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Prince of New York

Summary:

As a bit of fun after finishing my fairy tale story, I'm writing a story every day that focuses on Zilla Jr. from September 22nd to September 28th. Each day with have a different writing prompt involving the Prince of New York and featuring other characters (mostly kaiju) from his series. I hope you all enjoy!

Day 1: Patrol [Done]
Day 2: Family Moment [Done]
Day 3: Savior [Done]
Day 4: Meeting Godzilla [Done]
Day 5: Leadership [Done]
Day 6: Average Day [Done]
Day 7: Relaxation [Done]

Chapter 1: Patrol

Chapter Text

It's a normal day in September for The Big Apple with the traffic speeding around and a light cloud cover hovering above the famous city. Many people travel from place to place in their normal commute, be it through the subway, in a car, on foot, or even by boat. The city runs as it normally does with many stories being told as they happen and by reporters who work at the many news outlets such as the Daily Bugle.

It's truly a normal day for all...including for the city's own Prince.

Swimming through the waters of the Upper New York Bay, the mutated iguana known as Zilla Jr. has his entire body submerged as his tail propels him forward. He feels the water flow past his scales and dorsal fins as he keeps his focus on his surroundings.

Such is the way for much of his time when his father and his group stay in the city with no other mutations or weird people appearing to cause trouble. After all, not every day is filled with action and fighting whatever strange beasts were made by the horrors that humanity can do.

Not that he doesn't mind, of course. Despite how much he does enjoy a good fight, Zilla Jr. prefers the moments when he can just swim around and not be bothered. Sure, the human military doesn't like how he keeps setting off their equipment, but he has to do something and swim comes natural to him.

The iguana glances up to see if there's any boats above him before he begins to surface with his dorsal fins breaching first followed by the top of his head. Safely away from the coastline, Zilla Jr. continues to swim much like how an alligator would...just with bigger back features.

When he did this the first few times, it caused a lot of problems with his father and the military having to calm people down. But now? Such a sight has become part of a normal day in New York City with few of the locals barely giving it attention. In fact, the people more likely to freak out or make a fuss about it are the tourists that frequently come to the city.

The Prince had no idea why. For him at least, it's just home – nothing fancy about it outside of a few big buildings.

As he keeps swimming, Zilla Jr. takes a breath as the water washes over him while having many of his large dorsal fins fully out of the water. Feeling the sun hitting his fins despite the cloud cover always feels nice, as if his body is using them to absorb the heat from the sunlight. Whether that is the case or not he doesn't know and frankly never really cared to learn about. For the mutation, just the feeling is enough for him to keep doing it.

While he keeps swimming, he hears a shout and glances over to his left as he spies a ferry moving through the bay. The humans on it seem small as the boat's a bit away from him, but the flashing of lights quickly cue him in as to what's going on.

People getting excited at how close they are to him.

If he could, he'd have a snarky smile on his face as he quickly speeds up and propels himself forward as he moves in the opposite direction of the ferry. Then, acting quickly, he turns on a dime in the water and swims back towards the boat though does what he can to keep a good distance from it. And upon catching up to the ship, his body freezes and the momentum alone makes him move forward.

Just as he hoped, the ferry is about fifteen meters from him as he slowly passes by with many people gawking and taking pictures. Some even cheer and call out “Godzilla!” as he passes the vessel which fills him with joy that he's managed to be accepted. And as he moves past them, he lightly flicks his tail which causes the tip to make a small splash on the boat and the people on it.

Yet many still cheer like they're at an aquarium and had been splashed by a marine animal.

Zilla Jr. takes a breath before he ducks his head back under the water and slips down beneath the waves once again. As fun as that was, it's best to head off just in case the ship's crew decide to call the military on him for the crime of entertaining the passengers. And besides, perhaps there's something further below the surface that might have slipped past his previous round.

Thus, the mutated iguana propels himself further down as he prepares to search around the bottom of the bay for any possible threats. He may not find anything...and he'll be more than okay with that.

After all...just means that it's a normal day for New York City.

Chapter 2: Family Moment

Chapter Text

A clear sky hangs over the Isle del Diablo island chain in the South Pacific which once was used by aliens in a bid to take over the world. Fortunately for humanity, they and the mutations of Earth stopped the aliens before the United States military setting up a special compound for the mutations. This has led to the island chain to be called Monster Island after the residents who are now watched over by the American government to keep the world safe.

Some nations had argued against this, but strangely went silent when the US asked them to help run it.

The main island where the special compound is has one mutation walking through it with their mouth closed around several tonnes of tuna. Said monster is none other than the mutant iguana Zilla Jr. who is visiting the island with a gift for a special someone.

As he walks through the island, he spots subtle movement which makes him stop and turn his head as he stares at where he saw it. There seems to be something there, but it's hard to tell as the iguana squints his eyes as he tries to make out a shape. Moments later, the area he's looking at suddenly seems to warp as a mutation appears before him which makes Zilla Jr. step back.

Standing there is a mutation that looks like a green version of himself, but is noticeably different when one takes a good look at them. For their head is more akin to a three fingered hand with claws while its true mouth is on its chest and eye-like organs sprout from its shoulders. This being is none other than the first anti-mutation monster called Chameleon due to his natural color changing ability.

Well, technically this is Chameleon II as the original was killed with this one meant to serve as a test subject for those damn Lizard Slayers. Fortunately for him, he escaped due to some strange humans who thought of him as the “true king” and led him to being found by Zilla Jr. who ensured he was captured rather than killed.

“Hello, my King,” Chameleon II says, his head claws moving as if it's a mouth. His voice comes from his chest, but his strange head operates in time with his speaking and roars as if it's his actual head.

After a moment, Zilla Jr. blinks and turns his head in confusion as he questions something even if he couldn't voice it. However, the anti-mutation simply lets out a chuckle and moves to rub his side against the iguana's side.

“I managed to trick the guards into lowering the energy barrier,” Chameleon II answers as his head claw nuzzles the iguana's head, “I just wanted to see you again before going out for my own hunt.”

Zilla Jr. rolls his eyes, but quickly returns the nuzzle as the two show affection to each other. It's rather weird, but the anti-mutation made to kill him had feelings for him with the mutant iguana happy to return it. Both had gotten very close over the time they've spent together and it shows just how quickly they could form such a strong bond.

Suddenly, they hear a cry which makes both monsters look off into the distance at one particular energy barrier. Both knew who is calling...and who that call is meant for.

“Well, I better go before she gets upset with me,” Chameleon II says as he turns and starts to walk away, “See you later, my King.”

Zilla Jr. nods moments before the tip of the anti-mutation's tail gently slides across his cheek which causes a shiver to go up the iguana's back. It lasts for a moment, but it does make his heart beat a bit faster before he continues to walk towards the energy barrier. He reaches the barrier in a few minutes and waits a couple of seconds as the energy barrier suddenly deactivates.

The mutated iguana walks into the pen with the energy barrier turning back on once he's fully inside as he walks past the trees around him. He keeps going before he stops upon seeing a small lake where his mate happens to be who looks at him. The being in question is the mutated monitor lizard known as Komodithrax, one of the few mutations who sided with humanity upon first contact.

Well, after the military was done trying to kill her and her offspring, that is.

Speaking of offspring, a young monster turns from the shore of the lake which appears as a smaller monitor lizard mutation but with darker scutes on their back. The young mutant was nicknamed by H.E.A.T. with the name 'Aurora' given that her egg was first found on an island close to where the Northern Lights would be visible.

“Daddy!” Aurora calls out, rushing over to Zilla Jr. who would smile at his cub if he could. Instead, he tilts his head down and lets his jaws open which causes all of the fish he was carrying to fall to the ground in a pile.

And just in time for his daughter to excitedly dive her head into the pile and grabs a fish into her jaws before she tears into it. Komodithrax chuckles moments before the mutant iguana steps up to her and nuzzles her lovingly.

“Hello, love,” Zilla Jr. tells her, “I brought lunch for you two.”

“I can see that, dear,” Komodithrax replies, “I hope Chameleon didn't hold you up. Notice him leaving his pen earlier.”

“And you didn't alert anyone about it?” the iguana asks, his tail wagging a bit.

“Oh please, I can spare him a few moments with you,” the monitor lizard answers with knowing chuckle.

Both nuzzle and lick each other happily before they turn to the pile of fish with Komodithrax scooping some up to quickly gobble up. Zilla Jr. smiles as he sees the monitor lizard lay down next to their cub as he lays down beside her and wraps his tail around hers. This makes her gasp, but she lets out a giggle and nuzzles him before she goes back to eating much like Aurora.

For his part, Zilla Jr. just watches his mate and daughter eat as his heart fills with joy and contentment at the sight. He's happy to have this moment with the two...and he'll take every moment he can to enjoy it.

Chapter 3: Savior

Notes:

For this chapter, I gave The Chameleon an added power which he was never depicted with in the show.

Chapter Text

The silence of the New York night is broken by a roar as Zilla Jr. is struck by missiles and concussion blasts from strange robots that suddenly attacked him. He falls to the ground as he tries to make a run for the water only for explosions to happen before him as he cries out.

He looks around, panic setting in as he turns his head to see a flying mecha flying past as he launches his Atomic Flame Breath at it. Yet the vehicle seems to narrowly avoid the green stream of fire before missiles slam into his body causing him to call out.

What was going on?! He had been on a nightly patrol before he went to sleep and now was being attacked by robots! Were they alien in nature like his father had been turned into? Did humans make them to kill him?

Those questions are quickly silenced in his mind as more concussion blasts strike him before missiles and a large round struck his chest. He falls to the ground with a roar – or to his ears, a scream – as he feels blood flowing from the wounds he's getting.

Why was this happening?! He didn't do anything to these things!

Zilla Jr. scrambles to his feet and darts for the water only to be struck in the side by the flying vehicle which sends him rolling across the ground. He cries out again, this time feeling a pain in his chest and side from the sudden impact while he rolls onto his hands and knees. Yet the mutated iguana quickly reacts and leaps backwards as missiles and concussion blasts strike where he once was.

He turns to see the two robots on the land that are walking forward towards him with a large gap between the two. One has a hunched over appearance with it being white and green with a bright orange '2' right behind where the head is. The other one has a shape that vaguely looks like the small humans with it being white and red with a dark grey '1' on its body. As he steps back, the flying vehicle comes into view with its white and blue color scheme and its prominent large cannon pointing at him as it hovers between the other two.

He's faced so many enemies in his life, but somehow these three machines are by far the only ones to make him terrified. The mutated iguana couldn't explain it, but somehow they made him feel fear from their attacks and how they could work around his tactics.

He's never seen this in his enemies before...even if they did get in each other's way.

As his eyes dart at the three, he sees the two land based machines move forward slowly as the flying machine hovers in place. Zilla Jr. steps back as his eyes flick between the three, knowing that he couldn't keep his eyes on all three of them at the same time.

Where was his dad?! Right now having him arrive to get him out of here would be really useful! Hell, he'll take the entire military just to get away from these three!

The mutated iguana continues to step back as his head begins to snap one way and then the next as the two land based robots suddenly get into positions as they aim right at him. It's at that moment at he realizes what they've done.

All three have moved themselves to have him covered from many angles that overlap. No matter what he does, he's trapped in a kill zone.

Flicking his head to the green one, he lets out a roar to intimidate it with no response before doing the same with the blue flying robot. He turns to the red to see it aiming its arm cannons right at him before his spines and eyes light up as launching his Atomic Fire Breath.

Yet the robot moves out of the way, letting the attack strike trees that catch on fire before blasting him with those concussion blasts. As he's forced back, a giant blast and missiles hit him in the side as he cries out from the new wound his body's gaining.

But then, he hears a roar that – to him – carries a single word through the air.

“DUCK!”

Dropping to his belly, Zilla Jr. glances up in time to see the trailer of a fuel truck flying over his head which smashes into the flying vehicle. This causes the machine to suddenly veer around in the air as oil covers much of it before the mutated iguana hears a loud smashing sound behind him. He quickly turns and sees the green robot smashing into the ground as if having been struck by a great amount of force.

And there, despite being hard to spot, was a vague outline of an object.

Zilla Jr.'s eyes widen in shock and relief fills his body as he sees the outline rushing forward past him until the red robot is struck sending it stumbling back. Moments later, the outline warps as a mutation suddenly appears before the white and red robot.

“Chameleon!” Zilla Jr. cries out, his body shaking as he sees the anti-mutation weapon.

The machine aims its cannons at it, but Chameleon opens its head claw and lets loose a torrent of flames which forces the robot back. As the torrent continues, the forest around them also catches fire before he stops and leaps up to give a powerful jump kick attack to the machine. Said machine is sent onto its back with the starting blaze around it as the anti-mutation turns back to the mutated iguana.

“Come on, on your feet!” Chameleon shouts as he rushes over, “Into the water! Hurry!”

Zilla Jr. nods and scrambles to his feet as he gets help from the anti-mutation before noticing the flying machine coming towards them. Both quickly charge up and launch their respective blasts of fire which strike the machine, setting the remaining oil on it alight.

Without a moment of hesitation, both monsters rush to the shore and leap into New York Harbor as they quickly propel themselves forward with their tails. As he keeps moving, Zilla Jr. feels himself being held by Chameleon which makes him feel calmer despite all that happened.

No doubt the military will be hunting for them with the fires and the machines having caused a lot of problems, but he doesn't care. At that moment, he honestly only cares about his wounds and the fact that Chameleon somehow knew he needed help.

After a few minutes, both monsters reach the opposite shore of the bay and break the surface to stand partially out of the water in order to breath. As they do, Zilla Jr. turns his head in time to see the HEAT Seeker heading right for them along with a few military helicopters. Upon spotting them, Zilla Jr. lets out a sigh with Chameleon turning his body to look in the same direction.

Well, at least he got his wish.

Chapter 4: Meeting Godzilla

Notes:

The kaiju "Deep-Sea Life" comes from one of the scrapped scripts for what would become "Godzilla vs. Destoroyah".

Chapter Text

At this point in his life, Godzilla Jr. is convinced that Japan is somehow cursed. Because this is the second time he's come to this nation and – yet again – had to deal with a mutation.

Well, make that FOUR mutations.

Leaping out of the way of a thrown building, Godzilla Jr. watches as said building smashes into another causing it to collapse. He lets out a growl and turns to look back at the monsters that have been fighting him with all four ready to keep fighting.

The first one is a familiar turtle which he desperately wants to kill for all that he's done with it managing to be unscathed from the fight (a fact that only made the iguana angry). Close to them was a gigantic crab mutation which snaps its pincers as the remains of its foamy spray around its mandibles. Then, on the left of the final beast, is a giant cuttlefish with its body and tentacles sporting burn wounds thanks to his Atomic Fire Breath.

The final mutation is a slim, spiny dragon that stands taller than Godzilla Jr. himself thanks to its long neck with the tip of its snout being black. Its orange skin helps highlight the black spines around its body with webbed hands and feet while its arms and legs have fins. The monster – dubbed by his father as 'Deep-Sea Life' – lets out a high pitch screech as its spiny tail smashes into the ground just as the Japanese military arrive.

Godzilla Jr. lets out a roar of his own with the four monsters prepare themselves as Nick and the rest of HEAT rush out of a helicopter resting on a nearby roof. As they're joined by members of the JSDF, Dr. Craven looks around and asks, “Um, should we be this close?”

“No, but it's the closest we can get to call to Godzilla,” Nick quickly answers.

“Make sure he knows about the amoeba inside their bodies,” the JSDF General with them says, “The creatures bleeding could spread it to other organisms.”

“Easier said than done,” Monique remarks as the leader of HEAT gets to the edge of the roof.

“Godzilla!”

Hearing his father, the mutated iguana quickly turns to him as he sees his friends and the military personnel on the roof. Godzilla Jr. quickly glances back before moving to the building as the four other monsters slowly move forward as if to keep their distance from each other. Obviously they wish to keep the advantage of numbers without getting in each other's way like with the hunters in those horrible machines.

Reaching the building, Godzilla Jr. keeps his eyes on the monsters but gives a little head nod to convey that he's listening.

“There's an alien within those monsters! Hurting them could spread it!”

The moment he hears that, a growl comes from the iguana as his tail thumps against the street which is under it. Mostly since Godzilla Jr. hadn't been able to do much against all four without using his Atomic Fire Breath...which could cause problems if what his father said is true. After all, if he couldn't hurt them then these four have basically won the fight. He'd need to retreat before he causes more problems.

However, he hears something and turns his head as the HEAT look over to a soldier on the radio whose speaking in his native language. The JSDF General stares at him as a grim realization comes across his face as the other soldiers suddenly grow on edge. However, one word does come through which confuses the members of HEAT.

“Gojira?” Nick repeats quietly.

“There's talking about the Big Guy?” Randy asks in confusion before he points his thumb behind him at Godzilla, “But he's right there.”

“Yeah, Godzilla's right here,” Elsie states, “There's no way he could be in two places at once.”

“Unless they're mistaken,” Dr. Craven points out quickly.

However, the JSDF General turns to them and grimly replies, “There is no mistake when talking about...him.”

“Hai!” the soldier replies over the radio before turning to the others, “General, Gojira is in the bay!”

Moments after he stopped speaking, a roar echoes from the direction of Tokyo Bay as the four mutants and Godzilla Jr. snap their heads in that direction. The mutated iguana blinks upon hearing that roar – already realizing that he's has to deal with a FIFTH monster – as Deep-Sea Life lets out its high pitch screech. Yet this cry is quickly answered with a second roar, one that's full of fury and anger at the challenge.

“General,” Nick says as he walks up to the military leader, “What exactly is that?”

“The same beast that attacked this city in 1954,” he answers without hesitation.

Godzilla Jr. glances back at the group of monsters which are focused more on the sudden beast which appeared over him. Which he's greatly thankful for, but...the fact that he's no longer considered a threat by them is...concerning.

Then, he feels a light tremble from beneath his feet as the ground lightly shakes with another roar echoing from out of sight. The mutated iguana blinks in shock, for such a feat has never been done outside of monsters which were much heavier than him. He keeps his eyes on the direction that the roar is coming from as his hands twitch and his tail flicks nervously as he waits for what's coming.

Suddenly, a building comes crumbling down with the remains being engulfed in flames as smoke billows up. The smoke moves forward as a vague shape could be made out, but another building is destroyed and crumbles causing more smoke to erupt upward. A snarl comes from Godzilla Jr., angry that some mutation seems to be deliberately destroying structures that are in its way.

It could go around them, for crying out loud!

Suddenly, the crab monster lets out a shriek as the iguana and humans watch it grab a small building with its pincers and shake it back and forth. After a few moments, the building breaks from the lower sections and is raised into the air before the mutated crab throws it towards the forming smoke cloud.

Just as a shape comes through, the building smashes into it causing that same roar to come out though this time carrying pain from the sudden hit. The ground stops trembling as the crab monster lets out another shriek as if declaring itself the victor. Godzilla Jr. rolls his eyes at this...but freezing as the air suddenly grows warmer and a bright orange light comes from the smoke cloud.

“What's that?” Dr. Craven asks, him and the rest of HEAT getting with Nick and the General.

Before anyone could speak, an orange fiery beam shoots from the smoke cloud and flies through the air like a laser beam as it lances the crab monster in only a second. Moments later, the mutated crab explodes as flaming pieces of its body are scattered around the area. One of the pincers – severed from the crab's arm and engulfed in flames – lands right next to Godzilla Jr's foot as he stares down at it in disbelief.

His Atomic Fire Breath hadn't been able to get past the crab's exoskeleton, yet something like his breath weapon just eradicated it without issue!

Then, a deafening roar echoes across the area and Godzilla Jr. looks up in time to see a figure emerge from the smoke and into sight. Upon laying eyes upon them, the mutated iguana feels his lower jaw grow slack and he instinctively takes a step back.

Walking forward is a giant reptilian beast akin to a dinosaur which is easily ten meters taller than Godzilla Jr. with three rows of massive, jagged dorsal plates. Its arms spout four fingers – each tipped with claws – with its feet having the same number of toes with its long tail raising up before slamming into the ground. Its dark green scales help highlight the dorsal plates – colored a vivid purplish red towards the tips – as its brown eyes glaring at the other three monsters while its mouth opens slightly to reveal its many sharp fangs.

“That is Gojira,” the JSDF General says, answering the question from moments ago.

Rearing his head back, Gojira rears lets out another roar which is quickly answered by the screech from Deep-Sea Life as it moves forward to attack. Yet Gojira charges forward in return before shooting his arm forward and striking the sea dragon's gut making it bend over. The reptilian beast does not hesitate to grab the dragon's long neck and easily lifts it off its feet into the air before letting it go in a throw. This causes the sea dragon to be sent flying through the air until gravity takes hold and it falls onto a few buildings, crushing them under its weight.

Godzilla Jr. looks on in stunned silence as the giant turtle roars out and moves to attack what it thinks is a distracted foe. However, Gojira disproves this fast as he turns around in time to kick them in the head before spinning and smashing his tail into their side. This sends the turtle rolling across the ground as the cuttlefish moves forward with its tentacles reaching out.

But before Gojira can attack, a building collides with his back as Deep-Sea Life moves to grab another one as the cuttlefish wraps a tentacle around the reptilian beast's neck. He tries to grab the tentacle, but his arms get grabbed by two more tentacles as other grabs his left leg and the first one begins to squeeze his neck.

With their foe distracted, Deep-Sea Life tears a building out of the ground and holds it up to begin an attack before a green Atomic Fire Breath strikes the building. This causes it to explode sending the sea dragon falling onto its back as Godzilla Jr. turns to look back the cuttlefish.

Just in time too, as he sees Gojira's body flash red before a large shockwave of energy blasts out with it vaporizing the three tentacles while sending the cuttlefish to the ground. Yet Godzilla Jr. doesn't waste any time and launches his Atomic Fire Breath at the same time that Gojira launches his Atomic Breath. Both fiery beams strike the downed cuttlefish before it explodes into flames which quickly engulf its flailing form.

A shiver goes down the iguana's back from the sight, but he wasn't taking any chances with it.

However, that's when he suddenly sees the reptilian beast turn his head straight towards him and stare right at him. Godzilla Jr. froze, knowing full well that the other has finally registered that he is there.

Yet moments later, Gojira gives him a nod while letting out a light growl before that high pitch screech returns and he turns to look back at the recovered Deep-Sea Life. Then a roar comes from the giant turtle as it moves closer only for Godzilla Jr. to quickly rush forward and leap to stand between it and the reptilian beast's back. Both Godzilla Jr. and Gojira turn to look over their shoulders and give a quick nod before getting their focus back on their respective opponents.

“Looks like they're going to fight both,” Monique says as they look upon the sight.

“Better than trying to kill each other,” Nick remarks, keeping his eyes on the mutated iguana.

“Let's hope that it lasts for longer than the fight,” the General simply states.

As he looks at the damn turtle that ruined the potential family he wished for, Godzilla Jr. roars at the same moment that Gojira does the same as their foes answer back with their own cries. It's time to end both monsters, once and for all!

Chapter 5: Leadership

Chapter Text

Night had fallen over Monster Island as strong winds and heavy rain batter the Isle del Diablo island chain as a tropical cyclone hits the area. The military personnel and H.E.A.T. are currently held up inside the main facility waiting for the storm to end with some small monsters being herded inside.

Outside of the main facility, Zilla Jr. watches as the Giant Gila Monster walks into the building right as the heavy shutters close before a thunder crack echoes from above. Moments later, a loud roar answers it as he turns and moves from the facility in spite of the winds and rain slam into his body. It doesn't harm him, but it certainly isn't a cake walk given the circumstances.

Thankfully, he quickly reaches a large cave and pokes his head in as he exclaims, “Hey Bat, you in there?”

“Yes,” he hears the Giant Bat answer, “And I'd like to stay here until the weather's better!”

“Alright,” Zilla Jr. states, “Just making sure you're okay.”

“And tell Chameleon to stop roaring!” the Giant Bat calls out, “It's messing with my hearing!”

“On it,” the mutated iguana says as he pulls his head out and begins to make his way around the island to check on the other monsters.

He normally doesn't visit the island all too often, but the other mutations seem to respond better to his presence than when it's just humans. Zilla Jr. does find this odd given that many of them were once enemies, but he's come to accept it and does come when he can to help. After all, perhaps one day these mutations could be released from the island without causing trouble for humans.

Wishful thinking, but he's proof that it's possible.

As he comes across an enclosure, the mutated iguana spots Crustaceous Rex standing with his head up in the air with his segmented mouth open wide. Seeing this makes the mutated iguana roll his eyes before moving onto the next enclosure when a lightning bolt races across the sky. Thunder echoes across the island before a roar answers it which makes Zilla Jr. shake his head.

He looks into the enclosure and sees a barely visible King Cobra covered by foliage as the giant snake lays on the ground prone. No doubt trying to avoid the rain, something which the iguana couldn't really argue with.

More thunder sounds off with a roar following it which makes him growl as he turns and moves towards one enclosure in particular. And within moments, he looks out to see a frantic and excited Chameleon racing around with their body turning this way and that.

“Chameleon!” Zilla Jr. shouts, getting the attention of the anti-mutation who quickly looks to him.

“Zilla, there's a monster up there!” Chameleon quickly tells him, “It's trying to challenge us!”

“Chameleon, there isn't a monster up there!” the mutated iguana exclaims, “It's just rain and thunder! It's a natural thing that happens!”

“But I saw something up there! I swear!” the anti-mutation replies...right as another boom of thunder sounds off and he roars at it.

Moments later, a female voice sounds off saying, “Shut up, Chameleon!”

Letting out a growl, Zilla Jr. looks at the anti-mutation and says, “Head into Komi's enclosure, now!”

Chameleon lets out an annoyed growl, but does as he's told as he heads to the edge of the energy barriers that make up his enclosure. Zilla Jr. quickly moves to the entrance of the nearby enclosure before both energy barriers open to allow the two monsters into it. They both quickly move further into the enclosure which allows them to find Komodithrax huddled against a rock wall with her nest under her.

“Hey, Komi,” Zilla Jr. says as he gets close and nuzzles her. She quickly returns it with her own nuzzles as Chameleon turns around as if to give them some privacy.

However, the mutated monitor lizard looks over at the anti-mutation and states, “Don't you dare roar in my pen. I don't need to handle more noise than what this storm's doing.”

“It's still challenging us,” Chameleon grumbles as his tails flicks.

“It's just the weather, Chameleon,” Zilla Jr. says as he looks over to him, “It'll pass over us by morning and everything will be alright.”

The anti-mutation turns its head claw before it moves in a nodding motion as if trying to convey that he understands. However, Zilla Jr. just gives a small shake of his head before he moves down and lays next to Komodithrax to help shelter her and her egg. The two monsters snuggle together as the anti-mutation keeps an eye on the sky above them for the challenger that he thinks is up there.

Yet as a lightning bolt races through the cyclone, no one – be they human or monster – notices the vague silhouette of a dragon hidden within the clouds.

Chapter 6: Average Day

Chapter Text

Las Vegas is known by many names, among them being the “Entertainment Capital of the World” and the “Gambling Capital of the World”. On a normal night, the city would be buzzing with activity with The Strip full of life as many people traverse the streets. The casinos would have their lights on as guests and locals gamble away inside while many come out to see the many sights put out in front of these structures.

Unfortunately, this is not one of those nights.

Roars could be heard and gunfire echos across the city before an explosion occurs followed by Godzilla Jr. being sent flying back into the lagoon of the Treasure Island Hotel and Casino. His back and dorsal fins quickly smash into one of the two life size ships which easily shatters under his weight. The mutated iguana carefully rolls onto his feet and shakes his body as he looks up to see the chaos unfolding before him.

Not far off from his are two mutations – the irradiated Thorny Devil and the man-made Ts-eh-Go – fighting each other as the mutated scorpion attempts to sting the giant lizard. However, the stinger fails to penetrate its armor hide allowing the Thorny Devil to headbutt Ts-eh-Go with ease sending it back.

At the same time, military forces are pinned down behind their armored vehicles as jeeps and normal trucks with mounted machine guns and recoilless rifles fire upon them. Somehow, the human group that attacked Monster Island and held his father and friends hostage had returned. And this time, they were ready for a fight with them having vehicles and military grade weapons at their disposal.

Made worse by the fact that an explosion sounds off and Godzilla Jr. looks up to see soldiers laying away from a destroyed armored vehicle. As a soldier moves to get back up, the mutated iguana sees a member of the human group moving to fire upon him and roars as he charges out of the lagoon. This is enough to scare the other human into retreat, giving the monster enough time to move his hand over the soldier just as machine gun fire pelts his fingers. The bullets do little damage, but his spines and eyes light up before he launches his Atomic Fire Breath at the truck as the humans scramble away from it.

Instantly, the truck and its machine gun explode into flames as a few soldiers recover the one under his hand and he moves forward towards a jeep that begins to drive away. A quick slash with his hand severs the vehicle in half as soldiers and police officers quickly apprehend the driver.

Hearing roars, the mutated iguana turns his head to see Ts-eh-Go lifting up the Thorny Devil with its claws and throwing it away into the entrance of the Casino Royale. Realizing the danger with the people who may still be inside the hotel, Godzilla Jr. lets out a roar as he charges right for the man-made scorpion who turns to face him. The scorpion quickly squirts out acid which the mutated iguana easily sidesteps as it hits the street and sidewalk which begin to melt.

His spines light up again as Godzilla Jr. lets loose his Atomic Fire Breath only for the green flames to do nothing against the armor. Yet as the scorpion moves to attack, the Thorny Devil leaps from the rubble and gives a hard bite onto the tail of Ts-eh-Go causing it to roar from the attack. Ts-eh-Go tries to get loose, but the giant lizard easily holds on and moves back as it pulls hard against the tail.

Seeing its chance, the mutated iguana rushes forward only for several explosions to go off against his side which makes him veer off course and crush a parked car. He turns in time to see the humans unloading the recoilless rifles and loading them as others fire their rifles at him. Godzilla Jr. lifts his arms in time to keep the bullets from hitting his face but gets hit in the chest and arms by another salvo of blasts from the large guns.

As he looks down at them, the humans scramble from one vehicle as a missile suddenly hits and destroys it plus the recoilless rifle it housed. The mutated iguana hears the sounds of helicopters and turns his head to see several coming with a few landing before soldiers jump out. He watches a few move out of the way and sees missile coming in from far away as he carefully moves out of the way of them.

The missiles speed right past him and quickly strike Ts-eh-Go in the tail, with the missiles causing some damage to its exoskeleton. Deciding not to waste this moment, Godzilla Jr. charges and fires his Atomic Fire Breath as the green flames hit where the tail is damaged causing an explosion of exoskeleton and yellow liquid. The Thorny Devil rolls a bit before landing on its feet with the severed tail of the man-made scorpion in its mouth before tossing it aside.

Ts-eh-Go screeches as it begins to flail, sending the yellow fluids around before being hit by another blast of the Atomic Fire Breath which keeps going for nearly half a minute. By the time Godzilla Jr. finally relents, the scorpion is burning alive as its flailing starts to stop and much of the liquid it spilled is on fire.

However, the mutated iguana hears a roar and looks up to see the still active Thorny Devil thumping its tail while scrapping the ground with its foot. Recognizing what it's doing, Godzilla Jr. shakes his head before he lets loose his own roar and both monsters charge at each other.

The battle hasn't yet finished, but it's clear to anyone there that Las Vegas is about to get more damage done to it before the night is up. Yet for Godzilla Jr., this is of no concern to him as his focus is keeping the humans of this city safe.

Chapter 7: Relaxation

Chapter Text

When living in New York City, one has to accept many things about the city be they positive or negative. One prime example is the night life, which allows the city to light up in a dazzling display in ways that very few cities could even hope to replicate. For the locals and visitors who stay out late, they're a sight to behold especially for those who find themselves in Times Square.

Yet for Zilla Jr., he finds this to be a negative. Mostly because he enjoys seeing the stars at night and that's hard when the city is lit up.

The mutated iguana is currently laying down next to the headquarters of H.E.A.T. with the building emitting lights from inside though not as bad as the city. His tail thumps against the ground as he stares up at the sky while trying to make out the stars overhead. He does have some success given that he's further away from the city, but the light pollution is still making it hard to spot them even as he squints.

Zilla Jr. lets out a soft growl from the lack of stars even though he really should be used to this sort of thing by now. It makes him seem like a cub, but he truly does enjoy the starry night when he gets to see it. Be it from Monster Island or any of the many places H.E.A.T. has visited in their travels around the globe. Seeing the stars and the many shapes they take on – shapes that his father has pointed out to him – is such a nice thing to do especially before bed.

Too bad the humans here like their light pollution!

Another growl sounds from him as he shakes his head and lowers his head as he gives up trying to spot the stars above. Yet again, New York City seems to have it out for him when and refuses to let him see those amazing shapes be they man or animal.

Not helped that one of the shapes is of a prince from the Pacific.

He looks around the island before his attention focuses on the building which has some of the lights off. Zilla Jr. blinks as he quickly realizes that his father and friends are retiring for the night, no doubt wanting some shut eye after a quiet day.

He keeps watching as one light after another turns off slowly with one light – that of his father's office – staying on the longest. Zilla Jr. tilts his head as he keeps watching, amused that his father would stay up the longest out of them. It does make sense to him, but he still finds some humor that the one he's so close to would prioritize work over his own needs.

For a good chunk of time he keeps watching until the light finally turns out, signaling his father retiring with the others. This makes Zilla Jr. stand up before he carefully and slowly walks over to the water with him slipping under the waves without causing any trouble.

After all, better not to disturb the sleep of others.

He swims under the water with his eyes adjusting to the lack of light easily as he goes down until he reaches a tunnel entrance. With practice ease, he enters it and moves through the tunnel before he breaks the surface into his burrow.

The burrow itself is very...mild given how other mutations have slept. Mostly a large area under the surface with the hard ground as a sleeping spot with the rocks cleared away to make it easier to sleep. Other monsters would have grabbed trees and foliage to build a nest like his late mate, but he didn't mind going for just the solid ground.

Plus, his burrow was a safe haven away for when he's sleeping. No one ever comes after him here...mostly.

Shaking the water off his body, Zilla Jr. takes a few steps to get into the center of his burrow before he spins around in place. After a few moments, he lays down with his body curling up like how one would imagine a normal house cat doing. But instead of a small feline, it was a gigantic irradiated iguana that can spew green flames from its mouth.

Taking a deep breath, the mutated iguana closes his eyes and lets the day's events wash away from his mind. His breath grows steady while his mind allows itself to drift off into the land of dreams as his body relaxes. As he allows sleep to overtake him, Zilla Jr. could feel the worry leaving him and a passing thought goes through his mind as he thinks about what the next day will bring.

In a few moments, the mutated iguana begins to dream of his past mate and of a prince on the other side of the world.