The Kaiju King: Kaiju King, #1

By Shay Herbord

In a world where mysteries abound and secrets lie hidden just beyond the horizon, embark on an extraordinary journey with young Tokage and his newfound companion, Kaze, baby Kaiju with a heart as immense as its size. In the quiet solitude of a hidden cave, Tokage discovers Kaze, an enigmatic Kaiju unlike any other. Bound by an unbreakable bond, the two set forth on an odyssey born from curiosity and a burning desire for truth. But fate has a different plan, as a devastating tragedy strikes Tokage's village, leaving him with unanswered questions and a resolve to uncover the depths of what truly happened. Determined to unravel the threads of the past, Tokage and Kaze begin their epic trek northward, traversing a realm teeming with wonder and danger. Along their path, they encounter a tapestry of diverse faces, both friend and foe and creatures that defy imagination. Find out that and more in- The Kaiju King

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shay Herbord
• Release date: Aug 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223340157

Book preview

Chapter One

When the universe was created there was silence amongst the storms of space and time. A soul intertwined slowly became unthreaded and though they were once holes, the two separate threads turned into a cosmic-sized knot.

Kaijus or others known as terra-sized monsters roamed the cosmos on unique and different planets. Humankind was just coming into existence when the kaijus roamed and we’re terrified of the monsters that roamed their lands. Humanity chose a deal with a race called the Titans, a large race of human-like creatures that could fight on par with kaiju. Humankind chose the extinction of all kaijus in exchange as servants to the Titans.

The Titans accepted the deal brought to them and began hunting down the kaiju through the cosmos. One after one the kaiju would fall taking with them a battlefield on a planetary scale. After the dust and carnage had rested there had appeared to be no more kaiju and the humans celebrated across the stars.

That is why now, the tribe celebrates the Titans and works to have their endless feast from our crops every week,  the mother said as she sat her son down from her lap.

Young Tokage walked out onto the porch in the moonlit night and gazed out into the forest. The world around him hummed and hissed with the wildlife living in unison. The world was flourishing with megafauna as the plants were far much bigger to support the giant creatures that roamed the land. The fruits and vegetables that grew could feed individuals, but the taste was far from the flavor of the original plant. Tokage lived in a large village where he and his family would help grow and cultivate normal fruits and vegetables in order to appease the titan that ruled the planet they were on and had slaughtered the great Kaiju that once roamed the land. Tokage was only 10 and had to help support his baby brother while his mother and father worked the fields from sunrise to dusk. Tokage loved his family and the home that he was in, but Tokage started to reach an age of curiosity about the world around him.

Tokage would walk the edge line of the village and bring back odd trinkets of fur, claws, teeth, and strange fruit he would find on his walks. Tokage would show his father and mother with such pride, but both of the parents discouraged him to stay away from the forest and focusing on watching his baby brother.

As the son crept up onto the sky the people of the village began to head out and work their daily routine of tending to the crops and preparing the crops for a harvest. Tokage watched as his parents went out and stayed behind to watch his baby brother. Tokage soon became tired of sitting around the house and went out again to explore. On his way towards the forest, he overheard two older men speaking.

Oh man if those birds continue to come back and pluck our crops we are going to be in big trouble. Said the older man.

Yeah they are a nuisance, but surely the great titan boushoku will understand the trivials of the beast that harm his crops and will send soldiers to cast them out so that we can continue to make our quota. The other man said.

Tokage heard what the elder gentleman said and struck up an idea to better help his parents and the village. Tokage ran back to the home and gathered large pebbles he had found. Tokage checked up on his baby brother who was sound asleep and headed out towards the forest. Tokage saw a flock of birds swirling over the edge of the forest and took his very first step into the unknown. All around him was large vegetation and vines combing the area, but thanks to Tokage’s small height for his age he was able to maneuver around them. Tokage walked whole following the sounds of the birds similar to the ones seen within the village. Tokage finally approached an opening within the forest with a large tree. Within the tree was a big nest made of sticks and branches. Tokage threw a rock as hard as he could at the nest, but the nest didn’t budge. He then tried to shake the tree, but the tree itself was too large to move. Tokage knew what he had to do and began climbing the large tree.

Tokage jumped from branch to branch with ease as if he had done it all his life and climbed up the tree to the very top of the nest. Tokage looked into the nest and noticed that it was empty. A large shriek sounded as the giant bird dove from the sky and flew at Tokage. With its sharp talon, the bird sliced Tokage in the stomach. Tokage could feel his stomach was hot and wet without looking down. This was a pain he had never felt before. With tensions running high, he rushed to get down the tree, but slipped from the beach and came tumbling down.

Tokage’s breath was knocked clear out of him and his head was ringing loud. The giant bird wasn’t letting up and came back for another aerial attack. Tokage quickly got up and began to run without knowing where he was running. As the bird dove in for a final strike to finish Tokage off, it was as though Tokage was running on air. The ground beneath him vanished from sight and he realized that he had run off the side of a cliff. Gravity caught up to him as he descended towards the ground. Large vines surrounded the floor and he was plummeting towards them. As soon as he hit the vines the ground beneath him snapped and ripped leaving Tokage still in a fall. Tokage hit the solid ground this time as his eyes began to get fuzzy. He rolled over onto his back as the blood from his body was pouring out in a larger amount. Tokage looked up at where he fell and realized he was deep in a cavern where no one could find him. Tokage wished to see his mother and father and tried to cry out but the pain was too strong for his words to form.

Tokage looked behind him where he noticed a large boulder with cracks going through it. He stuck out his hand to touch it and his mind began to fade.

Tokage lay deep within the Casym floor as his life was about to perish. The blood that had pooled on the floor touched the odd rock behind him. The blood then began to fill the cracks of the round boulder. It was as if the blood was being sucked up into the cracks like water to soil.

The crack began to shake and the rock began to swing back and forth. A bright green light started to emanate out from the cracks until the light became too bright and consumed the entire cavern. The rock began to hatch.

The rock split open, revealing a creature, unlike anything Tokage had ever seen before. It had a sleek, reptilian body with shimmering scales that glowed in various shades of green. Its large, piercing eyes locked onto Tokage, and a sense of ancient wisdom emanated from its gaze. This was no ordinary creature.

As the creature fully emerged from its rocky shell, Tokage's injuries miraculously began to heal. The pain subsided, and he felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins. The creature extended a slender, clawed hand towards Tokage, its expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

With a trembling hand, Tokage reached out and touched the creature's outstretched hand. A wave of warmth spread through his body, and a deep connection formed between them. Tokage realized that this creature was something more than a mere animal, it was the Kaiju that Tokage had heard of from his mother's stories. Tokage looked into the beast's big green eyes.

In those luminescent eyes, Tokage saw the reflection of a world long forgotten, of battles fought and sacrifices made. He sensed the creature's immense power and ancient lineage, realizing that it was one of the few remaining Kaijus, the mighty beings that once roamed the cosmos and struck fear into the hearts of humanity. The small reptile creature looked back into Tokage’s eyes like a puppy seeing a human for its first time. Both Tokage and the creature sat there in the cavern in silence as they processed what had occurred and what the world truly was. Tokage then realized the pain in his stomach was no more. The deep wound from his stomach and body no longer was there.

As Tokage marveled at the disappearance of his wounds, a profound sense of gratitude washed over him. The healing power of the Kaiju, whose name he had yet to learn, had mended his injuries with a touch. It was a testament to the incredible abilities possessed by these ancient creatures. The reptilian Kaiju, sensing Tokage's astonishment and relief, let out a low, rumbling purr, reminiscent of a contented growl. It was a reassurance that Tokage was safe and that a bond had formed between them—a bond that transcended words and conveyed a deep understanding. With a gentle movement, the Kaiju nudged Tokage with its snout, encouraging him to stand. Tokage rose to his feet, feeling a newfound strength coursing through his body. He looked down at himself, marveling at his healed flesh, still unable to fully comprehend the miraculous transformation that had taken place.

Tokage's mind buzzed with questions, and he felt a yearning to communicate with the Kaiju, to understand its nature, purpose, and the significance of their encounter. With a deep breath, he summoned his courage and spoke softly, What are you? as Tokage stuck out his hand to touch the beast. The creature backed up at first, but slowly approached him and let Tokage set his hand on his head. Tokage could feel the warmth of the creature and a sense of serenity. This was not the vicious creature like the stories his mother had told him. Tokage was unsure what to do as he sat there when his stomach began to growl. Tokage looked up at the hole from which he fell in and noticed it was dark. Tokage looked around the cavern to see if there was a way for him to get out and return back from the village.

As Tokage pondered his situation and searched for an exit the Kaiju, remained by his side, providing a calming presence. Tokage realized that he couldn't stay in the cavern indefinitely and needed to find a way back to his village. With a renewed sense of determination, he examined the surroundings more closely.

He noticed a faint glow emanating from a narrow passage on the far side of the cavern. It seemed to lead towards the outside world. Tokage turned to the Kaiju, who seemed to understand his predicament and gestured towards the passage.

Tokage walked towards the narrow passage as the Kaiju slowly followed him. Tokage used his hands against the cavern wall to help guide him and from falling over. The Kaiju was clumsily following along while tripping over every pebble. The two went through the narrow pathway to notice the sound of rushing water. There, Tokage stood on top of a waterfall with a large pool of water at the bottom. Tokage looked down and noticed the jump was quite far away. The Kaiju then slipped onto the floor beneath him and tumbled right into Tokage. Both the Kaiju and Tokage fell off the waterfall and into the water.

As Tokage and the Kaiju plummeted down the waterfall, time seemed to slow down. The rush of air filled their ears as they descended towards the pool of water below. In that moment, fear and exhilaration intertwined within Tokage's heart.

With a mighty splash, they crashed into the pool, causing water to spray in every direction. Tokage surfaced, gasping for air and scanning his surroundings. The Kaiju emerged shortly after, shaking off the water with a series of vigorous movements.

They found themselves in a hidden oasis nestled within a dense forest. Moonlight filtered through the leaves, casting a dappled glow over the tranquil scene. The pool they had fallen into was surrounded by lush vegetation and vibrant flowers, emanating a sense of serenity.

Tokage swam to the edge of the pool and climbed onto a moss-covered rock, dripping wet. He turned to the Kaiju, who was now standing in the water, seemingly unharmed by the fall. Tokage couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of their unexpected adventure.

The Kaiju, too, appeared unfazed by the incident, as if it had embraced the unexpected plunge with a sense of lightheartedness. It approached Tokage, its eyes sparkling with a mixture of playfulness and curiosity. Tokage reached out his hand, and the Kaiju extended its snout, touching it gently.

As Tokage sat on the rock, contemplating their next move, he realized that their fall had brought them to a hidden part of the forest, far from the familiar paths. While he had strayed from his original goal of returning to the village, he couldn't deny the beauty and mystery that surrounded them.

Tokage’s eyes started to become heavy, as he let out a great yawn. Tokage thought that if he wanted to make his way back to the