The Mega Titan

Chapter 13: No Sacrifice, No Victory

It was the following day, and the sun's gentle rays filtered through the windows of the temple on Infant Island. Shima stirred, her eyelids fluttering open as she slowly lifted her head, taking in her surroundings. Her gaze shifted to her left, where Clover still lay peacefully asleep. With a soft smile, she reached out and gently nudged his head, coaxing him awake. His eyes blinked open, still heavy with sleep.

"Morning, Clover," Shima greeted him, her voice filled with warmth.

"Morning, Shima," he replied, his voice tinged with weariness. She leaned in, nuzzling him under his chin affectionately, before rising to her feet and shaking herself awake. Clover followed suit, both of them now fully alert. As they surveyed the room, they noticed the absence of Godzilla and Raijin. However, their attention was drawn to Mothra, engaged in conversation with Anguirus and Rodan. Curiosity piqued, they made their way over to them.

Mothra turned her gaze towards them, a smile lighting up her face. "Morning, you two," she greeted them warmly.

"Morning, Mothra," Shima replied, returning the smile. Her eyes scanned the room before settling back on Mothra, a questioning eyebrow raised. "Do you know where my dad is?"

"He went outside not too long ago," Mothra informed her, and Shima nodded gratefully. She turned around, Clover by her side, and headed towards the temple's exit. Just as they were about to step outside, Mothra's voice called out to them, causing them to turn back.

"Hey, Clover!" Mothra's voice carried a hint of excitement. Shima and Clover faced her, their curiosity piqued. "How about you help me with something while Shima looks for her father? I could use some extra hands."

Shima looked at Clover, and he glanced back at her. With a silent agreement, they nodded in unison. Clover followed Mothra to another part of the temple, while Shima spread her wings and gracefully took flight, soaring towards the shore.

As she landed near the water's edge, Shima spotted Godzilla making his way towards the temple. She offered him a quick bow, a sign of respect, and greeted him with a warm smile. "Morning, Godzilla."

"Morning, Shima," he nodded in acknowledgment. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Do you know where my dad is?" she asked.

"We had a small talk, and he's waiting for you at the shore," Godzilla replied, pointing in the direction she needed to go. Shima nodded gratefully, expressing her thanks, as Godzilla turned and made his way back into the temple. With a flutter of her wings, Shima took to the sky once again, her heart filled with anticipation, as she flew towards the shore to reunite with her father.

Raijin stood at the water's edge, his gaze fixed upon the vast expanse of the ocean as the sun slowly emerged from its slumber. The beauty of the scene was not lost on him, yet a sense of unease lingered in his heart. With a nervous sigh, he found himself startled by a sudden thud behind him. Turning around, he discovered Shima gracefully landing on the shore. Approaching him, she nuzzled his hand, offering a comforting presence. Raijin reciprocated her affection by patting her head and gently stroking her under the chin.

"Did you sleep well?" Raijin asked, his voice low and filled with concern. Shima looked up at him, her eyes brimming with curiosity. "Yeah, how about you?" she inquired.

Raijin's response carried a tinge of melancholy. "Could have been better," he admitted, prompting a look of confusion from Shima. Unaccustomed to seeing him like this, she pondered for a moment before a smile graced her face. Tapping his arm playfully, she took a step back, inviting Raijin to engage in their familiar game. Chuckling softly, he followed her lead, their playful sparring reminiscent of the days before they had moved to Infant Island when Shima was smaller. They continued their spirited play for more than ten minutes, Shima's giggles blending with Raijin's low chuckles, until he finally pinned her to the ground.