Rise to a New Era

A subject I mentioned is not supposed to be triggering and if you're apart of the group involved. All you need to do is either ignore it or not take it to heart. It's for the sake of conversation or debate, so don't overly triggered.

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'Talking' (when in 3rd POV or in another's POV)

"Thoughts"

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{system}

*****side note*****

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3rd POV: 

*****October 2014 - Aftermath of the Breaches*****

The world still trembled from the chaos caused by the three breaches. Entire cities lay in ruins, marked by the devastation unleashed by colossal Kaiju. The masked figure who had intervened, as enigmatic as they were, quickly gained widespread attention. Cloaked in a hoodie, cargo pants, and a tactical mask that concealed their identity, this individual fought with a ferocity and ease that astounded even the most battle-hardened military personnel, though none could truly comprehend how they were doing it. What struck everyone most, however, was the absence of shoes, a peculiar detail that only deepened the aura of unpredictability surrounding the fighter.

No one knew where they had come from or how they had managed to dispatch the three Kaiju that had emerged from the breaches, all while remaining unscathed. The sheer strength and agility they displayed in battle were unlike anything ever recorded. Governments scrambled to gather intelligence as panic spread among the populace. The masked fighter had no name, no clear allegiance, and left behind no clues, aside from the destruction left in their wake.

As the smoke cleared from the battlefield, more organized investigations began. Military units swept the area, collecting samples, studying the aftermath, and salvaging what little data they could. Reports from survivors were patchy, fragmented by the terror that had spread across the city, but one detail persisted in every story—the sight of the lone figure standing amidst the wreckage. Some claimed the masked individual disappeared as quickly as they had arrived, vanishing into the chaos like a ghost.

Meanwhile, world leaders convened urgently. The Pacific Rim breach of 2013 had left scars, but this was different. This time, the Kaiju were evolving, adapting and, most alarmingly, they were appearing more frequently. Experts warned that the breaches were merely the beginning to show a larger pattern. More creatures would undoubtedly surface, and humanity needed to be prepared.

The United Nations called for emergency meetings, and military powers from across the globe proposed the formation of a unified global response team, composed of the best military forces, scientific minds, and survival experts from every nation. However, bureaucratic delays and disagreements over leadership hindered the process. Time was not on their side, as the Kaiju threat grew more urgent each day.

Amid the chaos, rumors began to spread that the masked fighter had ties to SolTech. In a world where answers were scarce, even a whisper of a potential solution sent both governments and the public scrambling for information. Attention turned to SolTech's leader, Avery D. Traveler, a man who had made waves with his bold proclamations about preparing for the unknown as early as 2009. As governments sought to forge alliances, whispers of a strange connection between SolTech and the masked warrior grew louder, but Avery remained silent, for now.

By December, the world was just beginning to settle into the uneasy rhythm of rebuilding. That peace, however, was short-lived. Deep within the Earth's crust, the male MUTO awoke. At first, its tremors went unnoticed, dismissed as seismic anomalies, at least, that's what the experts said. In reality, it was a poor attempt by the government to cover up the looming threat.

By the time the MUTO breached the surface near the nuclear plant in Janjira and made its way to Honolulu, devastation was inevitable. The military attempted to intervene both before and during its arrival, deploying jets and artillery, but the creature was too fast. Its EMP-like pulses disabled much of the military's technology, leaving the forces crippled and vulnerable.

Godzilla, an ancient force of balance and titanic proportions, had already sensed the disturbance. He moved silently through the depths of the Pacific, his massive body cutting through the water like an unstoppable force of nature. He brought dread wherever he went.

Godzilla was not a savior, but a creature driven by instinct and intelligence. His appearance marked an escalation in the conflict. Those who knew of his presence understood that this would not be a battle humans could easily win.

The male MUTO's presence called to its counterpart: the larger, deadlier female. As the male tore through Honolulu, leveling half the city, the female MUTO awoke from her slumber and wreaked havoc in Las Vegas, tearing through the city like a storm of death and destruction. Panic spread across the continent, but it was already too late. The male's call echoed through the air, and the female answered, their connection as ancient as the Earth itself.

In the meantime, governments scrambled to manage the escalating crisis. Emergency broadcasts filled the airwaves, urging civilians to take shelter. Entire cities were evacuated within hours, highways packed with desperate families fleeing the devastation. Despite these evacuation efforts, the loss of life was immense. The military, still recovering from the earlier breaches, found itself understaffed and unprepared. Reinforcements were slow to mobilize, and with the MUTOs' EMP waves neutralizing most electronic equipment, traditional defense systems were rendered ineffective.

The MUTOs converged on San Francisco, driven by the instinct to mate and lay their eggs in the city. Godzilla was seen as a potential host for their parasitic eggs in his radioactive body. For seven days, the city stood in fear as the two monsters carved out their nest in its heart. The military's best efforts did little more than slow the destruction. San Francisco became a war zone as the beasts laid waste to entire districts, turning them into rubble. The power grid failed, plunging much of the city into darkness.

Amidst the chaos, thoughts of the black-hooded figure who had single-handedly killed four titanic invaders lingered in the public's mind. The scent of Godzilla's radiation brought the MUTOs closer together, signaling the beginning of their twisted union.

Avery POV: 

I stood at the edge of the city, watching the chaos unfold. San Francisco had already become a battlefield—buildings reduced to rubble, smoke choking the air. The stench of burning debris and radiation filled my lungs as I gazed at the horizon. And there, in the distance, Godzilla rose from the bay, an unstoppable force cutting through the waves with undeniable purpose. My grip tightened around the aspis shield, its polished surface reflecting the distant fires of a city falling apart.

"It's only a matter of time before they meet," I thought, my feet tapping against the water as I ran across the bay. I could feel the vibrations under my soles as Godzilla roared and marched into the city, the sheer power of his cry enough to send ripples across the surface of the water.

It wasn't until I reached the shore that the real destruction began. The MUTOs were fast, faster than they should have been. But I had the advantage of knowing their tactics. I'd studied these creatures, learned the way they moved. As they tore through the city, leveling skyscrapers, I could feel the earth tremble under their weight. Godzilla collided with them like a force of nature, each hit sending shockwaves through the battlefield. The male MUTO, smaller and more agile, darted around Godzilla, striking at weak points, while the female dug her claws deep into his side, trying to pin him down.

"I need to time this perfectly," I thought. One wrong move, and I'd be crushed under the weight of titans.

I launched myself forward, weaving through the destruction with such speed that I blurred through the carnage. My shield caught the edge of the female MUTO's attack, deflecting her strike before she could land a piercing blow on Godzilla.

"How about no," I thought, pushing her back, using the energy from her attack combined with my own force. My body vibrated from the impact, and I had to disengage for a second to regain my footing.

The force of the MUTO's blow reverberated through my arm, and I gritted my teeth, bracing myself as I flew backward into Godzilla's scales. Godzilla seized the moment, his tail sweeping low and fast, catching the male MUTO off guard. The creature shrieked as it was hurled into a nearby skyscraper. The building collapsed onto it, burying it under rubble rather than impaling it.

By combining the movement techniques: Horizontal Start and Leaning Forward Stance, I leapt into action again. In a blur, I reached the ground, then repeated the process, charging toward the female MUTO, my shield raised high. She snarled, her red eyes glowing with fury as she turned her attention toward me.

"I'd rather be her target than let my teammate handle both. He can't manage them at the same time," I thought. It still saw me as an insignificant annoyance.

I felt the wind rush past me as her claws swiped down, narrowly missing me. I dodged just in time, knowing I'd rather not be slapped and smashed into the ground. With a massive leap backward, I cracked the earth beneath me, dodging her attack while softening the ground, hoping to trap her claw in it.

The ground, now cracked and softened, caught her claw. It wouldn't hold her for long, maybe a second at most, but that was all the time I needed. With her claw stuck, I seized the opening and ran up along it. As I advanced, she began emitting radiation, the air around her growing hotter and more intense. Her smaller claws swung at me, forcing me to retreat.

But there was no way I was going to waste the opportunity. Switching from shield form to saw form, I swung my chained shield mid-jump. In its saw form, it cut clean through her smaller claws beneath her body. She roared in pain.

"Damn, these things are tough," I thought as I landed, immediately leaping away to avoid her next attack, a wild, pain-fueled swing of her massive claws.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, the male MUTO emerged from the rubble just as Godzilla reached him. Repeating his earlier tactic, Godzilla smacked the male MUTO into a nearby skyscraper. But this time, the MUTO didn't crash through it. Instead, it clung to the side of the building like a ladder, scaling to the top before leaping off and gliding between skyscrapers. It attacked Godzilla whenever it got the chance, trying to wear him down with quick strikes.

The battle became a back-and-forth struggle. Me versus the female MUTO, Godzilla versus the male. It wasn't until the military and Monarch officers started shouting over the comms, telling me to move the female MUTO, that I realized they had a plan in motion.

Whatever their plan was, I didn't know. All I could see was a bunch of military personnel getting into position.

"Well, it's worth a shot," I thought, realizing that if this fight kept going, the four of us could be at it for days. I lured the female MUTO closer to Big G, hoping it would give the military enough room to work. I noticed them moving underground, so I figured we were far enough away.

The problem now? It had become a 2v2. But surprisingly, me and Big Z managed to hold our ground, setting a steady pace without getting killed or knocked back.

I even had the luxury of deflecting a few stray attacks aimed in the general direction of the military. I had that window of time simply because Godzilla was powerful and pissed. I also made sure not to forget to snap a selfie whenever I had the chance. This one would definitely go on the fridge, joining my collection of "stupid shit I've done in my life."

We fought on like that for about five hours. At some point, I changed into my suit and managed to start tearing the male MUTO's wing. I'm pretty sure I saw a few news helicopters flying around, although Godzilla casually used one of them as a bat. Luckily, I caught whoever fell out and set them down safely. Getting out of there was their problem, though. I wasn't an escorts.

It was about two hours later when the explosions went off underground. It felt like a nuke had gone off beneath us. That's when I realized what the military had been up to. They were planting bombs on the eggs while making sure none were hidden.

All I could think was, "The budget for reconstruction is going to be absurd." Good for me, though. They'd probably buy materials from me, so I'd have to lower the price a bit. At the very least, I'd make reconstruction affordable.

Then, the female MUTO went ballistic. That gave Big Z the opening he needed. He grabbed her head and prepared to blast her to kingdom come. She thrashed, trying to pry him off, but it wasn't happening.

The MUTO crashed to the ground, taking half of a skyscraper with it. This time, the building's debris pierced through its body cleanly. That's what killed it.

As for the female MUTO, she didn't last long after the male impaled itself. Big Z finished her off with a massive blast, ending the battle.

Once the dust settled, I checked Godzilla for parasitic eggs, thankfully, there were none. The military and Monarch's bombs had taken care of the MUTO eggs, though it cost the center of the city.

I got my selfies, of course. And just before I could slip away using Misdirection to avoid the authorities, Godzilla somehow spotted me. He gave me a brief, almost knowing acknowledgment before he marched out of the city, San Francisco now in ruins.

I was tempted to leave a message behind. Something like, "Just a passerby. Only out for a walk." Because why not?

3rd POV

By the time the dust had fully settled, San Francisco was barely recognizable. Buildings that once towered over the skyline were reduced to smoldering ruins, and the aftermath left scars on the city that would never fully heal. Thousands had lost their lives in the chaos, though, fortunately, it was fewer than initially predicted. Still, the sheer scale of the destruction was impossible to ignore. The world had been shaken, not just by the devastation but by the undeniable presence of these titanic creatures.

Governments across the globe finally realized that their military forces alone were quite inadequate. The strategies they'd relied on for defense had failed for the most part, and now, they sought something more, something capable of standing against these colossal threats. The demand for a formal, unified response team grew louder by the day, as nations grappled with the reality of what they were facing.

The eyes of the world shifted to SolTech and it's mysterious founder. There was no more time to hesitate. Humanity needed an answer, and they needed it fast. So they figured why not get it from the guy who predicted it.

Avery POV

January 2015 - Conference of Ideas Live

In January 2015, I stood before the press, doctors, and scientists from around the world. The room was packed, a sea of eager and anxious faces, all seeking answers. Many weren't just here to observe but to challenge. They needed reassurances, explanations, and most of all, solutions. Solutions I wasn't ready to share, not yet.

The world's focus had shifted to the leader of SolTech and the other specialists in their domains. From my position at the podium, I scanned the room, taking in the key figures whose reputations preceded them. Among them were individuals who had piqued my interest: Dr. Alan Grant, the paleontologist who had seen the resurgence of ancient creatures firsthand; Dr. Ian Malcolm, with his chaotic outlook on life and science; Dr. Ellie Sattler, a woman of deep understanding in the field of botany and resilience in crisis; Dr. Henry Wu, the geneticist whose hands were tied to both innovation and ethical dilemmas; and Dr. Charlotte, who was pronounced dead, and Benjamin Lockwood, tied deeply to the Jurassic revival, the only people who know of Dr. Charlotte was myself and her father.

Additionally, there was Stacker Pentecost; Dr. Newton Geiszler and Dr. Hermann Gottlieb, the minds behind studying Kaiju anatomy; Liwen Shao, the technology mogul with a vision for a future shaped by massive machines; and the experts behind Monarch, Dr. Ishirō Shirazawa and Dr. Emma Russell, who had dedicated their lives to understanding the Titans. Lastly, from the more recent events, and Dr. Robert Oz, whose understanding of anomalous animal behavior could be key.

Each of them had their own expertise and outlook, but more importantly, they all had pressing questions. Questions I couldn't afford to dismiss, if I wanted to keep my footing.

The weight of the room's collective gaze was palpable, and I knew every word would be dissected, discussed, and debated long after this conference was over. This wasn't just a briefing; it was the beginning of a dialogue that would shape the course of humanity's future.

'Thank you all for coming. The events we've witnessed are only the beginning... but they do not mark the end of our world, only the start of something new. And that's why we are here today.'

'We're standing at the rise of a new era,' I began, my voice steady and calm. 'An era where we are not only confronting the mysteries of our planet but facing threats and opportunities we never imagined. I understand your concerns, and I share them. However, the key to our survival lies in adaptation, cooperation, and innovation.'

Pausing, 'But before we go further, to whom it may concern, placing an explosive in my company is not funny.'

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. My gaze lingered on Dr. Robert Oz for a fraction longer than on anyone else. The man was brilliant but unstable, driven by an obsession with reshaping humanity and nature. The bomb, though not immediately lethal, had been designed to sabotage efforts within my company. It was meant to slow down the development of cures and responses to growing threats and the monstrous kaiju/Titans. His goals were twisted, reorganizing the food chain and forcing humanity into an unnatural state of evolution.

'It's a dumb idea and won't work the way you think it will,' I said, addressing the room, though the words were meant for Oz's ideology. The tension rose as I continued, 'What you want will happen sooner than you think, but now isn't the time for that. Don't involve the innocent while trying to make it happen, or I'll make sure to put you lot in the center of it.'

The message was clear. Those involved in this misguided plot knew I wasn't one to be trifled with. As the conference continued I received questions from Dr. Ian Malcolm.

'So, let me get this straight. We're facing extinction-level events from every corner of the world, and your solution is… adaptation? Call me a cynic, but chaos has a funny way of throwing plans like that into disarray.'

Dr. Malcolm leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms before continuing. 'How do you expect us to adapt to this level of chaos?'

I nodded, anticipating his question. 'Adaptation isn't a singular plan, Dr. Malcolm, never has been. It's a process. Chaos, as you know better than most, isn't something we can fully predict nor is it meant to be, but we can prepare to manage its effects. What's happening now isn't just random. The emergence of the Kaiju and the titans follows patterns, cycles. If we understand the rhythm of these occurrences, we can prepare for them.'

Malcolm chuckled softly, shaking his head. 'Life… uh, finds a way, doesn't it?' He wasn't fully convinced, but his trademark skepticism wasn't a barrier, just a reminder of the unpredictability we faced.

It wasn't until a little after Dr. Malcolm that Dr. Henry Wu spoke with his own question.

Dr. Henry Wu, always focused on the possibilities of genetic manipulation, leaned forward, his eyes sharp. 'Sir, with all due respect, adaptation alone is not enough. We have the ability, right now, to shape the future through genetic engineering. Why rely on natural adaptation when we can accelerate the process and make humanity better suited to survive these threats?'

The room grew silent, and I could feel the tension. Wu was always ambitious, always looking for ways to push the boundaries of science.

'I'm aware of your work, Dr. Wu,' I replied carefully, 'and I won't deny the potential of genetic engineering. However, we're walking a fine line. Accelerating evolution, altering genetics. That's a path filled with unknown consequences. The risks of destabilizing ecosystems, creating new threats, or even sparking conflict between nations are very real. If this is the chosen method then we need to approach this with caution. Natural adaptation may be slower, but it's also safer in the long term.'

Wu's lips pressed into a thin line. He wasn't satisfied, but he couldn't argue against the risks I had laid out. For now, at least I hoped that he did.

Dr. Ellie Sattler interjected, her voice steady yet passionate. 'He's right. We've seen the disastrous consequences of manipulating genetics without fully understanding the repercussions. We can't afford to treat humanity like a science experiment, especially not when the stakes are this high.' She locked eyes with Wu, making it clear where she stood.

I nodded in agreement. 'This is uncharted territory. While innovation is crucial, we must ensure that our decisions are grounded in ethical considerations. Every action we take now could shape the future for generations to come.'

The room shifted slightly, some nodding in agreement while others, like Wu, remained unconvinced. The dialogue was growing more intense, and I welcomed it. Challenging ideas were necessary, especially in a crisis like this. Each perspective could guide us toward a more comprehensive strategy.

Soon after it was Dr. Ishirō Serizawa and Dr. Emma Russell who spoke out among the crowd.

Dr. Ishirō Serizawa spoke up. A man who had long studied Godzilla, he had a deep respect for these creatures, seeing them as a necessary force in the balance of nature. 'You've mentioned adaptation, defense, and cohabitation. But what of balance? The Titans, particularly Godzilla, have always maintained a certain equilibrium. If we intervene too much, don't we risk upsetting that balance?'

Serizawa's voice was measured, filled with the wisdom of a man who had spent his life understanding the ancient forces of the planet.

'Balance, huh? That is a difficult subject to tackle for Humanities current state.' and before the crowd could get to out of hand at those words. Avery continued 'I will explain why in just a moment. I will tackle both a scientific side and a philosophical side.'

'On the scientific side. Balance is something we can't afford to ignore. Godzilla and the other Titans have a role to play in keeping that balance, and we must be careful not to disrupt it. Our interventions, whether through defense or genetic modification, must be done with that balance in mind. The last thing we want is to create more instability, especially with creatures like Godzilla maintaining that equilibrium. The goal, at least for some, is not to dominate nature, but to find a way to exist within its framework, ensuring that both humanity and the Titans can coexist without tipping the scales too far in one direction.'

'While on the philosophical side. A question about balance would be different. So I need to ask do you feel something when you either destroy an animals habitat, eat them or render them extinct? The answer for everyone here, including vegans, vegetarians or pescatarians is no!' And before someone said something about the picky eaters, I explained 'For those who don't eat meat it's not that you care about the animal itself but rather the climate or another issue.'

'Moving on though. People don't care as much as they should because their weaker than us as long as we're grouped together and as such we are capable of killing them easily. Not to mention that they have done nothing to us as a whole so their isn't a reason to care about making harmonical balance between us as species. Now it's the same with us and the titans why would they harmonize with a race below them, that can be squished any time and unless we somehow get on their level as a race then it will continue to be the same. That is what balance really is, harmony between two things.' 

'And for those at home, if you didn't know a lone human is ranked second level on the Trophic scale, which is mostly herbivores, but as a group we are ranked fifth level, which is the Apex Predator. with the Titans now included the scale will probably include a sixth level for them alone.

Dr. Serizawa and Dr. Russel didn't seem all to happy with the response but he seemed to understand where I was going with this. 

Finally, there was Dr. Ellie Sattler who spoke up, her voice filled with determination to get a message across. 'What about the role of education in all of this? We need to reach the public, the ones who will ultimately shape the narrative and the future. If we can instill a sense of responsibility and respect for the Titans among the general population, we'll be that much closer to achieving our goals.'

'Absolutely, Dr. Sattler,' I agreed.

'Education will be a cornerstone of our strategy. We need to create public campaigns that highlight the importance of balance and the critical roles these creatures play. Only by fostering a sense of stewardship can we hope to shift public perception and policy.'

As the session continued, more questions came from the audience, some from reporters seeking sensational headlines, others from scientists and experts who wanted more technical details about SolTech's plans. I answered each one carefully, always maintaining the balance between providing enough information to satisfy their curiosity and keeping certain things under wraps.

The questions varied, ranging from the practicality of my proposed defense systems to the ethics of using genetic engineering to enhance human abilities, which was possible for me but no need to say that. Concerns about the rising number of Kaiju/Titan sightings and the mysteries behind them had begun to spread across certain parts of the globe. Each answer was a balancing act, a tightrope walk between science, politics, and morality.

As the press conference neared its end, I could feel the pressure mounting. The world was looking to me for solutions, and while I had many, I knew that the path ahead was filled with uncertainty.

Before I could wrap up, a final question came from a voice I hadn't expected to hear today. Dr. Robert Oz spoke up, his tone measured but filled with an undertone of challenge. 'Sir, you've spoken about defense, cohabitation, adaptation and balance. But let's not pretend that humanity isn't on the brink of collapse. You're dancing around the real issue, humanity needs to evolve, and it needs to do so now. Are you truly suggesting that we just wait and see, hoping for the best, when we have the tools to take control of our own evolution?'

I met his gaze, knowing that this was the moment the room had been waiting for. The tension that had been simmering throughout the conference now reached its peak.

'Dr. Oz, what you're suggesting is playing with fire,' I replied evenly.

'Yes, we have the tools to accelerate human evolution, to adapt more quickly to these threats. But the risks outweigh the rewards right now. We can't afford to gamble with humanity's future, not when the stakes are this high. Our approach has to be measured, cautious. If we rush into this, we would cause more harm than good. Evolution is a natural process, and while we may have the ability to influence it, we must do so responsibly.'

Oz didn't look satisfied, but he nodded, knowing that he wouldn't win this debate here and now. The room filled with murmurs as reporters furiously scribbled down notes, knowing that this exchange would become the headline.

As the conference came to a close, I took a deep breath, stepping away from the podium. I had managed to navigate the minefield of questions without giving too much away, but I knew that this was just the beginning. The world was changing rapidly, and the weight of guiding humanity through this new era felt heavy on my shoulders.

As I left the room, I felt it, the storm was just beginning. The Kaiju, the Titans, all of it was building toward something bigger, something we weren't yet prepared to face. But as long as I stood at the helm of SolTech, I would ensure we were ready at least set humanity up so that they ma survive.

3rd POV

Post-Conference Debrief

In the days following the conference, the media went into a frenzy, dissecting every word Avery had said through the computer. The scientific community was divided, with some applauding SolTech's cautious approach while others, like Dr. Robert Oz, criticized it for being too slow. Public opinion was split as well. Some saw SolTech as the last hope for humanity, while others feared that they weren't doing enough to prevent the next disaster.

Behind the scenes, however, plans were already being set in motion. SolTech's labs were working around the clock, developing the next generation of defensive technologies and cures, while research into the Titans continued. The world was changing, and they had no choice but to change with it.

In a sleek conference room filled with the best minds SolTech had to offer, Avery stood at the head of the table, flanked by key scientists and strategists. The tension in the room was palpable, underscored by the urgency of their mission.

Avery POV:

It had been five years since I had met Maia, and in that time, I'd managed to juggle the chaotic double life I led being a normal guy when I was with her and a hidden force behind SolTech when I wasn't. Now I managed to keep the fact that I am SolTech's founder by having Loreleï, my custodia and friend, take care of it when I wasn't there. I also managed to convince her to work for me instead of her father.

Maia looked up at me with a teasing grin. 'You seem distracted, Ave. Am I not entertaining enough for you?'

She was much different from when I first met her. When I first met her I thought of her as a very condescending, prideful, and self-centered person as well as a smug, spoiled, rich brat. But overtime we both changed. She became more dedicated, compassionate, generous and responsible, still very prideful though.

I took a deep breath. This wasn't just about the world changing. Five years. I could hardly believe it had been that long since we first got together, and through all the chaos. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the amusement park, making the moment feel almost surreal. I looked at Maia, her eyes sparkling as she laughed.

'There's… one thing I wanted to ask you,' I said, my voice softer now.

Maia's eyes widened slightly, her lips parting as if she already knew what was coming, key word's are 'as if'. I reached into my jacket pocket, pulling out a book. She became flabbergasted showing a bit of a frown, I am surprised I wasn't smacked for this instead.

'Maia,' I began, my throat tightening with emotion. 'In the time that I have met you. You have shown me capabilities, good ones, you're smart but still need some guiding, you need to look outside of what you believe is possible.' 

As she looked at me as I looked at her and continued. 'If you're willing. I might just give you that opportunity, if you are willingly to let me. So are you willing?'

Tears welled in her eyes, but before she could answer, something strange caught my attention. A low rumble, almost like a distant growl, echoed through the park. I glanced around, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. But I knew whatever it was couldn't affect me but I can't say the same for other people.

Maia didn't seem to notice, her eyes fixed on the book, her emotions overtaking her. 'Yes,' she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. 'Yes, I will, Ave.'

I stood, pulling her into a tight embrace, but my focus was elsewhere now. The rumble grew louder, and for a moment, I thought it might be just my nerves playing tricks on me. But then I heard it again, deeper this time, almost… primal. Something was wrong.

As we headed back, the uneasy feeling lingered in the back of my mind. The world was changing, and not just because of the kaiju's or the titan's. Something was happening to the animals, as well, something more unnatural yet also natural. The thought flashed through my mind, but I pushed it aside, focusing on Maia and this perfect moment.

Still, as we walked hand in hand, the sounds of the park alive around us, I couldn't shake the sense that something far bigger was brewing. The news had reported odd animal behavior recently, isolated incidents, attacks that didn't make sense. 

A thought entered my mind: "Could this be the start of something else?" I held Maia closer, silently promising her that no matter what came next, she would be mostly ready.

With that we went home, we had moved close together and she even works in my company after I offered. I must have been good at convincing her since she originally planned to work for her father at Apex Cybernetics. Something he didn't really approve of.

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