Chapter 1: Coming Soon

Nick Tatopoulos stood on the roof of H.E. headquarters on Staten Island. Looking out over the bay, he could not help but admire how calm it appeared now. Much calmer than when they had been attacked last month. Monique had insisted on creasing security around the boathouse, with Randy, Mendel, and Elsie agreed with her.

Nick did not mind now. Especially after Godzilla had been kidnapped. He had never been so worried before in his life. He had thought that he would never see the big guy again. What if…

A familiar pressure made itself known in the back of his mind. .: Nick.

The water shuddered as a familiar dark head rose high above him. Blazing orange eyes stared down at him. A smile twisted his lips as his huge charge leaned down to his level, nudging him gently.

'Hey there, big guy.'

.: Trouble?

'No, just thinking.' He reached up and scratched at the scales just below the fierce eye. A deep rumble came back in reply. 'Worrying.'

.: Don't have to.

Sending waves of agreement back to his charge, Nick just allowed himself to absorb the moment. The peace that settled over his mind. Godzilla rumbled, the vibrations shaking him all the way to his core. It was a pleasant feeling. One of safety, protection.

'Nick?'

Sighing, the moment broken, Nick turned around to face the newcomer, one hand still settled on Godzilla's scales.

Elsie Chapman stood in the doorway, observing the two. Nick could almost feel those sharp green eyes examining him. It made him feel slightly awkward. Godzilla rumbled a slight greeting, recognising her scent as one of their pack.

'What's up?' Nick asked.

Elsie shook her head and approached him, a white envelope held loosely in one hand. She passed it off to him. Godzilla, bored, pulled away to vanish beneath the waves.

'This just arrived for you,' Elsie said, her grin set firmly in place, 'from Australia.'

Nick frowned. Australia? 'Does it say who it was from?'

'No.'

Having some idea of who it might be from, he tore it open. The paper was peppered with grains of red sand. Already knowing, he unfolded the old paper.

XXXXX

Dear Nick

I know we do not talk much anymore, because of the old man, but I firstly want you to know that my side misses you greatly. Especially Jessica. She really misses her uncle. Strange, for a nineteen year old.

To rectify this, I am sending her out to spend time with you. I know that you disagree with this and that you would try to tell me not to send her. Do not worry. I know about your little pet. She will be safe. Moreover, do not think you are going to stop her from coming. She is already on a plane to New York by now.

Your dear sister

Rachael.

XXXXX

Nick stared at the letter for a moment. His hand shook slightly. Rachael had sent Jess here? Why? What did she gain from sending his niece to him? The last time he had seen here, she had been seven years old. He had sent her a heart charm for her eighteenth birthday. From what he knew, she still wore it.

'Nick?'

.: Nick?

'I'm fine.' Nick placed a hand against his forehead. Godzilla's sudden presence had cause a massive headache. 'It's my niece.'

'Jess?' Elsie seemed surprised. She had seen the photos of the young girl, and she appeared far too fragile for a life out in such a dangerous city.

Nick nodded.

.: What is a 'niece'? Godzilla asked.

'My sister's child' Nick tried to explain as best he could. He tried to use emotions to explain what he meant, but was still unsure if he got his meaning right 'She's family, a very young child. She's a very lonely girl, but I care for her deeply.'

.: What is she next to me?

'She would be like a little sister, I think.'

.: Sister?

Nick started to believe he had made a mistake in trying to explain it to Godzilla. He might have given the big guy all the wrong meaning.

.: Sister. Yes. I have sister.

Nick sighed. 'She won't realise it yet, big guy. She'll need time to adjust.'

Godzilla gave the barest of nods, but Nick could see the glow of excitement in those fierce eyes. There was going to be trouble.