Realm of Kong: The Culling Read online

  The first strike came from the left. The sickle cut into Basaan. It pinned its wing to its body. The blade did not retract. Babel 4 held Basaan in place. Then the second hit came from the right. Basaan did not have time to react. The hammer came crashing down onto the trapped kaiju.

  Babel 4 bludgeoned the kaiju several times. The first strikes took out Basaan’s talons. Each time Basaan shrieked, but could not fight back. It tried to peck at the machine, but the sickle held the kaiju in place.

  With one final blow to the head, Basaan was dead. Once it stopped moving Babel 4 released the sickle. Basaan’s corpse dropped to the ground.

  The pilots and the rest of the residents of the facility all sighed in relief. Reason told them that Basaan was outmatched by Babel 4 from the very beginning, but the little doubt in the back of their head had them holding their breath the entire fight.

  Babel 4 stood back up to its feet. There was some damage to the machine. They would need to look at the stabilizer, but everything was still operational. There was nothing yet to worry about.

  Chapter 8

  The rec hall of the Japanese facility usually had several people playing ping pong, basketball, or any number of board games that still had all of their pieces. On this day everyone in the room was glued to the television.

  A news broadcast out of Russia had begun ten minutes ago. After the initial announcement more channels started to pick up the development. The Russian President was making a speech. President Durov had been explaining to the world the events that transpired earlier in the week at Vladivostok. Images of the remains of the city intercut into the speech. Soft mournful music was playing in the background as Durov continued his description of the damage done by Lord Tatsumi.

  Cassandra Weathers walked into the rec room in the middle of the broadcast. She wandered over to the people sitting by the television to find out what all the tension was about. As she got closer she heard the words of President Durov.

  “Lord Tatsumi’s actions will not go unanswered,” said the President. “The people of Mu are already responsible for the deaths of millions of people along the Pacific coasts all across the world. I mourn for every one of them and their families.

  “Now is not the time to hide behind sanctions and treaties. Mu has delivered another swift blow to our society. We cannot allow that. An entire city is gone because we did not take action against the rising threat of Mu already.

  “They may have a kaiju of mass destruction, but we have power of our own. There will be swift retaliation against the Mu capitol, Ryugu-jo.

  “The threat of a kaiju attack will no longer be enough to deter us from seeking out justice for those lost at Vladivostok, and all those lost during the Rising.

  “I stand before you going against the wishes of the UN. We will show Mu that Russia is not a power to be messed with.”

  When his speech was over many people there live started to applaud. Then the clip cut off. The television returned to a news reporter. She expressed her well wishes for the decision of the Russian President, and said that they would be replaying the clip several times throughout the night. As she spoke more pictures of the giant crater left by Lord Tatsumi were shown. Officials walked through the crater with no radiation protection of any kind.

  “They’re saying Lord Tatsumi did that?” Weathers asked.

  Many of the soldiers turned around to look at her. They all began to chime in their opinion.

  “The monster completely obliterated the city,” said a soldier with the name Campion.

  “I’ve never seen any kaiju do damage like that,” said Weathers.

  “Well, I’ve never seen any kaiju like Lord Tatsumi,” argued Campion.

  “Ryan is right,” spoke up another soldier, Schrader. He was a mutant. He had the build of a football player and the height of a basketball player. When he stood up to talk to Weathers he towered over the rest of the group.

  “That monster destroyed a city and now who knows where it is?” said Schrader. “Russia is the smart one. We need to go over there and take out their city.”

  Many of the other soldiers showed their support for Schrader’s idea.

  “We should be trying to avoid that,” said Weathers.

  “Why? Because you can’t handle it?” teased Schrader. “If you are so delicate that you can’t deal with a battle then maybe you shouldn’t be here. We’re on an island full of monsters. Maybe you should go hide behind your precious robots. Oh wait, you can’t anymore.”

  “Listen, pendejo, attacking Mu is only going to make things worse. Russia can’t take down Lord Tatsumi. They are only going to make things worse.”

  “Then we should send Babel 4 out there. The UN needs to support Russia on this. Send some troops into the city as well. It’s bullshit that we have done nothing against them.”

  “Then what happens to us? You’re going to leave us undefended. Maybe you don’t remember because of your small brain. Lord Tatsumi took out Robo-Kong.”

  “If Lord Tatsumi can be taken out then we won’t have to worry about the other kaiju,” said Schrader. More cheers started to applaud Schrader’s defense.

  “Que chingados,” cursed Weathers. “Go enhance your brain. Russia is being an idiot for this strike.”

  “Whatever, go back to your planes, and robot boyfriend. Let the real soldiers handle this.”

  Weathers replied with a middle finger. She didn’t want to argue any further. There were more mutants than regular soldiers in the rec room. She would not win.

  Instead, she left the room and headed back to the Robo-Kong flight simulator room. It had been near abandoned ever since Robo-Kong went down. Weathers wanted to start her hours back up again. She needed to get to her goal before the mech was back up and running.

  Chapter 9

  Where the Pacific Ocean once covered much of the planet’s surface, now resided the land of Mu. It stretched from the Marianas Trench all the way to Easter Island. The ancient country had risen from the bottom of the ocean to retake its place as the most dominant power on Earth.

  Tol-in-Ar stood on his balcony overlooking Ryugu-jo. The slaves of the city were hard at work. Ever since his country rose to the surface he had his people working day and night to see that the city was fortified and developed further. He had plans for the future that were world spanning.

  “Your brother was a much more compassionate leader,” said the arriving Arikura. She appeared on the palace balcony with no warning. Her frail body came up to the railing near the Doiar. She showed no fear against the ruthless dictator of Mu.

  “That is why my brother is dead,” answered Tol-in-Ar. “What do you want Arikura?”

  “I am here to check up on things,” she said. “You are making brash moves. It is upsetting the balance of the world. Kest has been freed.”

  “I have no issue with Kest,” said Tol-in-Ar. “He’s a bitter old being. Let him roam.”

  “Lord Tatsumi was the one that banished Kest along with several others of the unclean. Your rise to the surface has potentially let them all out. I fear Enra is with him.”

  “Kest was weak when he was put down. He will be even weaker now. His defeat will hinder Enra if what you believe is true. Surely, you can recapture him. Or get your precious surface dwellers to do it for you.”

  “This is your fight. You cannot hold responsibility without regard for your actions. Tengi is not pleased with you.”

  “I do not care what Tengi thinks,” said the Doiar. “I answer to Lord Tatsumi. He is the true ruler of this world.”

  “Do not discredit Tengi’s role in all of this,” Arikura said. “Her authority is to be respected.”

  “Tengi has done nothing but turn her back on my people,” said Tol-in-Ar. “She has no right to the authority of us.”

  “She has the right over every living thing on this planet.”

  “Then it was her mistake to let the human race flourish as it has,” said Tol-in-Ar. “That is a mistake I plan to correct.” />
  “Tengi wishes to see you all live in harmony,” said Arikura.

  “Where was she when our people were banished to the seas?”

  “You were not banished,” she said. “Your ancestors chose to retreat to the bottom of the ocean.”

  “Because Tengi would not fight for them,” scolded Tol-in-Ar.

  “You were not there,” said Arikura. “You do not understand what happened.”

  “And you were?” said the Doiar. “You are a human. You are just as bad as the rest of the world.”

  “I am whatever I have to be,” said Arikura. “Would you prefer another sight?”

  Gracefully, her body changed. She now had the look of an older caudata. “Perhaps you do not understand all that is going on?”

  Tol-in-Ar scoffed at the old mystic. “I know the stories of the ancient days. You were not there. Tengi only chose a representative after the humans started to spread. She was lonely.”

  “Her memories are my memories,” confessed Arikura. “I was there just as Tengi was. I know what happened.”

  “Tengi has a lot to answer for,” said Tol-in-Ar. “There will not be peace until she is gone and the human race answers to me. It is what is right.”

  “It is war you want?” Arikura assumed.

  “It is inevitable,” said the Doiar. “I know the surface dwellers will not give up their seat of power so easily, but I came up to take what is rightfully mine. This world belongs to the kaiju, and we are their children.”

  “You will not beat them,” Arikura warned. “I have seen their power. They are dangerous. They will wipe you off of this world, just as they have Lord Tatsumi.”

  The Doiar snarled at her last comment. “What do you know of Lord Tatsumi? Where is he?”

  “Lord Tatsumi has fallen,” said Arikura. “The humans have weapons far more powerful than anything you have.”

  “When Lord Tatsumi returns he will be stronger than ever,” said Tol-in-Ar. “I have faith in that.”

  “It may be too late,” said Arikura. “He was helping prepare this world for imminent danger. Raisha is approaching. Even Lord Tatsumi could sense the threat approaching. The Riven Mother will end this world before you can claim it if you continue with your arrogant decisions.”

  “I know of Raisha’s approach. You did not think our rise to the surface now was coincidental? Lord Tatsumi wanted to return for this very moment. He desires to slay Raisha.”

  “His arrogance knows no bounds then,” said Arikura. “His attempt to weaken the human race for her coming destroyed him. We must now put our problems aside to secure the safety of the world. Lord Tatsumi was going to aid in the culling. Without him Tengi must carry that burden. As the Doiar and bloodline of Lord Tatsumi it is now your duty to help cull the world.”

  Tol-in-Ar was silent for a moment. He let the situation sink in. Arikura’s warning was not to be taken lightly. Even he would admit that.

  “What do you need of me?” Tol-in-Ar asked.

  “Kong needs to be put down,” said Arikura. “The world must be still. Tengi was going to handle Kong, but she will be in no condition to do that after the culling. It will be up to you.”

  “Very well,” said the Doiar. “My power is great. I command this land and everything in it. Kong will be still.”

  “Good,” said Arikura. “Because he is on his way.”

  “I will end the usurper’s reign. I vow that,” said Tol-in-Ar.

  “You will certainly have to try,” said Arikura. “Or Kong breaching into your city will be the least of your worries. If Lord Tatsumi is not back by the time Raisha arrives, your people will fall. Tengi will not offer you aid unless you ask for it.”

  “Do you expect Tengi to save the day? If she could not do it back then what makes you believe she could have defeated Kong now? Or Raisha?” asked Tol-in-Ar.

  “I expect Tengi to help save the lives of everybody on this planet,” said Arikura. “As I do you. The ruler of this world must be ready to defend it.”

  Tol-in-Ar sighed in frustration. “Then so be it. I will end Kong. I will accomplish what Tengi could not do. Then I will bring my people back to their rightful spot in this world.”

  Chapter 10

  Everyone at Anazako Village could witness the fight. Tengi and Waironun towered over the tree line. Every step Waironun took rattled the village. Tengi’s wings created gusts of wind that brushed over trees and kept many of the people at the village inside their homes.

  Randal McClare remained outside to watch over the situation. He saw Waironun’s approach earlier and alerted the others. The kaiju’s horns had grown back since its fight with Kong. The horns were now bigger than ever.

  Waironun’s approach was slow. Its path and speed kept altering. It looked as if Waironun was following something.

  Then Tengi appeared from the other direction. She came soaring in at full speed. Her first attack struck Waironun across the chest. Her wing tips were as strong as her talons.

  Waironun was knocked off its hooves and crashed to the ground. Tengi did not relent on the attack. She bombarded Waironun with an attack from her talons and beak. She cut deeply into Waironun’s face cutting open its right eye. Waironun threw up its head in defense. Its thick skull collided with Tengi’s cushy stomach. The blow knocked back Tengi causing her to have to fly away and circle around.

  On the ground, McClare stood at the edge of the village. He watched the fight clearly. Then out of the trees came three men rushing for safety. McClare had never seen them before. They were dressed in ragged clothing. Two of them had full beards and thick matted hair. The third was completely bald. He had no hair on his head or face. McClare recognized the visual signs as monster chasers.

  With the opportunity for movement, Waironun got back to its feet. It was half blind from the first attack. Its good eye kept track of Tengi as she circled the mountain dwelling kaiju. Then Tengi nose dived toward her target.

  Waironun was ready this time. It lowered its head and charged toward Tengi at full speed. Its head acted as a battering ram. It crashed into Tengi. The impact was strong enough to chip Tengi’s beak and send her plummeting to the ground.

  Waironun followed up with a massive roar. The sound of it created a shockwave the smashed into the forest and mountains that surrounded the village. An avalanche of rocks and trees dropped onto the fallen Tengi.

  She batted away what she could with her powerful wings. Waironun continued its roar attack. The ground kept collapsing down onto Tengi. Eventually, Tengi could not keep knocking away the trees and dirt, and succumbed to the crushing blows.

  “Help us,” said one of the bearded men. He fell to his knees at the sight of McClare. The sight of an official was overwhelming for him. Safety was nearby.

  “What happened?” McClare asked. He was already opening the gates to the village to allow the men inside.

  “We were just traveling through the woods. When this guy came running past us,” said the chaser. He was pointing at the bald man.

  “Next thing we know, Waironun is on our asses.”

  “What did you do?” McClare turned to the bald chaser.

  “Nothing,” said the bald man with a deep voice, deeper than McClare had expected. The man was skin and bone. Impressions of his skeleton pressed against his skin. In some places it looked out of place. “Waironun just found me and I couldn’t get away.”

  “Get inside,” McClare said. He pointed at a barn that had been recently built by the villagers. It had not been put into use yet.

  McClare watched the three men retreat to safety. He hated dealing with monster chasers. They were stubborn until they needed help. Most of the time he wanted to leave them be, but he knew the law. There was no trespassing on Japan.

  Waironun stood over the rubble triumphantly. Then the monster looked all around. It scanned the ground for any sign of its prey. Instead of the three chasers, Waironun came eye to eye with McClare.

  The mutant soldier stood his ground. He stared
right back at the kaiju. With Tengi down there was nothing to protect the village from an attack.

  Waironun roared again. The beast kicked around more debris from his fight with Tengi. Then the kaiju turned around. Its interest had waned from the situation. Its original prey was gone.

  At Waironun’s feet the ground began to shift again. Tengi was reviving. Instead of staying to fight, Waironun wandered off. Its fight was over.

  By the time Tengi freed herself from her grave of rubble Waironun was gone. She did not go after the kaiju. Her strength was depleted. She was not fully healthy still from her last fight with Kong. Now, the culling was beginning to take its toll on her body. She still had a lot of work to do. Waironun would have to wait.

  When the fight was over McClare settled down the villagers and assured them they were safe again. His last round was to the barn where he had sent the monster chasers.

  “You are all under arrest,” he told them. “You are all trespassing here in Japan. You will be taken back to the UN facility. From there you will be taken back home under penalty of law. For the time being, this barn is your cell until we return.”

  The chasers complained, but none of them argued too hard. They were exhausted, scared, and defeated. Home was not looking like a terrible option.

  Chapter 11

  A squad of Russian fighter pilots cut through the sky above Mu. A year ago they would have been over the marble blue waters of the Pacific. Today, land stretched in every direction before them.

  Each plane carried a payload that could level a city. Shock and awe was not a tactic that Russia wanted to use. There was to be swift justice for their loss. The UN knew of the location of Ryugu-jo. Just one plane needed to make it over the city. The Russian President wanted to make sure the odds were in his favor.

  The world was watching their every move. Cameras were placed on each of the jets. President Durov wanted the whole world to see his country’s power and resolve. He was not about to let the caudata push his people around.