Behind the Mask

Our Hero

Sometimes it's easy to sit in our bubbles, to live our lives not knowing that there are bigger things outside of us, that there are worlds much bigger, much more dangerous. Before Kenji, my life was simple. I went to work, took care of Chiho, and there wasn't much else. But now, things were different. Now, there was a 45-meter-tall Kaiju in the middle of Tokyo, and there was a chance it had come out because it sensed Gigantron.

Because of my plan.

I swallowed and looked at the screen again, as if the monster would disappear. As if it would have all been a bad dream. But it was there, the red dot was moving closer and closer, until finally, I could see it via the drone footage.

The monster cast a shadow over the cityscape. Its skin was a dark, mottled green, with scales that glistened wetly under the city lights. Jagged, bony protrusions jutted out along its spine. Its head was massive and reptilian, with glowing, crimson eyes. Rows of razor-sharp teeth lined its gaping maw and long, serrated horns curved back from its forehead.

Each breath it took was accompanied by a low, rumbling growl that shook the ground. It's presence sent the people of the city into a state of panic. People fled in every direction, running for their lives.

The news choppers flew closer to the action.

"Professor Sato, get out of there now!" I shouted, my voice cracking.

"No," he replied firmly, his voice echoing through the speaker. "If there's a Kaiju in the city, I have to stay and stop it."

My eyes widened and my heart began to pound. The Kaiju roared, a terrifying sound that sent shivers down my spine and made my stomach twist. It moved toward Ultraman, its long strides eating up the distance.

Ultraman held his ground, his body tense and ready for the attack. He raised his fists and braced himself.

"The nanosensors will begin to weaken in eleven minutes," I warned him, my hands trembling. "Everyone will know you're not Ultraman."

"I'll try to take it out in time," he said.

Mina hovered closer to me. "The KDF is on their way. He's injured. Not to mention, his color timer will start beeping soon. Even if he tries, he won't last long."

I ran my fingers through my hair, frustration and fear boiling inside me. "Professor Sato, you have to get out of there!" I yelled again.

He didn't respond. Instead, he charged at the Kaiju, his fist drawn back.

The two giants collided with a loud crash, their bodies slamming into each other. The impact created a huge crater in the ground.

"Perhaps we should send Gigantron back to help and-"

"We can't," I shook my head. "if we do that, when the KDF arrive, they'll see two dangerous Kaiju and will try to kill her. Bring her back." I spun around, my heart pounding. "I need the submarine," I said.

"Are you sure?" she asked. One look at my expression and she led me to the corner of the basement.

Emi watched us go before turning to face the ad again.

The submarine pod was a large, sleek, metallic behemoth. Its surface gleamed under the fluorescent lights.

"It's huge," I said.

"It was designed to fit Gigantron and Emi comfortably," Mina explained.

I nodded before I quickly changed into a diving suit. The material clung to my skin as I zipped it up. I picked up a helmet and pulled it over my head, the click of it sealing into place echoing in my ears.