Chapter 8 : Godzilla and the time Anomaly

In a pivotal moment, cries for help intermingled with resigned sighs while a select few clung to their loved ones, facing their destiny head-on. A handful, driven by unyielding determination, fought until the bitter end.

Now, amidst the chilling expanse, around 1,700 survivors huddled on icebergs and lifeboats, seeking refuge from the unforgiving cold.

In this icy realm, a steadfast group of musicians persisted, their violins resonating against the backdrop of relentless snow.

As the melodies echoed, occasionally disrupted by unintended jostles, a violinist wondered aloud if anyone truly listened.

Wallace, the venerable white-haired violinist, remained unmoved by the indifference of others. "They've never truly listened, not even during their lavish feasts. Let us continue; the music warms our souls."

Wallace harbored disdain for the affluent, convinced they couldn't comprehend the purity of genuine music.

Another violinist, tuning their instrument, asked, "What's next?"

With a casual shrug, Wallace replied, "Orpheus descends into Hades."

The music persisted, but the biting cold threatened to numb not only their fingers but also the audience's appreciation.

Yet, the musicians pressed on, playing not for the ears of others but to kindle warmth within themselves.

"Amidst the turmoil, Arthur found solace in the music, clinging to a glimmer of hope within its haunting notes."

However, within the larger assembly, chaos brewed, fueled by those seeking disorder, believing themselves to be the center of the universe.

"You! Explain yourself immediately!"

"I'm a baron of the British Empire! Give me your clothes!"

"Back off! Lay a hand on me, and you'll regret it!"

"Come on, you wretched scoundrel!"

"Stop shoving!"

The biting cold coerced some to discard their garments, leading to a frenzy where a few accidentally plunged into the freezing waters.

Ruth's choice to stand by Jack, angering her fiancé Carl, stoked fury in three men consumed by vengeance and protectiveness.

Carl, a wealthy young man of considerable means, was determined to confront Jack, the one who appeared to have stolen his fiancée, regardless of the chaos hindering his pursuit.

"Boom boom boom!"

Smith, witnessing the escalating chaos, fired shots into the air, quelling the tumultuous crowd.

"Steady yourselves, everyone. Help is on its way ; let's exercise patience."

"In times of crisis, we endure by huddling together for warmth."

Captain Smith, having restored order, directed his crew to assist those in distress, casting a glance at Arthur, who stood aloof.

At that moment, Arthur's soaked attire made undressing uncomfortable among so many.

With a tentative gesture, Smith offered a set of clothes and a bottle of wine, urging, "My Lord Sea King, take these clothes, have a drink, and ward off the cold."

"Thank you, but clothing is unnecessary. Pass them to those in need."

Arthur took a sip of the potent whiskey.

With his Neptune-like physique, Arthur intended to swim later, rendering clothing unnecessary even in the Arctic Circle.

Upon hearing this, Smith passed the clothes to someone else, inquiring, "Your Excellency Sea King, may I ask you a few questions?"

Savoring another sip, Arthur met Smith's gaze. "I have something to say."

"I heard you mention the monster Godzilla. Is that its name? Why did it attack the cruise ship?"

Smith needed clear answers; this catastrophe jeopardized not only lives but also his career.

"Yes, Godzilla is its name."

Arthur nodded, "As for why Godzilla attacked, the responsibility lies with you."

"Me?"

Smith was bewildered by the accusation.

"Indeed. I warned you about the Titanic colliding with an iceberg. Instead of altering course, you forged ahead, leading to the disaster. As captain, the blame rests with you," Arthur clarified.

"But is there a direct link between the ship hitting the iceberg and Godzilla's attack?"

Smith admitted fault for the Titanic's collision but questioned the extent of Godzilla's role in the ship's downfall.

Arthur gestured towards Godzilla, explaining, "Absolutely. Godzilla used the iceberg to extinguish a fire. Resting in the sea, you collided, exacerbating the situation. Wouldn't that enrage anyone?"

"Furthermore, even without Godzilla, the ship would have met its fate after hitting the iceberg."

"The fact that most people are alive now is merely a stroke of luck."

Smith hesitated to respond, choosing to swallow his words.

Returning the bottle to Smith, Arthur stated, "It's pointless to dwell on regrets now. Think of ways to keep these souls alive, and I have more queries for you."

"Please, go ahead!"

Despite the whirlwind of emotions, Smith composed himself before Arthur.

"What year is it?"

Arthur inquired casually.

Taken aback, Smith confirmed, "It's 1962."

"1962! Are you certain?"

Arthur's countenance shifted slightly.

"Absolutely. Though aged, I'm not confused. Today is April 14, 1962. It's noon, approaching the 15th. This day is etched in my memory!"

Lost in thought, Arthur realized the Titanic had sunk in 1912, marking a 50-year difference between the two dates.

If Smith's words were true, this world's timeline was indeed askew.

Considering the Titanic's collision with Godzilla, Arthur found it peculiar that everything else seemed mundane.

Moreover, when Arthur assisted the survivors earlier, someone mentioned "Captain America," evoking thoughts of the Marvel universe.

The Marvel universe, with its countless parallel dimensions, featured comics like "Godzilla vs. The Avengers."

If this supposition held true, the intricacies of this world ran far deeper than previously imagined!

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