Kaijy's Rise

Prologue 1/2

The sun dipped low over Neo-Tokyo, casting long shadows that stretched like fingers across the familiar streets Kaijy Akamari called home. At nine years old, he was still discovering the world around him, navigating the ups and downs with a mix of curiosity and innocence.

Kaijy's day had been like any other-filled with the mundane adventures of childhood, where playground games and friends were the extent of his worries. He bounded home with the energy of youth, eager to share tales of his day with his family.

But as he turned the corner onto his quiet residential street, excitement gave way to confusion, then fear. Emergency vehicles cluttered the road, their flashing lights painting the scene in hues of red and blue. Smoke curled into the evening sky from what remained of his home, and a knot of dread tightened in Kaijy's stomach. Before he knew it, he was running, no, sprinting towards his home, tears of fear streaming down his face.

"Dad? Mom?" he screamed, his voice small amidst the chaos.

His sister, Ayano, emerged from the rubble of the house, her eyes red-rimmed and tear-streaked. She rushed to Kaijy, her usual calm demeanor shattered by the events unfolding around them.

"Kaijy..." Ayano's voice trembled as she knelt beside him, wrapping him in a tight embrace. "It was a Kaiju attack. Mom and Dad..."

The words hung heavy in the air, their meaning sinking slowly into Kaijy's young mind. His parents-gone. The pillars of his world shattered in an instant.

"No..." Kaijy whispered, his voice barely audible.

Ayano held him closer, her own grief mirroring his. Together, they stood amidst the wreckage, a stark contrast to the laughter and warmth that once filled their home.

"We have to be strong, Kaijy," Ayano murmured, her voice wavering but determined. "For Mom and Dad."

Kaijy nodded, his heart heavy with sorrow yet bolstered by his sister's presence. They looked back at what remained of their shattered home, memories of family dinners and bedtime stories now entwined with broken glass and twisted metal.

In the midst of devastation, Kaijy felt a flicker of determination ignite within him. He may have been young, but he understood one thing clearly-he had to carry on, for his parents' sake. Their love and guidance had shaped him into who he was, and now, in their absence, he had to find the strength to honor their memory.

As night descended upon Neo-Tokyo, casting long shadows over their fractured world, Kaijy Akamari held onto Ayano's hand tightly. Together, they faced an uncertain future, guided by the echoes of loss and the flicker of hope that burned within their hearts.

Days turned into weeks, and Kaijy found himself drawn to the Defense Force operations, captivated by the tireless efforts of soldiers and officers as they battled to secure the city against relentless Kaiju attacks. Among these courageous figures, none stood out more prominently than Third Divisions Vice-Captain Soshiro Hoshina. Kaijy witnessed firsthand how Soshiro fearlessly led charges against towering Kaiju, his blade cutting through the chaos with precision and determination. Each encounter left an indelible mark on Kaijy's young mind, inspiring him with the fervent desire to follow in Soshiro's footsteps and protect others with unwavering courage.

One evening, as Kaijy and Ayano huddled beneath a makeshift shelter provided by a kind neighbor, they overheard snippets of a radio broadcast detailing another Kaiju sighting in a neighboring district. Fear once again gripped Kaijy's heart, but alongside it burned a newfound determination fueled by his remembrance of Soshiro Hoshina's unwavering bravery in the face of danger.

"We can't just sit here," Kaijy murmured to Ayano, his voice brimming with newfound resolve. "I want to help, Ayano. Like Soshiro did,".

Ayano regarded her younger brother with a mix of laughter and pride, understanding the risks they would face by confronting a Kaiju threat. Yet, she also saw the determination shining in Kaijy's eyes-the same resolve that mirrored their father's unwavering courage.

"Then we'll find a way," Ayano replied softly, gently squeezing Kaijy's hand in reassurance. "Together... just not quite yet."

In that moment, Kaijy Akamari felt the weight of responsibility settle upon his young shoulders. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty and peril, but the memory of his parents' love and sacrifice compelled him forward.

As dawn broke over Neo-Tokyo, casting a soft light upon the devastated cityscape, Kaijy stood shoulder to shoulder with Ayano. Their gaze fixed upon the distant silhouette of a Defense Force outpost, where amidst the chaos and destruction, they glimpsed a beacon of hope-a chance to honor their family's legacy and carve out their own destiny in the looming shadow of the Kaiju menace.