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Description
The Sub-Labs of the Avengers Mansion

Down within the underground labs of the Avengers Mansion the Vision and Hank Pym were already working on the large containment room and the equipment attached to it to house the giant meteor that was to be brought back by the rest of the team. The highly advanced android was busy using his technological linking abilities to help rewire and route the inner systems while Hank, using only the equipment and not the full suit, had grown 20 feet tall to lift some of the heavier equipment up onto the higher points of a containment unit.

Bruce Banner had walked in, finishing a conversation on his phone, and said “Thanks again.” Before hanging up. Addressing the two now he said “Just got through talking with Reed. Said he could lend the equipment as long as he had a chance to look at this thing as well.”

Hearing this Hank couldn’t help but comment “He never could stay away from anything cosmic.”

Bruce continued with “I’ve also called Charles Xavier. If this thing truly does have some neural patterning, and something is actually inside it, maybe he’ll be able to help read whatever it might really be.”

Hearing this Hank glanced back and asked “You have Professor Xavier’s number? What for?”

“He helped me out a while back when I was having trouble with my ‘other personality.” Bruce explained. “Also…he sort of owes me after I visited his school for autographs.”

“Surprised the kids wanted the Hulk’s autograph.” Hank pointed out.

“Well not so much mine as….everyone else’s.” Bruce clarified with an awkward smirk on his face.

A moment later the Vision had spoken up and said “Full integration with systems has been successful, Dr. Pym. And the internal up-link with the Mansion’s generator will help sustain the needed power for containment.”

With that Hank gave a relived “Good.” Before using his belt to shrink back to normal size. As he did he turned to Bruce and said “Now we just need to wait for the others to come back with our specimen. Wonder how things are going?”

As if on cue a signal went off around the room, indicating a call coming in, which was only further confirmed by the Vision as he said “A message is coming in from Barton’s communicator.” After analyzing it further he stated “Apparently there’s a problem. A…rather large one.”

Confused by this all three headed towards one of the rooms where they would be able to fully see and hear what was going on. And when they would they would be both shocked amazed at the sight of the battle taking place in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

*****

The Triskelion

As a personal S.H.I.E.L.D. quinjet was loaded with the last of the equipment and personal for the team he intended to bring with him Director Fury had watched everyone get ready before starting to make for boarding himself. He was stopped however when Maria Hill came rushing out, calling for him over the roaring turbines.

“Director! It’s Coulson!” she explained. “He says it’s highly urgent. Code Green Sigma priority.”

Apparently this was enough to warrant Fury to head back into the base and follow Hill all the way down to the communications room. Apparently the ‘Code Green Sigma’ was something that had needed all of Fury’s attention, and during the ride down the elevator Hill could see the anxious twinge in his eye.

Upon arriving into the room Fury hurried and called over the Coms “Coulson, what the hell is going on? Did the Avengers not make it in time to secure the package?”

“Oh they’re here, sir.” Coulson said. “But there’s something else. It’s… Well… Just see for yourself.”

A moment later Fury’s good eye widened in horror at what was shown through Coulson’s device. Everyone else in the room, from Maria Hill to the many agents present, all looked out of terrified awe at what they were seeing. A giant reptilian beast that stood tall from the ocean, roaring as it looked down at the ship and the people on-board it.

Hill’s initial reaction was a gasp and suddenly blurting out “Sweet mother of mercy… What IS that thing?”

Fury only stared in disbelief before muttering “No… No, it’s not… It can’t be…”

Hearing this Hill asked “Sir? You know what this thing is?”

Instead of answering Fury went quiet, thinking hard to himself, before looking back to the screen and shouting “Coulson, pull your team out of there now! Get that meteor out of there and get as far away from that thing as possible. Understood?”

Coulson’s initial question was “What about the Avengers, Director?”

“They can handle themselves. Just get out of there now! That’s an order!” he demanded, even slamming his fist against the grate of the railing as he did. Once the communications were done he turned, telling Hill “Get back to the upper levels and get on the quinjet. I’ll be there in a few.” When she asked where he was going he answered “Archives. I need to check something.”

“But sir what is that monster?” she asked as he still kept walking.

His only answer was “Something I thought was killed a long time ago.”

*****

Thor, still in shock like the others at the arrival of the strange beast from the ocean, asked himself “By Odin’s beard! What sort of behemoth is that?”

“Really good question, Thor.” Iron Man answered before asking his internal A.I. “Friday? Got any answers?”

[Running scans now, boss.] the feminine, artificial voice responded.

The monster had looked down towards the deck and roared, prompting Crossbones to yell to his men “Don’t just stand there! Shoot it!”

The Hydra soldiers all opened fire, even Crossbones who soon found his bazooka and fired a rocket. All the bullets didn’t seem to faze the creature, even the rocket exploding under its chin but not causing any sort of pain or distress.

It was not until the Hydra submarine had fired upon it with their anti-aircraft weapons on its deck that the monster seemed to react. The firing hit its right side, yet still didn’t seem to fully wound it. But the monster still turned towards it, roaring as it moved closer. Despite the submarine still firing the beast continued towards it before finally reaching it and swatting the gun off with a mighty swipe of its claws. From there it proceeded to bash and break against the sub’s hull, tearing at it and slowly forcing it to sink.

Seeing this many of the Hydra soldiers stopped firing and were stunned to the point of defeat. Crossbones decided not to stick around and merely jumped ship. By the time anyone realized it was already too late and he was swimming as fast as he could in the opposite direction of the monster.

Seeing what it had done to the Hydra Sub Wasp asked “Does this mean it’s on our side?”

When the monster turned and roared, not looking any friendlier, Black Panther was quick to say “I believe that would constitute as a ‘no’, Wasp.”

As it started to approached the S.H.I.E.L.D. ship now Hawkeye aimed his bow while asking “Anyone got any plans, because I would love to hear them right about now.”

Coulson answered over the coms, saying “Orders from Fury are to retreat with the meteor while we can. But we’re not clear as long as that thing is close by.”

Captain America, hearing this, asked “How much time do you need?” when Coulson had stated at least six minutes, he then said “You heard him. Carol, Tony and Thor. Try to hold it off. Aim for the eyes and only attack from behind. I don’t want anyone doing anything stupid.”

“We’ll do our best, Cap.” Captain Marvel answered.

After that Scarlet Witch walked up next to him and asked “What do we do in the meantime?”

Cap only sighed, looking out as the three flyers began to engage the monster, and said “Pray it works.”

And so Iron Man, Thor and Captain Marvel began to attack and distract the monster. It started with Iron Man using flares to gain its attention, turning it away from the ship. From there Marvel used her energy beams and fired at it, annoying the monster if anything. Thor, however, managed to make some effect as he slammed his mighty hammer, Mjolnir, into its neck. It let out a pained roar before turning towards him and trying to swipe him out of the air.

“Come, foul beast from the sea!” he cried. “Face the fury of the god of thunder!”

Thor’s bravado was sundered, however, when the monster turned and swiped its tail from out of the water. He took the full brunt of the attack before falling into the ocean. The others gasped when they saw this but continued fighting under Cap’s reluctant orders.

Coulson had made it to the bridge of the ship and made sure all preparations were made for take-off. As they were the turbines of the ship, which was now revealed to be an S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, began to power up everyone on-deck felt the sudden movement and knew it was a good sign.

Iron Man and Captain Marvel continued to battle with the monster, firing everything that had at it while staying out of range from its claws, jaws and tail. While there was no sign of Thor resurfacing they could hear as the Helicarrier began to take off from the ocean’s surface, starting to rise higher and higher into the air.

With that Iron Man signaled to her “They’re almost clear, Carol! We’ve got to go!”

She nodded before giving what she hopped would be enough to keep the monster off their tail in time to escape. She flew up and fired her most powerful shot towards its right eye, making contact. The monster roared in pain as it backed up, holding the wounded spot on its face.

“Take that, you big iguana bastard!” she taunted before flying off with Iron Man back for the Helicarrier.

Their victory was short, however, as Cap called over the coms for both of them to watch out. When they turned they could see the monster already close enough to swipe at them. Iron Man managed to avoid it but Captain Marvel was caught and splashed into the ocean. Unlike Thor she resurface only to see as the monster loomed over her with an angered look in his eyes.

Before he could attack her, however, everyone watched as the skies began to grow dark. Even the monster had sensed this and looked, seeing the foreboding clouds and hearing the low rumble of thunder. While everyone else knew what this meant the creature seemed confused before something burst from the ocean behind it.

Thor flew high into the air, spinning his hammer, before crying out “To hell with you!”

Lightning struck at his magic hammer before he fired it dead into the creature’s chest. Hitting its target the lightning and thunder coursed through the beast, even shocking the water around it. Captain Marvel managed to fly out to safety in time while the monster roared into the air in pain as it was heavily electrocuted. When Thor finished the monster plopped back into the sea, a mighty splash following as it seemed to disappear beneath the waves.

Having seen everything from the deck of the Helicarrier Cap called over the coms “Nice work, Thor. You had us worried there for a minute.”

While he sounded a little exhausted Thor had responded “The beast was powerful, but I am mighty.”

“Yeah, mighty tired from the sounds of it.” Iron Man quipped. “Need an energy bar or something?”

Everyone chuckled a bit before Cap said “Save the jokes for when we’re back home, Tony. Just get back here, all of you. Let’s get this meteor to Bruce and the others. Fast.”

Just then Hawkeye had run up to him “Look, Cap. I found this.” Holding up something in his hand.

“It looks like a scale of some sort.” Scarlet Witch had pointed out. “From the creature, perhaps?”

Black Panther, looking to Cap, had suggested “Perhaps our equipment in the labs will be able to determine this.”

After that Cap nodded and turned, starting to walk for the interior for the ship with the other heroes following, before Black Widow asked “Any idea what the hell that thing was, Cap?”

“Not a clue.” He responded. “But hopefully we won’t have to worry about it ever again.”

*****

I have seen the heroes called the Avengers achieve their victory. But they do not yet know how short lived it will be. For eve now as they return to their home the one known as Crossbones is soon retrieved by his compatriots, and creature they thought dead has already begun to reawaken. And while I cannot see into its mind I can already determine it is far from angered. It is…determined.

*****

Avengers Mansion, several hours later

The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier hovered over Avengers Mansion as the procedure for bringing in the meteor was conducted. A small crowd gathered around the surrounding streets to see this. Even a young photographer with a nametag reading “Parker” continued to take picture after picture while saying how Jameson would love the shots.

From a large opening from the bottom of the Helicarrier itself the meteor was lowered with a series of titanium wiring and hooks. Slowly it was being lowered into a hidden opening in the backyard of the mansion itself into the lower labs. Those like Agent Coulson and Maria Hill oversaw it’s loading into the containment unit created by Bruce, Hank, the Vision and Reed Richards; who was also present as it was being delivered.

Meanwhile the Avengers had come to one of the smaller labs in the underground structure, partly to make sure Thor was alright while also examining the scale they had brought back. Hank Pym was currently studying it under a microscope while the others, all unmasked and/or unarmored, awaited to hear what he had to say.

After hearing their story Bruce had reiterated with “So this thing just suddenly came out of nowhere and attacked? Why?”

“Not too sure.” Steve said. “But, at a guess, I say it was after the meteor.”

“Maybe it’s some sort of mutant weapon.” Janet had suggested. “Something created by A.I.M. or Doom even.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Hank said, finally looking up from his microscope. “There’s no traces of any sort of mutagenic properties in this DNA. So whatever it is, what you saw was its natural form.”

“Wouldn’t exactly call it natural.” Carol retorted. “We hit this thing with almost everything we had and it didn’t even bleed.”

“Indeed.” Thor added. “Even with all of Mjolnir’s might this monster proved a stronger foe than expected.”

Wanda then spoke up and added “And I could not sense anything mystic or cosmic about it, unlike the meteor. So whatever it is it originated from Earth.”

Looking a little worried by this Steve turned and asked “You come up with anything, Tony?”

In answer he said “I’ve had Friday continue to do some background check, given the scans we got from it. And…?” the last part was addressed to Friday herself.

From the coms system she spoke through the room, saying [Nothing on the fossil records. And given the estimations the creature itself was at near 300 feet.]

Clint let out a bewildered breath before commenting “That’s one big lizard.”

Friday continued with [There were also traces of low-level radiation coming from its body. Not lethal but still apparent.]

With all of what was said in mind Natasha was the one to ask “So if it’s not a mutant, and not a dinosaur, then what is it?”

“Something a lot more dangerous.” Someone said, making everyone turn to see Fury enter the room with Agent Hill following. “And something I never thought we’d see again.”

Tony, hearing this, gave a little annoyed “So you know what it is?” before saying “Of course you do. And why do I get the feeling it’s some long lost S.H.I.E.L.D. secret you’ve kept hidden under the vice president’s mattress for the last few decades?”

“Try deep in S.H.I.E.L.D. archives.” Fury stated.

Steve, a little annoyed as well, crossed his arms before asking “Care to explain at least?”

From there Fury walked towards one of the computers, pulling out an old file drive before sticking it into a nearby port. From there information from schematics to chart readings and even old photos began to appear on the screen. Some even showing outlines or full-on appearances of the creature they’d fought earlier. From their Fury explained to them, and even Maria Hill who was still in the dark, as to what was going on.

“It all started back in 1944.” He began. “Back when we started testing of the first nuclear weapons in the Pacific. Just around the time you went MIA, Cap.” He pointed out to Steve. “During that time a number of subs, both American and Russian, went missing within the North Pacific. Upon investigation that was when it was discovered.” Pointing to a picture of the monster swimming in the ocean Fury stated “Him. An unknown creature with a highly durable hide and an apparent hunger for radiation.”

Hearing that Carol figured “So it WAS after the meteor. It must’ve been drawn to the cosmic radiation.”

“Practically like a radiation dinner bell.” Barton pointed out. “But why now? I mean we’ve had lots of radiation from space come down to Earth before. So why did the meteor suddenly wake him up?”

Fury answered by further explaining “Well upon discovering the creature’s preferred diet our experts believed that it must’ve lied dormant at the further most point on the ocean floor. As close as it could get to the Earth’s core where it could keep feeding off the radiation from there. The testing must’ve drawn it up from the ocean depths further towards the surface. From there we’d figured to try and hit it with as must radiation as possible to either kill it or at least keep it nice and fed long enough until we could find a better solution. So in all that time it’s probably been sleeping off the atomic equivalent of a Thanksgiving dinner.”

Bruce then pointed out “So that’s what the rests of those tests were? Not just planning to bomb Hiroshima, but you were also trying to get rid of this thing.”

When Fury confirmed this the Vision then asked “This ‘solution’ you spoke of, did you ever find it?”

Fury shook his head, saying “When they were finished there was no trace of the creature. We assumed we’d done it and simply kept everything off the books. The last thing we needed the world to know was that a giant monster could potentially attack the coast at any time.”

Hank then pointed out “This still seems like something too big even for S.H.I.E.L.D. to keep quiet about.”

Fury retorted with “Back then the world had just finished another great war. Everything was finally starting to get back to normal. The last thing S.H.I.E.L.D. would have needed was more panic and hysteria from anyone.”

Janet sighed and said “Hate to say it, but he does have a point. And at least we beat it, right?”

“Did we?” T’Challa asked. “If this monster could potentially survive being bombarded by nuclear weapons I doubt lightning can defeat it. And if it truly is after the meteor then it is not safe here. None of us are.”

“Then maybe we should consider moving it.” Tony suggested. “Maybe further inland so it can’t reach.”

“I doubt that would help.” Steve pointed out. “And even if it did that just means more people could potentially get hurt or worse along the way.”

Carol then asked “So what do we do? Just sit here and wait?”

Fury spoke up and said “I’ve already talked with the man in the Whitehouse. Both the navy and any and all available S.H.I.E.L.D. forces are being deployed along the eastern coast. If he comes anywhere near us we’ll have a good head start warning. Until then I suggest we try to learn more about the space rock while we can.”

“And apparently set up a nice big buffet for a 300 foot dinosaur while we’re at it.” Barton pointed out. “Hope there’s enough restaurants that serve radioactive burritos around.”

Steve retorted with “It’s the best option we have for now.” He then addressed everyone else and said “But what we can’t do is let that get to us. If this thing comes here we’ll be ready for it. Just like we always are. So long as we keep our heads in the game.”

Many of them nodded or silently agreed, even though Tony was quick to say “Is it wrong that I’m starting to think we should call Galactus for back up? You know, offer him maybe half of the planet this time if it means going toe-to-toe with jolly green giganotosaurus?”

Bruce huffed a smirk before asking Fury “That does beg to question though. Does this monster have a name exactly?”

Fury nodded and said “The nearby villagers of a fishing island called it ‘Gojira’. To them it means ‘whale-beast’. But back in the day they decided to call him…Godzilla.”

*****

Hydra Base, location unknown

Standing in front of a desk inside a room Crossbones faced his employer while his back was turned to him. The room was circular with a rug designed with Hydra’s symbol on it. And along the walls were a number of items such as atrophied swords and paintings.

The employer, still with his back to Crossbones as he sat, asked “So not only did you fail to retrieve the meteor, but you managed to lose one of my subs and a good portion of my men in the process. I’m starting to question your so-called abilities, Mr. Rumlow.”

“You don’t understand, Baron.” He began. “You didn’t see it. This thing, this…monster! It just came out of nowhere and attacked us. That’s what destroyed your precious sub. And your men! I was even lucky to make it out of there alive!”

Hearing this the Baron stood, asking “Monster or no, the fact that the meteor is still in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s hands now forces me to take more drastic measures.” From there he began to think to himself. Finally turning so that Crossbones could see the almost devious look in the eyes of Baron Zemo. Finally he said “If there is such a creature as you describe, perhaps we may to use it for our own means. After all, one man’s monster is another man's advantage.”

Description
The Sub-Labs of the Avengers Mansion

Down within the underground labs of the Avengers Mansion the Vision and Hank Pym were already working on the large containment room and the equipment attached to it to house the giant meteor that was to be brought back by the rest of the team. The highly advanced android was busy using his technological linking abilities to help rewire and route the inner systems while Hank, using only the equipment and not the full suit, had grown 20 feet tall to lift some of the heavier equipment up onto the higher points of a containment unit.

Bruce Banner had walked in, finishing a conversation on his phone, and said “Thanks again.” Before hanging up. Addressing the two now he said “Just got through talking with Reed. Said he could lend the equipment as long as he had a chance to look at this thing as well.”

Hearing this Hank couldn’t help but comment “He never could stay away from anything cosmic.”

Bruce continued with “I’ve also called Charles Xavier. If this thing truly does have some neural patterning, and something is actually inside it, maybe he’ll be able to help read whatever it might really be.”

Hearing this Hank glanced back and asked “You have Professor Xavier’s number? What for?”

“He helped me out a while back when I was having trouble with my ‘other personality.” Bruce explained. “Also…he sort of owes me after I visited his school for autographs.”

“Surprised the kids wanted the Hulk’s autograph.” Hank pointed out.

“Well not so much mine as….everyone else’s.” Bruce clarified with an awkward smirk on his face.

A moment later the Vision had spoken up and said “Full integration with systems has been successful, Dr. Pym. And the internal up-link with the Mansion’s generator will help sustain the needed power for containment.”

With that Hank gave a relived “Good.” Before using his belt to shrink back to normal size. As he did he turned to Bruce and said “Now we just need to wait for the others to come back with our specimen. Wonder how things are going?”

As if on cue a signal went off around the room, indicating a call coming in, which was only further confirmed by the Vision as he said “A message is coming in from Barton’s communicator.” After analyzing it further he stated “Apparently there’s a problem. A…rather large one.”

Confused by this all three headed towards one of the rooms where they would be able to fully see and hear what was going on. And when they would they would be both shocked amazed at the sight of the battle taking place in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

*****

The Triskelion

As a personal S.H.I.E.L.D. quinjet was loaded with the last of the equipment and personal for the team he intended to bring with him Director Fury had watched everyone get ready before starting to make for boarding himself. He was stopped however when Maria Hill came rushing out, calling for him over the roaring turbines.

“Director! It’s Coulson!” she explained. “He says it’s highly urgent. Code Green Sigma priority.”

Apparently this was enough to warrant Fury to head back into the base and follow Hill all the way down to the communications room. Apparently the ‘Code Green Sigma’ was something that had needed all of Fury’s attention, and during the ride down the elevator Hill could see the anxious twinge in his eye.

Upon arriving into the room Fury hurried and called over the Coms “Coulson, what the hell is going on? Did the Avengers not make it in time to secure the package?”

“Oh they’re here, sir.” Coulson said. “But there’s something else. It’s… Well… Just see for yourself.”

A moment later Fury’s good eye widened in horror at what was shown through Coulson’s device. Everyone else in the room, from Maria Hill to the many agents present, all looked out of terrified awe at what they were seeing. A giant reptilian beast that stood tall from the ocean, roaring as it looked down at the ship and the people on-board it.

Hill’s initial reaction was a gasp and suddenly blurting out “Sweet mother of mercy… What IS that thing?”

Fury only stared in disbelief before muttering “No… No, it’s not… It can’t be…”

Hearing this Hill asked “Sir? You know what this thing is?”

Instead of answering Fury went quiet, thinking hard to himself, before looking back to the screen and shouting “Coulson, pull your team out of there now! Get that meteor out of there and get as far away from that thing as possible. Understood?”

Coulson’s initial question was “What about the Avengers, Director?”

“They can handle themselves. Just get out of there now! That’s an order!” he demanded, even slamming his fist against the grate of the railing as he did. Once the communications were done he turned, telling Hill “Get back to the upper levels and get on the quinjet. I’ll be there in a few.” When she asked where he was going he answered “Archives. I need to check something.”

“But sir what is that monster?” she asked as he still kept walking.

His only answer was “Something I thought was killed a long time ago.”

*****

Thor, still in shock like the others at the arrival of the strange beast from the ocean, asked himself “By Odin’s beard! What sort of behemoth is that?”

“Really good question, Thor.” Iron Man answered before asking his internal A.I. “Friday? Got any answers?”

[Running scans now, boss.] the feminine, artificial voice responded.

The monster had looked down towards the deck and roared, prompting Crossbones to yell to his men “Don’t just stand there! Shoot it!”

The Hydra soldiers all opened fire, even Crossbones who soon found his bazooka and fired a rocket. All the bullets didn’t seem to faze the creature, even the rocket exploding under its chin but not causing any sort of pain or distress.

It was not until the Hydra submarine had fired upon it with their anti-aircraft weapons on its deck that the monster seemed to react. The firing hit its right side, yet still didn’t seem to fully wound it. But the monster still turned towards it, roaring as it moved closer. Despite the submarine still firing the beast continued towards it before finally reaching it and swatting the gun off with a mighty swipe of its claws. From there it proceeded to bash and break against the sub’s hull, tearing at it and slowly forcing it to sink.

Seeing this many of the Hydra soldiers stopped firing and were stunned to the point of defeat. Crossbones decided not to stick around and merely jumped ship. By the time anyone realized it was already too late and he was swimming as fast as he could in the opposite direction of the monster.

Seeing what it had done to the Hydra Sub Wasp asked “Does this mean it’s on our side?”

When the monster turned and roared, not looking any friendlier, Black Panther was quick to say “I believe that would constitute as a ‘no’, Wasp.”

As it started to approached the S.H.I.E.L.D. ship now Hawkeye aimed his bow while asking “Anyone got any plans, because I would love to hear them right about now.”

Coulson answered over the coms, saying “Orders from Fury are to retreat with the meteor while we can. But we’re not clear as long as that thing is close by.”

Captain America, hearing this, asked “How much time do you need?” when Coulson had stated at least six minutes, he then said “You heard him. Carol, Tony and Thor. Try to hold it off. Aim for the eyes and only attack from behind. I don’t want anyone doing anything stupid.”

“We’ll do our best, Cap.” Captain Marvel answered.

After that Scarlet Witch walked up next to him and asked “What do we do in the meantime?”

Cap only sighed, looking out as the three flyers began to engage the monster, and said “Pray it works.”

And so Iron Man, Thor and Captain Marvel began to attack and distract the monster. It started with Iron Man using flares to gain its attention, turning it away from the ship. From there Marvel used her energy beams and fired at it, annoying the monster if anything. Thor, however, managed to make some effect as he slammed his mighty hammer, Mjolnir, into its neck. It let out a pained roar before turning towards him and trying to swipe him out of the air.

“Come, foul beast from the sea!” he cried. “Face the fury of the god of thunder!”

Thor’s bravado was sundered, however, when the monster turned and swiped its tail from out of the water. He took the full brunt of the attack before falling into the ocean. The others gasped when they saw this but continued fighting under Cap’s reluctant orders.

Coulson had made it to the bridge of the ship and made sure all preparations were made for take-off. As they were the turbines of the ship, which was now revealed to be an S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, began to power up everyone on-deck felt the sudden movement and knew it was a good sign.

Iron Man and Captain Marvel continued to battle with the monster, firing everything that had at it while staying out of range from its claws, jaws and tail. While there was no sign of Thor resurfacing they could hear as the Helicarrier began to take off from the ocean’s surface, starting to rise higher and higher into the air.

With that Iron Man signaled to her “They’re almost clear, Carol! We’ve got to go!”

She nodded before giving what she hopped would be enough to keep the monster off their tail in time to escape. She flew up and fired her most powerful shot towards its right eye, making contact. The monster roared in pain as it backed up, holding the wounded spot on its face.

“Take that, you big iguana bastard!” she taunted before flying off with Iron Man back for the Helicarrier.

Their victory was short, however, as Cap called over the coms for both of them to watch out. When they turned they could see the monster already close enough to swipe at them. Iron Man managed to avoid it but Captain Marvel was caught and splashed into the ocean. Unlike Thor she resurface only to see as the monster loomed over her with an angered look in his eyes.

Before he could attack her, however, everyone watched as the skies began to grow dark. Even the monster had sensed this and looked, seeing the foreboding clouds and hearing the low rumble of thunder. While everyone else knew what this meant the creature seemed confused before something burst from the ocean behind it.

Thor flew high into the air, spinning his hammer, before crying out “To hell with you!”

Lightning struck at his magic hammer before he fired it dead into the creature’s chest. Hitting its target the lightning and thunder coursed through the beast, even shocking the water around it. Captain Marvel managed to fly out to safety in time while the monster roared into the air in pain as it was heavily electrocuted. When Thor finished the monster plopped back into the sea, a mighty splash following as it seemed to disappear beneath the waves.

Having seen everything from the deck of the Helicarrier Cap called over the coms “Nice work, Thor. You had us worried there for a minute.”

While he sounded a little exhausted Thor had responded “The beast was powerful, but I am mighty.”

“Yeah, mighty tired from the sounds of it.” Iron Man quipped. “Need an energy bar or something?”

Everyone chuckled a bit before Cap said “Save the jokes for when we’re back home, Tony. Just get back here, all of you. Let’s get this meteor to Bruce and the others. Fast.”

Just then Hawkeye had run up to him “Look, Cap. I found this.” Holding up something in his hand.

“It looks like a scale of some sort.” Scarlet Witch had pointed out. “From the creature, perhaps?”

Black Panther, looking to Cap, had suggested “Perhaps our equipment in the labs will be able to determine this.”

After that Cap nodded and turned, starting to walk for the interior for the ship with the other heroes following, before Black Widow asked “Any idea what the hell that thing was, Cap?”

“Not a clue.” He responded. “But hopefully we won’t have to worry about it ever again.”

*****

I have seen the heroes called the Avengers achieve their victory. But they do not yet know how short lived it will be. For eve now as they return to their home the one known as Crossbones is soon retrieved by his compatriots, and creature they thought dead has already begun to reawaken. And while I cannot see into its mind I can already determine it is far from angered. It is…determined.

*****

Avengers Mansion, several hours later

The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier hovered over Avengers Mansion as the procedure for bringing in the meteor was conducted. A small crowd gathered around the surrounding streets to see this. Even a young photographer with a nametag reading “Parker” continued to take picture after picture while saying how Jameson would love the shots.

From a large opening from the bottom of the Helicarrier itself the meteor was lowered with a series of titanium wiring and hooks. Slowly it was being lowered into a hidden opening in the backyard of the mansion itself into the lower labs. Those like Agent Coulson and Maria Hill oversaw it’s loading into the containment unit created by Bruce, Hank, the Vision and Reed Richards; who was also present as it was being delivered.

Meanwhile the Avengers had come to one of the smaller labs in the underground structure, partly to make sure Thor was alright while also examining the scale they had brought back. Hank Pym was currently studying it under a microscope while the others, all unmasked and/or unarmored, awaited to hear what he had to say.

After hearing their story Bruce had reiterated with “So this thing just suddenly came out of nowhere and attacked? Why?”

“Not too sure.” Steve said. “But, at a guess, I say it was after the meteor.”

“Maybe it’s some sort of mutant weapon.” Janet had suggested. “Something created by A.I.M. or Doom even.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure.” Hank said, finally looking up from his microscope. “There’s no traces of any sort of mutagenic properties in this DNA. So whatever it is, what you saw was its natural form.”

“Wouldn’t exactly call it natural.” Carol retorted. “We hit this thing with almost everything we had and it didn’t even bleed.”

“Indeed.” Thor added. “Even with all of Mjolnir’s might this monster proved a stronger foe than expected.”

Wanda then spoke up and added “And I could not sense anything mystic or cosmic about it, unlike the meteor. So whatever it is it originated from Earth.”

Looking a little worried by this Steve turned and asked “You come up with anything, Tony?”

In answer he said “I’ve had Friday continue to do some background check, given the scans we got from it. And…?” the last part was addressed to Friday herself.

From the coms system she spoke through the room, saying [Nothing on the fossil records. And given the estimations the creature itself was at near 300 feet.]

Clint let out a bewildered breath before commenting “That’s one big lizard.”

Friday continued with [There were also traces of low-level radiation coming from its body. Not lethal but still apparent.]

With all of what was said in mind Natasha was the one to ask “So if it’s not a mutant, and not a dinosaur, then what is it?”

“Something a lot more dangerous.” Someone said, making everyone turn to see Fury enter the room with Agent Hill following. “And something I never thought we’d see again.”

Tony, hearing this, gave a little annoyed “So you know what it is?” before saying “Of course you do. And why do I get the feeling it’s some long lost S.H.I.E.L.D. secret you’ve kept hidden under the vice president’s mattress for the last few decades?”

“Try deep in S.H.I.E.L.D. archives.” Fury stated.

Steve, a little annoyed as well, crossed his arms before asking “Care to explain at least?”

From there Fury walked towards one of the computers, pulling out an old file drive before sticking it into a nearby port. From there information from schematics to chart readings and even old photos began to appear on the screen. Some even showing outlines or full-on appearances of the creature they’d fought earlier. From their Fury explained to them, and even Maria Hill who was still in the dark, as to what was going on.

“It all started back in 1944.” He began. “Back when we started testing of the first nuclear weapons in the Pacific. Just around the time you went MIA, Cap.” He pointed out to Steve. “During that time a number of subs, both American and Russian, went missing within the North Pacific. Upon investigation that was when it was discovered.” Pointing to a picture of the monster swimming in the ocean Fury stated “Him. An unknown creature with a highly durable hide and an apparent hunger for radiation.”

Hearing that Carol figured “So it WAS after the meteor. It must’ve been drawn to the cosmic radiation.”

“Practically like a radiation dinner bell.” Barton pointed out. “But why now? I mean we’ve had lots of radiation from space come down to Earth before. So why did the meteor suddenly wake him up?”

Fury answered by further explaining “Well upon discovering the creature’s preferred diet our experts believed that it must’ve lied dormant at the further most point on the ocean floor. As close as it could get to the Earth’s core where it could keep feeding off the radiation from there. The testing must’ve drawn it up from the ocean depths further towards the surface. From there we’d figured to try and hit it with as must radiation as possible to either kill it or at least keep it nice and fed long enough until we could find a better solution. So in all that time it’s probably been sleeping off the atomic equivalent of a Thanksgiving dinner.”

Bruce then pointed out “So that’s what the rests of those tests were? Not just planning to bomb Hiroshima, but you were also trying to get rid of this thing.”

When Fury confirmed this the Vision then asked “This ‘solution’ you spoke of, did you ever find it?”

Fury shook his head, saying “When they were finished there was no trace of the creature. We assumed we’d done it and simply kept everything off the books. The last thing we needed the world to know was that a giant monster could potentially attack the coast at any time.”

Hank then pointed out “This still seems like something too big even for S.H.I.E.L.D. to keep quiet about.”

Fury retorted with “Back then the world had just finished another great war. Everything was finally starting to get back to normal. The last thing S.H.I.E.L.D. would have needed was more panic and hysteria from anyone.”

Janet sighed and said “Hate to say it, but he does have a point. And at least we beat it, right?”

“Did we?” T’Challa asked. “If this monster could potentially survive being bombarded by nuclear weapons I doubt lightning can defeat it. And if it truly is after the meteor then it is not safe here. None of us are.”

“Then maybe we should consider moving it.” Tony suggested. “Maybe further inland so it can’t reach.”

“I doubt that would help.” Steve pointed out. “And even if it did that just means more people could potentially get hurt or worse along the way.”

Carol then asked “So what do we do? Just sit here and wait?”

Fury spoke up and said “I’ve already talked with the man in the Whitehouse. Both the navy and any and all available S.H.I.E.L.D. forces are being deployed along the eastern coast. If he comes anywhere near us we’ll have a good head start warning. Until then I suggest we try to learn more about the space rock while we can.”

“And apparently set up a nice big buffet for a 300 foot dinosaur while we’re at it.” Barton pointed out. “Hope there’s enough restaurants that serve radioactive burritos around.”

Steve retorted with “It’s the best option we have for now.” He then addressed everyone else and said “But what we can’t do is let that get to us. If this thing comes here we’ll be ready for it. Just like we always are. So long as we keep our heads in the game.”

Many of them nodded or silently agreed, even though Tony was quick to say “Is it wrong that I’m starting to think we should call Galactus for back up? You know, offer him maybe half of the planet this time if it means going toe-to-toe with jolly green giganotosaurus?”

Bruce huffed a smirk before asking Fury “That does beg to question though. Does this monster have a name exactly?”

Fury nodded and said “The nearby villagers of a fishing island called it ‘Gojira’. To them it means ‘whale-beast’. But back in the day they decided to call him…Godzilla.”

*****

Hydra Base, location unknown

Standing in front of a desk inside a room Crossbones faced his employer while his back was turned to him. The room was circular with a rug designed with Hydra’s symbol on it. And along the walls were a number of items such as atrophied swords and paintings.

The employer, still with his back to Crossbones as he sat, asked “So not only did you fail to retrieve the meteor, but you managed to lose one of my subs and a good portion of my men in the process. I’m starting to question your so-called abilities, Mr. Rumlow.”

“You don’t understand, Baron.” He began. “You didn’t see it. This thing, this…monster! It just came out of nowhere and attacked us. That’s what destroyed your precious sub. And your men! I was even lucky to make it out of there alive!”

Hearing this the Baron stood, asking “Monster or no, the fact that the meteor is still in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s hands now forces me to take more drastic measures.” From there he began to think to himself. Finally turning so that Crossbones could see the almost devious look in the eyes of Baron Zemo. Finally he said “If there is such a creature as you describe, perhaps we may to use it for our own means. After all, one man’s monster is another man's advantage.”