Mechagodzilla's body hit the ground with a thunderous crash, its limbs twitching before falling still. Sparks flew from its broken joints, the last hum of artificial life fading into silence. The battle was over. Victory was ours.
I stood at the edge of the battlefield, blood drying along my scales, heart still racing. Kong dropped his axe and slowly rose to his full height, his chest heaving from exhaustion. Godzilla, scarred and breathing heavily, took a few steps back, his eyes locked with Kong's.
Then it happened—the moment of understanding. No growl. No roar. No challenge.
Just a nod.
A shared respect between two kings.
I remained quiet, standing a short distance away. My wings folded against my sides, my gaze fixed on the two titans. Then Godzilla turned toward me. His eyes narrowed, studying me for a moment.
And he nodded.
Slow. Calm. Deliberate.
I nodded back. There were no words to exchange. He knew I had fought alongside them. That my fire had struck Mechagodzilla. That my kind stood not against them, but beside them.
That was enough.
I turned to the five elders gathered behind me—my son, my grandson, and the other three. They awaited my command.
"We're done here," I said. "Return to Hollow Earth."
They listened in silence.
"Protect the valley," I continued. "Kill any predators that remain. That land belongs to our clan now. It must be safe before we bring everyone home."
The second and fifth elders nodded and launched into the air first, followed closely by the others. Within moments, they vanished into the clouds, flying toward the valley that would become the heart of our new world.
I stayed behind.
Kong stood still, his massive frame casting a long shadow over the ruined battlefield. He glanced at Godzilla again, but the king of monsters was already walking away, back toward the sea. He didn't look back. His duty here was done.
Kong turned his eyes on me. His expression was calm. There was no threat in his gaze—only understanding.
We looked at each other for a moment. Then I gave him a single nod.
He returned it.
No need for words.
We knew our paths were different, but we had stood together when it mattered.
I spread my wings and launched into the air, the wind roaring past me as I soared high above the wreckage, flames and smoke growing smaller below. The ocean gleamed in the distance, and far beyond that, Skull Island.
My home.
My people.
It was time to return.
Time to lead the dragon clan to Hollow Earth.
The war was over.
A new beginning was calling.