Family.

That was all that was needed to earn an energized huff from the great ape, and Kong was on the move. Much to Fluttershy’s shock, the Pegasus readjusting her balance due to the small tremor Kong had just caused. But she watched in awe as he tore across the frozen landscape, stampeding right for the open entrance deep into the abandoned tomb of the tyrant, Ghidorah.

A different tremor came shortly, and one from above. Fluttershy squinted skyward to see the hovering HEAVs flying overhead, one hesitating just for her. One with its side door wide open and her best friends coaxing her to hurry up and hop aboard.

With one last quick glance to Kong, Fluttershy shot out her wings and kicked off the ground with surprising strength and speed, so very much unlike her. But in the embrace of the rest of her friends, entering the hold of the Hollow Earth Aerial Vehicle with the door shutting locked behind her, she hoped the worry and adrenaline rushing through her veins would begin to calm down.

It had only just started.

For the three HEAVs were hot on the trail of the King of Black Skull Island, and Kong wasted no time adjusting to the environment laid before him. He swung from the steel rafters that kept the cavern from caving in on itself, sensing a massive energy surge that called to him. An energy reminiscent to that of his home. If the hope of his family being near wasn’t already enough, the hope of his home spurred Kong even faster, harder.
And by the time he reached the abyss, it was too late to stop himself.

He slid down into the awaiting jaws of the hole, the darkness having faded and the swirling vortex of multicolored rays shining as bright as the sun. Kong fell with one last worrisome cry, his palms trying to grasp the edges but failing. The HEAVs nose-dived in right after him, the occupants all safely strapped in, holding one another and themselves, as Kong was devoured in the vortex and they followed suit.

But even they weren’t prepared for what came next. What they saw. What they experienced. The vortex swallowed them all whole and silence returned to Outpost Frostbite.

The steel gate was slammed shut and locked down, just as the directors ordered. And where the T.I.T.A.N. fleet remained stationed, being refueled for the undeniable fight ahead, several moments of silence passed with the crew settling in.