Persona BLEACHED 4: Chapter 46

Chapter 46: Our Hero, Starbolt
The mark in his chest is a lightning bolt~,
He beats down the enemies proudly with his blade~,
From the Land of the Plains for the sake of us~,
Here he comes, our hero Starbolt~
The weapon in his hand sparkles and flashes~,
The radiance of a million watts~,
From the Land of the Plains for the sake of righteousness~,
Here he comes, our hero Starbolt~
The gun in his hand buzzes out 'za-zap'~,
He is a master at Shadow extermination~,
From the Land of the Plains for the sake of the Earth~,
Here he comes, our hero Starbolt~!
---
"Hero."
What does that word truly mean?
Is it somebody who does good things? Someone who works hard for others? Someone who serves the people no matter the personal sacrifice?
At once, it is all. At once, it is none. Like so many words in the human lexicon, it changes depending on one's perspective. One's hero can be another's villain. That is what makes understanding the word so difficult.
But there is another question that has dogged at you all this time. One that has kept you from truly embracing your happiness.
"Can one who has strayed from the path of light, find their way back to it? Is forgiveness for such an action truly possible?"
But whose forgiveness do you seek? The ones you have wronged? They have already voiced as much to you. One even desires to share their life with you.
The one whose forgiveness eludes you...is you.
Can you find it? Can you truly accept that the past is the past, and will have no bearing on your future?
The answer must come quickly, my other self.
The fate of two worlds may depend on it.
---
January 9, 2031
"HRAAAAAAAGH!" Max swung his sword down at Johnny, who blocked with his rifle.
"Really gotta do better than that, squirt." the Wolfpack boss spoke. He parried him back, then flipped his rifle around, blasting Max at point-blank range with a fire shot. The younger man fell to his back. "Anyone else feeling brave?"
From behind, Kat, in her lioness form, leapt at Johnny's back, scratching at his armor with energized claws. He lit his fist up with flames. "Next stop: the ASPCA." He punched her, and she went flying back into some rubble.
From beneath him, a pair of shadow talons reached up and grabbed him. Several more talons followed, completely encasing him. A short distance away, Emily held her staff with both hands, appearing to be struggling.
"You got a hold on him?" Commander Max asked.
"Trying my best...his raw strength is more immense than I--" Emily responded.
The congregation of shadows began to light up from within. A stream of fire burst out towards Emily. Thinking fast, the Commander got in between her and the blast. "URK--!" He crumpled to his hands and knees.
"Dad!" Emily knelt down.
Emerging from the crumbling shadows, Johnny gestured his rifle at her. "You're next, buttercup. Gonna do your hands up nice and crispy, just like mommy."
Darkness emanated from her eyes as she rose up.
"There we go. C'mon, baby."
The 'caw'ing of ravens echoed out, as several birds made of shadow appeared, launching themselves at Johnny, who briefly reeled from each hit. As Emily walked towards him, more massive talons emerged from the ground. She gestured them forward, and they knocked Johnny further back.
Watching this from behind a stopped bus was Ibuki, bow drawn. As she waited for the right moment, someone poked her on the shoulder. She quickly jolted around, only to find that it was Dasuke, gesturing for her to remain quiet. He directed her eyes towards a building that Johnny was backing towards, which had a billboard for the nearby Tokyo National Museum hanging on its side. He motioned for her to follow him.
Johnny continued to back up, as Emily placed her palm on the ground. Energy permeated through cracks that headed towards him, culminating in another set of talons hoisting him up and gripping him tightly. As they began to crush him, he used his free arm to point the rifle away from Emily. He fired, and a shot of flame bounced off of the buildings, redirecting itself until it struck the side of an unsuspecting Emily. "UGH!"
The talons dispersed. Before Johnny could take another action, he noticed a set of lights flashing above him, that passed under the billboard, severing it from the building. It fell on top of Johnny, who merely held an arm up to guard.
Among the dust brought up from the impact, Johnny broke through the large sign, unharmed. He tried regaining his bearings, despite the now-limited visibility.
"Welcome to my darkness world." Dasuke emerged from the shadows, taking a slash at Johnny, who ducked underneath. After a few more slash attempts, Johnny blocked a strike with his rifle once more. He let down one arm, almost as if to taunt the wyvern about only needing the one to hold him back. He quickly powered his free hand up, and uppercut Shadowpiercer out of Dasuke's hands.
The Wolfpack's leader then grabbed the commander by the throat, slammed him into the ground twice, then brutally kicked him away. He aimed his rifle to finish him, but was halted by a sudden barrage of icicles hitting him from the side, generated by Bobbi. He let up a shield of flame, turning the ice to steam.
From atop the adjacent building, Ibuki fired a volley of light arrows at him. Several of them stuck into the armor. "Every Maxie has to pick an annoying one, huh..." he grumbled. 
Simultaneously from other sides, Kat had returned to her human form, and with Selene behind her holding up her cannon, she pointed her finger at Johnny. To her right, Dasuke quickly grew into his dragon form, and charged energy in his mouth. To her left, the younger Max appeared, and charged his palm lasers. All fired beams at Johnny, the combination of every attack resulting in an explosion.
All watched cautiously.
In a blink, he appeared and struck Dasuke in the jaw, before grabbing his tail and swinging him around, scattering everyone around before tossing the wyvern at the building Ibuki was standing on. She leapt away as it crumbled.
His helmet cracked, Johnny struck it to finish the job, exposing his snarling face. He let out a howl to the heavens that reverberated around the area.
"How is this asshole still moving?!" Kat questioned.
"Call it the O'Donnell family hallmark. Extreme resistance to damage has always been our calling card. But he takes it to an extreme, even by our standards." Bobbi replied.
"How lucky for us. So what do we do now?" Max asked.
"Keep hitting him until he stops moving. Just going to take longer than usual."
"Gonna take even longer the more of you losers I off." Johnny held up his rifle.
The sound of a machine in flight could be heard, fast approaching. Commander Max flew in, the eyes of his helmet crackling with electricity, and tackled Johnny into the air, flying off with him.
"Hey, c'mon! I was just getting to the fun part!" Johnny complained.
"Your idea of fun continues to elude me, John. Didn't you always want it to be you and me, hacking each other to pieces?" the Commander built up electricity in his fist. "Isn't this everything you wanted?!"
He punched Johnny down to the streets below, the Wolfpack leader bouncing off of the pavement until he landed next to a neon fish mascot for a sushi restaurant. He got up and shook his head, snarling once more.
The older Max landed a few yards in front of him. His helmet retracted.
"Aww, would you look at that eye? Lookin' just like the old man. Bet the old bastard would be proud." Johnny joked.
Max took a battle stance, saying nothing.
"Really? Like, seriously? You wanna get *real* down and dirty with me, little bro?"
"I'm not the scrawny kid you used to bully, John."
"You're right, you ain't! And you've got me to thank for all of it!"
"Again with that bullshit. Nothing I've gained justifies anything that you've done."
"Are you still hung up on Witchy Bitchy? C'mon, man! She was holding you back. O'Donnell boys are *mean* sons of guns. Always have been. But she coddled you like a lamb. Me sending her to whatever hoodoo God she believed in made you grow a pair. And my honest opinion? Nurse Joy is an upgrade. Just saying."
"You don't know that I wouldn't have gotten stronger if Carrie was still here. Nobody will, thanks to you. And I'm tired of you throwing that at me like you did me a favor. I was never the same kind of soldier as you or the old man or Grandad. But you went and betrayed me in the worst possible way. And now I'm gonna rip you apart the way you always wanted me to." Sparks crackled around Max. "So now when you go to Hell, you'll be totally satisfied!"
He lunged at Johnny, who welcomed the attack with open arms. "Hug me, brotha!"
Younger brother leapt on top of the older, and began battering his face with electrified punches. His anger only increased with each punch--and the enduring fact that Johnny wasn't upset at all. He was *smiling*. The fact that his own brother was pummeling him was *exciting*. This was pure entertainment for him.
"I'm gonna wipe that shit-eating grin right off your face!"
"Broski, you're *putting* it on there!"
Johnny finally grabbed the elder Max's fist.
"You're finally accepting what we are. How it was always meant to be. You remember the stories the old man used to tell us? About how Grandad beat his own brother's face in with a rock when they were kids? About how his sisters would beat the shit out of him whenever they got the chance? This is what we're *made* to do, Maxie. No one can stand up to an O'Donnell. We make each other *strong*. That's what I've done for you. I killed your wife because she was keeping you weak. I can see it in your eye right now how bad you wanna kill me. Babs gave me that same look. Present yourselves however you please, it won't change a damn thing! We're demons given flesh! These little squabbles we have are what make life worth living!"
"SHUT UUUUUUUUP!" The Commander brought his free hand down on Johnny, who returned the punch with a fiery one of his own. The resulting force generated by this sent the older Max flying. Johnny leapt over him, bring both hands down and knocking Max back to the ground. He then landed on top of him with a crash.
"My turn now." He stomped down on his prone brother, over and over again. 
As he braced against the pain, the Commander's eye opened up, again radiating electricity, as a bolt of lightning came down on top of Johnny.
"Urgh...! Wait your turn, dammit!" Johnny kicked him again.
"And here I thought you liked playing dirty. You don't even follow your own logic."
"Consistency's my least favorite trait. Thought you would've gotten that by now." Johnny stepped on his chest. "So much for being a 'planetary defender', broski. Don't matter that all my best guys are dead. They'll come flocking to me again once I--"
With his focus squarely on his brother, Johnny had no time to react to the diving kick to his chest, forcing him back. "The hell...?!"
Rin acrobatically landed. "This *city's* protector isn't done with you yet."
"Can't you read the room, apple cider? I'm having a conversation with my brother here. Piss off."
"I could care less about your family drama. My one concern is that you brought your war here. And I want you *gone*."
Rin swiped at Johnny with her lance. He quickly knocked it away. She kicked at his head, and he grabbed her leg, flipping her over his shoulder. He struck down at her, but she backflipped out of the way.
"Annoying little--"
She swiftly moved to uppercut him in the chest, sending him upward. She jumped up towards him, flipping several times as she did so. Her legs became encased in flames.
"RIDER...KICK!"
She kicked into his chest at full strength, bringing him all the way down and landing on top of him with a loud crash.
His armor now cracked even further, Johnny groaned. Rin didn't move her foot off of him. Soon, the others began to arrive, all pointing their weapons towards him. The Commander had gotten back up.
"It's over, John. Your gang, your war...and you. There's nothing left for you to gain." Bobbi dictated.
Johnny's eyes moved towards the younger Max. "You know what's so sad about you, kid?"
"Enlighten me." he responded.
"I see so much potential in your eyes. Something just so...deliciously dark. You wanna play the 'goody good-good' act like this old fool, but there's so much more going on in that noggin, isn't there?"
Johnny's aura started flaring again.
"...we need to leave. Now." Emily warned.
"What do you mean leave? We're about to win--" Ibuki objected.
"What's it gonna take to force the best outta you, kid?" Johnny continued.
His eyes moved to Ibuki. "Of course. The answer's always the same."
"Prof...finish this asshole." Kat advised.
Johnny got up, forcing Rin away. "My Maxie didn't grow a spine until I took away his happiness. What's that darkness gonna look like from you, I wonder?" His voice grew deeper.
Ibuki fired an arrow at Johnny. He caught it in his mouth and promptly spat it out.
"LET'S GIVE YOU ALL SOME MOTIVATION." he boomed.
"RUN!" Commander Max yelled out.
Fire began shooting up from the ground, as Johnny's body started to expand and transform. Everyone was scattered around by the force. Buildings and cars around the area were crushed against his growing body.
Max covered his eyes, looking up to see the Wolfpack leader's new form: a titanic, flame-covered wolf, with molten cufflinks on its legs, and a massive, fiery mane.
He was visible all across the city, as the wounded combatants looked on in shared shock and horror.
"NO MORE BULLSHIT, KID. LET'S SEE WHAT KIND OF A MAX YOU ARE." Johnny raised one of his clawed appendages up.
Max looked to see Ibuki, still staggered from the transformation. He knew exactly what Johnny was about to do.
The Commander did, too. "Dammit, no...!" He tried to move, but a piece of debris had landed on his leg.
The massive paw barreled down.
"MOVE, IBUKI!" Kat yelled out.
Ibuki came to her senses. "Oh, shit...!"
Everything else played out in slow motion. Just as Johnny brought his flaming weight down on her...
Max pushed her out of the way, and was crushed underneath.
Ibuki looked. The realization sank in. "MAXIIIIIIIIIE!"
"NO...NOOOOO!" Kat screamed.
"SHIIIIIT!" The Commander followed.
Others throughout the city sensed it with shock.
Barbara felt a horrific pain in her heart. 
"Barb?!" Kibō asked her.
"No...no...it can't...no..." she uttered.
Atop Tokyo Tower, Cindy gasped in horror. "Maxie...no..."
There was nothing visible of Max Jadefang. All that was there was Johnny's foot on top of him.
Whatever was beneath...was left to his friends' panicked imagination.
---
.....
.....
"It's...it's over."
"I'm...dead, aren't I?"
Max got up, and looked around. Darkness as far as the eye could see.
"That's what it's looking like. After everything...all that struggle...all that fighting to right my wrongs...it's gonna end underneath that maniac's foot."
He let out a sad chuckle. "Maybe this is my penance, after all. I'm dying so she can live. It's just what I deserve for all my mistakes."
"And what 'mistakes' are those?" another voice asked.
"Wha--who said that?"
Max turned. Standing before him now was that familiar set of black and blue armor. "Who does it look like?"
"You're...Captain Thunder. Why are you here?"
"I'm giving you one last chance to fix your mistakes. And reminding you just what those mistakes actually are. Like abandoning our mission."
"Our 'mission' was manipulating people."
"We were *saving* people, Max."
"Saving how? By making them into bullies?"
"We made them better than they ever were. And they're better off now than before we changed them. That is thanks to us."
"It's thanks to *my friends* for setting them free and giving them another chance. You're not gonna thank someone for hurting you and forcing you to grow from it. You're no worse than Johnny."
"No, he's a mindless beast. I want to destroy him, same as you. You're forgetting the real reason we started this."
Captain Thunder snapped his fingers, and the surroundings shifted. They now stood in the backyard of a house. It was snowing. Everything was in black and white.
"The old house...and it's snowing. So this is..."
Max heard a child whimpering. He looked behind him. There was his younger self, tied to a tree, crying and shivering.
"This was the night I was born. When we decided in our heart that we would make the villains of the world pay for their lies and evil deeds. Starting with the old man. How I wish I could've had the chance to strangle him with my own hands..." the armored man spoke.
"Killing our father would've made us just as--"
"'Just as bad as him'? Listen to how ridiculous you sound. He was a drunken beast who tortured us for the hell of it and made our mother into a punching bag. We are eliminating people like that. This is because of all those meddling women feeding you lies. That holier-than-thou professor...that snake-tongued thief...and most of all, that brutish Jezebel."
"You shut your piehole about them! They're the ones that knocked some sense into me and kept us from ruining the world."
"Ruining? Or saving?"
"Why are you even here? I purged you from my heart."
"If you did, I wouldn't be here making this offer."
"What offer is that?"
"Join with me again. Re-start our righteous cause. You aren't dead. At least, not yet. But you will be soon. I can give you the strength to overpower that monster. Then we can either rid the world of him...or make an example of him. Alter his cognition and make him into a weapon for good. What better punishment could there be for one so vile?"
"No. I could never...I've hurt too many people by doing that."
"What's a few minor struggles on the path to salvation? Any consequences of our actions are temporary compared to the world we'd be making." The armored man held out his hand. "Join with me. Or die, and let all this be for nothing. I'm sure the old man is waiting for you with baited breath. You have no other choice."
"....." Max hesitated. "I...don't want to die."
"Of course you don't. You'd be leaving everyone you care about to mourn. So. Take my hand. Now. Or be consigned to the eternal flames."
"....."
"Is that really the only option you have?" yet another voice echoed, again resembling Max's own, with some distortion.
"...!" He looked behind. 
Descending down and floating just above the ground, was a familiar silver and red figure, albeit far smaller than normal. He exuded a brilliant glow.
"You...you're Ultraman." Max uttered.
"I am, indeed. Intervening in your time of greatest need, to tell you that you do not need that man's help to save this world. His aid is not what it needs." the silver being spoke.
"What would you know about what's right for the world? You're nothing but a sanctimonious alien parasite!" Captain Thunder retorted.
"Make no mistake. I am not the true Ultraman. I am merely a reflection of your innermost thoughts and feelings. Your other self. 'I am thou, thou art I'."
"Don't listen to this idiot, Max. He can't offer you what I can."
"And what would that be? Condemning his soul to eternal suffering, for meddling with things that need no such intervention?"
"If that's what it takes to save humanity from itself, then so be it! I don't care what happens to me, if it means every single lying sack of garbage pays for what they've done! Max, he's lying to you. He's the culmination of every lie those people have fed you. I'M your one true self. Join me and let's destroy that monster together! Come on! You want to be a hero, don't you?!"
Through all this, Max stayed silent.
"You know what this is, Max." Ultraman spoke. "He is the manifestation of your anger. He only exists because you still haven't forgiven yourself for the mistakes of the past. He is your regret given form."
"I'm the power that he needs! I exist because he wants me to, because he knows that we were in the right all along! Villains deserve to be punished!" Captain Thunder angrily responded.
Suddenly, the door to the house opened. An older man, drinking a keg of beer, stepped out. "Dammit, boy. I can still hear ya moaning with the TV on. How's the cold not shut you up yet?" 
Max froze at the sight of him. His younger self weakly looked up, and panic set in. The old man began to berate him. 
"I know babies that don't boohoo as much as you, dumbass. Your ma's makin' you into one of those little queers with how she is with ya. I'll be damned if I let any son of mine cook and clean like a little housewife."
As the tirade continued, Ultraman resumed talking. "This is what is holding you back. Fear of the past. Fear of the future. The wrongs of your past can be righted. You can be redeemed. The ones you love have judged it so. Now, it is your turn to decide."
"Bullshit, it's all bullshit! There's nothing to forgive! We did nothing wrong, NOTHING! Take my hand, you bloody idiot! You NEED ME!" Captain Thunder demanded.
"Who controls your past, Max? You?" The silver being pointed to the old man. "Or him? Who controls your future? You?" He pointed to the shaking Captain. "Or him?"
"QUIET! STOP INTERFERING!" Suddenly, the Captain and the old man merged into one. "HE'S NOTHING WITHOUT US! JUST AN AIMLESS LOSER DOOMED TO A MEDIOCRE LIFE! WE MAKE HIM SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT! WE CAN BE THE SAVIOR THIS STUPID, SHITTY WORLD NEEDS! SO QUIT BEING A LITTLE BITCH AND TAKE OUR FUCKING HAND!"
Max continued to look down. Voices began to echo in his head.
"Love you, bestie~." Cindy chimed.
"Love ya, Sparky." Kat followed.
"I love you, little brother~." Then Barbara.
"I love you, Starbolt." Then his mother.
And finally...
"I love you, Maxie." Ibuki.
He finally looked up. ".....I'm nothing, am I? I'll be a loser without you clogging my mind?"
He turned to the one berating him. "GRAAAAAAAGH!" He punched them square in the face.
"WHAT...WHAAAAAT?!"
"I am DONE fearing you. My past...my mistakes...I'm tired of all this misery! I'll never be happy if I let you both take over my every move! I'm not gonna live the way you want me to! Starting today...I pick what kind of man I'm gonna be!"
"NOOOOOOOOO!" The construct vanished.
Max's attention shifted to the tree. He knelt down next to his younger self. "Let me get this off of you." He untied him. The young boy looked at him with amazement. Max rubbed his head. "It's alright now. He can't hurt you anymore. I know how hard it's been. But a lot of amazing people are gonna help you get things right. How about you get inside? Your mom's gonna be home soon. I'm sure she'll cook up a nice breakfast for you. It's gonna be okay, buddy."
Tearfully, his younger self hugged him, before disappearing into light.
"Is your heart free of doubt?" Ultraman asked.
"Yeah. I think it's past time that I let myself be happy. I won't ignore the things I've done, but...I won't let them define me. I want to do what's right for the people I care about. And that starts with getting out from under that monster."
"Then our wills are as one. My full strength is yours to command. Let us be off, my true self. To a future built on light and hope."
---
"Maxie! MAXIIIIIIIIIE!" Ibuki called out. Behind her, pink lasers were being fired at Johnny's foot.
"Get off of him, you son of a bitch!" Kat yelled out.
The others present followed that up with attacks of their own. Johnny remained unmoving.
"NOT GONNA DO YA ANY GOOD, MITES. BIT OF A SHAME. I WANTED TO HAVE A LITTLE MORE FUN WITH THE KID. HE DEFINITELY HAD MORE OF A SPINE THAN YOU, MAXIE." 
"Grrrrr..." Commander Max growled.
On Emily's shoulder, Muno began to flutter about. "Caw! Caaaaaw!"
She sensed it. "Hold on...the energy I'm sensing now is..."
Light flashed beneath the flaming paw. "HNG?"
It flashed even brighter, as the paw began to move.
"WHAT THE...WHAT'S GOING ON?!
Everyone watched in shock. 
"GRRRRAAAAAAAAAGH!" a voice yelled out from beneath.
"That's...!" Rin uttered.
The foot began to lift off the ground. Max, his helmet broken and bleeding from a cut on his head, held it up with both hands as energy lit up all around him. "GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!
"WHAT THE FUCK?! HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE?!" Johnny boomed.
"He's alive...he's alive!" Ibuki exclaimed. Kat let out a loud sigh.
"Seems our O'Donnells aren't the only hard-to-kill ones." Dasuke mused.
"God damn, kid." Commander Max uttered.
The younger Max tossed the paw aside with a heave, the massive wolf losing his balance because of it. 
"UNGH! THE FUCK'S GOING ON?! I SQUISHED YOU LIKE A TIRE ON A FROG! AND WHAT'S WITH ALL THAT ENERGY?!" Johnny questioned, baffled.
As he panted, Max noticed something in his hand. What looked to be a thin, silver capsule with a trigger at the end.
"(Our strength is as one. I believe your Professor referred to this power as 'Bankai'. You know what this is. Press the button, and we will unite in body and spirit. This brute will not seem so intimidating after you do.)" his inner self spoke.
With fortitude in his eyes, he raised the device, and pressed the button. Light flashed, and overcame him. Emerging with his fist raised into the sky was a towering, silver giant, with blue accents across his body. 
Visible from throughout the city, his allies watched in awe.
"He's...he's alive!" Barbara exclaimed.
"YAHOOOOOO! YES! YES! ALL OF THE YES!" Cindy bounced up and down, as Dai looked on.
"I've seen many things in my time...but this is a new one." he uttered.
Those close to the battle had moved a safe distance away, and looked up at the shining titan.
"Knew you had it in you, Sparky." Kat said.
"Hey, kid!" Commander Max called out to him, then gave a thumbs up. "He's all yours! Let him have it!"
"WHAT...THE ACTUAL...BLEEDING...SHIT?!" Johnny uttered. "WHAT...THE HELL ARE YOU?!"
The giant took a stance. "My name...is Max Dillon Jadefang. But for the next few minutes while I throttle you...you can call me ULTRAMAN."
---
"MAXIE IS ULTRAMAN?! That is so AWESOME!" Uri exclaimed as he watched the screen.
"...Mama Rin is still cooler." Shizuka mumbled.
As the boy next to her couldn't contain his excitement, Rose looked at the screen with intense focus. "(So...you finally did it. You've come to terms with everything that's happened in your life, with the intent to look towards the future. I had my doubts that you could, when you first returned. I thought the attempt was destined to end on the point of one of Ms. Hinotama's arrows. And yet...here you are. Your desires were always within reach. All that was needed was forgiveness. From others...and from yourself. Well done, Mr. Jadefang. I hope this can be the start of something wondrous.)" she thought.
---
Max took a stance, preparing to charge.
"YOU THINK THAT SPACEMAN LOOK'S GONNA INTIMIDATE ME? GET REAL. YOU'RE GONNA FRY, SAME AS EVERYTHING ELSE." Johnny bellowed.
"Fry me, then. Unless you don't actually think you can?" Max responded.
"COCKY LITTLE BASTARD!" The giant wolfman breathed in, then let loose a flowing stream of fire right at Max.
The silver giant crossed his arms into an 'X' shape, a radiant light emanating from them, as the fire was repelled away. With the fire extinguished, he then crossed his arms into a 't' shape, and a brilliant ray fired out from his horizontally placed arm. It struck Johnny in the head, causing an explosion.
"Ha! Freaker doesn't know what he's dealing with!" Ibuki boasted.
"Hold on. No way he's done after that." Bobbi cautioned.
The smoke began to clear. "GROOOOOOH..." Johnny uttered in a guttural manner.
"Still want more? I'll give you as much as you can handle." Max questioned.
"...STUPID."
"What's that?"
"STUPID." Johnny pounded one paw into the ground, then began to do so over and over. "STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID, STUPID! THIS AIN'T HOW IT'S SUPPOSED TO GO! IT WAS GONNA BE ONE OF MY ASSHOLE SIBLINGS THAT REALLY PUT THE PRESSURE ON ME! I'M NOT ABOUT TO CROAK THANKS TO A RUNT THAT'S CLOSER TO HIS TEET-SUCKING PHASE!"
"What's wrong with this guy? Aside from everything. You talk about everyone ripping each other to shreds, but soon as someone starts to push back, you throw a hissy fit?" Kat asked.
"STUPID...STUPID STUPID STUPID. SO TIRED OF THIS STUPID WORLD...YOU STUPID FREAKS WITH YOUR STUPID GHOST POWERS...I WAS GONNA ROLL RIGHT OVER YA AND SHOW JUST HOW INVINCIBLE MY WOLFPACK WAS...AND THEN YOU IDIOTS GO AND TAKE OUT MY ENTIRE ARMY...POWER...CONQUEST...BRAGGING RIGHTS...I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF THAT SHIT! ALL I WANT NOW...IS TO SEE THIS STUPID WORLD BURN!"
Johnny curled into a huge ball of fire, and rose up high into the skies above. Max followed after, floating a safe distance away from where the orb finally stopped. "What is he doing...?" the latter pondered.
The orb grew, and grew. Eventually, it unfurled. The giant that emerged possessed charcoal black skin, with a mane composed entirely of flames. His stance was upright, and his hands and feet were clawed. His head resembled that of a wolf. The broken chains remained on his ankles. Present on his chest was a hollowed set of eyes and fanged mouth, with flames visible behind them, resembling a jack-o-lantern. He also possessed a long, serpentine tail, the end of which bore the head of a snake.
His size was comparable to the Dragon King's true form; even Max in his transformed state could not reach it.
Johnny reared his head back, and with flames continuing to emerge from all around him, he let out a ghastly, booming howl that permeated through the ears of all those within the city.
Max formed a 'buzzsaw' of light in one hand, the tossed it towards the titan. The mouth on his chest let out ominous, black fire, that shattered the attack.
"I SAID IT BEFORE." Johnny's voice had deepened to the point that it was unrecognizable. "I'M THE STRONGEST SOLDIER THE DEFENSE FORCE EVER PRODUCED. AND I'VE SPENT YEARS TAKING IN EVERY DARK TOME I COULD FIND. YOU MIGHT'VE TAKEN SOME OF MY STRENGTH. BUT NOT ALL OF IT. NO SPACEMAN SUIT IS GONNA HELP YOU NOW. YOU NEVER STOOD A CHANCE IN HELL!"
Max looked downward. "Even with all this strength...can I really not beat him? Were we all just doomed from the start...?"
"(Oh, dear. Giving into despair so quickly, Ultraman?)"
He perked up. "That's...Dr. Rose?!"
Indeed, Rose's voice was echoing around him. "(It was cold of you all to leave me behind. But that's beside the point. I'm here to help.)"
"'Here'? Where are you? And how are you doing this without your powers?"
"(I requested an 'early release' from my punishment. Given the threat currently being posed, it was granted. Now, listen carefully. The titan's consciousness has been split between the three heads you see. We need to concentrate our assault on the tail, chest, and main head, otherwise it'll be as if we were doing nothing at all. Once the heads have been weakened sufficiently, that should open the door for you to finish them.)"
"Okay...but how do I get close enough to do that?"
"(Leave that to me. This is where having so many capable allies comes in.)"
At that moment, three large platforms, composed of blue hexagonal segments, materialized around the three heads.
"(Everyone, heed my words. You all have done so well to survive this hardship. No matter which world you are defending, we will need your strength for a little while longer. Trust in your power, and in the ones who have fought alongside you. Now, as one! We will hand this monster a defeat he will never forget!)"
Blue portals appeared on the platforms.
First to appear on the platform at the tail was Tan. "Heh, and you make fun of Rinnie for trying to sound cool. Now how about we give this jerk a little more thunder?"
Kirumi appeared beside him. "The Kawagami bloodline will carry on. But first, retribution is due to the animal who corrupted my siblings."
Others began to appear.
"This mess is gonna take forever to clean up...no forgiveness." Mimi said.
"Hey, I actually get to do the world-saving thing. Neat!" Lin added.
"If I tell this story to Junko, she'll never believe it. Guess I'll make sure I actually *can* tell it." Tsutsugo chimed in.
"I'm bringin' this doggie to the kennel...dead or alive." Jugo said.
"I will not rest until it is done. You will pay for the suffering you've inflicted." Hiyoko sternly said.
"Talking's finished. Time for assholes to die." Jin grunted.
"As if I'd miss the chance to give this creep the beating he deserves." Tenko added.
"I settle *every* debt. My boat, my hand, my men...I'll make sure you sleep with the fishes." Shūjo pounded his fists together.
The snake's head loomed. As the Persona users began their attack, the head let loose more fire at them.
"WHY ARE YOU PEOPLE SO OBSESSED WITH SAVING THIS DUMB WORLD? THERE'S BARELY ANY MAGIC! IT'S SO BORING! WHAT'S SO GREAT ABOUT IT THAT IT'S WORTH SAVING?"
"Well our kids are on it, for one." Tenko responded.
"There's plenty of bad in this world, sure. But not everything is." Tsutsugo chimed in.
"If we all stopped and said 'this place is the pits, let it burn', well, it wouldn't be a good place to live at all, would it?" Jugo asked.
"Love and family. That is the only reason anyone should need. I can't imagine someone who despises his familial bonds so much could ever understand. But for those of us who have accepted love..." Kirumi transformed and embedded herself into Tan's hair, as his energy surged.
"...it'll make even the worst storms pass over!" He slashed at the snake's head, simultaneously striking it with lightning. The head slumped over, unmoving.
From afar, Max lobbed another 'buzzsaw'. This time, it struck the tail, and the snake's head was severed. The ones on the platform were teleported away as it dissipated.
On the platform next to the chest, the portals once again materialized.
"Ta-da! Earth's savior has arrived!" Sahir exclaimed.
"I'll be sure to create a fine model...of our glorious triumph." Kenneth stated.
"Together, we're unbeatable! Always have been, always will be!" Natalia proclaimed.
"I won't submit. Not now, not ever." Kibō said.
"The other 'me' you so callously slew...I will deliver enough justice for the both of us." Carrie added.
"I won't let you take anything else...the only song I'll be playing today is your requiem." Barbara said.
"You'll not live...to see another dawn." Sakuya uttered.
"The Tabby who would run from this isn't here! I won't be taking it easy!" Tabby declared.
"YOU DUMB-AS-NAILS RUNTS...YOU'VE SEEN WHAT PEOPLE ARE REALLY LIKE. WHY BOTHER SAVING THEM? THEY'LL JUST GO RIGHT BACK TO LETTING THIS WORLD DIE A SLOW, PAINFUL DEATH..." Johnny bellowed.
"As opposed to the slow and painful death *you're* offering?" Kenneth retorted.
"Humanity isn't perfect. We've all experienced first-hand what kind of evils people are capable of inflicting on each other." Carrie continued.
"But that's why we're here. To bring that evil into the light." Kibō added.
"There...is hope. Even in the darkest abyss..." Sakuya uttered.
"We exist to give others hope. Every one of us nearly gave into despair. But the bonds we've forged have given us the strength to keep moving." Tabby added.
From its eyes and mouth, more flames spewed out from the chest at her. Barbara got in front, and put up a wall of water that stopped the fire.
"And one more thing. When you go and meet the devil...tell her the Ashen Artisans send their regards!"
Tabby hopped up from behind her, materializing her Persona and her Merry Men band, who all charged and plunged their weapons into the chest. The face groaned.
"Hey, tall, bright and shiny! That's your cue!" Sahir called out to Max.
Just as before, the silver giant summoned his attack, lobbing it at the titan's chest. The Artisans teleported off, as the face was destroyed, replaced with a deep gash that started leaking out lava.
On the uppermost platform, placed against Johnny's head, portals appeared once more.
"The time has finally come. Now to root out the evil at its source." Elpizo said.
"This is for every soul you've laid waste to over the years, you barbarian." Natalie stated.
"Mother Ocean, guide me. Time to end this cycle of misery forever." Candice added.
"Finally, the last brawl! Let's make it one for the ages!" Spence exclaimed.
"One last push. Time to condemn this monster to the sands of time." Dai stated.
"Last target acquired. Time for your dirt nap." Jess uttered.
"If this will guarantee peace...I'll fight for a little while longer." Suzaku said.
"This is one hit I'm going to enjoy..." Ken uttered.
"We carry the hopes of millions on our shoulders...let's finish this for everyone's sakes!" Letty declared.
"Mami...it's finally time. I'm gonna end our nightmare, today!" Anna exclaimed.
"AWW, MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALL CAME TO VISIT...WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO ACHIEVE? THERE IS NO DEFENSE FORCE WITHOUT ME! YOU ALL WOULDN'T FUNCTION IF THERE WASN'T A THREAT OUT THERE, WAITING! ME KEEPING YOU UP AT NIGHT IS WHAT GIVES YOU ALL PURPOSE!" Johnny proclaimed.
"You are but one man, Johnathan. A wholly deplorable one, devoid of honor. But one man." Suzaku responded.
"Truth of it is, there will always be more threats to fight. More people to save. It was true before you, and it'll be true after." Letty added.
"Keeping someone as threatening and wicked as you alive, simply for the sake of battling you, would be the true evil." Candice stated.
"You're not needed. Never were." Jess bluntly added.
"I've spent my whole life livin' in your shadow. Dreamin' of the day I'd get to give ya a peace of my mind. You aren't an asshole cuz you wanna make us better. You're an asshole cuz *that's just who you are*. And I'm sick of bein' afraid of you! Sick of Mami livin' in fear that you'll come to get her!" Anna ran around the head's fire breath, went underneath his chin, then delivered a rapid series of blinding punches to his jaw. She gathered up strength for one last hit. "This is all of our anger, packed into one punch! EAT IT!"
She hit him with an uppercut. Seeing his opportunity, Max launched his attack, the saw blade splitting the head in two. The Defense Force and their allies vanished. 
From the area where the head was split, a shadowy arm emerged. This arm gave way to the upper half of a shadow being, resembling Johnny's human guise. "THINK YOU'VE GOT ME DEAD TO RIGHTS?! THINK AGAIN!"
"Dr. Rose! We need one final push!" Max shouted.
"(Already ahead of you. Now is where the battle is won, everyone.)" Rose's voice echoed as portals appeared again.
"I am the emissary from hell! I'll do my part! This is for Hugo, you big bully!" Cindy appeared, her blasters intact.
"Asshole of the week still isn't beat yet? Ya girl's gonna change that real quick!" Kat exclaimed.
"Now, by my sword, I will slay a demon..." Dasuke mused.
"A life without fear...it's almost in sight. Just a little longer. I'll fight for the happy ending! That belief...it's embedded in my heart!" Ibuki declared.
"Watch over me, Mother...as the Arch-Witch, I declare that the evil that has infested our world...dies today." Emily dictated.
"For my friends, my family, everyone I love...I'll fight until my last breath! That is the Applerider way!" Rin proclaimed.
"This fight...is nothing but an honor." Bobbi stated.
"I'll keep fighting...as long as I can. Mom, Dad, Togie, Miko...I'll do you proud." the younger Rin said.
"Better late than never, I suppose. I'll be joining this fight, for the sake of the future." Rose appeared. Freed from the band on her arm, her eyes had returned to their previous golden hue.
"I won't let you get past this day. Not one more life stolen. Not one more thing destroyed. As Commander of the Planetary Defense Force's New York branch...as the head of the centuries-old O'Donnell clan...and as the one you've hand-picked to do this...it is my honor...and privilege...to bring you down!" Commander Max declared.
"NEVEEEEEEEEEEEEER!" Johnny belted out, as shadow flames erupted from beneath the ones standing on the platform.
As they dodged, some took to the air. All began battering him with their respective attacks. As he swiped at the ones flying around him, numerous spiritual threads wrapped around him, forcefully slamming him into the platform.
"You may be utterly delusional...but you have succeeded in one thing. Something many would have considered impossible." Rose began.
"You've managed to craft an evil so potent, so vile, that two whole worlds banded together to stop you." Bobbi continued.
"It's nothing at all to be proud of. Living your life based on fear and hate goes against everything I and everyone else here believes in." Rin added.
"SO WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO DO? GIVE UP WHAT I WAS BUILT FOR? FORGET EVERYTHING I LEARNED AND ACT ALL NORMAL?" Johnny questioned.
"That's EXACTLY what you should've done, you idiot! You had a family! It's the one thing we have when we've got nothing else!" Ibuki retorted.
"And instead...you chose to kill. To steal. To bring ruin to thousands, if not millions of people, for nothing but selfish enjoyment." Emily continued on.
"What did anyone you hurt do to deserve it? My family, everyone I knew...they did nothing wrong. And you had them massacred." the younger Rin said.
"You could've had whatever you wanted, with so many people supporting you...and instead you chose this." Cindy chimed in.
"But you'll say you did get everything you wanted. That you had people supporting you. But those gains were ill-gotten, those servants ephemeral and temporary." Dasuke added.
"And now in the end, you're all alone, with two worlds here to watch you die. And no one's gonna be sad about it." Kat concluded.
"You brought this all on yourself, John. And you should take some solace in knowing that a Max is gonna be the one to beat you." Commander Max summoned forth a torrent of wind, that lifted Johnny's shadow form into the air. "Just not the one you want. Kid! Finish this!"
Taking his chance, the younger Max put out his arms, slowly moving them into the 't' shape. "This is the end, Johnny O'Donnell. The light of justice has finally arrived to sear away your darkened soul. And I'll be the one holding it. SPECIUUUUUUM..."
"...RAAAAAAAAY!"
The beam of light fired out. With the combatants teleporting away, Johnny was left defenseless as the ray overwhelmed him.
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!"
The platforms dispersed. The titan's body, slowly, began to crumble away. From its bottom, a small, smoldering figure fell out, tumbling towards the city below.
Max lowered himself down. Everyone had been teleported to one location. As he touched down, the silver body dissolved away into light particles. Returned to normal, he fell back. His friends all ran over to him.
"Hey! Are you okay?" Barbara asked.
He gave a thumbs up. "Never better." 
"Blockhead." Kat gave a relieved sigh.
"That was amazing. So, so, SO amazing. I always knew you could do it." Ibuki held his arm.
"Yeah, I'll admit...that was pretty rad." Sahir looked away.
"I thought you could just summon Ultraman! You never said you could turn into him! Now I have to get one of these Personas for myself! For research." Cindy exclaimed.
"Might want to tamper the enthusiasm just a bit..." Kibō replied.
Amidst the joyous atmosphere surrounding his younger self, the Commander observed the smoking heap before him. Slowly coming into view, was Johnny, now returned to human form.
"How is he still in one piece after all that?" Tenko asked.
"Everyone, stay back." Bobbi cautioned.
The Commander walked forward. "Still alive, John?"
"...if that's what you wanna call it." Johnny weakly replied.
Others began arming themselves. Commander Max motioned for them to stop. "You still gonna try fighting back?"
"Normally, I'd like to, but..." With the smoke cleared out, the giant hole where Johnny's chest once was had become visible for all to see. "...I'm not half the man I used to be."
"Shit-talkin', even now..." Anna grumbled, looking away.
"Welp...guess you're not gonna be satisfied till you hear it from me, eh? Fine...I lose. The Wolfpack's finished. I did everything to boost my strength...and y'all still took us all out. I can admit...when I'm beat. But I ain't gonna do the pussy thing and...repent."
"Not unexpected." Emily shook her head.
"Only thing I'm sorry for...is not gettin' to enjoy the scrap a little while longer. Actually staring death in the face...it made things fun for a bit. But now...fun time's over. And it's time to fess up and say...the better man won, little brother."
Commander Max shook his head. "I didn't do it alone. Everyone had a hand in it. And I'm not the one that landed the finishing blow."
"Heh. True that. The kid got me. I'd be careful if I was you, Maxie. He might end up a better Max than you when it's all said and done."
Johnny felt himself fading. "Guess my time's almost up...can't believe this is what it feels like. If I've got one last thing to say...Anna?"
Anna didn't respond, continuing to look away, gritting her teeth as she did so.
"Heh. Thought not. Maybe...I do have one regret, after all. Too late for all that now. You all are lucky...getting to live, and all."
"Living...heh. What a concept."
From his lower half upward, the Wolfpack leader crumbled away into shadow particles, disappearing into the ether.
Everyone present took a moment to process it. Commander Max looked back. Hundreds of P.D.F. agents had gathered by now.
With disbelief prevalent in his expression, he raised his fist. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Planetary Defense Force...raise your hands in victory! The war is over! The Wolfpack is no more!"
The agents all erupted into a roaring cheer. Fear and intensity gave way to relief and jubilation. The enemy most of them were trained up to fight was gone.
The long war was finally done.
Anna stayed looking away. "He's...really gone."
"He's really gone, Anna." Jess affirmed.
Anna put her head on her shoulder. "I...I need to tell Mami."
"She'll be the first to know."
"....." Anna tried containing her emotion.
"Don't do that. You know you have to."
"I'm saving it for Mami. We'll have a big cry together."
"Alright. I'll allow it."
Nearby, Shinji ran up, panting. "No more...no more running...ever..."
"Oh hey, Four-Eyes! Almost thought we'd lost ya." Lin greeted.
"Lost *me*? You're the ones who vanished off and left me alone in the middle of all that rubble! You couldn't bring me along?!"
"So you *wanted* to try hitting the giant fire demon?" Mimi questioned.
Kirumi rubbed her eyes. 
"So...the company." Tan brought up.
"Not now. I just need to see our son. And a massage table." she replied.
Close by, Rin spoke with Rose. "So...you're back to normal."
"As close to it as possible for us."
"How come it's just the eyes? Was platinum hair not part of the deal?"
"I think it's more of a subconscious choice. I've come to like my hair like this. But I missed my eyes. They make me feel...unique."
"Well, I might be biased, but I think any look is beautiful on you. But this one feels just right."
"Flattery, even on the battlefield. But I agree." Rose spotted someone. "Now...I think there's someone you need to talk to."
Rin looked over her shoulder. "You're right. Let's go say hello."
Her younger counterpart was unmoving, looking pensive.
"Hello, again." the older Rin greeted.
"Oh...hey." 
"Sorry, it looked like you were deep in thought. I thought it was a good time to talk. Oh, this is Rose. My wife."
"Hello. I'd ask for your name, but I feel I already know." Rose replied.
"Your...wife. Hunh." the younger woman responded.
"Oh...that's not a problem, is it?" the older one asked.
"What? Of course not. Why would it be?"
"Just making sure. So what are you going to do now?"
"I...don't know. I've got no home. No family to go back to. And I'm probably still in hot water for helping the bad guys. I didn't think I'd actually see this part."
"Well...knowing precisely what my gracious other half is thinking...I think we can talk with the Commander about what to do next. Right?" Rose asked.
"I think now's the right time. He's in a much better mood now." the older Rin agreed.
"Why..." her younger self questioned.
"Why do I want to help you? Well, because every sad little girl that's missing the people she loves needs someone to pick them up when she needs it."
"...! You mean...?"
"Yeah. Me too. Let's take a walk. We've got plenty to talk about."
The Commander, for his part, was busy handing out orders. "Alright, I want a full damage assessment ASAP. There's gonna be a lot to fix, especially after that last round of fighting. Sooner the better."
"Yes, sir." the agents walked off.
"Hey." Letty walked up.
"Hey." he responded.
"You holding up alright?"
"I...don't think it's really hit me yet. Think my brain just wants me to keep working and not think about it too much."
"You know what my brain's telling me?" She gestured towards the younger Max, who was now sitting upright.
"I was getting to it."
"You can get to it now."
"I've still got orders to give out--"
She pushed him from the back. "Now, mister."
"Alright, alright!" He walked over. "Hey, kid. How you feeling?"
"Like I've been hit by twenty different trucks. At once." the younger Max replied. "So...guess we did it, huh."
"Yep. The deed's finally done. That was outstanding, kiddo. I don't know how you just did...that, but I won't complain. Before we met you people, we'd been at a stalemate for I don't know how long. I thought we'd never end the Wolfpack in my lifetime. And now...here it is. The day we'd all been training for. I don't think it's ever gonna really sink in."
"It might sink in for me after a nap. Maybe...in my own bed."
"Heh, I was getting to that. Rest assured, soon as everything's under control here, I'm getting you cleared to stay home on a permanent basis. It's gonna stink not having you around--for some more than others..."
The Commander glanced at Cindy, who shied away.
"...but here's where you belong."
"Gonna admit, I'll miss that dumb mug giving me orders. Say, what happened to your eye?"
"What, this? Just a scratch. My old man had an eye thing going on, too. Kinda starting to like it."
"Please, don't." Bobbi groaned. "I should probably express my gratitude, while I'm at it. Going to be an adjustment now, with no Wolfpack to fight. Maybe we can all start to appreciate a little peace. Might give me some time for other things."
She gave Elpizo a look. He cleared his throat. "Ah...and what might those...other things be?"
"Lots of things. Like not being your queen."
"I-I didn't even bring that up!"
"But you were thinking it."
"Well, Mother, if I'm going to be a princess, that would make you a step away from being queen, anyway." Candice teased.
"Not how it works."
"Excuse me, Commander?" Rin approached.
"Oh, Professor Kubo. Anything I can help you with?" the older Max asked.
"I think now's a good time to discuss the path forward."
"Right you are. I've already got people surveying the damage."
"I was hopeful it wouldn't be too severe, but my hopes were dashed rather quickly. And the longer it takes to fix, the more blanks Mother and I will have to fill in for the people in stasis." Rose said.
"Might not take as long as you think. We've got plenty of resources to help speed up repairs. Our last battle in New York only took a few weeks to fix." Letty replied.
"The sooner the better. And there were a few other things I was hoping to discuss. Starting with arrangements in case another threat like this pops up." Rin brought up.
"Don't even worry about it. We're in your debt for this. Anything else happens, you'll have us on speed-dial." the Commander assured.
"I'm glad to hear you say that. Now, as for..."
Rin gestured at her other self, who was averting her eyes.
"Ah. Right. That I think deserves a deeper discussion. Let's find a spot." the Commander replied.
"Before that, a moment of your time, Professor?" Emily spoke.
"Yes? Emily, isn't it?" Rin asked.
"Sorry for the abrupt introduction. Your Max has told me about you, and thought we would get along well. I hear you're the writing type."
"When I have the time. Do you?"
"On occasion. I actually own a bookstore back home. I was hoping when things settled back down, we could meet up and discuss writing ideas. Preferably over tea and coffee."
"You're hitting every one of my notes! I'd love to. Maybe at this bookstore of yours. I'm very interested in seeing your world for myself."
Sitting next to Max, Ibuki observed the discussion. "And it's already started. You called it, Maxie."
"Knew they'd hit it off. The moment Professor Kubo steps into that store, she's never gonna want to leave." Max replied.
"Ugggh...that was rough." Kat fell back, the rest of the Artisans standing or seated around. "We've gotta start planning our big summer get-together soon."
"Now, of all times?" Kenneth questioned.
"Honestly, I wouldn't mind getting into it. I'd love to get back to normal as soon as possible." Barbara replied.
"Ditto. Maybe we can start with a big, celebratory feast to really get to know everyone. Heard some of those dragon people talking about it." Sahir suggested.
"A fancy feast sounds really good right now. My stomach's been growling like mad..." Tabby agreed.
"I could cook one up, if no one's volunteered. Anything to get our minds off of...all this. Don't you think so, Saku?" Natalia asked.
"Yes. A banquet sounds...nice." Sakuya uttered, her focus clearly elsewhere.
"You know what *I* could really go for?" Kat asked.
"Let me guess..." Kibō sighed. "...a foot massage?"
"This guy gets it."
Carrie raised her hand. "I volunteer."
Kat immediately flipped over. "...did anyone else's heart skip a beat, or just me?"
Everyone laughed.
"Hey, Maxie...you want to--Maxie?" Ibuki looked to Max. His eyes were closed.
"Sparky...?" Kat questioned.
"Let me...sleep...please..." He mumbled.
Ibuki patted him on the back. "Well, I was gonna suggest we go check on the apartment, but sure. You've earned some rest. And when you wake up...we'll pick together what we can do then."
"Is he really gonna sleep sitting up like that? In the middle of the street?" Sahir questioned.
"I don't think he really cares at this point." Barbara answered.
She was right about that. Her brother didn't really care where he fell asleep. All that mattered was that the battle was over. This long, draining conflict was at an end. And most of all, he was home for good.
Without the ghosts of the past hanging over him, it would be the best sleep he'd had in ages.