Heartwarming / Daikaiju Yuki

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Daikaiju Yuki

• Upon meeting Midori for the first time, Yuki cannot help but think that she is the most beautiful woman she has ever met. And what's more is that the priestess seems to know this as well, with her being nothing but kind to the outsider and even giving her the stone reserved only for the higher-ups. This is merely the start of what will eventually blossom into a full-on romance.
  • Midori in general. Throughout the story, her memory remains as a major bright spot in Yuki's tumultuous adventure.
• Yuki and Narajin's friendship. It naturally starts out quite rocky, but after getting to know each other better, they realize how much they mean to one another.
  • More to the point, Narajin states that out of everyone who's tried to summon him, it was Yuki that he saw as a true worthy host to him. He states that he saw great compassion and Heroic Willpower in her, and he's proven right on more than one occasion.
  • A Running Gag throughout the story is Yuki calling Narajin a cat, much to his indignation. By the story's end, he has this to say after everything they've went through:
  Narajin: I am glad to be your cat.

  • Upon hearing this, Yuki breaks down into happy tears, and says that she's glad he's her cat too.
• After hearing about Narajin's backstory, Yuki is initially horrified, but then decides that if Narajin and the other kaiju can make up for their mistakes, so can she.
• Narajin's happiness not only seeing Avarta for the first time in a long time, but also how much the people have grown as a civilization there.
• After separating in Avarta, Narajin wishes Yuki a good time, despite not clearly understanding what parties are. Later, Yuki wakes up having had a wonderful night with a beautiful local woman. She almost considers her as a potential host for Ganejin, but sadly, the woman has her own life to return to.
• Yuki and Manny instantly getting along after the latter becomes Ganejin's host.
• The sheer joy and power Yuki and Manny (and their respective kaiju) feel while traveling through the volcanic channel. It's a welcome feeling after what came before.
• Everything about Yata. From the get-go, he's eager to meet the new hosts, and he greets them with a big smile and an invitation to join after helping them with Jhalaragon. In particular, he finds friendship with Manny, and even causes Yuki to at least smile on the inside.
• Although he's a war criminal whose actions scarred her, Yuki allows Ivan to come along, mostly due to Alkonoth needing a host, but also because he has sympathetic motives (fighting for the safety of his family), and she too has taken lives brazenly before.
• The Pantheon resisting the Gargoyle's plasma assault through the mana generated by the bond they have created through all the trials they have gone through. Despite the horror and tragedy of what came before, they weathered it together, and now, it's coming out in full-force.
• During the fight against the Gargoyle, Yuki acknowledges how Ivan had gone from a horrible murderer in her eyes to a stalwart hero that she's glad to be fighting alongside.
• The fact that Mokwa cared for humanity so much, almost as much as she did with her cubs, that she was able to turn several kaiju into protectors instead of destroyers. In the narration's words, her newfound companions would be her pillars, the Pantheon Colossi.
• After all is said and done, Yata enthusiastically volunteers to hug everyone as they say goodbye. He cheerfully calls Manny his little dude (who returns the sentiment), exchanges a simple smiling nod with Yuki (who's clearly holding back tears), and...actually Ivan scoops him up and gives him a Big Damn Kiss, much to his surprise. In that moment, we learn that Ivan is in fact gay, and has a husband and adopted son waiting for him back in Scythia. He also lets everyone know that he's proud to have been accepted as a hero despite his past.
• Everyone going home. Yuki in particular, as noted above, shares a touching goodbye with Narajin before heading for the temple. There, she meets Midori again, and once again, finds fulfillment in her company, even after learning that she killed Ken. If anything, that last bit makes her admire her even more.
• The very end, with Yuki visiting her old home and being greeted by her mother, who tells her that she is proud of her, and so too is her father. In that moment, Yuki finally feels like she knows who she is, and that things will finally be okay.

Y2K: Yuki Conquers the World

• Yuki attempting to impress Midori via showing off Narajin. It ends badly, but it's the thought that counts.
• Eiichi encouraging Yuki to visit Midori not long after the disastrous date, telling her that she's the one the priestess holds closest to her. Beforehand, he also reassures Yuki that, in spite of him now knowing that she's Narajin's host, her secret is safe with him.
• Upon meeting Midori again, Yuki finds out that her using Narajin to fight the deep sea levithan had nothing to do with the priestess running away. If anything, that sort of action is the thing Midori loves about Yuki's life. She just wants to be a part of it. It's somewhat sad that she can't, but Yuki promises they'll find a way. And sure enough, they do later on.
• The Pantheon's total joy in being reunited for another adventure. Yuki and the rest have a good time catching up, even with the coldness of newcomer Allie.
  • Apparently, Manny and Ganejin worked together to establish new trade routes that'll enable him to see his family more often, which was one of his few hang-ups from the first book.
  • Ivan's had it pretty good as well, as the Scythian empire is slowly turning into a democracy, ensuring that his husband and son can live a good life.
• Both Allie and Obasi slowly start to get used to working alongside the Pantheon throughout the story, especially impressive for the latter considering his initial mistrust. Eventually, they consider them to be great heroes and friends.
• Just the fact that Alkebulan has hardly changed at all since it was called Africa. A lot of the countries have kept their names, the local fauna is practically untouched (elephants still exist after hundreds of years), and many cities are governed by a democracy of good people. It's a good comfort for our heroes.
• During the trip across Alkebulan, the Pantheon comes across a herd of elephants. Unsurprisingly, they warm up to Ganejin, who happily communicates with them and finds that they're genuinely excited to see him for the first time! Even amongst the animal kingdom, the Pantheon is admired, as the later antelopes and crocodiles can attest to.
• Yuki apologizing for calling Narajin a nicompoop earlier. The kaiju admits that he could be a bit more tactful, and admires the honesty nonetheless.
• Allie reasuring Yuki about seeing Midori again.
• Yuki being the first to suggest helping Aten after she saved them from the Dreadnought kaiju.
• Yata telling Yuki that she's the biggest badass he knows.
• Chapter 12: Midori. Essentially one long Love Confession between Yuki and Midori, the former having come all the way to Mombasa just to be there for the most important woman in her life, despite all the horrors she saw through Narajin's emergency amulet. The fact that the priestess is the first to declare how much Yuki means to her shocks the latter in all the right ways. Cue the Big Damn Kiss.
  • The following is a quite long sex scene in which can only be described as an out-of-this-world experience for Yuki, ending with them embracing each other in bed.
• Yuki may have almost killed Narajin by shutting out his consciousness to control him, but she did it all just to rescue Midori from the Dreadnought assault on Mombasa. And the best part? She succeeds. Even Narajin later admits that what she did was completely noble, and he was in the wrong to defy it.
  • Related to the above, Midori being there to keep Yuki anchored to any speck of hope during the story's Darkest Hour.
  • Ivan gives Yuki the time to save Midori after she reminds him of his husband and son.
  • Before the song, she admits that she saw Yuki spying on her doing the dance ritual in the last story, and was happy to have her as an audience.
  • Yuki deciding during the song that if Alkonoth could forgive Ivan for his abuse, so too can Narajin for her.
• As the Pantheon prepares for the Final Battle, Yuki thinks about how being a part of this super team has given her so much sense of belonging more than anything else.
• Yuki entrusting Ivan to protect Midori during the last fight.
  • Midori is also cheering Yuki on as the fight continues.
• Ivan passing away peacefully in Yuki's arms, requesting that she never stops fighting, and that he be taken to his homeland. His final words are him telling Yuki that he wishes not to be remembered as some good guy, but a friend.
• Allie and Obasi parting with the Pantheon on good terms to be Earth's protectors. When the latter leaves without much of a goodbye, it's Allie of all people who offers to give hugs per Yata's request.
• Yuki telling Yuri, Ivan's adopted son, that his father was a true hero, one of the greatest even.
• The very last lines of the story, as the Pantheon ascends into the cosmos to take on the Dreadnoughts.
  Yuki: Hey, Midori?
  Midori: Yes?
  Yuki: I love you.
  Midori: I love you too.

Scythian Frost and Other Stories

Scythian Frost:

• In a truly twisted way, the larger Wooly Worms letting the smaller one, presumably either a pygmy or even a baby, eat the parts coming out of one of the Captains ripped-off halves. Depending on your interpretation, the big worms are parents feeding their young.
• Although the short story ends with everyone dead, Sasha finds comfort in Alkonoth sleeping above him as he expires. The sounds of her sleeping are almost as if she's soothing him to rest.

Outrigger:

• Although it saving Kai from the urchin leviathan wasn't its intention, the worm leviathan pretty much restores Kai's love of the ocean after the tragedy of losing Taika.

Lair of the Devourer:

• Akuma's entire reason for going after Enofe Chuk is to preserve the life of Ammit, whether she's real or not.
• The giant mountain gorilla seems to save Akuma and Debare twice on purpose. After the second time, it actually locks eyes with Akuma at one point, and doesn't react negatively as she thought it would.

Pharaoh of Eels

• The relationship between Niko and Manu. It is made clear time and time again that they are each other's rock, be it in their Abyssal Brewery dream or the nightmare they end up in. At one point, when things are at their bleakest, Manu takes solace in the mere notion that Niko becoming the pirate's bartender will ensure that he lives, their dream with him. Thankfully they both survive, but still.
• Niko becoming friends with fellow bartender Alan, despite his off-putting appearance and sense of humor. It's clear that the blind man means no harm, and Niko actually wishes he could take him with the others should they escape. Luckily, when Pirangon destroys the base, Alan manages to escape, and Niko gives him a hearty send-off.
• The guard not only believes in the need for more equal pay among the pirates (re-destruction, as he humorously calls it), but is genuinely put off by the condition the eels are kept in. Jenny successfully plays on this to get him to release them. After he's shot, Shaheed says that they'll pour one out for him once they escape.
• While debating as to whether Pirangon should be restored or not, Niko is in favor of it because, although he fears the kaiju's wrath like everyone else, he feels that the beast should get at least one more chance at life.
• At some points during Pirangon's assault on the pirate base, he seems to move his tentacles to protect Niko and Manu's ship.
• Niko and Manu sharing a Big Damn Kiss before the former goes to confront Faro.
• After expending all of his energy, Pirangon lays dying before the protagonists. Somehow, he manages to telepathically communicate with Niko and Manu, thanking them for giving him the chance to restore his dignity and make things right. The two clearly don't want their savior to die, but Pirangon doesn't mind. He lets them know they did all they could, and passes away peacefully. As the narration points out, this was a destroyer who ultimately had more humanity in him than his masters, and chose to use his last moments to make the world a safer place. We will never forget you, Pirangon.
  • And sure enough, Niko and Manu didn't. One of their special brews after the Time Skip is made with a symbol in his likeness, known as Pharaoh.
  • A five-year old even says that Pirangon's crimes were so long ago, so he must have changed, and if he were still alive, he'd like to meet him.
• The Commandant conceding that Niko and Manu's crew are much better than Faro's.
• During the epilogue, it is stated that Jhalaragon and Pirangon were like brothers due to coming from the same atom fire explosion. Hence, the lizard kaiju couldn't bring himself to outright kill the latter. It is possible that he saw a chance at redemption for Pirangon the same way Niko and Manu did. He would be proud to hear about how his half-brother spent his last moments.

Yuki vs. Fleshworld

• As with the previous story, Yuki and Midori's love for each other. It's the biggest thing keeping Yuki grounded to her humanity, and she never once does anything that might disrupt it. This is best seen when Yamanra attempts to seduce her into joining her. Yuki leaves her right then and there, disgusted at the thought of cheating on her girlfriend.
  • Near the beginning, all it takes to calm Yuki down is Midori's hands on her shoulders, followed by an embrace. Later, they retreat to a comfortable room in the pyramid they're in to make passionate love for what could be the last time.
  The woman meant everything to her, and she'd risked everything to protect her. Now, they were here together, beyond limits, beyond perception. That was the power of their love, truly what had brought them this far.
• Before looking into the data in the alien base, Manny tells Yuki that he's thankful to have her and the others in his life. She gives him a hug in response, calling him the oldest friend of hers in the Pantheon (he was the first, after all). Midori gives one as well, despite the small amount of time spent between them.
  • Later, Yata admits that it's nice to have friends like the pantheon as well, and openly wonders if he'll meet someone that gives him as much joy as Midori does for Yuki.
    • He even hints at having taken a shining to Allie before they parted.
• After Yuki rejects Yamanra's advances, she and Midori reconcile very quickly, especially after a good fight with rogue Dreadnoughts.
• Yata apologizing for being so critical of Yuki, followed by her admitting to her friends that she would probably end up like Yamanra without them.
• After the plan to get the new henshin device goes off without a hitch, Manny and Yata reveal that, having been the distraction for the Warrior Beast planet's people, they were loved by the civilization. Yata even admits that for a moment, he could stop feeling so pessimistic about the situation the universe was in.
• "Yuki vs. Fleshworld" isn't a fight. It's something far greater. Through the henshin process, Yuki contacts the monster planet's mind. What's its first thought? "I love Yuki"
  • As it turns out, Fleshworld is a lonely Gentle Giant who had no idea he was eating people. He instantly decides to stop doing that if it makes Yuki happy. Keep in mind, Yuki is the first being who has ever talked with him, so it only makes sense he wants the best for her. Not to mention, he's utterly adorable with how he expresses his love for his new friend.
  • When Fleshworld tells her that he'd probably be better dead after all he's done, Yuki realizes that he's feeling the exact same guilt she has over all of the death and destruction she's caused, and lets him know that she feels the same way, but that doesn't mean it has to be the end.
  Fleshworld: YUKI FEELS THIS WAY?
  Yuki: Yeah, I do! I do a lot, actually. Especially lately. I've been thinking about thing and - I don't know, bad stuff. Feelings of guilt. Things you do because of circumstances and then you think about them and you just feel like everyone would be better off if you weren't around.
  Fleshworld: I FEEL THIS WAY.
  Yuki: Yeah, well, then I remember what I'm living for. Sometimes it's hard. It doesn't feel like I can reach it through the pain, but I have to keep telling myself...just keep going.
  • Afterwards, Fleshworld tells Yuki that if she died, he would not have a friend. Before leaving and after declaring that he'll never eat a populated planet again, he tells Yuki that no matter where he is in the universe, Fleshworld is her friend.
  • After Fleshworld departs, the narration points out that he is an example of how there are still things in the universe that can inspire awe and wonder in Yuki's heart.
• Before Yamanra kills herself, she thanks Yuki, presumably for giving her a reason to put an end to her own misery. It's still as self-destructive as the rest of her life, but still.
  • After that, Narajin admits to Yuki that he too feels tremendous guilt as a former destroyer, but remembering his friendship with Yuki keeps him from falling into despair.
• The ending. Yuki and Midori are together on a peaceful cliff, where the latter admits that wherever she goes with Yuki, she's home. Yuki once again states how grateful she is to have her and the Pantheon in her life, followed by Midori singing a new song that perfectly symbolizes the series as a whole.
  When darkness of the infinite
  Closes in around
  War and strife abound
  We still have the power
  Of all the suns and skies
  And if we have each other
  We'll remember
  The light never dies

Mokwa: Lifesblood of the Earth

• In contrast with the sometimes shaky bond between Yuki and Narajin, Allie and Mokwa are never once at odds with each other. In fact, the best way to describe it is a sort of daughter and mother relationship. It's clear that in the short amount of time Allie's known Mokwa, the bear has really endeared herself to her, and vice versa.
• The people of Allie's home, Jackson's Hole, completely love her, and cheer both when she returns and exits.
• The entirety of the chapter "Constellation", in which Allie has a moment under the stars with her father. He assures her that no matter what happens on her mission or where she goes, her family will always know she's out there so long as the Earth lives on. He even calls her her little bear cub.
  • The chapter also reveals that the old lady that Allie escorted to safety in the very first story was her grandmother.
• Lieberman defying her general's orders and returning Mokwa's amulet to Allie. It ends up getting her killed, but she made sure the day could be saved nonetheless.
• Allie reuniting with Obasi in Alkebulan. Unlike how he was in the previous story he was in, the man has become a lot more outgoing and cheerful since he became one of the new capital's leaders. Throughout the story, he's a great friend and source of comfort for Allie.
• The elder that Allie and Obasi meet in Umbria is heavily implied to be the little girl that Thyrus unintentionally saved, hence the tone of reverence and recollection in her voice when she tells them that he's a part of the land's balance.
• Obasi thinking back to how he allowed the pantheon to gain his trust when Allie tries to make nice with the scared people of Visaria.
• The people of Visaria thanking Allie for helping to put an end to the threat of the Heimann legacy (even if it was their unstable creation that did that). It's enough to instantly take her mind off of the horror she saw earlier.
• During their last resort to defeat Supayra, Obasi assures Allie that he's glad she's his friend, and that he'd never thought he could trust anyone like the pantheon.
• Our heroes celebrating the death of Supayra at the pub in Gael.
  • Earlier, a woman tosses a bouquet of flowers to Allie, who then hands it to a little girl.
• The ending, in which Allie and Mokwa rest in the location near where the latter's children died and became islands. The bear states that their deaths sadden her, but at the same time, they nurture life as islands, and were her chief inspiration for forming the pantheon all those years ago.
  Mokwa: The land is rich in life, and in the bond that transcends lifetimes - that we have to each other. It is, as you said yourself, the lifesblood of the Earth.

Mokwa: Ursa Major

• Even after Allie tells him that she's leaving, Owen isn't mad or upset. He's perfectly accepting, having enjoyed the time they had together. Allie can't help but admit that she enjoyed it too, even though her lifestyle doesn't allow it.
• Ever since Supayra was vanquished and the Golden Clan was brought down, the forgotten lands have become much more open to outsiders. The restaurant business in particular has had a boom, with ones from Narai, one from Avarta, and even Nico and Manu's Abyssal Brewing business. Allie admits that if there was any good she did on Earth, it was open these lands up to the world.
  • In the places she goes to before her departure, she leaves huge tips.
  • The people of the forgotten lands, especially the bartenders, all see Allie as a great hero, and lavish her with praise. A pity Allie can't appreciate it with how depressed she is.
• Allie reuniting with Obasi.
• Right before leaving, Allie visits her family in Jackson Hole, where her mother, father, and grandfather send her off. Her dad in particular tells her that every time he looks to the Ursa Major constellation, he'll know she's out there somewhere.
• In the most twisted sense, Supayra's constant words of encouragement to Allie to get through her pain and keep going. It's oddly encouraging on his part. Of course, it's obviously a part of him trying to worm his way into her mind, but it is effective.
• After Mokwa comes clean about her guilt regarding the situation a bit more, Allie decides that maybe not everything about this mess isn't entirely the bear's fault, and she was too harsh on her.
• Despite treating it like a one-off fling, there's no doubt that Allie likes Tim a lot, and especially vice versa.
  • Later, when Allie more or less causes Tim's death, she sees the sword she and Mokwa got from his mech as a memorial to their short-lived relationship.
• Mokwa reasuring Allie that she's not crazy when the latter comes clean about being haunted by Supayra.
• After Mungonde is forced to be put down by Mokwa on his call, Obasi reassures Allie that he forgives her, and bears no ill will for losing his friend.
  • Later, he reminisces on how Mungonde had a sense of humor, and was a pretty relatable friend. He also says that his last thoughts were how he didn't want to die, but he was glad it was at the hands of Mokwa.

Mokwa: Exorcism

• Even when slowly being possessed by Supayra, Allie finds it a surprising comfort when Mokwa admits to her insecurities regarding the situation they're in. It almost makes her forget about what the frog's trying to make her do.
• Mokwa ultimately helps Allie get Supayra out of her head, and even helps her with birthing his children before managing to kill ten of them. By the end of all of that, Allie thanks her for rescuing her, with Mokwa returning the sentiment.
• Even as she's being put on trial by Bill, Allie can't help but smile with inner joy as she gets to finally have time to be alone with her thoughts, no Supayra to sunder her. It takes some prodding from Bill to get her head back in the game.
• Obasi denying that Allie stabbed her in order to get her in Bill's good graces. Allie herself almost wants to cry at how forgiving he is, as well as how dedicated he is to making sure her plan goes through.
• After the fight with the Sons of Supayra, Obasi tells Allie that she proved to him that she's the person he knew before they ended up in space. He offers her Mokwa's amulet, and for her, it feels like accepting her part in the pantheon all over again. She sees Mokwa as the antithesis of everything Supayra stands for, and for good reason.
• Despite them being mostly violent abominations, Allie still feels like she could reach out to her sons. This is mostly evident with Shujayra, whom she never tries to kill when he fights her. She even tries to encourage him to think for himself.
  • Later, during the Final Battle, Shujayra manages to connect the dots, and realizes that Allie is indeed his mother, and his father/brother tricked him into fighting her. Outraged, he disowns him and declares Alawa to be his true parent, something that causes her to be filled with pride.
• After being Driven to Suicide by everything, Allie offers Obasi her amulet, seeing him as a more worthy hero than her. The man isn't having any of it, and persuades her not to go through with killing herself.
• Shujayra is revealed to be Not Quite Dead, and Allie is able to get him to spiritually reach out and gain enough mana to revive completely. Afterwards, he asks if he has a family. Allie tells him that he has her, her own parents, Obasi (whom she outright states is like a brother to her) and more importantly, the pantheon. Shujayra says he's happy, and for the first time in a long time, Allie is too.
• The end is one major case of Earn Your Happy Ending for Allie. After losing just about everything, she, her friends, and her new son (whom has become bonded to Obasi) can go out into the cosmos to find the rest of their Family of Choice in the pantheon. Even if they never find them, they find comfort in being together nonetheless. And thus, the harrowing legend of Allie and Mokwa concludes beautifully.