crumbled from their overwhelming size, churring the old bay with ripples that spread across the entire surface. Their powerful tussle displaced the evacuation vessel, but Eren knew it couldn’t be helped. Not when contending with the Armored. Colliding waves concave from their monstrous strikes, limbs thrashing like massive oars. She lunged back, her plated shoulder slamming into his ribs; even without the muscle that had, the thickness of the plates were more than enough to knock the wind out of his Titan.

The shock rattled through him, scattering his focus. But he couldn’t afford to slip up, not again. Eren snarled through his Titan’s clenched teeth, blood leaking from his mouth and dribbling into the brine. Focus. He lashed forward, catching her arm before she could recoil. She tried to wrench free, but Eren wrapped around her, dragging them both into a brutal tumble. The impact into the water slowed everything, but it couldn’t soften the intent.

Plunging into the seabed, sand and stone exploded from their harsh landing. The two Titans tussled and struggled to gain dominance, rolling around to deeper levels of the vacant bay. If the shallower waters reached their hips, then these depths would barely cover their heads in an upright posture. If it kept them away from the boat, then it was all Eren could ask for.

A veil of dust and sand littered the undersea battlefield. Even if he couldn’t see, he knew he had the Armored Titan well in his grasp. Holding down with double underhooks, Eren squeezed with all his strength. She thrashed wildly, clawing and flailing to pry him off of her. But the more she tried, the harder Eren pressed on. A loud snap resonated in the murky depths, bubbles roaring from the grind of her plates as she tried to twist away.

But her struggles proved fruitless, as this gave Eren the opening to coil his legs around her torso, hooked and steady. Adjusting his hold, he began to pull, attempting to yank the Armored Titan’s head clean off. Although the flailing enemy could manipulate her movement thanks to the undersea environment, it did little to deter Eren from his hold. The plating cracked in jagging seams. Had this been on land, he certainly would have had the effect he desired. But being underwater, those forces were against him, but all he had to do was wait it out…

And with another resounding snap, it yielded results.

The protective plating that held the nape splintered and shattered, scattering shrapnel and blood into the brine. Muffled roars frothed from the Armored Titan, a desperate plea as water no doubt filled its lungs and innards. The Attack Titan yanked back, ensuring a solid landing against the seabed, where he’d be able to maintain the stable ground needed to finish her off. With the seabed bracing them both, he torqued with every ounce of force. Another volley of blood and armor pieces flew across the seascape…

Before he knew it, the entire head came clean off.

Pulled back from the force, Eren quickly scavenged the head for the nape region, making sure his target hadn’t made the getaway. But to his disgusted surprise, when he did find her, she was a tangled mess of limbs, hair, and bones. Likely, when he had fractured the nape, the rushing water and sudden pressure change no doubt killed her instantaneously. He released her lifeless body from his hand, allowing it to drift with the current, rising at his eye level…

His eyes widened.

A spark of lightning danced around her mangled corpse.

‘Impossible!’

He only had a split second to react. Taking Monique’s disclosure into account, the Attack Titan stepped as fast as he could. His mouth agape, he saw a faint purple glow starting to accentuate the closer he got. If he didn’t do this quickly, then the rebirth of the Armored Titan was going to be nothing short of an inevitability… As his teeth clenched around her mutilated body, he felt the immense heat scorch as purple light and electric crackles radiated around her form.

It was time to see if this worked.

With a sickening crunch, he felt her blood and fluids rush to fill his water-filled mouth. And like a conductive spark between exposed wires, a sharp flicker signaled the end of the Armored Titan. The violet light faded as the bouncing lightning died down, quelling the anxiety that swelled in Eren. Springing his Titan’s legs abound, he made a leap to the surface in one fell swoop, breaking through the surface, his body steaming from the heat generated by his Titan. Water flung from his rising shape, swallowing the salt and blood down in one gulp. He waited for the big moment, the revelation of how this ‘Titan transfer’ worked…

There was nothing.

Maybe this whole thing was a farce. Eren wasn’t sure what to think, only that he reflected on Sasha’s words. He grimaced. His decision was final. Logging his Titan to the shore, step by step he approached the dock. He knew what he had to do, and no one was going to tell him otherwise–

His nerves struck. Eren’s eyes rolled back into his head, his Titan likewise stiffening. His enormous Attack Titan fell limp, falling frontward onto land with a waterlogged thud. He couldn’t move, stuck in a trance that held him in its allure. Unwillingly, he felt the safety net of his nape split open, guzzling with steam as he popped out. Sinew and flesh clung to his body, ensuring he didn’t fall out of the exposed nape. But he couldn’t wake up, unable to move his body per his will.

He was lost. Trapped in a long dream…

 

Chapter 15: Operation: Dragonslayer

The androids were as still as the very air itself.

Even with the diverse array of gear they were equipped with, the Jet Jaguars couldn’t help but feel a cold uneasiness crawl up their circuits like a million tiny ants. They had armed up, as the old saying went, ‘to the teeth’; made every use of any and all of the most formidable instruments available. Weaponry that was solely meant to dish out harm to the monstrous madman their eyes currently beheld… yet still, there was an unshakable discomfort that held them in a clawed, icy grasp.

No mistakes could be made in this battle. No miscalculations or misjudgments, nothing that in any way equated to getting cocky or sure of victory. The adversary before them was to be taken with the utmost amount of caution possible, and not given so much as a single inch. To say the Colossal Titan was to be taken as extraordinarily dangerous would be a terrifying understatement.

Something both Jet Jaguar FMT and Zilla knew to be true from grisly personal experience.

Standing tall and tense, the three defenders held together as they prepared to engage this most terrible foe. There was no true certainty of victory against the wrathful giant, even with all their accumulated potency. Which was why it was more imperative than ever that no matter what, they needed to make every single hit count. There could be no room for error.

Every last attack had—needed—to matter.

The four colossi stood in graveyard silence for a moment, waiting for someone, anyone amongst them to cut loose and make the first move…

Taking a quaking step forward, Zilla inhaled and let loose a battle roar that made even the Walls shudder from afar; a sound that reminded Kubal all too much of Godzilla himself. A roar that voiced every ounce of sweltering hatred the iguana had for the dictator, feral and flesh-burning in its wrath.

Wounded, the last of his former company left standing, and still this reptile refused to give up.

Kubal fought the urge to scoff.

Moronic. That’s all this animal was—

Spinning about with the grace of a felid, Zilla struck the ground in front of him with his tail and sent a spray of dirt and earth into the madman’s face. Stepping back in surprise, the dictator tried to swipe the rubbish off—and left himself open to an atomic ray that engulfed his upper torso.

The hunger to avenge his fallen comrades blazing in his fiery eyes, Zilla continued to spew for a good eight seconds straight, even as Kubal started to march towards him through the emerald inferno…

…allowing the Titan Shifter to be taken unawares when two metallic feet drop kicked him in the side of the head.

Staggering sideways, Kubal snapped his head to look upon his assailant—and received twin beams of azure energy to his face for his efforts. Small explosions blossomed off where the beams had hit him, and an ever-so-slight twinge of pain coursed through him as he took a few steps back.

Smoke drifting from the pulse cannons of his Toryu gunship, Jet Jaguar screeched and ran forward before slamming a somersault kick up Kubal’s jaw, then jutted both feet forward and double-kicked the Titan Shifter in the face. A howl of rage echoed from the nephilim as he staggered from the hit, which was only bolstered when something fast whizzed by and sliced at his side with a sharp instrument.

Whirling about, the Colossal Titan saw the other, blockier Jet Jaguar spin back about to face him on its industrial wheels; bearing twin blades and two other mechanical appendages on his wrists.

Not to feel left out, Zilla seized his chance to ambush the nephilim unawares and smashed his skull into his back; then, his reflexes serving him well, snapped on his heels and smacked his tail straight into Kubal’s throat the very moment he turned on him. However, this time the dictator recovered far faster than before and lashed out with a curled fist, clocking the squamate across the face with an ear-rending punch…

…and was promptly shot in the side of the neck from another blast of Jet Jaguar’s pulse cannons.

Infuriated beyond comprehension, the Colossal Titan sprang towards him, growling the most murderous of threats imaginable; but before he could reach him, another colossus intercepted him at the last moment.

Speeding in on his wheels from the side, Jet Jaguar FMT smashed into the madman with all his strength in a great burst of sparks and vapor. Thinking fast, the blocky android swerved smoothly to the right just as Kubal threw a punch that would’ve definitely dented something had it connected. Not wanting to give the berserker an opening of any kind, the robot slashed him across the face with the maser blade on his right wrist—then backed up just as the Perfect Darkness swung another punch.

Growling like a titanic animal, Kubal changed his fighting style and swung an uppercut—but this too, Jet Jaguar FMT managed to sidestep before scoring another slash from his maser blade, this time to his neck.

And like with the first Jet Jaguar’s pulse cannons, Kubal felt an ever so mild twinge of pain from the maser blade’s cut.

Mild… but present nonetheless.

Again and again the murderous giant tried to smash the android like a tin can. But every punch he threw, Jet Jaguar FMT managed to dodge, even in spite of the battle armor equipped to his body; using the function of his Harvey wheels to control the distance and weave in and out of Kubal’s attacks, while swiftly landing his own time and time again.

But for the maximum amount of caution he put into each swerve and every slash… even he was not infallible.

All of a sudden, Kubal threw a punch straight down into the ground—and then swiped across and sent a spray of burning earth into Jet Jaguar FMT’s face. Immediately recognizing what his foe was doing, the android once again attempted to retreat… but this time the Titan Shifter thought ahead. Leaping forward with arms outstretched, the Colossal Titan tackled his robotic quarry head-on with a bone-rattling impact, flooring him with relative ease.

Pinning the droid under his knees, the madman reared a fist—and was surprised by the trembling of rapidly-approaching footfalls. From the side, Zilla dashed towards Kubal at his top speed, bellowing in fury. The murderer waited until the exact moment the lizard was almost right on top of him, then swung an uppercut towards his throat…

…only for Zilla to catch him off guard by weaving out of the way, then lunging forth and crunching his jaws upon Kubal’s wrist.

Kubal snarled and moved to pry the reptile off—but was met with a faceful of laser blasts that peppered rapidly into his face. Tiny stings of pain singed across his armored flesh, staying him just long enough for Zilla to release his grasp and swing his tail into the dictator’s jaw at full force, sending him careening off his robotic prey.

“Thank you… Zilla-san,” said Jet Jaguar FMT, as he continued to open fire on Kubal with his Type-4 Railguns. A thanks that the mutant lizard was happy to repay by joining in the robot’s assault, blasting the armored madman with another river of atomic fire.

Putting up a hand to block the projectiles from hitting his mug, Kubal steeled himself and started to move back towards his foes. Ignoring Zilla’s radioactive flames, he broke into a run, making way to close the distance like a maddened bull.

Jet Jaguar FMT activated his wheels and rolled away—but Zilla was not so lucky. Whether by good reaction timing or just bad luck, Kubal connected a punch that sent the iguana sprawling on the ground with a heavy THUD; a hiss of pain crawling from his throat at the concussion that now wreaked havoc on his brain. A sickening satisfaction gleaming in his eyes, the dictator raised both fists…

…before a brand new pair of azure energy blasts detonated off his side.

Growling in mild pain, the Colossal Titan turned to glare daggers at the more humanoid Jet Jaguar, who stood roughly a hundred and fifty meters away. But the autonomous machine was in no mood to exchange pleasantries of any sort, and fired his handheld Plasma Beam Cannons a second time. The blue rays of energy struck the Titan Shifter in the stomach in moderately-sized explosions, and with a grunt of pain Kubal understood.

Even with his armor at full capacity and strength; these weapons, however slightly, could hurt him.

A notion that became more clear than ever when Jet Jaguar fired a third duo of blasts that struck the last place Kubal wanted: his neck. Dangerously close to the nape itself.

Staggering away from the downed Zilla, Kubal clutched his neck as the minor wound began the process of reconstituting itself, his eyes training between both Jet Jaguars in a bid to keep ready for any surprise attacks.

These weapons dealt him injury—and the ones wielding him were clearly not going to hold back.

This conflict was likely to be even riskier than he thought.

Another volley of Railgun blasts singed into Kubal’s stomach, courtesy of Jet Jaguar FMT. Within the metallic cranium of the droid, a plan of his own was quickly beginning to formulate—but it was of equal importance that he diverted the dictator away from Zilla first.

He only had known the mutant for a few minutes, but said minutes were enough. He was a fellow defender, an ally.

And no ally got left behind.

While he didn’t chase after the machine as hoped, the nephilim did back away further from the concussed iguana. More than fine with this substitute, the old robot kept up fire with one hand and wheeled to Zilla’s side, using his free hand to grab the saurian by the tail and drag him away.

A deep growl rumbled from the murderous humanoid as he began to charge after the duo, but two Plasma Beams from the humanoid Jet Jaguar struck his knees, tripping him up and bringing him low. As Jet Jaguar FMT pulled the iguana out of the line of fire, the Jet Jaguar from another universe ran forward to take up the fight in his place; a brief screech echoing from his mouthpiece to inform his doppelgänger.

He had a plan, and he needed him to be ready for it.

Understanding, Jet Jaguar FMT nodded.

It was time to test out the best of their weaponry.

With speed fueled to the brim by wariness, Jet Jaguar dropped a roundhouse kick to Kubal’s skull before leaping overhead, just narrowly avoiding a retaliatory haymaker. And it was at that moment, mid-leap, that the robot hero faced his gunship at the back of the nephilim’s neck and fired the heaviest hitter of its arsenal. Smoke trailed behind a large missile that rocketed with vicious precision and velocity, detonating perfectly on-target. Flames and armor flew from the resulting explosion, and the Colossal Titan roared in fury… and pain.

Landing on the earth behind the killer, Jet Jaguar nodded mutely. They were exactly the results they needed… but there was a hitch. Both Jet Jaguars had only six Mega Missiles each, four in one port and two in the other—and he had just used one up.

Out of all the weaponry they had at their disposal, these were the ones they would need to make count the most.

But as Jet Jaguar was about to see, fate was a truly sadistic mistress; for the enemy had a contingency to this change in weaponry. The air was abruptly assailed by loud, brickening cracks, signaling the armor around the Titan Shifter’s nape starting to fortify. Crystallizing like hardened mineral, protecting where the defenders knew he was vulnerable…

Like an infuriated rhino, Kubal charged the robotic defender that dared wound him. Another duo of Plasma Beams flew from Jet Jaguar’s handheld cannons, blasting small injuries into the nephilim’s right arm which he held to protect his face; but despite the pain, he kept on running. Waiting until the exact moment when he was close, the mechanical protector swept a low kick towards the murderer’s legs in an effort to trip him under—only for Kubal to quickly grab the offending legs with one hand.

Before the android could counter, Kubal punched him in the face with the other.

Knocked to the ground by the force of the hit, sparks flew from the robot as the side of his head hit the earth. Kubal reared his arm for another punch—only for Jet Jaguar to fire both pulse and plasma beam cannons all at once, at close range into his throat. As the dictator recoiled, Jet capitalized on the opportunity to jut his right leg up and kick him in the jaw, somersaulting back to his feet.

But hardly a moment afterwards, Kubal was back at him, growling like a living earthquake.

As the armored killer shrunk the gap to engage him yet again in close combat, it was clear to Jet Jaguar that already, speed and agility could only work so much. The Colossal Titan was no dim-witted brute. He was learning, adapting quickly to what his enemies threw at him.

For every time the defenders elected to change strategies…so too would Kubal.

And such a notion was no more apparent than when Kubal, after a few missed punches, managed to seize the android by the left hand’s Plasma Beam Cannon… and violently contracted his fingers, crushing the weapon into dented scrap in mere seconds.

Not wanting to risk another loss, Jet Jaguar pulled himself free of the ruined weapon and kicked away as fast as he could; taking flight into the air right as Kubal started to chase after him.

It was in that moment that an epiphany entered Kubal’s mind—and as he would find, it would serve him well; quickly for a giant of such size, the Titan Shifter whirled about face just as Jet Jaguar FMT came wheeling in, maser blades unsheathed. The Colossal Titan managed to grab the droid’s left hand as it neared his face, stopping it cold—but failed to stop the other from plunging its blade deep into one of the grooves between the armor on his stomach.

Not even half a second later, a surge of microwaved electrical energy traveled up the blade, shocking and searing into the dictator’s flesh from the inside out. Glowing eyes almost bulging out of their cartilaginous sockets, a cry of agony like a damaged tornado siren reverberated from the Titan Shifter’s jaws.

There was no physical defense to protect him from this new onslaught. Nothing to shield him from the maser energy that now set to frying away at him where he was entirely vulnerable. The blade had pierced exactly where there was no armor; the android had known exactly where to hit. At first, the pain overrode sense and thought alike, and the Colossal Titan continued to roar out in torture.

It only worsened when from above, Jet Jaguar hit him with repeated blasts of his pulse cannons and remaining plasma beam cannon; circling about as he tried to rend the giant’s body further.

But it was only temporary.

Reconfiguring the pain into fuel for his wrath, Kubal howled as he unleashed his burst of steam. Caught point blank in the superheated storm, Jet Jaguar FMT screeched in alarm as the force of the burst yanked the blade out of the nephilim’s body, sending the corroded robot careening back. Meanwhile above, Jet Jaguar’s energy blasts were no longer striking their target; the kaiju killer’s steam emission was diffusing the beams before they could even touch him. Quickly, the aerial android cut off his assault, opting to wait for a better time…

An idea lit aglow in his consciousness.

To say it was risky was a dangerous understatement… but it was the best option for attack he currently had. For as much steam as the giant emitted, there was a takeaway to go with it in turn.

And perhaps, Jet Jaguar could add onto it.

Aiming himself at where he judged to be the center of the steam eruption, the android fired a second Mega Missile into the broiling cloud. Sure enough, an explosion detonated through it… followed by the oh-so-rewarding sound of a roar of pain.

Within the mixture of steam, fire and smoke, the emissions ceased.

Kubal could feel the difference between before and after his use of steam, even disregarding the fresh injury blown into his face by the Mega Missile. He was… thinner. Ganglier. Every use of this steam sacrificed muscle mass, his armor notwithstanding. And this body was only getting thinner still, with each use of his steam he enacted—and it was only made worse by the weaponry his enemies wielded. One in particular that he knew was capable of bypassing his—

Kubal froze.

Within the nape of the Colossal Titan, the man frantically looked down towards his shirt. Pulling on the musculature attached to his left arm, Kubal reached into one of his shirt’s pockets… and closed his eyes with a relieved sigh when he felt the Wraith vial.

It was still intact, even after the robot’s maser blade attack.

His little princess’s lifeline, still whole despite the odds.

And with that revelation… relief gave way to burning rage.

Midair, Jet Jaguar was caught completely off guard when Kubal jumped out of the vapor cloud left by his steam; tackling him right out of the air, and back down to the earth with a trembling quake. The moment they hit the ground, the nephilim smashed his fist into the android’s face, denting the steel of his head in a shower of sparks and shrapnel. A damaged shriek whizzed from the robot’s speaker—but while he was down, the mechanical warrior was not out.

When the Colossal Titan was a second away from throwing another punch, Jet Jaguar’s eyes abruptly flashed with an intense light. Like a giant flashbang grenade, the abrupt light beams completely disrupted the Titan Shifter’s vision—leaving him open to a bone-rattling punch to the side of the head. Not one to waste the opportunity given, Jet Jaguar socked the giant between the teeth, actually knocking a couple out as the killer was knocked off of him.

Quick as lightning, the child of Goro Ibuki ran around behind the stunned nephilim, knowing that his current blindness was only temporary. And without hesitation, fired not one, not two, but three Mega Missiles and a Plasma Beam all at once, straight into the madman’s nape.

As the bellowing Titan Shifter recoiled from the powerful strike, Jet Jaguar ran forward like a famished cheetah. Knowing he was full and well in the danger zone, the android leaped onto the killer’s back…

…and not even sparing a second, plunged his free fingers into the small, yet fresh, wound.

Feeling the sensation, the Colossal Titan went nothing short of wild. Howling like the berserk madman he was, thrashing and whipping about in his still-persisting blindness. Swiping his arms as he tried seemingly in vain to dislodge the attacking automaton, who dug his fingers into the exposed flesh in a monumental effort to reach the man within the monster.

An effort that, as the droid would discover, he wouldn’t have to partake in alone.

Wheeling in from behind at full velocity, Jet Jaguar FMT used Kubal’s blindness to attack him entirely by surprise. Unsheathing his maser blades, the second Jet Jaguar plunged them both into the gaps between Kubal’s upper back armor—and as he activated yet another conductive current of maser energy, Jet Jaguar FMT aimed his own missile port at the nephilim’s neck.

At close range, he fired two more Mega Missiles—right as the other universe’s Jet Jaguar fired his pulse cannons into the same wound.

Within the nape of the humanoid nightmare, Kubal went rigid. They knew what his weakest point was—and they couldn’t afford to hold back.

Just the same, neither could he.

Seemingly on the ropes one moment, the Colossal Titan switched tactics the very next. Almost seamlessly, the dictator ceased thrashing…and dropped backwards, crushing both androids underneath his greater size.

Then, without warning, he let loose a terrible war cry and unleashed his steam.

His legs and waist completely pinned underneath the nephilim’s shoulders, Jet Jaguar could only thrash in vain as the boiling temperatures assailed his steel body with a vengeance—to say nothing of his counterpart trapped entirely beneath the madman’s back. For a full minute the assault went on, but in time the murderous giant ceased it at last and rolled himself off.

For a brief moment, Jet Jaguar noticed the relative thinness of the goliath’s body, proving his assumptions about the steam right…

…but was quickly washed away when Kubal went straight back on the offensive with terrifying speed.

Stomping one foot on the downed Jet Jaguar FMT, the Colossal Titan seized the humanoid Jet Jaguar by both hands—including his other Plasma Beam Cannon. His fingers contracting with earth-cracking pressure, the poor weapon didn’t stand a chance as it was crushed into useless rubbish like its earlier counterpart.

A stab of agony jabbed into Kubal’s heel; Jet Jaguar FMT, despite his corroded and deteriorated state, had stabbed his maser blades into the unarmored grooves of the Titan’s leg and was already conducting more energy into his body. Simultaneously, he opened fire with his Railguns, fully intent on stopping the nephilim from going any further.

It was a truly noble effort… that ultimately bore little fruit.

Piece by piece, Kubal’s armor unexpectedly began to fracture apart. Both Jet Jaguars balked at this abrupt development—and immediately began to struggle ever harder, knowing full and well something nothing short of devastating was about to take place. The Jet Jaguar of the other universe even went so far as to fire another Mega Missile and twin blasts of his pulse cannons into Kubal’s throat, trying to halt whatever was coming.

It was for naught.

A rageful scream erupting out of the dictator, Kubal’s fracturing armor exploded outwards. Caught in the unexpected attack at near point-blank, neither android had a chance of evading as hundreds of shards of armored shrapnel stabbed and cut into their bodies with chilling precision. Jet Jaguar was thrown back by the sheer kinetic force of the burst; Jet Jaguar FMT, meanwhile, was pinned down to experience the full and terrible wrath of this most lethal attack.

His armor was spent, and would now take quite a bit to regenerate. His musculature was depleted compared to prior, not at its full strength… yet, Kubal found it entirely worth it. For the results of his latest attack were exactly what he had been aiming for.

The battle armor of both Jet Jaguars had been shredded like tinfoil, damaged completely beyond repair.

With a cruel sneer, the Titan Shifter lunged down and seized Jet Jaguar FMT by the head; growling like an animal as he lifted him up to face him.

A vicious hand grabbed Kubal by the chest, yanking him up to eye level…

Regenerating muscles contracted as his free fingers curled into a cracking fist.

You’re either the guy throwing the punch—

The Colossal Titan’s right arm reared back…

—OR THE ONE TAKING IT.

The nephilim’s hand flew forward to smash into the android’s face; even with depleted musculature, still packing the force to knock him to the ground.

Kubal’s small body hit the floor with a painful CRACK that rattled his bones, leaving his muscles with an ache that seemed to never end…

The looming shadow of the Colossal Titan drifted over the downed robot, who struggled to find his “feet” as his adversary closed in on him.

And life isn’t going to—

“…it was never my wish to fight you, Kubal.”

The android’s words, entirely and utterly unexpected, caught the Titan Shifter completely off guard. The once bloodlusted madman abruptly froze in his tracks, registering what the blocky machine had just said to him.

But his brief moment of surprise was rapidly melted by ever-eternal rage, and he intended to move forward—

BOOM!

—only to be taken by surprise when the first Jet Jaguar, coming in from the side, slammed what was left of the Toryu into the back of his neck in a great explosion.

It was nothing short of stupid. That he allowed himself to be distracted so easily like that. That he was so caught off guard by an unexpected occurrence, that he had completely missed the possibility that the other enemy would seize its chance to spring an ambush.

A mistake he would do well to rectify.

Hardly a moment later and the nephilim retaliated with an open-handed slap that sent the humanoid robot flying like a toy. Exposed flesh and reduced muscle mass be damned; even in his weakened state, the Colossal Titan was the strongest being on Earth.

The sound of metal grating reached Kubal’s ears, and he turned to see Jet Jaguar FMT spending all his might to roll away. The dictator bit back the urge to sneer at this. Even heavily damaged, borderline crippled, this machine was still a persistent one.

Pushing himself off with his arms and back onto his damaged wheels, Jet Jaguar FMT shook off his destroyed Battle Armor just the same; the missile ports and Mega Missiles alike shredded beyond use ever again. Hefting the one Type-4 Railgun that somehow miraculously still functioned, the wounded android opened fire on Kubal’s armorless neck before beginning to wheel around him in circles.

The madman growled and chased after the shooting robot, swinging and punching in a maddened rage in yet another game of cobra and mongoose. It was an uphill maneuver on the defender’s part; every blow Kubal threw at him only narrowly missed, and no matter how quickly the robot managed to gain distance, the murderer was rapid to shorten it all over again.

Another violent swing of a hand—and the sound of metal breaking asunder tore through the air as Jet Jaguar FMT’s remaining Railgun, along with the maser blade beneath it, shattered to pieces. The robot hadn’t been fast enough to avoid it, and now a single functional maser blade was the only weapon he had left.

The mechanical hero continued to wheel and weave, delivering slashing blows where he could. Fighting against the ever-mounting odds the best he could as the Colossal Titan got closer and closer in his bloodlust…

…before the sound barrier was humbled by an elephantine roar, catching the android’s attention.

*****

Monzen, Japan

She was issued an order. Kill all the Titans and clear a path for their arrival. A specialty for Mikasa.

Flinging through the open plains, one would think it’d be suicide to even attempt to use ODM gear without any structures to cling to. And there was merit behind those concerns. But there were two things to consider; one was that the citizens of Monzen had been ushered underground, leaving plenty of ruined structures up for grabs. But that wasn’t the section she was clearing out, which led to the second thing: while there were no structures, there were objects more than tall enough to get by. Using a Titan as a hook, she used the propulsion to slice off the nape of one Titan, and quickly follow up with the other she had anchored with her wires. Spooling wires returned before launching again, digging into the skin of a nearby tall Titan.

She had to be fast, exceptionally so. None of her peers could match her raw skill and talent, so she was handpicked for the most dangerous task required. In a heartbeat, another Titan downed. Her instincts were sharp and natural, she felt her body move on its own as she diced down their napes. 15-meter class, 3-meter class, and all in-between and beyond–it was all the same for her. Her Scout allies tried to keep up, their coordination taking down a singular Titan–but the amount of manpower it took expended more gas than necessary. Provided they weren’t eaten alive or stomped to death. To lessen the load, she took more upon herself as her mind escaped into a daydream–a hope she clung to so desperately.

One where Eren returned to her. Where they’d escape into the great unknown. That they didn’t become victims of Kubal’s tyranny. The world the girl saw. Paradise. Just the two of them…

…

She lost count after a while. 72 Titans? Mikasa recalled keeping a tally of kills during her time with Shikishima. The fizzle of gas warned her that she needed to refuel. Breaking off from the massacre, she aimed for the nearest refuel station situated along the projected perimeter point, close to the Wall. According to Hange, this rescue ship was expected to be massive. Refilling on gas, Mikasa saw the wall of colors atop Sotono; other soldiers had since joined Sasha on top, making sure their rescuers didn’t miss the signal. A cloud of mixed colors wafted high above, drifting with the current.

With the dismantling of the Titans off in the distance and the vocals of the other Scouts looking to get back into the fray, she let the moment soak. Though rather abruptly, the chatter shifted to murmurs as soldiers began to point to the sky, accounting for a deep, low hum. Upon visual confirmation, signal flares scattered all across the clearance area, informing the more distant Scouts of the incoming guests. What she saw, she had to make sure her eyes didn’t deceive. The way it floated looked unnatural and fake; yet as its defining conical nose and sharper edges came into view, it was indisputably real. It didn’t run like a cruiser’s guzzlers, it clearly used an energy source beyond her comprehension. No dirty emission of the sort that she could see, yet its exhausts glowed an ethereal hue that was mesmerizing to look at…

But as it came closer, its scale was far beyond anything Mikasa had expected. Its length she estimated to be about a kilometer long, with a total height that exceeds Wall Sotono. 120 meters? 140? It was hard to precisely discern. It was truly a gargantuan sight, and she had every right that the landing would be nothing short of disastrous. A precaution maybe their informants should’ve made clearer on the outset. She braced herself, unease quickly swelling of how much of the ground would hold before breaking into the underground labyrinth beneath them. Pulses of light shone from beneath, stabilizing the gigantic ship for landing. Yet despite its massive size, it landed with the softest thud she had ever felt. Only the wind displacement made it seem worse than it actually was.

Mikasa was awestruck at the enormity before her. And on its side was its name. The S.S. Pandora.

For a moment, nobody moved a muscle.

Movement from behind caught her attention, only to quickly realize it was the Commander, no doubt wanting to see their rescuers in the flesh. Her eyes gleamed with the same sensation as everyone else. As it steadied, the pulsing lights diminished, and with a loud whoosh, like a valve blowing off air, an assortment of doors slid open, with stairs shooting down to the ground. Then, like bees from a beehive, human figures began flying out of the vessel, propelled by gas tanks on their backs, not all too dissimilar to the ODM gear. Their uniforms could only be described as pure gold weaved into clothing, akin hazmat suits in a way, adorned with head goggles and gloves that were made of the same sparkling gold. Only their faces were exposed, which led Mikasa to be able to identify them as human beings. Nearly 50 of them vacated from the Pandora, scattering around the vessel’s perimeters.

One of them, however, swooped by and landed in front of the Commander. The distinguished individual was a large man with a strong build, of Japanese lineage with a light facial hair patterned across his face. He locked eyes with Hange, making a slight bow.

“You are Commander Hange Zoe of the Survey Corps?” the golden-clad man inquired. Hange simply replied, “Yes.”

“Kobo Omae, assistant to Captain McKenzie of the Alpha. We are here to aid in the relief efforts of the people confined to these Walls. The Captain will be aiding in taking a portion of the passenger load to alleviate the carrying capacity of the cruiseliner.” Kobo explained, plain and simply.

“Understood. It’s just that…” Hange paused, almost at a loss for words. “There’s so much I want to ask.”

“I understand. We will give you the full briefing once all has been said and done. We just need you to keep your trust in us–and ours in you.” Kobo’s words were firmly vindicated and honest. Despite Mikasa’s own resignations, there was almost no choice but to put faith into their claims. “Have your regiment provide guidance for the evacuees to the Pandora, please. Allow us to take over with the Titans.”

Hange nodded willingly, immediately firing an acoustic blast to rally the Scouts to her. She relayed her instructions to guide the people onboard the Pandora, as they had done with the cruiseliner. A similar strategy, with the added safety net of these golden-embued strangers holding off the Titans. Without hesitation, they filed in order, now in greater numbers. There was no need to be reserved of who got on first; it was a matter of efficient organization that would be key to getting out of this hell.

And keeping to their promise, as a new wave of Titans from outside the Wall made their approach, the gold-clad warriors unloaded their mythical weapons. Flamethrowers, laser beams, missiles, and paralytic gas spewed from their fingertips, toppling or repelling the cannibalistic threats in their place. Their aerial mobility evaded their grasps and bites, a show of skill in the air without the limitation of the wirework for ODM.

As Hange continued organizing the relief efforts, a shout from above chimed in. No doubt Sasha had to muster all her lung strength to be heard. “Commander!” Sasha screamed, “It’s Eren!” Hearing his name made Mikasa’s heart spike. “He’s conquered the Armored Titan, but he’s become immobile!” With or without the Commander’s orders, Mikasa speared straight up Wall Sotono without a second thought. It was only happenstance that Hange and Kobo followed her up, to verify for themselves the unfolding situation.

When they landed on top, they saw the situation. Mikasa was in disbelief; there was Eren, his Titan deteriorating, open and exposed on the nape, laying along the vestige of water and land. Even if she could rush over there, Titans littered the nearby Walls–some even en route to Eren’s general direction. The sheer quantity of Titans outside dwarfed compared to those on the inside. Different sizes, different elevations of attack… A risk too great to take. But her heart yearned for her to rescue him by any means necessary.

“Is this one yours?” Kubo asked, nudging to the decaying Titan.

“Yes. Eren Jaeger is able to transform into a Titan with complete control.” Hange explained. Kubo nodded, seemingly unfazed by the explanation. It was then the burly man adjusted his wrist, speaking into a transceiver.

“This is Kubo. Code ZZ, we have one personnel in Titan territory. Rescue dispatch, over.”

A crackle came to life. “Code ZZ confirmed, we are on our way.” The voice was male, but it was one Mikasa didn’t know.

“Now we just wait,” Kubo said calmly.

“For how–” Before Mikasa could even complete her statement, the sudden audible “Wows” from the Scouts below caught their collective attention. Just as they peered down the inner wall, blurry streaks zipped past them–faster than speeding bullets, the blue and pink lines of energy hovered above them. Mikasa could barely perceive humanoid frames within them, but next thing she registered was them darting straight ahead.

Towards the fallen dock.

To Eren.

*****

Zilla shook off his concussion to the sight of his allies in unmistakable peril.

He opened his eyes in full just in time to watch the Colossal Titan fall back, pinning both robots under his bulk before engulfing them from sight in a great eruption of steam. The chill that went down the iguana’s spine very nearly paralyzed him on the spot, knowing from first hand experience what was going on.

They desperately needed aid. They needed something that could help them turn the tide of the battle, shift the balance of power back in their favor.

They needed…

It hit him. Like a wave against a tide pool rock, it just struck his brain.

Internally swearing that this was not abandonment, that he would most assuredly return, Zilla took off running. Five hundred miles per hour, his weary legs carried him; across the desolate battlefield where the massacred corpses of his comrades lay scattered about him. Peguila, Black Moth, the bisected Baragon, the impaled amalgamate that was once Varan and Gudon…

The Lizard King stopped.

A particular body lay chest down on the ruined, rain-soaked earth; its brown-furred body missing its once-noble head. Here, the great corpse of King Kong lay in his final resting place, the mere sight of his body ripping further an already bleeding gash in Zilla’s heart. A once great king who ruled a kingdom of monsters with a perfect balance of might and kindness… now another victim of the Colossal Titan’s wrathful hunger for bloodshed.

Yet still clutched in his hand, was exactly the object Zilla was looking for.

Kneeling low to the body, the Champion of New York uttered a low, whale-like groan; a fond farewell to the King of Skull Island.

Before, with the utmost care, he took the fallen king’s axe in his boxy jaws.

Turning about face and placing the object on the ground in front of him, the mutant squamate jumped straight to business. Light streaking across his dorsal spines, a blast of atomic fire erupted from his jaws to bathe the blade of the weapon in its full fury. Ten seconds turned to thirty, and thirty to a minute as the blade’s former jade luminosity was reborn anew; until eventually the glow was so bright that the blade itself could no longer be seen, for it now resembled a miniature star. A development which made Zilla’s eyes narrow.

Good.

It was exactly what he wanted.

Taking the handle back into his jaws, the lizard took back off running. Given his extraordinary speed, it didn’t take him long to cross the distance and gain proximity back with the cataclysmic combat at hand. And as he quickly perceived, he arrived just in the nick of time; Jet Jaguar was down, and Jet Jaguar FMT was currently fighting a losing battle trying to avoid the rampaging Titan Shifter.

And both of them were terribly damaged, and their weaponry all but lost…

The Champion of H.E.A.T. growled, taking a step forward with eyes narrowed in a savage glare.

It was time to sound off.

Flexing his neck muscles, the irradiated iguana took his chances and threw Kong’s axe at the android with a mammoth bellow. Through a mix of his aim being true and Jet Jaguar FMT’s reaction timing, Zilla’s ultimate plan manifested to fruition as the robot swerved to exactly the right position, and caught the glowing axe in his grappler hands.

And with a twirl so graceful so as to impress a ninja, swung it.

Out of nothing but pure reactive instinct, Kubal held his arm up to shield himself; but it was entirely for naught. With his armor hardly even present, there was no contest as the axe cleaved half his arm right off—and sliced straight through his neck just as effortlessly.

The head of the Colossal Titan went flying off its body like a soccer ball.

A heart-pounding desperation hijacking the iguana’s body, Zilla ran forward the very moment the giant’s skull left its neck. This may very well be it; the sole, single chance remaining to destroy the source of the killer, and end the Colossal Titan’s threat once and for all. There was not a second to waste, not a mile per hour to withhold, and above all importance Zilla could not miss…

Clambering to his feet despite his terrible condition, the Jet Jaguar of Zilla’s universe ran alongside him, fully intent on aiding the squamate in his unmistakable objective…

Wheels a-whirring, Jet Jaguar FMT sped right after them, knowing just as well that this truly could be their only shot…

From the half-nape of the prone, still-standing body, a minuscule form abruptly shot out with a burst of gore like an organic bullet. And even with its nigh-insignificant size, all three giants could hear its loud, guttural cry of rage.

A roar of distress thundering from Zilla’s jaws, the Lizard King leaped at the ejected human; an action shared by Jet Jaguar, his own hands outstretched to catch the source of all this terror. So close, they were so close—!

—and mere inches from Zilla’s glowing maw, Kubal slammed his teeth upon his wrist in a savage bite.

By the time the iguana realized what had just happened, a sudden burst of light, infernal heat and unholy hellfire overtook the three defenders in a mile-echoing BANG.

 

Chapter 16: Hope in a Despairingly Long Nightmare

He felt sleepless, yet was sound asleep all the same, a wave of dreams and nightmares washing over him. What he was bearing witness to, he didn’t fully comprehend. Eren slowly lost cognitive function, feeling his mind and body slip into the river of swelling thoughts. They all acclimated to his memories–but deep down, he knew what he saw was merely part of a long dream.

But that was when he saw him–Kubal. But it wasn’t the one he knew. Long before the dictator with the gray buzz cut was a much younger man with a jet black variant of his same haircut. Orange beams illuminated the counter of the yatai, with the night Shibuya sky surrounding them with flashy neon signs and late-shift office lights. The after scent of takoyaki and grilled seafood was potent, with the food mostly gone and several beers downed. The chef was preparing to close for the night, with them as the last two there. Azusa stared intently at him. They hooked together, holding hands across from each other. A question lingered in her mind, one she had been trying to pry out of him for a while.

“Honey, when are we ever going to meet your parents?” Azusa asked with gentle disposition. Every time she tried to nudge him with his family life, Kubal was always reluctant to spill the beans. But now with the buzz of alcohol flowing through their blood, maybe he’d finally open up. The more she thought about it too, he had never uttered his family name. He was always just ‘Kubal’–and a force to be reckoned with, at that. They had been seeing each other for a few months already, but she was eager to learn more about her mystery man. Pick at him piece by piece…

“I, wha?” Kubal said in a drunken stupor, “I don’t think there’s anything to learn about.” His next few sentences trailed into indiscernible gibberish. But what came next was what she was looking for. “Jun Zaizen is dead to me.”

Zaizen? Kubal Zaizen. She kept that note to herself as he continued his ramblings.

“The old man would always say there are always just two types of people. You’re either the one throwing it, or the one taking it!” Clenched fists slammed against the countertop, no doubt from him recalling his troubled past. Checked out in her mind. When Kubal had saved her from a sex pest, the dirty pervert had been left abandoned in an alleyway with an inflicted testicular rupture when Kubal was done with him. A man true to his word.

And she found that intriguing.

“What ever happened to him?” Azusa persisted.

“Left to rot. Consequences caught up with him. His lesson was the only thing he gave to me.” He leaned back, letting his body sag–but refusing to let go of her hand, swaying back and forth as they held tight. “I don’t even remember my mother. Not anymore.” Azusa scooted over, situating the chair so she could lean against him. Feel his radiating warmth as her face burned red hot, and her mind hummed with booze. He murmured her name as he drifted into a sleep-like daze. “Remind me when that day comes…”

She listened intently.

“…To take your family name. I don’t wish to be remembered as something as weak as a Zaizen…” Her heart fluttered. She knew, even in her lucid state, the proposal was farther off. But the idea he entertained was certainly unorthodox. Azusa continued to listen, heeding his wish for the future. “Let me be strong.”

Azusa muttered quietly. “Of course.”

And they rested that night.

…

Before he could fully register, Eren’s vision began to blur. A torment of regrets and unfulfilled wishes hung in his heart. These feelings had been his, but they were hers as well. Another flash, and he saw the man known as Kubal holding a baby in his arms. Rocked gently, back and forth as he hummed to the little one.

“You are my little Titan,” Kubal murmured to the infant. She had fallen in love with him all over again.

A few years later, the baby had grown into a little girl. She became sick, hospitalized for weeks on end until she could no longer return home. Their arguments escalated, the heated debates leaving them wounded by the end. No physical scars, but the emotional ones took so much longer to heal.

A professor helped her through those times. Goro Ibuki and his robot companion. As Kubal searched for medical help, Azusa worked the days and stayed with Nariko on most nights. And even when he had found someone, his absence made the strenuous wait all the more painful. Nariko was fading. Every time she tried to contact Kubal, there was nothing. But when Goro let it slip about the Titan Program, she’d finally confront Kubal about the cure to their daughter’s ailment… But the last thing she expected was for him to destroy the world to save their only child.

And that marked the last time Azusa Kunimura was a human being. Before she lived through her longest nightmare. She was left to wander, acting on cannibalistic instinct, consuming humans one by one. Their souls resonated, seeking to consume them to fill her body with the flowing life she once had. Eventually, she had been lured and trapped deep in a silo… Starved for souls, she only rummaged through the nothing, leaving only her and Titan Nariko in the lonely pit. That was, until a man splattered at the bottom, separated from his stretcher. And she took that opportunity, waking up into the world… neither fully human nor fully Titan.

But a monster with the resolve to see it through to the end. “For Nariko.”

Everything spiraled further the longer this went on. Muffled stamping echoed in his ears, but Eren couldn’t do a thing about it aside from drift into the abyss of memories… The tunnel manifested as a branch, all connected to a blistering, sprawling tree of great luminance… and high above, a void in the center of a silver moon. Before he could comprehend it, his mind snapped away to another moment in time.

It all became white.

A familiar place, with sand in a boxed room. It was smooth and silky, an idyllic paradise for self-indulgent pleasure. Eren knew this room. But the vision he saw, on the other side, was himself clad in white. He stared at his living memory in disbelief before turning away, clasping at the wall’s edge. It was then he heard his words drip from his counterpart’s mouth.

“How long will this continue?”

Eren trembled in self-doubt. Had he been holding onto those regrets for that long? He knew those words were not meant for him, but rather the one he had spoken with so long ago, whose eyes he was viewing this from. But even then, it felt like a directed message, and it terrified him. Before he could linger in this moment any longer, the vibrations in his body began to wrack up. Another flash, and it shifted to a moment upon the Walls. A transformation into a Titan, hoisting the bomb and scaling up the Wall.

Directly for Kubal, the Colossal Titan.

And another message left for him. “Live a future of your own making… Eren.” He saw as he came face to face with the Colossal, bearing the weight of his sins on his shoulders. Then, ramming the bomb into the Titan’s gaping mouth, he squeezed the fuse–

–and it exploded.

—

A sudden rush of air filled his lungs, screaming to awaken himself up from the swirl of memories. Vapor clouds surrounded Eren on all sides, bound by the fleshy cushion of his Titan’s nape. He struggled and tore through the thick membranes, yanking himself out of the pocket he was stashed in. Muscle strands snapped as he climbed out, only to see shadows approaching him from every direction. He needed to regain his breath, his stamina before igniting another transformation.

But would the Titans allow him such leeway?

Before he could take action, surging streaks slammed into a couple of nearby Titans, knocking the wind out of them effortlessly. Eren was stunned at the sight. ‘What the hell was that?’ Like speeding bullets, the blue and pink streaks circled around him rapidly, clearing up the mist around them. They only slowed down once their power–or whatever they were using–faded. Their appearance became all the more evident; from what he could tell, both were distinctly adults donned in superhero garb. Silver-claded warriors in blue and pink, each wearing a face veil and helmets adorned with distinct antennae. Pulling weapons from their holsters, the two warriors began firing maser blasts at the incoming swarm, blasting apart the faces of the Titans.

“What… the hell is going?” Eren murmured in disbelief. It was then the warrior clad in pink approached him, keeping the Titans at pay with her supergun.

“We were deployed to rescue you.” She reached her hand out. “My name is Hotaru Sakimori, or Zone Angel if you prefer.” She gestured to the other warrior wrapped in blue and silver, “And that is Akira, or Zone–”

“Fighter!” Akira called out, spinning and maneuvering out of harm’s way from the ravenous Titans.

“Okay, Junior,” Angel teased. Although reluctant, Eren took her hand as she pulled him to his feet. “Our allies are currently helping your compatriots escape this prison.” Hotaru pointed towards the Wall, Eren noticing the gargantuan spaceship docked behind the giant structure. “Your people are currently boarding Pandora as we speak. My question to you is, do you think you can help us?”

Eren reflected on the question, recalling his last decision before falling into the unconscious. He had learned the inherited instincts of Azusa’s Titan, and now the power to fight Kubal was more than in his grasp! He flexed his fingers, letting the moment slow to a crawl. Was it what he truly wanted? The words of his friends and acquaintances sprung to mind, compounding him with what he needed to do, with the recency of Monique sticking out to him.

“I trust you will do the right thing, no matter what it takes.”

And the right thing was the choice he was going to enforce.

“I can,” Eren replied firmly. “If I focus on eliminating the Titans here, there will be more hands to help with the evacuation proceedings. It may not be long before these outer Titans flood the gaps and overwhelm our forces on the inside. However, Titanization requires some distance. Back away and help your comrades.”

Hotaru nodded in understanding. But she said assuredly, “Your comrades are our comrades, too. Don’t forget that.” She turned to address her brother. “Junior! Back away, stat!”

“Stop calling me that!” Akira whined. With that, both heroes flew off. He didn’t question how on earth humans could fly, if they were even humans at all. But as soon as he thought it was safe, he bit down. Blood ruptured from his hand, igniting the bloody ritual once more. Lightning danced around him, as a whirlwind of heat and wind erupted from the spot where he stood. His Titan body was constructed from thin air, materializing in a new form. It still resembled the Attack Titan he had always used, but now its rough skin was replaced with the gleam of alabaster armor, his tuft of black hair sprouting from the head. He embellished in his super-sized state, knowing it was the best shot at dealing with the small ones.

The armor-plated Attack Titan began his assault with a well-placed stomp, crushing the smaller Titans underfoot. Bending down, he swiped more off their feet, scattering them away. His newfound armor made it easy to shred the landscape with his bare hands. Even the larger Titans turned to face the new and improved Attack Titan, lunging for him in a monstrous sprint.

But Eren was ready. Thrusting his hand like a spear, Eren tore through the neck of the rampaging super giant, pulling and squeezing what had once been its nape. Its lifeless body collapsed, incidentally crushing other smaller Titans in the process.

He bellowed a roar, a challenge to all the Titans present. A lure to bring all the Titans to him, to shoulder the burden he had put off for so long. He smashed and stamped the life out of the swarm, even as their numbers increased exponentially. Their teeth could do nothing to tear through the crystalized armor. Even if it wore him out to the point of exhaustion, even if this slaughter lasted forever… It was the future he decided for himself. Even if it meant he forfeited his fight with Kubal, that was more than fine if it meant the protection of those that mattered the most.

His friends. The mission. Those were more important now than his selfish wish. And against the immortal Kubal, was it even guaranteed he’d win in the end? He began to doubt that he could. Sometimes running away was the better option. Eren only wished he had seen that sooner.

As the Titan-slaughter commenced, a sudden flash of light shone from the distance. It was just like before, no doubt signaling that Kubal still had more than enough fight in him. Though Eren knew he could withstand the incoming shockwave, with all the Scouts and the big ship protected by Wall Sotono, it still instilled a sense of unease. The chance that Kubal would win was a very real possibility.

Even so, there was more than one way to fight. And he’d see through that to the bitter end.

*****

Hellfire and brimstone tattered the ruined city of outer Monzen. Jet Jaguar saw as his counterpart was flung off his wheels, the immense power and shockwaves applying tremendous pressure. He and Zilla only endured because they had means of keeping low to the ground and holding tight. When the rumble died down, Jet Jaguar saw the infernal cloud rising into the air, warping around in that distinct mushroom shape.

At its burning heart stood the shadow of the devil.

The Colossal Titan stepped free from the core of his fire, with the regenerated human underneath scrambling for the vial. When he had been decapitated, his upper torso had popped completely; had it not been for him scrambling his Titan’s nervous system, death certainly would’ve claimed him. It saved his life all the way back during the duel at Mt. Mihara… Fortunately, his lower torso–where he had stored it, tight and snug–barely avoided the incident. There was reason to continue.

And his eyes found its first target.

Much to the mild confusion of Jet Jaguar, he saw as the Colossal began taking steps not to either of them. But in a second, he realized what his first target was–a weapon that had been a thorn in Kubal’s hide throughout this battle. Likely having lost grip of it during Kubal’s revival, the battle axe had long since lost its fuel. With a few, heavy steps, the Colossal Titan began to reinforce armor around his soles, battering the titanic weapon under his heel. With each stomp, the weapon fractured, and before they knew it, it shattered into an explosion of ethereal jades and blues–dispensing the residual radiation that lingered within it, snuffing out its light.

Jet Jaguar scrambled, but found the energy cells sapped out of him. His desperate screeches to move fell on deaf ears as he bore witness to Kubal’s next target.

The charred lizard withstood the brunt of the blast, but even that may have not been the wisest move on his part. His regeneration tried to mend for the burns, but time was a necessity to be back in peak physical condition–something the heroic creature knew the kaiju killer wouldn’t give him. His best bet was to escape beneath the earth, maybe tunnel a path to the nearby ocean. As his waning strength tried to claw through the ruined brimstone, a sharp tug ensured that he wasn’t going to escape to the embrace of the crust.

With every chance Zilla tried to resist, he felt the massive pull from the superheated nephilim. A firm grasp on his tail, the reptilian theropod could only shriek as he was swung overhead, his reverse-finned spines embedding into the ruins upon impact, trapping him in place. Before he could move out of his stunned state, the boxy foot of the Colossal Titan mounted on Zilla’s calves, the immediate pressure nearly breaking bone. The wails of the flailing animal echoed, which only intensified as Kubal added heat to his palms, searing the reptilian skin around the lithe appendage. The base of the tail began to tear, the outermost layer of skin first, followed by the fat reserves, then the muscle…

The humanoid robot smashed the ground with his fists, charging all his limited reserves into one shot. He couldn’t afford to lose him!

But Kubal uttered a low, hallowing chuckle. Shame he couldn’t have enjoyed this more…

Anchoring his armored foot, a sickening crack splintered Zilla’s leg. Bone jutted from the wound, nearly splitting the reptile’s foot from the rest of his body. Before Zilla could even cry in agony, the disgusting shlurp of his separated tail ushered a wheezing that took the breath out of him. An agonizing cry that was heard across the battlefield that induced a shiver to all present–all, except Kubal.

Cruel and ruthless, Kubal heralded his merciless philosophy over his head, letting the squirming and spastic tail of the Champion of H.E.A.T. dangle. Even if Zilla had sustained serious injury, Jet Jaguar knew his life could still be saved. Mustering everything into his flight capability, the metal man rammed his entire mass into the hulking giant, bouncing off of him and regaining his footing. Much to his surprise, perhaps it may have been the torque behind his attack, the armor-plated Colossal Titan was sent careening into the monolithic wall. Time was of the essence, they had to scram NOW.

Using the chance allotted, Jet Jaguar stumbled to his fallen comrade. The missing tail stole his dignity, his shattered leg may have been well beyond repair–amputation might be a requirement. The squamate mutation was in a state of catatonic shock, but still alive. Pulling him out of the embedded earth, Jet Jaguar hoisted his ally atop him. Sprouting his antennae, Jet Jaguar took flight of his own volition, they couldn’t afford to hold off any longer. However those evacuation procedures were going, he had to take it in good faith they’d be able to hold their own…

—

Kubal was infuriated. He saw that pest coming, yet didn’t have the time to react. No matter. Stripping the dignity out of a creature that was a thorn in his side was good enough. Without problem, he rose to his titanic feet, seeing the enemy flee. Cowards, the lot. But when he swerved and saw what aligned Wall Sotono, it was both what he expected… and didn’t take delight in.

The first was the massive ship; he wondered where that came from. But closer inspection with a squint rang a familiar sense of unease… That ship! Its structure was reminiscent of the one that hauled the denizens of Monzen back in the early years of the outbreak. That stole potential candidates to save his daughter’s precious life… Now it was back, bigger than ever before. He knew of the Survey Corps and their evacuation scheme, but now it seemed they were all in on this… Ghosts of his past coming to haunt him.

His eyes veered to the other side, parallel to him. There stood the distinguished Attack Titan. It mauled and massacred every Titan that stood in his way. But there was something different; gone was the rugged flesh that gave the Jaeger Titan its form, but now shined with the gleaming armor that once belonged to Azusa. He knew she had her concerns about the horde, but they were meant to overwhelm Eren and devour him–so that they could take the host that spawned in their place and feed them to his little Titan. But the way the Attack Titan fought, how it went against his plan… And with no inclination of returning to him, Kubal knew the conclusion already.

Azusa lost, and Eren stole her power.

He clenched his fist in a rage. For as much shit he gave her, threatened her, fought with her… She was the one soul that understood him. His intentions, his ambitions, especially when they both had something to lose. He was remorseful of her loss. Errors could always be corrected, but once death reaped what it sowed, there was no coming back from that.

…Then he’d have it no more. This ended NOW.

He still had the virus. So long as he held onto that, then he could afford to dispense of the scraps. If Eren survived, then that’d be one vessel to bring back to feed. If he didn’t, it no longer mattered as long as there was another universe to purge. None of these people mattered, like Hell he’d let them live while his daughter suffered. His building rage started with a glow from the stomach, a light steam exerting from his body as it climbed upwards, funneling into his mouth. Heat radiated from the surrounding jaws.

He’d kill them all. Every. Last. One of them.

*****

It all burned and warped. Weapons stripped of their function, his efforts against Kubal proved futile. As the explosive blast sent him hurtling away, his landing was nothing short of rough. The inertia rolled the rotund machine along the ground, scattering whatever equipment he had left. The remains of the rotor pack shattered upon impact, his industrial rollers crumbling from the tremendous force, the Mega Missile gear that had already been rendered obsolete melted even further.

Everything he ever had, gone in a flash once more. Now his new friends and compatriots were at stake as well, left to face the wrath of the Colossal Titan… Provided they still had the will to move.

He crashed against the sturdy structure that upheld the portal. Loose rock covered him in an avalanche, burying the machine against the cliffside. Pressure built and mounted, denting the metal of his exo-body. Errors rang through FMT’s mind like sirens, running diagnostics and repairing programs and functionality. Everything had been rendered inoperable, except for the Harvey and one operating Maser Blade. Even so, clear damage was sustained to one of the wheels. Purging would be required for this giant body to escape from its entrapment.

Or perhaps, finally step out.

Click.

The chest grating shoveled the mound out of the way, revealing the innards of the exo-body. A silver hand gripped the side, pulling himself out of the compartment. Dulled and desaturated from deterioration showed its scars. Although the overcharge stunt from Randy balanced his internal core, he was still rugged and warped from the last encounter with Kubal all that time ago. He stood there, idle and unsure. Even worse than the pressure built around his downgrade, he felt it in his artificial heart. A feeling he despised most, yet rang true to his heart.

A failure.

He failed to protect humankind when the Wraith virus took hold. Had he turned back and fought Kubal right then and there, then he might have prevented this cataclysmic disaster. He failed Goro, not able to find a cure or reverse his Titanization. A failure of a Jet Jaguar, he was. And now, his new companions were going to suffer for his actions. He should have taken action sooner to exterminate Kubal right then and there…

The agonizing screams of Zilla only reinforced the sentiment.

But what was he to do?

The glimmering presence lingered behind him, turning his eyes towards the portal that played a vital role in the congregation here. Kubal’s advances to destroy another world, the strangers displaced here, the mass evacuation by the Scouts… His chance at seeing Goro again. Part of him just wanted to fly through that portal right now, see Goro once more before the cruel inevitability of Kubal’s terror reigns upon the other world…

Or he could put a stop to it.

Cameras scanned the crystalline structures, feeding power to the ebbing rift. To ensure Kubal’s operations came to a screeching halt, there was no other choice but to destroy them. He only hoped his allies–provided they were still alive–would use this chance to rush and escape. He’d use what little of himself there was left to stave off Kubal until the portal closed. After that, his life didn’t matter. He could at least cease functioning knowing he thwarted Kubal’s goal. Knowing that he’d at least join his Goro in whatever laid beyond death–even if it was nothing.

He climbed the steep slope towards the sprawling crystals, and without holding back, began to smash. Fists shattered the hardened, otherworldly minerals, sparks of alien energy rupturing from them. His body absorbed the overflow, only fueling his anguish even more. The portal held firm, so he knew that signaled more of the crystals had to be undone. His relentless destruction empowered him with each structure broken, in which the black rift began to waver. A burning meter rose the more he destroyed, but if it meant Kubal would be trapped here, unable to bring about the end of another world, then he’d do it.

But then another option presented itself to him.

As his fist shattered another alien crystal, he felt a spark ignite in him. His body composition began swelling, his metal skin radiating burning hot. Crimson rings patterned throughout his body, the once dulled red shimmered with a fiery glow. He felt his size grow against his will, achieving an exponential increase in a short period of time. A transformation into something beyond Jet Jaguar… Into something new. Even if his assessment had only ever been adjacent, the guilt never left him. But now he carried the responsibility of his burden in his hand.

The power to beat Kubal.

He turned away, leaving the warbling portal be. He’d put it to chance that they’d make it through. Even if he didn’t… He’d give Kubal absolute hell. And this newfound power, he’d give it a name…

He clenched his fists and took his first heavy step forward, steaming as he did.

The Full Metal Titan.

 

Chapter 17: The Adjacent Devil and the Adjacent Titan

They had given their farewells to the Scouts before the connection was reduced to static. The Bell operated as needed, its blades whirling and still plenty of gas, even after their venture into Mount Fuji. They had taken a longer route, circling above the waters and hills of Japan’s coast to avoid the destructive inland fighting. Much to Monique’s surprise, Randy hadn’t been as talkative after their departure, no doubt thoughts from recent events weighing down on him.

Even those that smile the brightest always had something kept to themselves.

So she decided to speak up.

“You okay, Randy?”

Snapping out of his indifferent trance, Randy perked up. “Oh, um… Guess so. Can’t see anything going on with that crazy mushroom cloud there.” No matter what he said, she could hear the reservation in his voice, something he was holding back. He stopped rambling for a moment, letting his thoughts collect.

“Okay look, Monique, I gotta ask,” Randy scrutinized, “I get where you were coming from… But recommending a man to kill another person through cannibalism is not a good look. What would Nick think?”

“I don’t think you understand, the world these people inhabit is cruel. If you were in the Secret Service, you’d understand,” she explained firmly. “Nick would never agree with the circumstances, but this place is not ours to make those kinds of calls. If there’s pragmatic information to share, then they should know it’s available to them. How they use it is entirely up to them after that.”

“I get that to a point, but it’s still… Gross,” he muttered in disgust.

“And? What would you have done about it?” she stated bluntly.

He pondered, unsure of himself. “I don’t know.”

“The most optimal choices aren’t always the easiest to swallow, and not everyone is ready to make that leap into the messy moral greys…” She knew where Randy came from. Sure, he had a lot to learn, but his energetic youth kept morale high amidst their chaotic adventures and world-ending calamities. “Better?” she asked.

“A good bit, at least getting those feelings off my chest did a lot,” Randy sighed in relief.

“And that’s important, too. It’s always important to let your feelings out to whoever’s willing to listen.”

Randy nudged. “You got anything to say? Lay it on me!”

“No,” she shot back.

“Phooey.” It seemed Randy was regaining some of his spirit back, much to Monique’s mental relief. Even if he was grating or yapped too much, things wouldn’t be the same without him. But before either of them knew it, they heard the blood curdling cry of Zilla somewhere amidst the heavy, lingering clouds…

Monique felt it for the both of them as their hearts sank.

“No…” Randy uttered in despair. Even Monique felt her breath stifle. She knew Zilla didn’t stand a chance against the Colossal, it felt like nothing did… But was this mission going to slip out of her grasp so easily? More importantly… To lose another valued member of H.EA.T. to these rifts was heart-breaking, to put it mildly.

Carnage and movement shuffled somewhere in those dark clouds, but Monique could only focus on the journey ahead. Fortunately, out of the outermost diameter came Jet Jaguar, with the body of Zilla in tow. But the ghastly sight perturbed even her. It wasn’t long before Randy broke down into a jumble of pleading words only she could audibly hear. Begging for the life of their reptilian companion to be saved, a rambling of his different nicknames until he landed on the one he held dearest to his heart, one he shouted with all his breath.

“GODZILLAAAAAA!!”

As the portal came closer into view, Monique’s eyes widened at the sight before her. Along the basin was the giant robotic shell of Jet Jaguar FMT, the chest compartment opened where they stuffed the ruined body… Then what on Earth was she looking at?

—

He saw the glistening glow of the black portal pulse from a distance. His camera lenses noticed a disturbance, however. Shattered crystals around the base of the edge, which in turn was destabilizing the integrity of the rift. Before Jet Jaguar could ponder any further, he saw the remains of his counterpart–the exo-body pushed against the cliffside, buried. More importantly was the opened chest cavity. A realization that hit him all too well when the pieces started falling together…

…When he saw the red mass that lurked nearby.

Its gait bore an uncanny resemblance to the Colossal Titan, each footfall stamping the terrain into the ground, which sizzled from the heat it produced. The glowing patterns, the web-like cracks on his head, and the crimson eyes of the Jet Jaguar doppelgänger told him everything he needed to know. And it terrified him beyond belief. The last time his databank recalled anything possessing this raw power was SpaceGodzilla before his lifeline was cut.

Was he going to turn on them?

His auditory senses detected vibrations from nearby. Jet Jaguar twisted and saw the Bell 412, possessing the two operators he had come into this hellish universe with. From within the cabin, he could hear the vocalization of Randy’s screams, calling for the name of the near-dead companion he carried on his shoulders. Not just the name he was sanctioned with, but the one the family of this reptile knew all too well. He even saw Monique’s expression shift, her usual stoicism breaking seeing the mangled body of Zilla. But both human eyes glued to the giant red metal man as soon as they registered it.

Jet Jaguar braced himself for the worst…

But the humanoid’s arms slumped to the side, only one raised up to his side, pointing directly at the deteriorating portal. And the following screech all but confirmed it. GO.

The searing supergiant took his steps forth, displacing the earth beneath with his added weight. Jet Jaguar turned to the helicopter, gesturing to them to enter first. But a fierce swiping from Monique issued him to go through first, and that they’d follow suit. Jet Jaguar had no qualms with that, taking flight and entering the destabilizing portal. He trusted Monique and Randy would be following soon after.

As for his counterpart… He didn’t know what to expect. Before he did, a spark of electricity thrumped the air… But its source he didn’t register. Maybe it was the crystals? Or maybe the android’s discarded husk? Quickly disregarding it, he leapt into the portal–back to the home he missed oh so dearly.

To return to Goro Ibuki, at long last.

—

The weight of his guilt pressed on him. Every footfall taken broke the foundation of the land he stood on. But each step followed up to a gradual sprint, chugging along with the added mass. For the first time in ages, his antennae sprouted, allowing the Full Metal Titan to sustain flight. There were no thoughts but a programmed sense of rage. This alien energy interfaced with his soul like nothing else ever had… Even if it didn’t draw from the source of power the Titans did, the adjacent Titan was still going to muster everything he could.

Give Kubal every bit of hell back to him that he had inflicted on the world. To the people he cared about most. He believed in a better future for the new friends he made. But his was undetermined, an unfolding path full of strife and terror… Whether there was peace at the end, he didn’t know. But if stopping Kubal was what it took, then he had no choice but to embrace his full fury.

Until the bitter end.

*****

Eren threw every last fist he could, even as the Titans ganged up on him. He flared in fury, bearing the burden. He smashed the ones behind him to the ground, pulverizing him with his body. Even the Zones flew overhead, firing off laser beams for their helmets, aiding him in his battle against the swarming Titans. But as he got up, a monstrous howl from the distance took his attention away, his eyes widened in fear. He knew that cry from anywhere… Kubal. Even from a distance, his gargantuan form struck terror, and in that there was no doubt his intention. His mouth glowed in a brightening light, a miniature star that threatened to snuff the lives out of them…

There was nothing they could do.

Eren braced himself, knowing he could only protect himself with the new layer of armor propagated from the previous Armored Titan host. The collective screams of the evacuees broke out from the other side, no doubt they too saw the horrors about to transpire. The Zones shot down towards the people, hidden behind Wall Sotono. How this was going to turn out wasn’t going to end well…

But then, a miracle…

—

Fire dripped from the Colossal’s maw, the accumulated heat rupturing into eager flames, waiting to wash all his past transgressions clean in one fell swoop. His energy built up to burn everything to cinders… Then at the moment of discharge, a large body walloped into him. Pushed by the tremendous heave, both the Colossal Titan and the immense force shattered through Wall Sotono, scattering brick and debris through the sky. The large body continued its push, dragging the armored Colossal Titan onto the earth, carving an entire trench as they moved along.

At the moment of impact, he dispelled his burning heat, lancing out as a mix of fire and steam. But he was left with no choice but to use it all up. Before he could direct his face to his attacker, large metal hands gripped his armor-enforced cranium, ensuring that he had nowhere to aim it. But the output of his superheated breath caused the visage of the attacker’s right side to melt. Even so, his charged breath weapon expired, allowing Kubal direct control once more. Reaching his hands, he grappled with the super-sized metal humanoid and forcibly turned him to the ground, where they both collided and erupted in a wall of dust, rock, and steam.

The forcible stop sent both of them flying. By the time he regained footing, Kubal saw the glowing Jet Jaguar in front of him. This was the one he had despised so abhorrently. And so too was his nemesis ready.

The last line of defense for both of them.

…And thus began the clash of the Titans.

Jet Jaguar FMT didn’t bother waiting or standing around; he was on the offensive in the blink of an eye. Twirling as he ran forward, the fiery android jutted both fists upward and smashed them into Kubal’s jaw—and unlike most physical blows the Titan Shifter had sustained prior, this dual punch hurt like hell. The Colossal Titan growled as he was sent staggering back, but his opponent did not give him a moment of reprieve.

Running forward, the Full Metal Titan punched the kaiju killer across the face with one fist, then seized his head with both hands and thrust him face-first into his knee. An organic CRACK split the air as cartilage cracked and muscle bent from the sheer power of the hit, which was soon joined by another when the glowing robot kicked Kubal up the jaw with all his might.

Opting to keep in close quarters combat, Burning Jet Jaguar ran closer still and lashed out with both feet—which were seized in place by a furious hand, stopping the droid in his tracks. Eyes furrowed in a rageful glare, the Colossal Titan hurled the Full Metal Titan over his head, smashing him face-first onto the ground behind him.

A deafening bellow echoing from his jaws, Kubal stomped towards the recovering robot. The burning automaton rolled onto his back just in time for the nephilim to sock him across the face, sending sparks and embers flying into the air. Sneering viciously, the Colossal Titan landed yet another punch to the android’s mug, followed swiftly by yet another that was even more powerful. Rearing his fist back, the murderer threw it down…

…and a glowing metal hand caught it with an echoing CLANG, stopping it.

Yanking the offending hand to the side, Jet Jaguar FMT lunged up to slam his cranium into Kubal’s face with a cartilage-splitting headbutt. Capitalizing on the giant’s recoil, the burning android sent him further back with a kick to the head before returning standing.

Unlike before, the Titan Shifter recovered considerably quicker; back on the defensive as the Full Metal Titan attacked. A glowing leg jutted up in an attempted kick, which Kubal caught with one hand—only for Jet Jaguar FMT to smash his fingers with his elbow and punch the side of his face in quick succession.

Roaring in equal parts pain and rage, the Colossal Titan thrust a balled fist at the robot’s face, but the android held his arms up to block the strike before throwing a punch of his own. But he was not the only combatant quick on the draw, and the widowed dictator caught the fist with one hand before successfully landing a punch to the cranium with the other—

—while at the exact same time, the burning automaton’s foot struck him square in the jaw.

As both colossi staggered from one another, a jade glow started to encompass Burning Jet Jaguar’s hands. It was an entirely new development to the android; the skyrocketing levels of energy coursing through his body had unlocked properties never before seen.

Properties that tapped much deeper into his existence than just the physical realm.

It was the energy of the soul that his ‘Critical Mass’ allowed him to access: the power of his Mana, the energy that encompassed all living things. Taking the potential of that Mana, and allowing him to channel that energy into sound vibrations. Vibrations so powerful, they were packed with more than just sheer auditory force…

The emerald glow of his hands shone brighter with every second, until with a robotic screech the Full Metal Titan slammed his hands together. A reddish-purple blast of energy flew forth, taking Kubal by full force. An explosion that humbled the sound barrier tore from the impact as the Colossal Titan was sent flying back, chunks of his rock-hard armor blown off his midsection to scatter like bark dust.

As he began to lift himself off the desolate ground, Kubal gazed upon the burning android with broadened eyes. He had little idea where that attack had come from, and what power it held! So mighty so as to breach his armor with little effort, all in a single hit.

Steam started to wisp off the dictator’s body, his left hand wiping a trickle of blood off his torn, healing cheek.

As if this robot was the only one to possess such power in the hands…

Pushing off with his leg muscles, Kubal broke into a sprint; Burning Jet Jaguar dashing to meet him. An abrupt burst of steam leaped forth from the nephilim’s body as he neared; but in the robot’s critical state it was of no effect to Jet Jaguar FMT, who just rushed right through it to smack into Kubal with a booming impact. The Colossal Titan suppressed the desire to smirk.

Good. It wasn’t supposed to be.

The steam was merely a distraction for his true plan.

Two sets of hands, one flesh and the other of burning steel, smashed together as their owners began to grapple for physical control… and in the heated midst of this grappling match, the Perfect Darkness made his move.

Too late did Jet Jaguar FMT see it coming. Too late did he perceive the Titan Shifter’s right hand suddenly yanking free and curling into a fist, before throwing it right into his face.

The impact combined with the shotgun burst of steam ripped the auditory field asunder for miles all about. Even in his empowered condition, the Full Metal Titan was sent flying back like a toy, smashing to the ground only after going back a full three hundred meters. Perhaps it was his Critical Mass that allowed him to survive the hit, or maybe it was his increased size and strength. Possibly, it was a mix of both; nonetheless, it was a miracle that his head didn’t fly right off from the same attack that had destroyed King Kong’s.

But to say he was undamaged was grossly false.

His mouthpiece and left eye lens were mostly broken. The steel of his head and even neck were dented. Small fires burned on his shoulder and left upper chest.

Yet still, the Full Metal Titan lived.

And he would not waste it.

Screeching a brave war cry, Jet Jaguar FMT righted himself quickly and charged right back at Kubal, who was storming towards him with a booming caterwaul. His legs carrying him at his full speed, Burning Jet Jaguar threw punch after punch upon the Titan Shifter the very second he was within range. So suddenly and with such rapid frequency he attacked, that at first the dictator was unable to keep up. Without mercy, the android landed a series of swinging, rapid-fire punches to the murderer’s face and shoulders, hitting with such force that they dented and even cracked Kubal’s armor.

Then, mid-frenzy, the Full Metal Titan suddenly jumped and threw himself into a spinning kick. The Colossal Titan was donkey-kicked in the throat, sending him staggering back with a loud gag while Jet Jaguar FMT landed with ninjile grace. Back on the offensive in but a second, the burning automaton smashed a double-handed haymaker into the dictator’s nasal area, then threw another sock for the throat—

—which Kubal, despite his painful recoil, caught mid-punch.

Deciding that what came around went around, the nephilim smashed his elbow onto the robot’s arm, before letting go with his other hand and using it to smash his palm into his quarry’s chest at full force. At first, FMT was sent flying like last time… but this time, he adapted on the literal fly. Shifting tactics, the glowing android took flight and changed directions, barreling right into Kubal with arms outstretched.

The kaiju killer was taken right off his feet, the wind temporarily knocked out of him as Burning Jet Jaguar flew hundreds of meters up; securing his arms around the Titan Shifter in a firm, unbreakable hug as he spiraled around in a twirl.

Then, inspired by a fictional dragon from a long-lost piece of pop culture from his memory, he shifted around and shot down like a bullet.

The widowed giant was slammed face-first into the earth, sending the Richter Scale into a biblical frenzy and the Titan’s skull into a vicious headache. Merely upon landing, Burning Jet Jaguar lifted a foot as high as he could, then brought it down upon the dictator’s nape in a bone-cracking stomp. Over and over the Full Metal Titan repeated the maneuver, further cracking the armor of the killer’s nape with every blow…

Even amidst the pain in his head, Kubal noticed what was happening; the android was still going straight for his Achilles heel. The Colossal Titan attempted to push himself off the ground, instinctively set to stop this affront, only for another stomp to put him back down.

With previous foes, he could’ve redoubled his efforts and pushed them off. But Jet Jaguar FMT was not like his previous adversaries, not in this state. He was far stronger than all that preceded him, hit far harder. Hard enough to give him injuries that mattered.

A concussion. Broken cartilage.

Cracking his armor without need for an empowered weapon…

Sacrificing muscle mass be damned, he needed to get that accursed android off of him. With a powerful bellow, the Colossal Titan unleashed his steam at its highest intensity possible; the savage winds produced by its eruption successfully blew the robot away from him. His headache beginning to wear off, Kubal finally managed to rise back to his feet before ceasing his attack…

…and turned around to see Burning Jet Jaguar come barreling at him through the fog of vapor.

The knuckle sandwich the android landed shattered two of his teeth like tortilla chips—but he didn’t stop there. In a wrathful flurry of rage, the Full Metal Titan unleashed rapid, devastating punch after punch to all over the dictator’s upper body. Pieces of armor went flying with each hit; cartilage bending, cracking under the furious ferocity of the blows.

Marching ever forward, unceasing in his onslaught, Jet Jaguar FMT screeched mightily as he wailed with all his might on the bringer of the apocalypse. Crushing more armor, hammering more muscle and drawing more blood with every frenzied impact. His thoughts filled with the memories of all those whose lost lives lay on the shoulders of this madman.

Like Goro…

Even amidst the rage of his onslaught, still Jet Jaguar FMT couldn’t help but feel remorse for the tragedy of the situation. Fear of losing the light of Kubal’s life had driven him to all of this. Amidst all the agony and terror and despair inflicted upon him in his life; the threat of losing the greatest gift, one of the two only good things given to him in existence… broke him.

A life already filled with so much pain, to the point that one more blow of such soul-destroying magnitude… It was all too much for an already deeply wounded man.

Cracking armor, rippling flesh and drawing blood with each punch, sadness still stood tall in the android’s mind. The giant he currently wailed upon stood as a reminder that love, motivated by fear and pain, could drive one to do horrible things.

Even so much as to burn the world.

It was a tragedy that it had to have come to this. That they now had to fight to the finish. That there was no other outcome than the death of a broken man.

That he could no longer be helped.

Emerald-hued light began to engorge from the robot‘s hands as he continued to beat into the Titan Shifter. In time Kubal noticed, but was too occupied with the flurry of blows constantly smashing into his once-fortified form to counter. Before long, another Sound Clap burst forth from the Full Metal Titan’s hands at point blank range, blowing off armor and vaporizing flesh at a most alarming amount. Carried off his feet by the blast, the Colossal Titan howled in abject agony before crashing a full two hundred meters away.

Jet Jaguar FMT didn’t give him a moment of reprieve.

Taking a running start, the burning automaton leaped into the air before coming right down with a full-might punch—

—just as the steaming Kubal lashed out with a fist of his own.

Both punches landed at the same time. The android’s fist struck Kubal’s jaw with such force it dislocated it instantly; at the same time, the explosive roar like a shotgun split through the air as Kubal’s punch slammed into the robot’s belly emblem, sending him shooting away and crashing onto his back.

Fighting against the fresh damages they had both endured, both colossi rolled over and began to find their feet. His regenerative properties beginning their work, the Colossal Titan growled painfully as his damaged jaw snapped back into place—to say nothing of the injuries that were still in the gradual process of healing.

Burning Jet Jaguar, by contrast, had no such privileges; his damages remained prominent and sparking. Yet despite the viciousness of his wounds, the glowing android stood to his feet. For while his metal and wires may yet be damaged, his spirit remained unchanged and more empowered than ever. His steel battered and cracked in some places, fire bleeding from them, the Full Metal Titan pulled up his fists and re-assumed a combat stance.

So long as it saved those he loved, he could do this all day.

At once, both giants charged.

The collision of two great bodies meeting, one of armor and muscle and the other of burning steel, was biblical. The shockwave seemed to tear open the air itself like an invisible fissure, signaling the continuation of the duel of the millennia.

A curled fist of armored muscle slammed an uppercut into a chin of burning steel, sending sparks and fire flying before coming down with a right cross to the head. But just as quickly as he took the hit, Jet Jaguar FMT retaliated with a jab to the throat, followed by five rapid punches to the face and torso. Before he could connect a sixth, Kubal swatted the offending fist aside with one hand before socking him across the face with the other.

At first the Full Metal Titan recoiled from the blow, allowing an opening for the dictator to start pummeling him back with fury-backed punch after punch. But in time, he too mustered the strength and focus to weave out of the way of the next punch, before kneeing the Titan Shifter in the stomach and smacking him in the throat with a double-handed haymaker.

Before long Kubal recovered and plunged back into the fray, and the two combatants traded blows in an equalized fury. Blows that could shatter bone and splinter diamond wailed upon two monolithic forms of flesh and steel, rending their respective bodies further and further. Glowing metal dented and sparked, cartilage and muscle broke and tore; yet in spite of their worsening states, both giants continued to unpack all their stored ferocity.

Seemingly on a collision course with the inevitability that they would end up destroying each other.

A knee of monolithic muscle slammed into the android’s face, tearing a crack across his face and shattering more of his mouthpiece lens. Alerts went off in his vision as the damages climbed, informing him of the mounting peril he was in; but beneath that ever-denting metal, his spirit refused in any way to waver.

Even if his last moments were upon him, even if this was his final war, Jet Jaguar FMT had to see this through to the end.

Another earth-shaking punch collided with the robot’s glowing cranium, staggering him once more—but as the third punch came, he readied himself. Seizing the fist in place with his right hand, the Full Metal Titan used the position to contract his leg workings and leap right over the madman.

And land right on his shoulders.

In an instant, the burning automaton wrapped his left arm around the dictator’s neck and squeezed with all the strength it had; while with his right, he delivered punch after punch to the nephilim’s head. A booming bellow of wrath thundered from the Colossal Titan as he thrashed, flailing like an enraged horse. But no matter how hard he swung and snapped about, Burning Jet Jaguar would not yield; putting in just as much effort to hold on as his enemy did to toss him off.

Yet despite punch after punch assailing his skull, despite the droid’s sweltering body burning into his armored flesh, Kubal was not entirely out of options.

There was one tactic that entered his brain… one that he knew carried considerable, even monumental risk. But times had become desperate again—and as such the measures in question must adapt to match.

At the greatest output possible, the Perfect Darkness unleashed his burst of steam. Even despite the forceful winds that kicked up from the continuous blast, Jet Jaguar FMT only continued to cling on and keep punching.

But unfortunately for the Full Metal Titan, he failed to perceive that just like last time, it too was a ruse.

Amidst the incessant roaring of the steam, the Titan Shifter’s continued thrashing and deep billowing of the embers showering off his body, Burning Jet Jaguar didn’t even hear a third noise entering the fray: the cracking of all armor present beginning to fissure apart.

Yet such was the irony, that Kubal himself failed to notice a developing shift all his foe’s very own: Jet Jaguar FMT’s hands were beginning to glow, building with immeasurable power…

The fracturing armor of the Colossal Titan reached its breaking point…

The glow of the robot’s wrists greatened…

Straightening out to his full height, Kubal howled as he lessened his steam—at the exact second his armor burst. While there wasn’t quite as much armored shrapnel as there had been before, it was no less devastating; the alabaster shards, glowing with heat, tore into the android’s frame just as viciously as the force of the burst at last ripped him off.

And yet, it was only the first half of Kubal’s plan…

The glow of the Full Metal Titan’s wrists reached its greatest luminosity yet…

Steam still billowing from his seams, the Colossal Titan whirled around and threw his right fist forward with all his strength. For perhaps the hundredth time in merely the last hour, the sound barrier cracked from the resulting shotgun burst of steam as the punch connected with the automaton’s chest—

—and at the exact same time, Jet Jaguar FMT fired his Sound Clap straight into Kubal’s.

Unprotected flesh, already severely thinned by extreme use of steam, was vaporized in massive quantities. Glowing metal, caught full-force with no defense, was dented and cracked like an ailing eggshell. Both giants were thrown from one another like golf balls, practically in the same physical state as they both trembled the earth’s crust with their painful crashes.

Like tattered zombies of their former selves, the towering behemoths swayed like ailing trees upon staggering gradually to their feet. With fissures all but decorating his glowing frame and sparks leaking from his wounds, Jet Jaguar FMT nearly looked nothing so much as a demonic corpse rising from the pits of Hell. Looking in no way better, even Kubal’s regenerative factor had been all but taxed; his maimed body pausing on the energy required to restart restoring itself.

Yet even in the face of such debilitation, both persisted.

The Full Metal Titan pulled his fists back up; a warped, damaged cry whirring from his mouthpiece. On damaged, yet still functional legs, he began to press forward once more. First a walk, his stride evolved into a run rather impressively soon.

Strings of muscle hanging from his ruin of a body, bleeding and charred alike, the Colossal Titan growled through the excruciating pain and started lumbering to meet his enemy. Physical state notwithstanding, this was a battle he had to finish. If the burning android was the ultimate personification of life, then he would topple him as the final demonstration that he had conquered his old demons.

He had given life as much courtesy as it gave him, and he didn’t plan on stopping now. But their vigor blinded them both. Their movements stifled, the ongoing battle growing weary. More than certainly, the battle was taking more of a toll than either expected. Their powerful strides came to a faulty stop, the burning Titans dragging their legs to move it.

Kubal refused to go down; he must breach to the other side. With the evacuees of the Walls no longer an option, it was the only surefire means he had left. This couldn’t end now. Not until it was finished.

FMT felt the vibrant energies flow through him; but even then, they were depleting at a faster rate than he had hoped. This surging ‘Critical Mass’ state brought more wonder to him than he’d have ever thought; another side to the miracle of Mana. But now was not the time to gawk in awe. There was a battle to finish.

And he’d give it everything he had!

As the Colossal Titan rose to its feet, the robotic warrior surged ahead, footfalls crumbling the earth under his feet. The crimson nephilim seemed to become larger the closer he got, but such overwhelming odds could be conquered! He channeled his very soul into vibrations, glowing with a green light and connected with the tough muscle of the Titan’s chest…

Instead of rupturing soft meat into paste and delivering a cataclysmic shockwave with his Sound Clap, his fist collided with a meaty thud. And after that, nothing. The light had faded in his hand, and only now did the robot notice the swelling heat of the Colossal Titan take hold again. More importantly, the bright red luminance he shined had all but vanished.

He was no longer the Full Metal Titan.

Before he could move out of harm’s way, the Colossal Titan thwacked the shrunken Jet Jaguar to the ground, careening to the broken earth at bullet-like speeds. Although he felt a difference in his physiology, that mattered little against the raw, overwhelming power that the red giant still possessed. His wounds fractured his mind; he needed to shut down or reboot to refresh his programming. But would Kubal let him? He didn’t think so…

Heavy footfalls crashed with each step taken, the Colossal Titan more than ready to end it all. But before the final stomp to put FMT out of his misery, a reeling noise of burning rubber had finally made itself known to both of them. Jet Jaguar FMT was the first to notice the interloper, standing steady upon two of its wheels, its arm ready to thrust.

There was no other word than dumbfounded at the arising situation.

The Jet Jaguar husk clamped its three-pronged fingers near the base of Kubal’s Titan neck. And with a swift shink, the maser blade plunged into the nape…

Kubal was infuriated with himself. Amidst the burning madness during his battle, how had he only noticed this pest now? Its tires should’ve made it a dead giveaway, and now the surging pain of a gigantic blade–which narrowly avoided him, only slicing an arm off and puncturing his left ribcage–remained. Before he could command his Titan to dislodge the robotic shell, he felt a full pump of electricity flow into him. It scarred and seared his skin, broiling it as he and his Titan screamed in utmost agony. Kubal felt his ears pop, going deaf as his regeneration struggled to endure the overflow of burning lightning.

But he didn’t need ears to hear…

Jet Jaguar could only stare, awestruck at the sight before him. He saw his discarded husk atop the Colossal, swaying under the supergiant’s leaning movement. And that description was apt; for the chest compartment hung loosely, verifying for FMT that no one was operating it from within. The gentle glowing blue eyes of the reanimated android gazed at the humanoid machine, its head tilted to stare at him. An orange glow shined from beneath the patchwork robot, signaling the Colossal Titan’s next move.

“Jet Jaguar,” it uttered in an electronic cadence, “I’m sorry. For everything.”

…The orange glow overtook the operating fist of the Colossal Titan, who had dispersed steam from his back in order to dislodge the robotic pest. The rotund machine was successfully pushed off, the blade slipping out of the nape. Then, at the very first opportunity he could, Kubal heralded his wrathful backhanded fist, burning the air around the glowing fist as he did. Helpless on its fall back, and with no means of avoiding what came next, the searing fist of the mighty Titan made contact with the hollowed shell, breaking it apart in one fell swoop.

The remains of FMT’s former exo-body littered the battlefield, dismantling the pest for good. And all he could do was helplessly watch as the Colossal Titan remained the last one standing. Continuing the fight was truly futile, but when the Colossal Titan began to scream… There was an odd sense of gratitude or relief. The straw that broke the camel’s back, as they say…

Even after disposing of the interloper, that didn’t mean the damage done could be reversed. His hearing was still muffled, slowly regenerating as sound slowly returned to him. But it was when he checked his pocket did he finally realize the last vial–the last strain of the Wraith virus known to anyone–had shattered. Not even the fluids of the infectious agent remained, having withered into little more than vapors–only shattered glass remained.

He began to tremble, tears welling in his eyes. Even if he couldn’t hear himself scream, he most certainly felt himself enacting those actions. Everything he had ever done slipped right out of his grasp… He continued to bellow in torment, his Titan following those same actions. As his body rejuvenated in the safety of the nape, he peered his eyes upon the fallen Jet Jaguar…

Maybe it was time to finish this.

Jet Jaguar could only stare. Contentment overrode any rational sense to fly and get away, his programming wouldn’t allow it. Knowing the Wraith was destroyed was good enough for him. His chest flashed with a star-like light, reducing his size down to the human frame. There wasn’t a need to hold his gigantic form, he was going to perish either way.

He felt Kubal’s wrathful gaze lock onto his location, but Jet Jaguar FMT could finally let his systems rest, knowing this nightmare was at last going to come to an end… And when the Colossal Titan was in range, the last thing FMT saw before powering down was the giant’s hand encompassing his vision.

Then, it all went dark.

 

Chapter 18: A Long Time Coming

Tearing them apart limb for limb, crushing them under his heel, Eren continued his ruthless slaughter. For once, he allowed his accumulated frustrations to manifest to the surface. A blind rage that sheathed his eyes and thoughts; he didn’t need to focus, for the freshly donned armor protected him from the mauls and bites of the ravenous creatures. An opportunity he would have exacted on Kubal if he had gone for it, but one that found a home nonetheless.

For the Jet Jaguars, putting up a fight against Kubal even better than he ever could. Saving the lives of countless doing so. Another set of Titans quashed under his armored weight.

For the strangers that changed their entire lives. Gave them the chance to flee this Hell. A Titan met its demise with a kneecap to the nape, killing it instantly. An elbow bash collided with another, snapping its jaws off. That one was for Randy’s irritating personality.

For the mere chance to make amends to those whose trust he had broken. Hange, Sasha, the Scouts… He had let them down for his selfishness. He repaid that with slammed two Titan heads into shattered skulls and meshing blood.

For Mikasa. For trying to guide him on the right path when he refused to listen. Standing up to him when he was in the wrong. Grabbing hold of a Titan, Eren chomped down on its nape, tearing it out with his teeth.

Shikishima… Jean… Hiana… Old man Souda… Fukushi… Lil… Sannagi… For Armin. Those gone, but not forgotten. He had to keep to that for as long as he lived. And he stamped at the fallen Titan with his foot, smashing it until he was satisfied–which was well after it had perished.

His Titan came to a slow stop. There was little left aside from the rising steam of Titan carcasses. Every last one of them had fallen to his hand.

But he did not roar. He felt his eyes sunken from the dreariness. The moment he relaxed his Titan’s muscles, they fell limp. He vented so much of his anger, he failed to realize the toll it took on his body. He collapsed to his knees, slumped forward. The split in his nape erupted, freeing him from the fleshy confinement. He tasted air, despite the humidity, which only illuminated how tired he was. His mind was in a daze, waiting until he regained the strength to move.

But before he could, the familiar twang of spooling wires and hissing gas made their approach. His eyes saw the figure of Mikasa flying towards him. She landed next to him, weapons sheathed as she approached his prone form. He glanced up at her.

“Mikasa…” Eren groaned. “I’m tired.”

“Then sleep,” she quietly responded, with a small, glimmering smile. “Eren. Let us take care of it.”

“It’s what Armin would’ve wanted… Right?” Eren asked in a whisper. Mikasa simply nodded, caressing him in her embrace. The sun shone from behind, illuminating her figure and basking in her beauty.

It was the last thing he saw before dozing off.

—

Sleepy eyes opened to a view that was both familiar, yet not. It reminded him greatly of the white rooms hidden under the Walls, but its beige paint complimented the warm glow of the wall-mounted lamp near him. This was far more like the Okuno suites he had heard about, albeit the room size being comparable to a prison cell. Still, it was surprisingly comfortable. Even the technology was reminiscent of the tech found in the innermost wall. A minifridge, some cabinets, a stovetop, a circular window, and three doors. Comfortable living quarters for a long voyage.

If it hadn’t been for the port-hole window, he would have doubted that he was even airborne.

Eren turned and saw the person resting next to him. Slumped over on the chair was Mikasa, having long since dozed off into wonderland. Though she wasn’t in uniform; rather, she was donning a white button-up and black pants, clearly having taken the chance for bathing. The tattered scarf was still around her, that old, raggedy thing. He checked himself, still in the same rancid clothes when he fell into slumber. He needed to bathe and change.

He shuffled, careful not to wake her up. Investigating the rooms, he discovered the purposes behind the three doors–one that led outside to a vast hallway, one for bathing, and the other for… natural needs. After finding a set of clothes identical to Mikasa’s, Eren took his time until there was nothing left of the grim that clung to him. A clean face, free of burden to sins’ past.

To start anew.

Drying himself off, he dressed himself appropriately, stepping out in the open. Hearing the turn of the knob, Mikasa awoke from her droopy nap in a daze.

“Eren,” she murmured quietly, “when did you get up?”

“Not too long ago,” he responded, “A clean up was in order, that’s all.” Mikasa pointed to the bag near the door, one used to pick up dirty laundry by the faculty of the Pandora. Stuffing his worn and weathered clothes and accessories in there, he left it out in the hallway for pickup. An odd custom, or at least one he hadn’t experienced before. He turned to face her, making the attempt to smile.

“You okay?” he asked.

She rubbed her eyes. “Yeah.”

“How long have we been flying for?” Eren questioned.

“About…” Mikasa paused, letting her mind wake up, “7 hours when I drifted to sleep… So maybe another 5 on top of that? And I think they said something about a 15 hour trip, so…”

“About 12 hours, then,” he answered. She nodded. “Any word from Hange?”

“Yes, she wanted to see you as soon as you’re ready.”

“I have a lot to own up to…” His smile faded, remembering his wrongdoings.

“Eren, as long as you recognize those faults, it’ll be okay.” She wrapped herself around him, and he reciprocated in kind. They held each other tenderly, feeling safe after a lifetime’s worth of heavily fortified security, tyranny, loss, betrayal, and stolen hopes. “Even if it’s hard now,” Mikasa gently whispered. “What Armin would’ve said.”

“Yeah. Thank you, Mikasa.” Their warmth swirled amongst each other before finally breaking it off. “Let’s go see the Commander.”

Down the luxurious hallway, they followed to the room Hange was supposed to be staying in. Room 910. When they opened the door, larger and more spacious than his, they saw her and another man at the nearby desk, clearly having a discussion that veered off to a tangent unrelated to what they were talking about. But when they entered, Hange’s demeanor was quick to change to ‘Commander Mode,’ a look Eren knew all too well. Even the jet-black haired gentleman was quick to dismiss the jovial persona he had just moments ago. Eren and Mikasa gave their salutes, and her in return.

“At ease.” Hange said coolly, “Eren. Do you remember what I said to you?”

He nodded. “The protection of humanity isn’t the same as the termination of the threat. Any more splitting of the forces will completely ruin the plan.”

“Good. Do you understand the principles?”

Eren firmly nodded. “Yes, Commander.”

“Putting yourself ahead of others like that will bring needless loss, even if you happen to come across benefits,” Hange said upfront, “We could have lost you there.”

“I understand. I have a lot of people to apologize to…” Eren took a fervent bow. “I’m sorry!”

The gleam in her eyes did not fade, remaining as firm as ever. “That’s what I like to hear,” she stated coldly. “I’d send you to your cell for detainment, but these LZ folks are far too generous,” she said, her voice softening to her regular self.

“LZ, Commander?” Eren asked.

It was then the other man butted in, glowing up after the serious discussion. “Short for ‘Latitude Zero,’ hence ‘LZ.’ Or ‘E-l-z-e-e’ if you’re comfortable with that,” the man remarked. “Some people have different tastes, you never know.”

“And you’re a native?” Eren inquired.

“Not quite,” the Asian-looking man refuted, “I am by virtue of having lived there long enough, though my sister and I hail from Peaceland. Oh!” The man realized something and struck a pose. “You don’t recognize me without my getup, don’t you? Akira Sakimori, the great Zone Fighter!”

Eren scoffed. “Junior.”

“Ack!” Akira looked defeated by the statement. “You’re on my sister’s side, too! Always just ‘Zone Junior,’ never ‘Zone Fighter’ with her, geez,” he complained, highlighting his speech with enunciated air quotes.

“But regardless,” Hange cut in, “There has been some valuable information that’s cropped up since you were asleep, Eren.” She revealed the documents and reports laid out on her desk, all focused on one subject in particular.

Kubal Kunimura.

“Sasha’s Scout group proved invaluable from their intel,” Hange began, “Their encounter with another Jet Jaguar located in Mt. Fuji had the details needed to map out his motivations and goals. We also found a surprise with some of the civvies on board during the evacuation. A few of them were former Military Police that had worked with Kubal personally.”

“And where are they now? Are they locked up?” Eren implored.

“Of course. Scouts and LZ are keeping a close guard on them. But like I said, LZ is far too generous,” Hange said, waving off Akira.

“What can I say?” Akira shrugged, “When Peacelandian and El-zeean engineering come together, magic is born. Not my problem, McKenzie prefers to give the benefit of the doubt where possible. Best living standards anyone can ask for!”

She continued unabated. “Testimony from Leo Suarez, a computer operator during his tenure at Kubal’s facility. According to him, a missile silo that went abandoned after the outbreak of Wraith was used as Kubal’s covert place of refuge to hide his wife and daughter in their Titanized states, and even to regenerate after Shikishima dealt that bomb blow to him. Left after quote-unquote, ‘workplace abuse,’ when Kubal transformed one of the scientists, Masao Komuro, into a Wraith Titan and killed it.”

Eren felt his rage flare up. They had coordinated with Kubal, no doubt leading to the deaths of countless innocent lives. But they were just as much victims of Kubal as the dead were. Second chances were important; he had to remember that.

“There’s a lot more research notes from the others who collaborated with him, so it may prove invaluable with Titan functionality and how they ultimately work. But that will be tested in the future when we arrive at our new place.”

“And that place is…?” Eren asked.

“An old-world map suggests this place was called Nelson, New Zealand,” Hange answered with a faint smile. “New sweet home.”

“And I guess that just leaves you and your sister,” Eren directed at Akira, “How are a pair of aliens working for a group of advanced humans?”

For a moment, Akira prepared a more quippy response, but his sunken shoulders told of another burden. “Came here to Earth when I was very young. Hotaru has a better recollection of our early years than I do, but we needed to hide from these alien forces known as the Garoga. They destroyed our homeworld of Peaceland. Fought many things, saved the day… Though it wasn’t always me, or even my sister for that matter.”

Akira paused, regaining his composure.

“Zone Fighter did. Our brother did. Last we saw him, he was fighting this Colossal Titan of yours… And haven’t heard from him since.” His face contorted with emotional wrought. “Goddammit Hikaru, why couldn’t you be here…” he mumbled to himself.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Eren said, his heart moved. Akira took another breath, relieving his nerves.

“Regardless, afterward our first plan worked… Sort of. The infection had spread to our ship, so a couple of Titanized folk brought it all down into the ocean… We fought them off for as long as we could. Tried to save as many as we could…” Eren noticed the grim resignation written over Akira’s face, a dark moment for those that couldn’t see another tomorrow. Who only found their graves in the watery depths… “Captain McKenzie claims he had happened to be in the area when he found us adrift, so a few hundred people were taken aboard the Alpha, and we have remained with them in Latitude Zero since.”

“Up until recently, I take it?” Hange interfered, recalling Randy’s presentation.

“Correct. We had started to set up shop on land to give these people a chance to breathe and not be so cramped down in LZ… Even if LZ is the fantasy paradise you’d imagine it to be, there’s only so much room it can hold for a growing population. My sister and I made a proposal to investigate the Walls with the new and improved Pandora, especially since the Wraith virus had burned out… McKenzie had reservations, but once we found a signal in your area, it swayed his decision to take flight. And…”

“The rest is history,” Eren finished.

“Whew, one hell of a story, ‘ey?” Akira commented, “Captain’s got a lot to tell. I’m sure everyone does if they put their hearts and minds to it.”

Although his sympathies were to Akira and his cause, there was something that irked Eren deep down. Remarkable, superpowered human-like beings capable of great things… Hiding in fear of Kubal for who-knows-how-long before finally braving the surface. Let alone, having this incredible technology at their disposal… Yet only a privileged few were allowed to use it. A stark reminder of the white rooms and their purpose. Part of him wanted to flare up right there, questioning why they didn’t take action sooner. But rationale overtook instinct. There was an untold story he didn’t know of, it was unwise to jump to conclusions until he knew for certain what the truth even was.

A story for him to find out another time, he supposed.

Suddenly, a reverberating sound echoed in the room. The grumblings of the stomach were heard crystal clear. And it was only a matter of moments to spot the source. Mikasa’s usual neutrality was usurped by embarrassment, her body wishing for sustenance. “I’m sorry,” Mikasa apologized, clearly flustered.

“You two get something to eat,” Hange ordered, albeit informally. “We’ll be landing in a couple of hours.”

With a nod, he and Mikasa gave another salute, their Commander gesturing them off as they turned back into the hallway. Now the real question remained: where was the mess hall?

*****

“Get up.”

His eyes flickered to life, his data scrambled from what just transpired. The residuals of alien energy within allowed him to move, without the hindrance of rust or joint pain. The sun still shone upon them, but not for long as the bright orange array shifted to a purple skyline. He felt the sun’s rays warm the exposed circuitry of his half-missing face, reminding him of the cruel battle he just endured.

Despite the glow of the sun, a distinct overcasting shadow loomed over him.

With a quick glance, he saw the decaying corpse of the Colossal Titan sitting and slumped over, its vacant eyesockets and open maw seemingly staring at him… And more importantly, the man who stood in front of him with a terrifying glare. Kubal raised his hand up, exposing his bloodied palm to Jet Jaguar.

“Don’t try anything funny.” In a display of absolute control, lightning danced around the wounded hand. It crawled up his forearm before he tightened into a fist, ceasing the lightshow. “I still have one more in me if you dare step out of line.”

For the autonomous unit, the only silver lining was that he wasn’t disposed of right away.

Kubal nudged behind him. Scanning the landscape was the hole that led down to a missile silo from what Jet Jaguar FMT could readily identify. Portions of its concrete walling were broken, a show that something climbed out of here… With an assertive gesture, Kubal ordered him to follow. And with no other choice, he did. They reached a long elevator shaft, one that indisputably led to the pits of this facility. But aside from them, there was no one else here… Not a single human, nor a single Titan. The thought unnerved his digital processors.

Shutters closed behind them, their descent to the bottom was left with stagnant silence. It was an uncomfortable and rickety ride down, testing the patience of those who boarded it. But it wasn’t long before Kubal began spilling his thoughts.

“The humans held here may have escaped my grasp… The other universe may have been spared from the Wraith… You may have had a lucky shot with that robot lookalike… But never forget this, Jet Jaguar,” he seethed with vigorous anger, “I won that fight. More than strong enough to defeat you and your bag of tricks,” he boldly declared. The flaring anger from the dictator had to be stifled with quick breaths, recomposing himself. “So I’m the only one strong enough to do what must be done.”

Jet Jaguar turned his gaze at him, not uttering a sound. The gesture told everything.

“Once I’m done, take Nariko and let her live a happy life. I don’t care where she goes, so long as it’s far away from here. If nothing else, she deserves to live as a human.”

The see-through shutters parted way, and the two of them stepped out. In the distance was a malformed Titan, her limbs too stubby to move or crawl with. Jet Jaguar saw her face, recalling the beaming smile of the young patient… It sprawled with excitement, her eyes glued to Kubal the entire time.

“Hey there, little Titan,” Kubal gently ushered, approaching the excitable humanoid, “It’s about that time, sweetheart. Daddy wasn’t strong enough to find a cure for you.” He traced his bloodied hand along her cheek, her eyes jittering in anticipation. “You’re a strong girl. Find it in you to be stronger than daddy ever has been.”

He stood there in silence as the Titan known as Nariko began to moan and wail. He rested his head against her skin, a small spark igniting between them for only a moment. With a sniffle, Kubal gave his answer. “I’m ready.”

Mustering all it could, Nariko lunged for her father, snapping her jaws around him. In an instant, he was reduced to a bloody paste, chewed, gobbled, and swallowed so effortlessly. It was unsightly to see a man of Kubal’s stature, who gave him absolute hell, vanish so quickly, even for the long, destructive life he lived. There was nothing Jet Jaguar could do now but wait. Yet as Nariko devoured what was left of her father, the android’s scanners noticed something.

Tears.

Accumulating from the tear ducts, water streamed down Nariko’s Titanized face, swallowing repeatedly as to ensure all of Kubal was down her gullet. And with a dying moan, she collapsed as life faded from her Titan’s eyes. Steam erupted from the nape, with a sack of flesh rupturing from the weak point, covering the human child in layers of membranes. Quick to assume no clothes were available in the initial regeneration from Wraith to Jaeger, FMT had to pivot, scouring the nearby rooms for anything. A blanket and some adult clothing were all he could find before rushing over to the slumped Titan corpse. Excavating the girl from the nape was a messy task, stripping the gunk and flesh off her delicate form, he fitted the unconscious girl with the clothes he found and swaddled her in the blanket, carrying her in his arms.

Granting Kubal’s wish, antennae sprouted from his head as he took flight.

From the depths of the silo, Jet Jaguar took high into the dimming sky, taking one last notice of the husk of the Colossal Titan. The sun had set past the horizon, bringing the night with it. The cold night breeze flowed over them, the blanket keeping the young girl warm. His flight was far from aimless. Rather, he had a direct destination in mind… Provided what he sought was still there. He kept going, pushing himself as fast as he could while carrying a human. Over the walls he flew, seeing the path Kubal took. The concrete reinforced palisade closest to the silo had been broken down. The longer this voyage lasted, the more anxiety lingered in his digital consciousness.

There was only one way but to keep haste.

Over the inner and middle walls he went, with nothing in sight but unmoving silence. It was then he saw the wreckage from their destructive battle come into view. The unfortunate scattered remains of the exo-body that had aided in stopping Kubal’s rampage to the other side… Perhaps if the natives of this world were to ever salvage the rotund android, then they could learn everything for themselves. Knowledge sought of their own accord, rather than being supplied with the secrets of everything. Maybe that was for the better.

The first and outermost wall came into view, the carnage all the more evident. It made him glad the young girl slept through this, the bloodshed that occurred beyond the barriers were… Horrifying, to say the least. Kaiju corpses littered the battlefield, and a stark reminder of Zilla’s grievous injury as the dismembered tail laid there. But beyond the vacant yet hellish sight was the very thing he sought… The tall mound was still there, and much to his surprise, the rift was still there. But it became evident it wouldn’t hold shape for much longer. Lights sparkled around it, the destabilizing rift threatening to collapse in on itself…

And with one last desperate push, he continued forward.

*****

U.S.S. Cowpens – Earth

Everything had to go to plan. It had to, for the sake of Nick, for Zilla–for everyone. Goro Ibuki had faith they’d be able to pull off the impossible. But the cost was the monkey-wrench he wasn’t sure how it’d turn out. Not everything could go picture-perfect, there were bound to be mishaps abound in executing their plan. It all hinged on so much.

Hikaru’s ability to talk with or overcome Ultraseven. Randy, Monique, and his beloved being able to retrieve their allies in this dire time. Even the surprise interference of Mothra Leo took him by surprise as the moth snagged a helicopter aboard the Cowpens, carrying it into the white anomaly with the Misses in tow. Even the mighty Battra, for reasons he didn’t fully know, had eventually found its way in after trial and error.

He just had to hold onto that small spark of hope.

But being steadfast didn’t mean it was all easy. He hadn’t been sure how much time had passed, but before he knew it, the white anomaly pulsated, and from it was a glimpse of terror upon their world. First was a creature identical to Rodan, or at the very least a subspecies native to whatever universe laid on the other side. Following that was a storm that knew no bounds, and the horrifying presence of an other-dimensional King Ghidorah that threatened to savage the world. Had it not been for the Godzilla, Mothra, and an unidentified aerial organism that pursued after it, with the intervention of the new Rodan, doomsday may have been wrought in place of the terror of SpaceGodzilla.

Before the bright, emerald flash that quelled the destroyer of worlds, it was evident life thrived on the other side of the black anomaly–very much so. Pulsating to life, Goro didn’t know what to expect–a giant octopus of colossal magnitude was not one of them. Seemingly hurled against its own will, the enlarged cephalopod made a hard landing against the torrential surface in an enormous splash.

It floated to the surface, either stunned or dead–but Goro was quickly proven wrong when the monstrous flash from the caldera scared the gargantuan mollusk off into the depths. Had it not been for his vantage point, he doubted anyone–human or kaiju alike–would have noticed the marine animal there at all. Even if it had been detected by radar or sonar, the EMP emission from the garish green explosion would’ve temporarily obstructed any signal the Cowpens had on it. He felt very fortunate to have seen it with his own eyes.

And as for the whereabouts of the new Godzilla after that, he didn’t know–no one did.

After the light dissipated, Goro tried to scan for his acquaintances, but found nothing. It seemed the war between the new Godzilla and Ghidorah began to lessen the effects both rifts had on this world, gradually losing their power over the hours. More concerningly, his friends were still trapped on the other side, but he wasn’t sure. Hope, however, had arrived–having evidently missed her entering during the explosion came the new Mothra. Dropping a sack of web, she had rescued the survivors who entered into the white anomaly. Focusing his binoculars, he saw Ultraseven land next to them, discussing something.

Goro wished he could smile. But seeing Nick’s condition was worse for wear; clear symptoms of radiation poisoning were taking effect. But to his relief, he saw Seven pick up Nick, a red light enveloping them both. Encased in a red sphere, it began to float above before darting off at speeds incalculable, no doubt returning to where the Ultra warrior hailed from. Goro hoped they’d have some kind of solution. The surprises weren’t done yet, however. Like a beating heart, the black rift spat another creature from its shape. For a split second, Goro’s heart twinged with fear… Only to subside with a closer inspection.

Another King Ghidorah had emerged. But it differed greatly in many regards.

Unlike the terror that brought destruction, this new Ghidorah only had two heads. It was marred and wounded, some new, some very old. But those fresh burns sizzled off its flaky scales, nearly charred beyond recognition. It didn’t concern itself with destruction or being a threat to the planet; rather, it simply fled as far away as it could from its exit, seeking survival beyond all else. Ghidorahs were nothing short of fearsome creatures, the last one proved that crystal clear. To terrify a creature of Ghidorah’s stature like that… It made Goro fear what lay on the other side of that portal.

But such an appearance brought attention to one of the skybound kaiju. While the new creature lingered in the air, calling out for a response, the new Rodan diverted its binocular eyes towards the escaping hydra. Be it simply mistaking the new for the old or otherwise, the burning hawk propelled its wings in hot pursuit. It still had strength in it to fight and began making chase as it flew past the Cowpens. Where the two titanic creatures went off to after that was none of Goro’s worries.

Still, no sign of Monique, Randy, or Jet Jaguar. They had to be in trouble if they hadn’t shown up yet… The waning doorways became increasingly alarming as the seconds ticked on. Each moment had to count, but if Goro knew anything from firsthand experience, it was that Zilla and Jet Jaguar would give their all against a devil of all worlds if need be; they’d refuse to go down without a fight… But those actions had their consequences.

And what he saw next shook the professor to his core.

With another pulse, it spat out another. His eyes instantly recognized his beloved creation, but the wounds sustained showed that of a great battle. Metal armor patterned with scars of shrapnel and a crack along his emblem. But what had shook him was not the state of his creation, but rather the one they had sought to rescue. He almost didn’t recognize Zilla for a moment, especially without his long, strong tail. The helicopter the H.E.A.T. crew operated came out soon after, easing his mind just a little.

As Jet Jaguar flew to his location, the Bell 412 dipped down to the caldera below to retrieve the stragglers vanguarded by the insectoid Mothra. With Randy’s help, Audrey hoisted the prone Hikaru on board, with the Elias sisters hitching a ride with their new guardian. Mothra and the Bell departed, the latter en route to the Cowpens, as the large lepidopteran chirped to the vaguely insectoid creature. Seemingly begrudging, the flying hook-clawed creature followed, disappearing to parts unknown.

Before long, his beloved gracefully dipped into the oceanic waters, careful to let the maimed reptile float on the surface. Fortunately, the large lizard’s prone form maintained buoyancy. From where the automaton stood, with a flash of light, Jet Jaguar began reducing in size. His human-scaled size hovered over to where the professor and the captain stood, landing next to them. Goro smiled. “Welcome back, old friend. Glad you’re safe.”

The droning whirl of helicopter blades sliced the air as the Bell came closer and closer, making a smooth touchdown aboard the landing pad. As the engine cut off, the cab doors flew open.

“Medic! We need a medic!” Audrey shouted. With the given permission from Cole, sailors rolled out the gurney and lifted the unconscious Hikaru Sakimori, taking him to sick bay.

“And we need another for the Big Guy!” Randy desperately pleaded, gesturing to the comatose Zilla. “Please, someone help him!”

“Randy,” Monique cut in, firm but gentle. “Breathe.” Following her instruction, the intern inhaled and exhaled slowly and deliberately, easing himself from his emotional state. “He’s going to be okay. We both know that.” As if to add to Monique’s claim, Jet Jaguar gave an affirmative thumbs up. Maybe he was just being supportive to a friend in need, but it made Goro smile.

“Yeah, I know,” the misty-eyed Randy acknowledged, “I know he gets his butt kicked around a lot… But not like this.” He shook his head, reiterating, “Not like this.”

From behind were footsteps and the brazen voice of H.E.A.T.’s resident redhead biologist. “Hey, why wasn’t I invited as part of the welcoming committee?” Elsie sarcastically inquired. But a look around informed her of everything she needed to know, quickly changing her tune. “Oh, Jesus…” Elsie Chapman was just as stunned at the unsightly comatose reptile floating in the Pacific. “Anyone mind filling me in, what did that to our guy?” Goro listened keenly, morbidly curious on the same thing.

Monique started. “The Colossal Titan.” She proceeded to run down the events that transpired after hijacking the Bell. From their landing and their run in with the man-eating Titans, to their escapades with the surviving humans within the Walls, their history and encounter with Kubal Kunimura, the discovery of a second Jet Jaguar in Mt. Fuji, and their eventual escape. Certainly sounded like 100 adventures that’d be too much for Goro’s old bones.

“Sounds like everyone aboard the helicopter needs to be decontaminated,” Cole strictly advised, “Between the high doses of radiation and the threat of a dangerous viral infection, you all are looking to be quarantined for some time.”

“Radiation… Nick…” Randy muttered, “What happened to Jefe?”

Audrey was the one to step in. “We found him in the white anomaly. Acute radiation poisoning…” Her words drifted off, the emotional pressure compounding onto Randy.

“Not him too, no…” sobbed the sun-kissed tech whiz. Monique had him continue his breathing exercise, comforting her friend in his hour of need. After being the beacon to so many others, he too clearly needed the support he could get. Even the strongest wills weren’t indomitable from mounting pain, Goro knew that from experience.

But Audrey remained strong. “But he’ll be okay. I know that for a fact,” she said confidently. “Ultraseven took Nick with him, heading back to his homeworld to fix him up. How long he’ll be gone for, I’m not entirely sure… But he’ll be back.”

Such glowing confidence gave Goro a needed sense of relief. One by one, Audrey and the crew of H.E.A.T. began piling on in a big group hug, although Monique Dupre kept to herself.

“I’m glad Seven left when he did,” Audrey added, “I’m not sure how he would have reacted seeing a second King Ghidorah come out of the other portal.”

“In that case, it’d be best to get a move on,” Cole issued. But before he could give the order, Jet Jaguar screeched loudly, even taking Goro aback. “What’s wrong now?”

“He says there’s one more we’re waiting on,” Goro explained. No doubt the second one Monique had mentioned; the one called Jet Jaguar FMT. He turned to Randy, asking, “What does ‘FMT’ stand for? I wanted to ask earlier, but to interrupt would’ve been rude of me.”

“Oh, right,” the young intern flushed, “‘Full Metal Titan.’ I thought it was a better name than ‘Jet Jaguar.’ It sounded good to me!”

“Really Randy?” Elsie interjected, rebuking him. “Only angsty teenagers would rebrand him as ‘the Full Metal Titan,’” she sarcastically air-quoted the name. “It’s almost comparable to having a musical stage show about any kaiju attack! Maybe a little insensitive!”

“But you had to be there to see it!” Randy complained, “He looked like a Titan when we left!”

Learning this, Goro was amused. “Call me biased, but I see nothing wrong with ‘Jet Jaguar,’” he remarked. “The best wines take time to settle. Even if you don’t appreciate it at first, you’ll learn to accept Jet Jaguar as is.” Though he did admit that FMT retooling the name signified that Randy’s funny nickname must have hit a chord on a fundamental level. A personal issue, no doubt. Still, he decided to keep this to himself; the young lad would accept ‘Jet Jaguar’ faster if he didn’t say anything.

“I guess so,” Randy sighed, defeated. Still, afterward the conversations drifted to more light-hearted affairs, if only to ease the worry and pain that lingered in the air. It was a long wait, but for Goro Ibuki, hours passed in minutes. Perhaps because time flew by the older he got, but before anyone knew it, the last signs of the portals drew near. Their structural integrity collapsed, shrinking and closing as they dissipated into nothingness.

After what had felt like a decade since they first materialized, even if they only sustained form for nearly a week at most, the threats from beyond had finally ceased to be in this world.

But for Goro’s old eyes, there were no clear-cut signs of Jet Jaguar FMT. Maybe he had fallen in battle, or simply couldn’t make it in time for the collapse. But whatever transpired, the Wraith virus didn’t pass through to the other side. To that, he had to be thankful that such a calamity was averted before it could be carried over.

Yet before Cole could give the all-clear, Jet Jaguar exploded into a series of handwaves and gestures, screeching as loud as his audio output would allow. Goro knew then his eyes missed something as not only he, but everyone else, started scanning the skies for the other Jet Jaguar.

“There!” Monique pointed out, tracking the airborne humanoid. When the others caught on, Goro himself included, they bore witness as the Jet Jaguar doppelgänger made way to the Cowpens. Having maintained a human scale explained why he didn’t spot it right away. Just when he thought his creation had it rough, this alternate JJ showed signs of being through Hell and back. Half his face mask was gone, exposing the circuitry underneath, and marred with more wounds that required extensive repairs. He was shocked the robot was even operating at this capacity.

But any ally of his Jet Jaguar was a friend of his.

“Hello, Jet Jaguar FMT,” Goro greeted with a knowing smile. “Nice to finally meet you.”

FMT nodded, taking slow and steady steps with the blanketed garb he carried. His Jet Jaguar offered a hand, taking and unwrapping the human underneath. A child, with pale skin and a near balding head from her former illness, still fast asleep. Motioning to FMT, Jet Jaguar allowed his counterpart to have this moment.

“Come here,” the professor gestured with arms wide open, “You miss your creator dearly, don’t you?” The broken machine took stagnant steps, visibly shaken as his legs weakened the closer he got. The desaturated automaton collapsed onto his knees, pulled into Goro’s embrace. The old inventor placed his hand where JJ’s cheeks would be, comforting the circuitry under the face plate. “I’m not the Goro you knew. Please never hold me to the same pedestal as him, use this chance to live the life you want. But any Jet Jaguar, no matter the different lives we live, is always welcomed to my place.”

Goro coddled the damaged automaton for a while longer, allowing them the chance to grieve for their losses. It is only in grieving that newfound appreciation can be found; a long lived human life informed him of that. When FMT finally regained his strength, the robot stood back up, now able to heed the professor’s request; to live a life they wanted.

As the others simply stared in awe of the scene before them, a sudden splash took the collective off guard. The resting reptile began to awaken from its shocked state. Awkwardly regaining equilibrium, Zilla began to move directly for the Cowpens, inching silently closer with each passing moment.

Only Cole panicked at the rushing waves and cutting dorsal fins; but Goro and the rest knew this creature wasn’t a threat. Rather, quite the opposite. The titanic lizard floated on the surface, rising gently as not to displace the warship. Aside from the sway of the waves, everyone remained calm and collected as water cascaded from the squamate’s body. Large nostrils sniffed the humans aboard, no doubt checking for their scents. Red-orange eyes gleamed at all those in attendance, a feeling Goro wasn’t accustomed to. In particular, it narrowed to Jet Jaguar FMT. Upon completing its inspection, the mutated lizard echoed a booming, powerful roar, one that defied its broken and torn body. A resonant spirit that returned to full strength, well before its body rejuvenated.

When Goro turned to the Jet Jaguars, he saw the young girl stirring from her deep slumber, even if only for a moment. The words she spoke stuck with him for the rest of his life.

“Dad… Is that… Godzilla?…” Nariko fell back into slumber afterward. Goro had to wonder if she woke up on her own accord, or had it simply been the girl sleep-talking? He’d have to see once he was able to secure custody of her. If they had been friends in another universe, then perhaps he’d be the best person to take care of her. Certainly better than the alternative of handing her off to the government for study.

He’d protect her small light, no matter what.

Even without a tail, the defiant Zilla turned and waded into the ocean. Having no rudder to steer it, the creature opted to use its hands and feet as alternate propellers, waddling through the water nowhere near the terrific speeds it once had. But all wounds healed with time; and there wasn’t a doubt Zilla would be back in peak condition before anyone knew it.

And for the longest time, it would be the last time Goro Ibuki saw Zilla. A farewell, at least for now. There were those in medical attendance, including Anthony Hicks, Hikaru Sakimori, and Nariko Kunimura to take care of now.

Even if the future was uncertain, he believed in a better tomorrow. That’s what counted.

 

Epilogue: In the Worlds After, Before the Gods

Karamea Beach, New Zealand – Titan Earth – Six months later

He breathed in.

The salted seas rushed up to his legs, trickling just past his bare kneecaps. A slight tug pulled at him as they receded back to the shore, only to wash up again moments later. Rinse and repeat. The crisp air enhanced this particular experience, the cooler breeze kicking in with the glowing sunset dipping into the horizon, an orange-purple hue lit up the twilight sky. It was soon to be nightfall, but Eren enjoyed having some R&R when the chance allowed it. Just him and his thoughts–even if it was for a little while. Alone on a beach with nothing but his black swim trunks, his back embedded in the soft, golden sand.

He exhaled.

Karamea was the perfect settlement to thrive in. Not a ton of people around, with mostly beautiful landscapes and lush environments to get lost in. Survivors of the Walls and the LZ volunteers who stayed behind migrated to the bigger cities of New Zealand’s lost past. But for Eren, this small place was more than perfect, especially when the Survey Corps dissolved. Or at the very least, was undergoing major restructuring, and Hange was slated to be the head of whatever this was. All Eren knew for sure was that he was going to play a big part in it. To train a new generation of soldiers in the event of an emergency–or if the threat of Titans ever cropped up.

For they were all free. Now they had to defend that newfound freedom from anything that threatened to take it away.

Even so, a small cozy town would also be needed–to escape from the drama of other lives. For relaxation away from the work he’d eventually be putting up with. The new life was still taking time to adjust, but it was better than the Hell they lived in back in Japan. Life had already changed for him, allowing time to process his grief. To apologize to everyone whose hearts he had broken. To make amends and start anew.

He was happy here.

Gentle steps approached from behind, Eren tilting his head up to see Mikasa hovering over him. Her black two-piece bikini dress and white straw hat complemented her well, an outfit he thought he’d never see her in. She’d normally wear a swimsuit on most occasions, and even more shocking was the absence of the scarf he gave her… This signaled to him that they were likely alone. Not too much of a surprise, given that people were hardly here during or after sundown.

Eren had forgotten about the scar that lined up her midsection, the imprinted teeth of a Titan that stole a baby from her arms. A grim reminder of the past, yet one that did not define the future they wished to make. She settled near Eren’s head, nestling into the sand. Mikasa reached and gently pulled Eren back, resting his head in her lap. Her hands, strong and firm, caressed the contortions of his face as they both looked to the horizon.

“It’s beautiful tonight, isn’t it?” Mikasa gently asked. Eren hummed in agreement, bringing his hands to meet hers. Their moment in the twilight sun was directed to the trillings of an animal nearby. Looking at the nearby foliage was the shrills of a flightless bird, small and round as it stood on its hind legs. Its call squeaked in the night, more than likely seeking a mate if he had to guess.

And the Kiwi continued to screech, almost calling attention to itself. A survivor of the wilderness, before finally retreating inland, hiding amongst the dense brushes and plantlife.

They were going to be fine. For him, for those he cared for most–they’d be able to live long, happy lives. He reached for the sand, shoveling it into his hand and letting the grains fall between his fingers. The soft sand gave him relief and comfort when visiting the beach. He wasn’t sure what it was at first, but then he found out the word that best described this peaceful paradise.

Safe.

And unlike his long dreams, the sand wasn’t red.

*****

In the vicinity of H.E.A.T. Headquarters – Earth – Six months and one day later

Orange-red eyes snapped open.

Shuffling from his hidden pocket, his primal instincts alerted him of a nearby presence. Sprinting into a crawl, the massive reptile was quick on his feet, diving into the underwater passageway that led to the open depths of the harbor. As if to confirm his suspicions, the signal blared from above–a usual sign that danger was afoot.

Speeding through the hollowed out vein, Zilla immediately set eyes on the target ahead–only for his intuition to stop him in his tracks, analyzing the large shape that drifted in these waters with him. It took a second to register, but its unassuming posture informed him that the deepsea monster had no ill intention. Spread out far and wide, maybe even a bit bigger than his memory recollected, was the distinguished eight-armed shape he once knew from another world.

The sound of slimy puffed air resounded from the enlarged cephalopod, muffled by the watery depths. A greeting Zilla took well to with a receptive roar of his own. A warm welcome to his turf. Oodako chirped back, indulging on the plentiful food sources this world had to offer. A grunt from Zilla inquired, had he seen the Old King around?

Body gestures contorted into the shape of the two-headed dragon, or at least as best Oodako could mimic. They had seen him from time to time, both of them almost reconnecting to the Skull Island of this world. Unfortunately, that place… Had been less than kind to their presence. Far more hostile than the one they knew. As far as their primitive mind knew, the Old King sought refuge on some remote island in the Pacific, while they had been globe-trotting through water and land, making sure to avoid human contact.

Zilla swung his fresh new tail, which took months to regrow. The giant octopus was more shocked he even survived the encounter with the Colossal Titan at all. Another ping rang from above, where Zilla knew his human compatriots dwelled. With a certain knowingness, Oodako slid back into the Atlantic, not eager to engage with humans. Respecting his comrades wishes, Zilla bid the cephalopod a farewell, and with another puff of air, Oodako vanished from sight.

Turning around, Zilla ascended up to the surface. Waves crashed around him as he broke through, showing himself to those that dared to trespass his territory!… Except Zilla didn’t see any kind of monster lurking about. Rather, the source came from just outside the building, seeing all the humans he knew there.

Among their group, he counted the ones he had seen for the last few months. But now there were two more among the regulars. The woman that often hung around his…

Father.

A slow blink reaffirmed what he saw was real. With sloshing steps through the banks, Zilla approached the human he had sorely missed. The others scattered to give clearance, only his father stood his ground with an open embrace. He nudged his boxy snout as close as he could, nuzzling the tiny human held onto so dearly.

“I’m home,” Nick said, the reptilian feeling the pats on his chin. A gentle hum rang from his vocals, Zilla content to let the moment play out. “Missed you a lot, buddy.”

But then a distinct waft caught his scent glands. With extra sniffs, he noticed it wasn’t just Nick’s he had found. But where…? Everyone backed up at this unexpected development.

“Uh, Mendel did it!” Randy quickly accused the orange haired roboticist, passing any blame onto him.

“No I did not!” Mendel complained, “You said it, therefore you dealt it!”

“Big Guy’s sniffing around,” Elsie noted, “Wonder what for…”

Zilla retracted from Nick, sussing out the origin of this other scent. Perfume…? His eyes locked onto the blonde woman, zoning in on her.

“Uh, Nick, sweetie?” Audrey uttered in a panic. “Help?”

When he investigated her, he found Nick’s scent on her as well. And it seemed Elsie caught on at the same time.

“That must be it!” Her indignant stare focused squarely on Audrey. “Zilla must’ve picked up Audrey’s scent on Nick!”

“Meaning?” Monique chimed in.

Elsie’s smile turned smug, leering her gaze at Audrey and Nick. “…You got the scoop the night before, didn’t you?”

Audrey could only let out a nervous laugh. “Okay, you got me! I just… Is it wrong for us to have a little ‘couples alone time?’” Randy purred at the spicy connotations, but was promptly ignored.

Nick spoke up. “Guys, I don’t think it’s wrong…” Before he could even finish, the glare of detesting eyes told him everything he needed to know. Including Zilla’s. “Sorry.”

“No biggie,” Randy replied, “Just proves the Z-Man is truly Ol’ Reliable.”

“Let’s get inside and have cake now,” Mendel said, his stomach grumbling. “Been waiting all day for this.”

Zilla watched as his human allies all entered the shutter door, disappearing inside their containment. With more room for him, the reptile simply curled up and laid down on his chest, exhaling with a huff from his nostrils. He heard their chatter and loud noises, feeling like music to his ears as he drifted into a short nap.

A family reunited at long last.

*****

Goro Ibuki’s Home – Earth – Seven years later…

Memory banks and data logs remembered with precise clarity the day he was let into the Ibuki household. Even with his digital mind capable of holding countless words of wisdom, there was a powerful nostalgia in reliving those days. But even more powerful was the ability to forge a path to a life unknown. That had been his experience in helping raise Nariko Kunimura for the last few years of his life.

From a scrawny patient to a passionate young girl, teeming with promise. Black hair grew out her bald spots, her complexion returned to a sustainable state… And her finals were up and coming, studying hard and not goofing off. But still, it was hard to believe she prospered so quickly in the time she had been here… Certainly, having Professor Ibuki’s tutelage aided her growth exponentially. Even then, it was rare to see such quick progress in such little time. The only stunt in her growth were memory problems; while most could be reasonably excused, FMT knew the bizarre properties of the Titans required more research. But without causing a panic, it was best to keep her Titan side under wraps. Much to his relief, she never once had to use it, even when disaster struck.

Off and on, Goro’s closest friends would gather. He remembered breaking down at seeing a fully grown Rokuro, following in his older brother’s footsteps. Same with Hiroshi Jinkawa, a face he missed seeing during the experimental tenure of the Titan Program. He always remembered that these people were not the same ones he knew. Even so, they evoked the same emotions. Showing a future where they lived long, happy lives. Or more importantly, living that future.

It was FMT’s selfish wish. There were no regrets.

Each day carried their own adventures. In the interim, Goro had kindly supplied him with many upgrades, either shared hardware or new weapons to help people with. Parts of them had been installed with a special program to reciprocate to the size-changing protocol, one-of-a-kind tools that no one other than he and his brother could use. Alongside that, a voice-box upgrade (which his brother politely declined) with human speech software, and a new coat of paint of his choosing. FMT opted for an all-red coloration, not only keeping it simple when under repairs or maintenance, but to be a symbol of aid against any natural disaster.

To reflect this change, he adopted a new acronym. ‘Jet Jaguar, Firefighting Mitigation Technician,’ specializing in wildfires and the occasional kaiju threat that caused them. His days as the ‘Full Metal Titan’ were left behind; without access to those alien crystals, achieving such a state was an impossibility to induce naturally. Likewise, recognizing the issues this would present to the public (especially for the sake of Nariko’s confidentiality of the Colossal Titan), a name change was in order regardless. A chance to start anew.

At the very least, he humored the memory of Randy’s disappointment when the Full Metal moniker had to be dropped all together.

He stepped outside, prepared to take flight. A signal caught his antennae. A fire near the Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku. He had to help. Before he could he heard footsteps from behind. He already knew what they were going to say, but he had to give courtesy where it was due.

“See you around, Hero,” the elder Goro remarked with a proud smile.

“Put out that fire, FMT!” Nariko cheered confidently.

His brother screeched, giving a thumbs up. “Thank you,” he replied. Jet Jaguar FMT returned the kindness with a thumbs up. Taking flight with gear in tow, FMT flew as fast as he could, to save the lives of those he couldn’t in his home universe, to rectify the mistakes of his past and forge a new future of their making.

No matter what.

Winner: Colossal Titan

A very special thanks to guest-artist George Petrakos, who you may know for designing the scrapped monster Chaos from Godzilla vs. Chaos for Toho Kingdom and provided illustrations for the book series TITANIOUS. You can follow George on his Instagram for those inclined for his artwork! In the meantime, here is an unaltered version of the drawn banner provided below. Enjoy!