EPISODE 17: INSTRUMENT OF REVENGE! RED MOON STRIKES!

 

“It seems like ages ago… yet I still remember. I still remember that day when I discovered how cruel the world is. How the reckless ambitions of man achieve nothing but want and death. I still see my parents; the noblest and wisest of leaders. Inspiring, guiding, and benevolent.”

“What were they wearing that day?”

“My Father was adorned in his best blue robe, trimmed with gold lacings, his beard was neatly trimmed, the earth’s internal refraction of the ultraviolet rays made his crown’s gemstone glow with the most brilliant blue. My mother’s hair shimmered like rivers of gold against the refracted light, even more brilliantly than the golden laced neckless she wore over her white robes. My father was a stern man at times, but it was only a reflection of his strong will. Nobody doubted his benevolent rule even on his worst days. My mother was the calming and nurturing voice of his will, calming even the loudest rooms with a mere whisper.”

“What were they doing on that day?”

“They were never the sort of leaders to handle a crisis from the comfort of their throne room. When reports came in that there was death and disease coming from the western provinces, they immediately headed there to investigate the matter. They acted for the good of the people. They planned to confront the surface peacefully to cease their toxic waste. My father wanted to do so himself. My mother insisted on leading the delegation though. She saw herself as being the more diplomatic of the two.”

“They were good strong leaders then.”

“Their hopes for peaceful diplomacy with the surface was their downfall. Had they known the surface’s true nature, I’m sure they would have acted with the same level of retribution that I now do. They would have conquered the surface in their crusade the moment their sins rained down upon us.”

“But that was not the course they chose. That day, what happened?”

“There was strange increase in intenseness with the refracted light. It grew so bright that it almost blinded everyone in the province that day. Then we heard the earth itself roaring; louder than the roars of our three guardians combined. We saw the sky-rock begin to fracture. The noble Priests of the Temples of Manda, Ropen, and Salunga, they initially attempted to save my parents by summoning the guardians to shield them from the falling sky-rock. However, when they saw a portion of it fall upon a home with a full family trapped inside. My mother said…”

“What did she say?”

“Our two lives should not count more than the thousands of lives around us just because of our titles.”

“And then what?”

“The priests, inspired by my parents noble willingness to save the people, stood with them as they guided the guardians to protect the people instead. It was the choice that killed them in the end… When the dust settled from that dreadful day, I was the only member of the royal family left.”

“You had a lover back in those days…”

“I did… He was a high-ranking warrior… We were very much in love before that day… By the decree of royal nobility: in the event of the deaths of the current Emperor and Empress, the child is to rise to their status regardless of obtaining a suiter. We were betrothed; he was to rule at my side with me. However, ever since that day, he had tried to rob me of my desire for vengeance. When he tried to be so bold as to defend the actions of the surface, I realized that he did not truly see the world in the same way I did. That sympathy for our enemy would have corrupted my court. I had to banish him from my heart, and my home.”

               Libra was observing Tao from the side as the Empress strained in her remembrance of the tragedy that befell her family.

               “And now there is nothing but your will and the crusade you have for revenge.” Libra said.

               “It is the law of nature itself that for every action…” Tao said before wincing a little. “There must be an equal reaction. The screams of my family, the screams I hear constantly… the look of fear, the look they have every time I close my eyes… the feeling of loss and pain… let it all be shared with the sinners above who have damned us with those memories and empty holes in our hearts…”

               “Let it be so then Empress Tao.” Libra said. “Focus that will, that reaction, into the devil you awakened.”

               Tao closed her eyes and focused. In doing so she let out a loud, pain-stricken scream that turned into a whaling like a banshee as the crescent moon in her crown’s gem glowed with an ominous red.

               Back on the surface Pegasus watched as Mothra hovered over the area where the Alpha Ropen was destroyed. Though she flapped her wings with the grace of an average butterfly, to the Priest, she looked like an omen of death and destruction. He looked over towards the city as the 2^nd wave of Ropen were failing to move very far into the city’s limits. The combination of the Maser Tanks and Kiryu squadrons effort to hold them back was proving effective. The bolts of energy from the Maser Tanks were burning dozens of the giant bats at a time, while the missiles and machine guns from the Herons were equally damaging. The Super X-3 and Kiryu were eliminating three times as many with a combination of the Super X-3’s ULT Laser cannon and Kiryu’s giant maser cannon.

               As a single bead of sweat began to run down his face, he could almost hear the triumphant cheers of Kiryu Squadron as they spouted such exclamations as Keep cleaning house! This one’s in the bag everyone keep it up! Pest control is here! Even in the several thousand miles of distance between he and G-Force’s HQ, the excitement there was pounding on his conscience as well.

               “Priest, we should call off the attack.” One of Pegasus’s men said.

               Out of a maelstrom of fear, stubbornness, and loyalty to Tao, he was left catatonic before the sight of his Kaiju Force’s defeat. His men looked at each other with concern and hopelessness by his lack of response.

               “Priest?” The other man asked.

               Pegasus’s head started to slump, he wanted to say something to his men, but the words could not escape the trap in his throat. Just then he heard the distant sound of something over the wind. His head suddenly perked up. His men became confused as his gaze shifted from the battlefield toward the hole that the Ropen had emerged from.

               “Priest?” One of the men asked again. “What is it?”

               Pegasus stood staring in the direction of the strange faint sound he heard. He was certain he heard it but at the same time he feared that he did.

               Back at HQ, Akira was ecstatically cheering, “YATTA! TE KUDASAI!”

               Aso said to Barnes, “Well this should be all over soon.”

               Miki looked down at the Shobijin with a relieved smile, but it soon faded when the Shobijin looked more concerned than relieved. Miki looked up to see what they were looking at and saw their cause for concern; Mothra appeared to be flapping her wings a little weakly. The guardian won the battle, but it took a lot out of her.

               Meanwhile down in the Empire, Ken was being escorted into a barred holding cell by two guards. Upon stepping in, he was greeted by the familiar faces of Paul, Joyce, McCall and the rest of the crew.

               “Glad to see you’re all in good health still.” Ken said.

               “Mostly anyways.” Dakota said from across the cell.

               “We haven’t seen much but they have held true to their word so far about the treatment here.” Paul said.

               “They do have a strong honor system.” Ken replied.

               “What happened doc?” McCall asked. “Why’d they pull you out of the group?”

               “They attempted to persuade me to join their cause, but it seems like they weren’t happy with my response.” Ken said. “I did get a bit more insight as to why they’re attacking the surface though.”

               “The Empress wishes to punish the surface for their misuse of dangerous forces like nuclear weapons.” A voice suddenly said from across the cell.

               Ken turned to see a Japanese man with glasses and a very astute demeaner in his late 40s. The man wore clothing like that of an explorer and stood from a seated position to approach the bars of his cell; walking with a limp in his left leg.

               Ken’s eyes widened with recognition and surprise as he said, “Yamane-san?”

               “Saegusa-san.” The man replied.

               “Doctor Yamane has been filling us in on what happened to his team and all he learned since being brought down here.” Sergeant Sanchez said.

               Ken looked around Doctor Yamane’s cell and asked, “Were you the only one to make it?”

               “Hai.” Yamane replied. “After they ambushed my team in New Guinea, I was the only one left.”

               “There must be some way we can break out of here.” Paul said.

               About that time the entrance to the dungeon opened, drawing their attention. To their surprise it was Luna and a Mu soldier. As they watched the pair get closer, Ken suddenly realized that the soldier looked familiar.

               “Wait a second.” Ken said as he walked closer to the bars.

               Goro, noticing Ken’s reaction, suddenly threw his finger to his lips; signaling Ken to be quiet.

               “Don’t make a noise.” Goro whispered. “We’re here to get you guys out.”

               “Wait what?” McCall asked as the group started to gather at the bars.

               “Lieutenant Goro Kuroki.” Goro quietly introduced himself to the group. “I followed you guys down here after Moguera went down.”

               “There’s no time for formalities.” Luna interrupted while handing Goro the key to the cell; which resembled a four-inch-long steel rod. “Unlock the doors and make sure when they step out, that your weapon is aimed at them like I showed you.”

               “What’s going on?” Ken asked. “You’re helping us now?”

               “It’s complicated.” Luna replied as Goro inserted the key into the slot along the door’s frame. “Before we can leave, we will need to put you in bindings for appearances sake.”

               “Not locked though.” Paul stated.

               “Only enough to make it appear that way.” Luna said as Goro fiddled with the lock.

               Suddenly there was a noise at the dungeon entrance. Luna and Goro looked up a little startled as another soldier entered.

               “Remain calm.” Luna said. “I can handle this, just get the door unlocked.”

               The Soldier approached the pair as Goro continued to fiddle with the lock, “Priestess, I see you got the same order.”

               “You received orders as well?” Luna asked.

               “Yes, I was confused as well as to why the Empress wanted the surface dwellers brought before her.” The soldier responded. “Would you happen to know why?”

               Luna looked back at the group briefly and answered, “I’m not sure. But in her wisdom, I’m sure she has something planned to aid our cause.”

               “I will assist you then.” The Soldier said as he walked over to Goro.

               Before Luna could attempt to verbally stop the soldier, Goro spoke up, “Your assistance would be much appreciated. My key seems to not be working.”

               “It’s these old locks.” The Soldier said. “Here, I’ll get it unlocked, you keep an eye on them.”

               Goro stepped back and held his weapon at the ready as the soldier fiddled with the lock. Goro briefly glanced at a slightly worried Luna and winked at her with a nod.

               “I will help you bind them.” Luna said as she stepped forth.

               A few minutes later the group was being marched from the dungeon, single file. Goro continued to play as security for the Mu Soldier.

               Meanwhile on the surface, as Kiryu Squadron and the Maser tanks continued to decimate the Ropen swarm; Mothra slowly came to a landing on the hillside near where she defeated the Alpha Ropen. The guardian monster watched from her position as G-Force continued to fight on. Her large prism-blue eyes were emotionless, but as her head gently scanned the scenery with her feather-like antennae slowly waving about, it was clear from her careful mannerisms that she was tired from the fight. Just as it would seem she would have a moment to breathe, a distant sound carried over the wind that caused her head to perk up slightly. In a more alert manner, she panned her gaze in the direction of the hole that the Ropen emerged from.

               Pegasus also heard the noise; it was the same roar from before. His men, still desperately waiting for a response attempted to say something else to get his attention. However, they were stopped when Pegasus suddenly held his hand up.

               “Send word.” Pegasus said. “Call off the attack. Get the Ropen away from the city and have them take refuge in the hills. Do it now!”

               In Kiryu’s cockpit, Bri was using every weapon at her disposal to wipe out every one of the giant bats that she came across.

               “How many more do we have to go, Ollie?” Bri asked.

               “Down to the last thousand of them.” Ollie responded.

               “We’ll have them wiped out in no time at all then.” Bri said.

               Suddenly she saw the remaining Ropen take to the air, as did the rest of the squadron and the maser tank commanders. The sudden exodus from the city caught everyone by surprise enough to make them cease fire.

               Nakajima asked from Heron-1, “Kore wa nan desu ka?” (What is this?)

               “Are they retreating?” Peterson asked from Heron-2.

               Hayama answered him, “That’s what it looks like.”

               “We won!” Peterson said with a triumphant laugh as they watched the Ropen flee into the forested hills.

               Akane, watching from the Super X-3 felt uneasy for some reason as she watched the swarm flee. As she panned around, she saw the direction they were headed and then looked down at the hole they entered the city through. Suddenly she realized something.

               “Sore wa…” She said to herself, “karera ga kita hohode wa arimasen…” (That’s not the way they came.)

               She looked up at the way they were taking refuge in the forest and then back at the hole.

               “Kiryu Squadron, be on alert.” Akane said. “Something’s wrong.”

               Just as soon as everyone took notice of her orders, there suddenly was an eruption of flames from the hole. The eruption nearly hit the Super X-3 as it flew by. Akane took evasive action and got out of the way, but it was a close enough call that she had to catch her breath for a moment.

               “What the hell was that!?” Peterson shouted.

               Everyone’s attention was drawn to the fountain of flames spewing from the hole. Pegasus and his men watched with wide eyes. However, he could not tell if he was relieved or terrified by the event.

               “What’s happening, Priest?” one of his men asked.

               Pegasus answered with a voice that reflected his internal conflict, “It’s… here…”

               It was in the same moment that the Shobijin and Miki sensed something dark and foreboding about the flames.

               Miki looked down at the Shobijin as they watched worriedly and asked them, “Is that what I think it is?... Is that… Red Moon?”

               The Shobijin looked back at Miki. The small fairies could not get the words out and merely nodded their heads in a reluctant confirmation. They looked back towards the main screen as the flames subsided.

               Bri, feeling uneasy as the giant jet of fire slowly subsided back into the hole, asked, “Ollie, what’s happening?”

               “Scans are picking up an unidentified signature rising to the surface.” Ollie responded.

               Bri, said to herself, “Another Kaiju…”

               Not wasting any time, she moved Kiryu into position one click away from the hole. The Herons got into formation with the Super X as they circled overhead.

               “Maser Units, move into position and cover that opening.” Major Aso ordered.

               The Maser Tanks moved from their positions and began rolling down the streets towards the hole. At the same time Mothra watched silently and warily from her resting place. Though she was still tired from her battle from the Alpha she slowly stretched her wings out.

               As everyone watched and waited on the battlefield, there suddenly came a gurgling tiger-like growl from the hole. A few seconds later there then emitted a succession of deep wooshes from the sound of giant wings flapping at a speed of at least one ever other second. Everyone watched as the giant wings rose out of the hole first. With every flap they appeared to give off a slight whisp of embers.

               From her throne, Tao closed her eyes and could see through the Great Calamity’s eyes as Red Moon hovered out of the hole and into the light of the late afternoon sun. From its perspective she could see Kiryu standing in a braced stance with the dish-like cannons of the maser units scattered about the city. Though she could not see the faces of the ones operating the machines scattered before the monster, she could practically taste the anxiety that everyone on the battlefield was feeling.

               Red Moon’s black-fur-covered paws, tipped with the yellowish claws, planted themselves among the ruble that surrounded the hole as it came to rest. Its glowing yellow eyes panned around at the forces and the South-East Asian Metropolis before it. Its jowls curled slightly for a moment to reveal its canines as it let out the gurgling growl once more.

               Back at HQ, everyone was watching with the same thick level of awe and anxiety that those on the battlefield felt. Akira, took a moment to carefully wipe his glasses with his shirt, not for a moment losing his gawking expression. General Kuroki, scanned the new foe with concern and at the same time strange curiosity. Miki took in a heavy and worry-stricken breath.

               On the battlefield Red Moon continued to scan its surroundings with a look of cruel intent. Suddenly it let out a deafening roar for all to hear.

               Major Aso suddenly shouted over the radio, “UTE!” (OPEN FIRE!)

               The maser cannons started shooting at the Kaiju. The bolts of maser energy glided across the monsters skin, letting off burst s of sparks and small flickers of flame. However, Red Moon seemed completely unfazed by the attack. It looked down at the multiple lines of energy with a look of both curiosity and mild annoyance and then back up at the maser units.

               Akane, then ordered, “Kiryu Squadron, open fire as well!”

               The three super jets began firing their machine guns and missiles as well. Kiryu fired off a barrage of rockets from its shoulder mounts too. Red Moon became engulfed in a fury of powerful explosions. After the brief barrage of rockets, machine guns, and masers, the attack ceased. Everyone watched as a plume of smoke and dust was left billowing about where the kaiju stood. For a few moments there was no movement aside from the expanding and waving motion of the dust.

               Suddenly the monster’s bright red and orange wings stretched out from either side of the dust cloud and flapped in a forward motion, releasing a larger whisp of embers, and completely cleared away the cloud. Red Moon was unharmed by the attack, albeit it now looked across the battlelines with an even more aggressive expression with its jowls reared back as it growled.

               “Oh shit…” Bri said.

               The Monsters wings reared back and with great strength and speed they flapped forward. Aside from a powerful gust of wind, its wings also produced as sudden wave of flame at that coiled around itself into a fiery vortex that cut across the ground into the line of maser tanks. The tanks became sucked up into the flaming tornado, erupting into balls of fire as they did, and then were thrown in multiple directions. The formidable defensive line was turning into a burst of flaming projectiles that were sent crashing into various buildings. Two whole city blocks were ignited a series of explosions. Bri could only watch as the plumes of flame erupted before her in a wall of fire that divided her from Red Moon. As horrified as she and the rest of the squadron were, they were also infuriated by the notion of how many of their comrades were lost in that devastating attack.

               Bri tightened her grip on the control sticks and her glare on Red Moon. As she braced herself, a familiar chirp-like call echoed across the battlefield. Mothra flew in next to Kiryu. Gracefully hovering down into position to the Mech’s right.

               Bri glanced over at Mothra and said, “Ollie, we’re going to have to put in a bit of extra work. Mothra’s a bit worn out.”

               “So are we.” Ollie responded. “Power levels are at 60%. And our missiles are almost out.”

               “Oh Great.” Bri said sarcastically.

               Back at HQ everyone watched with shock and awe.

               “This is bad…” Barnes said. “This kaiju is in whole different class over everything we’ve seen til now.”

               “What other resources do we have at our deposal?” Kuroki asked.

               “Nothing that can stand up to that thing.” Aso said. “Gotengo still has extensive repairs that need to be done and that could take days.”

               “It’s up to Kiryu Squadron and Mosura then…” Miki said aloud. She then asked the Shobijin. “Will Mosura be ok enough to battle?”

               The Shobijin turned to Miki. They then looked worriedly at each other before turning back to her.

               “We don’t know.” They said.

               “We did not anticipate Empress Tao sending Red Moon so suddenly.” The left said.

               The right then added, “If she had time to rest after defeating the Ropen then she would have been fine.”

               They then collectively said, “But she’s injured and worn out…”

               Miki looked up at the screen watching the combatants’ standoff. She took in a deep anxiety-stricken breath and tried to remain calm.

               Meanwhile, down in the Empress’s throne room, Tao watched through the eyes of Red Moon as the monster squared off with Mothra and Kiryu.

               “Kill them…” She spoke. “Kill them all…”

               Red Moon growled, as if it was gleefully ready to do so.

               “Destroy everything!” Tao shouted!

               Red Moon roared and then thrusted its wings out in such a way that they stirred up a couple more flaming vortexes to its left and right; destroying the buildings caught in their path.

               It then charged forth on all fours, like a tiger going for the kill.

               “Here we go!” Bri shouted as she charged Kiryu forward as well by use of its boosters.

               The Great Calamity and the MechaGodzilla looked as though they were going to clash when suddenly Red Moon flapped its wings forward, propelling it back and sending another fiery vortex to insnare Kiryu. Bri took evasive action and swayed to the right. However, she was caught off guard when the monster swooped in and tackled Kiryu to the ground. It was at that moment that Mothra joined the fray and attempted to ram Red Moon from the side as well. Unfortunately, the monster saw her maneuver at the last instant and sprang off Kiryu. Just as Mothra missed her foe, it then came down and delivered a ferocious swipe with its forepaws, shredding the end of one of Mothra’s wings.

               The Shobijin gasped as Mothra let out a slight cry in pain. Red Moon then reeled its jowls back with a sinister snarl before it then flew after her; leaving a sparkling trail of flames in its wake. Mothra flew deeper into the city with the monster not far behind, weaving between the taller buildings in an effort to lose it but it stayed hot her tail.

               “Heron’s one and two on me!” Akane suddenly said as they flew down from their position.

               The three super-jets raced down from the higher altitude in a direction that would intercept Red Moon.

               “Lock onto it and give it whatever payload you have left!” Akane ordered.

               “Ryokai!” Nakajima and Mizaki said in sync.

               The two herons fired their missiles at the same time. A total of 9 missiles struck home. Though unharmed it was still enough of a distraction that Red Moon lost its course and plowed into a building. Concrete, steel, and glass fragments shattered and sprayed across neighboring structures. The intense natural heat the monster emitted added several whisps of flames to the explosive collision. Before the dust and debris settled, it reared its head in time to see the Super X-3 launch its freezer missile at the beast. Sensing something different about the incoming projectile, Red Moon shielded itself with its wings just before the missile struck.

               The Freezer missile hit the monsters wings with a burst of white mist. Red Moon’s wings froze enough to become coated with a thin layer of frost and ice. For a moment it appeared the missile froze its wings together. However, the monster used its natural heat to melt and break the icy seal. As its wings flapped outward, they threw out a glittering display of ice shards and steam. As the jets peeled away, Red Moon took off once again but after them. Just as soon as it got airborne it was suddenly struck hard from in front by a shoulder bash from Kiryu.

               “Surprise!” Bri shouted as her mech plowed into the kaiju.

               The force of her strike threw Red Moon into another building and sent it toppling over into a second. With the two structures crumbling into a cloud of dust and rubble, those watching the battle at HQ got a little excited about the good hit that she was able to deliver.

               Barnes sat smugly back in his chair and said, “And here we thought this guy was going to be a problem.”

               “The Great Calamity became the Great Rusty.” Akira joked.

               Suddenly there was a strange fiery glow coming from the cloud of dust that caught everyone’s attention.

               General Kuroki leaned in a little, “Kore wa…”

               Suddenly the cloud of dust seemed to be sucked inward before expanding with an explosion of flame. Bri and the rest of Kiryu squadron hit their boosters to avoid the sudden burst of fire. Mothra flew as fast as she could to escape the giant expanding dome-like inferno. The inferno dome grew to be roughly 1 Kilometer high and a radius of the same distance. Buildings caught in the dome became incinerated and demolished, sending burning bits of debris into the air and across other portions of the city. The whole event lasted 15 seconds before the flames dissipated leaving a giant two-kilometer-wide circle of burning ruins.

               “Holy shit…” Bri said trying to catch her breath at Kiryu’s controls.

               “Is everyone ok?” Akane said over the radio.

               “Heron-1: We’re ok.” Nakajima said.

               “Heron-2: A little cooked on one wing but no serious damage.” Mizaki replied.

               “All good here too.” Bri added.

               Bri then panned her view around to find Mothra hovering 300 meters to her right. The fur on the rear of her 2 smaller wings looked a little blackened and she had a few embers on her abdomen that quickly simmered out.

               “Good, she’s ok too.” Bri said to herself.

               “That was a close one.” Ollie said. “Had we not gotten out of there, you would have oven-cooked for sure.”

               “No kidding.” Bri replied. “Our little maneuver pissed that thing off it seems.”

               She panned her screen’s view back down towards the city. The sight of the circle of burning destruction was enough to make her slowly gawk. Even more astonishing was that Red Moon was at its center calmly floating down from a few hundred feet above the center of the circle, completely unarmed; its wings outstretched and catching the wind as it descended.

               “There’s no doubt about it now…” Bri said to herself. “We’re fighting for our lives…”

               Red Moon gently and gracefully touched down; not even making a slight tremor as it landed. It then looked menacingly up at Kiryu. Then it panned its gaze over at Mothra. After a couple seconds it reared its jowls back and let out a growl before roaring defiantly at its foes.