Rodan lunged first, reckless and impulsive as always—the foolish bird never learned. His wings carved through the air, molten embers raining down like fiery tears. I tensed, muscles coiling as I prepared to counter his charge, but then something unexpected caught my eye.

A barrage of projectiles peppered Rodan's armored hide, clinking harmlessly off his volcanic scales but distracting him enough to falter his advance. I blinked in surprise, my gaze snapping upward as figures descended from the sky, silhouetted against the sun. Humans, clad in metal shells with wings of their own, leaping from machines that defied gravity. They were shooting at him, their weapons sparking off his molten wings.

Huh, I thought, maybe humans aren't so stupid after all. They were attacking Rodan, clearly recognizing the bigger threat. For a brief moment, curiosity tugged at me, but I shook it off. There was no time to ponder their motives. I had a battle to win.

Rodan screeched, the sound raw and piercing, his head twisting to snap at the irritating insects swarming around him. His distraction was my opportunity. I surged forward, my talons outstretched, glistening wickedly in the fiery light. In one swift motion, I slashed at his head, my claws raking across his rocky skull.

He roared, a sound that shook the island to its core, and veered wildly toward the ocean. His body twisted, wings flapping erratically as he lost control, plummeting dangerously close to the water's surface. My eyes widened—if he touched the ocean, his molten form would be extinguished, his flames snuffed out by the cold embrace of the sea.

I couldn't allow that. Not yet. Not before he submitted.

With a growl, I snapped my tail forward, the jagged thorns glinting like obsidian blades. It coiled around his neck, the barbs digging deep into his bubbling, molten flesh. Steam hissed as his magma-like blood sizzled against my thorns. He thrashed wildly, wings flapping with desperate strength, but my grip held firm.

I pulled, my muscles straining as I dragged him away from the ocean's edge. His massive body flailed, his talons clawing at the air. His head whipped around, his beak snapping in fury, but he couldn't reach me. I tightened my tail's hold, feeling the scales of his neck crack beneath the pressure.

"I told you to stay down, Rodan," I growled, my voice echoing like thunder. "This pain you feel is of your own making." I watched his eyes widen, a flicker of fear crossing his molten gaze. Good. He needed to learn his place.

With a roar, I spun, using my tail as leverage, and flung him toward the volcanic crater from which he had risen. His body flew through the air, wings flapping uselessly as he careened into the jagged rock wall. The crater shuddered upon impact, cracks spider-webbing across its surface as lava bubbled up angrily, rising toward the edge.

A violent rumble echoed beneath us, the earth groaning in protest. The volcano stirred, awakened by the force of Rodan's collision. Fiery light danced along the cracks, magma bubbling dangerously close to the surface. I cursed under my breath, eyes narrowing at the churning lava.

Great. Just what I needed—a volcanic eruption.

Rodan lay sprawled at the crater's edge, wings splayed limply as he struggled to rise. I approached slowly, my tail lashing behind me, eyes locked on his form. "Yield," I demanded, my voice cold and unforgiving. "Or be consumed by the very fire that gave you life."

The volcano grumbled ominously, lava beginning to overflow, inching toward his body. Rodan's eyes flicked to the molten stream, fear flickering in his gaze. I watched him hesitate, his pride battling against the inevitable.

I could see the choice in his eyes—the choice to submit or perish. And for once, I hoped the stubborn fool would make the right one.

With a whimper that echoed off the volcanic cliffs, Rodan's defiance crumbled. His molten eyes dimmed, the fiery glow fading as he sagged beneath the weight of his own pride. His wings, once flared with power and fury, drooped to the rocky earth, lava dripping from the tattered edges. The fire demon bowed.

He lowered his head, the jagged beak brushing against the scorched ground. The trembling of his massive body sent ripples through the lava pools nearby, their bubbling fury mirroring the humiliation he felt. But he didn't fight back. Not this time. Defeat hung heavy in the air, a tangible tension that vibrated through the earth beneath us.

I stood tall, my form looming over him, eyes narrowing as I watched him submit. Victory pulsed through my veins, but I held my composure, refusing to gloat. A queen does not revel in the brokenness of her subjects.

I raised my chin proudly, letting the sun glint off my iridescent scales, the light dancing in shades of stormy greys and deep blues. My tail flicked behind me, sending sparks skittering across the rocky terrain. A low, rumbling huff escaped my chest, a sound of acknowledgment and warning combined.

I watched Rodan for a moment longer, his body limp, his spirit shattered. His wings quivered, their lava veins pulsating weakly, a faint reminder of his once indomitable power. But even the fiercest flames could be subdued. Even the fire demon could be brought to his knees.

Satisfied, I gave a curt nod. It was over. My mission was complete. I had stopped him from joining the three-headed king, from becoming yet another pawn in Ghidorah's insidious game.

Without another word, I turned away from the defeated titan, my talons digging into the blackened earth as I strode toward the churning sea. The ocean awaited me, its waves frothing with anticipation, the salty spray cool against my heated scales.

I paused at the water's edge, glancing back once more. Rodan remained where he was, wings slack, head bowed in shame. He didn't dare lift his gaze to meet mine. He knew better now. He knew his place.

With a flick of my tail, I stepped into the ocean, the water surging around my limbs, embracing me in its cool depths. My wings folded tightly against my body as I waded deeper, the waves rising to my shoulders. A low hum vibrated through me as I connected with the ancient power of the sea, the force that had always been mine to command.

I inhaled deeply, the salty air filling my lungs, and then, without a sound, I vanished beneath the choppy waves. The ocean welcomed me, its currents swirling around my form as I propelled myself forward, gliding effortlessly through the water's embrace.

I moved swiftly, my body sleek and streamlined, fins cutting through the dark depths as I left Isla de Mara behind. My mission was complete. I had done what I needed to do.

But the battle was far from over. Ghidorah still loomed on the horizon, his shadow casting darkness across the earth. And Godzilla awaited me, his challenge echoing through my mind. Together, we would face the three-headed king.

But for now, I swam through the ocean's depths, my heart steady, my resolve unbroken. I was a queen. A dragon. And I would not bow.