Persona BLEACHED 4: Chapter 38

Chapter 38: The Closing Chapter, Part One
January 9, 2032
January 7 was set to begin like many a Wednesday before it. In but a few short hours, people would be waking up to head to work and go to school. There was no indication the night before that today would be any different from any day preceding it.
Except that nobody woke up. Cars wouldn't be starting. Trains wouldn't be running. The usually bustling streets were completely silent.
What would be arriving in two days' time was not for the populace to experience. And so, the ones who operated in the shadows got to work.
Atop Tokyo tower, Kaya stood watch, a number of azure-clad attendants behind her. "It is done. Start transporting them into the pods. Be quick, but gentle."
"Yes, ma'am."
The attendants dispersed.
"Mother." Rose appeared.
"Rose. I would have assumed that you wished to be with your family." Kaya said.
"About that. There is one more thing I wished to ask..."
Across the city, the ones who were still awake worked to move the ones who weren't. And to say their goodbyes.
Over at a TV news station in Ikebukuro, a brown-haired woman was fast asleep on the floor, in front of a screen displaying the day's weather forecast. Tsutsugo loomed over her, a young boy asleep on his back.
"Probably not the ideal bed, eh, Junko? Hope it didn't hurt when you fell. Couldn't avoid that part. Don't worry, I've got little man here with me. I'd be damned if you two weren't together." He paused. "I'm sorry I wasn't there after the scandal. I know how much I missed when it comes to him. Was I a good dad when I got the chance? I sure hope I was."
An attendant appeared behind him.
"Hey. You be careful with these two, you hear? And don't keep them apart. They're all I've got in this messed-up world." Tsutsugo warned them.
Elsewhere in Ikebukuro, Lily Hanakotoba was asleep in her bed with the TV on. Sakuya sat next to her, watching silently.
"Hey, Saku..." Sahir entered.
"Please. Just one moment." she replied.
"I know, but--"
"I know we're pressed for time, but...if this is to be the last time I speak to my mother, then I need to get everything off of my chest."
"Okay. Take all the time you need." He turned to the attendant behind him. "Give her a few."
Sakuya was left alone with her mother. "...it was on a morning like this, after we'd reunited. You had passed out from drinking. You told me that the guilt from leaving me behind had been crushing you for years. But I was still just happy to have you in my life again. And if it's my continued presence that keeps you from picking up another bottle, then I'll do whatever I need to do."
"...I'm afraid that 'Sakuya' must go to sleep alongside you, Mother. The polite, seal-loving girl is not who is needed at the moment. Once I unsheath my blade, I must become that which I had hidden away all this time. That person who I hope you never have to see."
"I hope this is not where we part ways for good. The few years we spent apart from one another were unbearable enough. I want us to remain together, always. You who accepted me for who I am, long before anyone else...I'm sorry. I will have to become a demon, one more time. Until the time comes when I can hide the demon away, sleep well."
She signaled for the attendant to enter. "Goodbye, Mother. I hope not for the last time."
She closed her eyes on the way out. When they reopened, any semblance of mercy had disappeared.
---
In Akihabara, Kibō sat outside the house as his parents were led away.
"Why me?" Kyohei stood over him.
"Because if I don't make it out of this, someone needs to explain what happened to Mom and Dad." Kibō replied.
"It's always one thing after another where that woman is concerned...now you're telling me another madman is coming to destroy everything? Is there really no end to it?"
"I can't answer what I don't know the answer *to*. I just don't want them to have any more worries. They deserve to have some kind of peace."
"Peace is something our family knows very little of. And should you fall here, what do you think that's going to do to them? Crush them completely, that's what. You were always the light where I was foolish darkness. Losing you would see them spiral into a pit they might never emerge from."
"Which is why I don't plan on losing. But I have to be realistic."
"Well, if this is to be the end, I'll not have anything go unspoken. I am truly sorry for all the problems I caused. None of you should have had that hanging over you. My shortsightedness got the better of me. I am glad that they had you, at least, to reassure them. I am sorry that I wasn't a better brother to you. You deserved more from me than misery."
Kyohei extended his hand. Kibō shook it. "Thanks, Kyohei. If I really don't make it..."
"Look after Mom and Dad. I know. But I don't doubt your victory. You have that woman--Ringo Kubo leading. That by itself should be enough."
An attendant nudged Kyohei. "Suppose it's naptime, then. Do us all a favor and win, won't you?" He was led away.
"I plan on it, brother." Kibō responded.
Elsewhere, beneath his computer store, Shinji remained very much awake. "Answer's still nope. I'm not going to bed anytime soon."
"I can provide navigation just as well, Sensei. It would be far too dangerous for you." Carrie cautioned.
"And what if you're too busy punching a guy? Two pairs of eyes are a lot better than one."
"We can't guarantee your safety when shit starts to go down. The wolf freaks are no joke." Kat warned.
"So I'll just sit bunkered down here. They'll be too busy with all of you to pay me any mind. I'm not gonna take a nap and pretend nothing's going on when you're fighting for your lives up there."
"You don't owe anyone anything, Sensei. Please, leave this to us." Carrie pleaded.
"I'm gonna have to repay Kubo one of these days for the whole Reaper fiasco. I couldn't do anything back then, but I can now."
"Then if you're so insistent...I'll stay down here with you."
"Care, don't..." Kat responded.
"I can protect myself reasonably well should the moment call for it. There won't be any need to worry."
"I'm gonna worry anyway. I know you can handle yourself, but I wanna know that you're safe the whole time. You're the one I plan on spending the rest of my days with. If I don't know that you're okay, I won't be able to focus."
"Then I'll just make sure to keep in constant contact. We all have our roles to play, my beloved Kitten. I'll trust you to persevere just as much as you trust me to."
"Care..."
"Look at me, Kitten." Carrie took Kat by the hand. "I'm relying on you to keep all of our friends safe. Reasonably so. If I can keep you informed from a secure location, that will be me fulfilling my duty."
"You don't think if that lunatic finds out there's another Carrie Blackthorne walking around, he won't come looking for you?"
"He won't have the advantage of hiding behind a tree this time. If I take priority over everyone else he bears a grudge towards, it means we'll be in a losing position, anyway. Trust me, Kitten. I can fend for myself."
"I know. But don't think I won't come running if there's even a *hint* that you're in trouble."
"I know you will. The lioness will never hesitate to defend her pride. And I'm lucky to be beside the strongest lioness on the savanna. But now is the time for that entire savanna to rise up to defend itself."
"Damn straight it is. And we'll make it through. All of us. Together."
---
Southern Naruki. The Higashikata estate.
"We'll be together again soon, my precious snow angel. There's nothing to fear. You'll have Hoots with you the whole time. It'll be like a long nap." Hiyoko reassured a sleeping Aura. "Oh, I can't keep myself together, JoJo. It's like I'm telling her goodbye. What will happen to her if we don't make it through this?"
"Best not to think along those lines. We'll be there when she wakes up." Shūjo replied, hand in his pocket.
"Are you sure you should be going out there, Boss? You're barely out of the hospital, yourself. On top of still getting used to your new appendage." Kaido cautioned.
"What, and wuss out at the last second while everyone else picks up the slack? Hell no." Shūjo took out his hand, covered by a black glove. "I might just be better at punching things than I was before. Still gotta thank that scaly bastard for that one."
"Promise us you'll watch over her for us, Kaido. She's my reason for breathing." Hiyoko pleaded.
"Of course, my lady. I'll protect her as if she was my own. You two promise to make it through, safe and sound." Kaido picked Aura up. And attendant led them away.
"We will. And you damn well better." Shūjo grunted.
---
The Naruki residential district.
"Please...please be gentle. She's just a baby." Tenko handed Rina over. "Hey, if she wakes up and wants to do some ninja tricks, please humor her. Let her have a but of fun while everything's serious."
"She's not gonna wake up, Tenko. Not until it's over. *If* it's over." Mimi responded.
"Not now, Mimi." Jin chastised her. He put his hand across his toddler's hair. "I'll play along with the ninja stuff as much as you want, little cub. I hope we've been good enough parents."
"What if it really is it, Jin? She's so small...would she remember us?" Tenko asked.
"I don't know. And I hope there's no finding out."
The scene was much the same at the Hinotama house. Ibuki looked over Kaede, fast asleep.
"...I know there's no way you can hear me. I know, but...I have to say what's on my mind. You've been my rock for as long as I've been alive. Every single thing that's gone wrong for us, we got through cuz we had each other. You're not just my big sister...you're my best friend. And I know we've fought through it all together, but...this is something you've gotta sit out."
Ibuki took her sister's hand. "I'm fighting for the happy ending. The same as always. And it doesn't include anyone else dying. You've gotta be there for every big milestone in my life, you hear?"
"Ibuki." Max walked in holding Kanae.
"Oh, my precious bubblegum..." Ibuki held her niece. "Your Auntie loves you so, so much. I hope you always remember that. And if I'm lucky enough to be a mommy, I hope my baby's just as cute as you are. I'm gonna make this a world you can be happy to grow up in. That's all I'm gonna be thinking about." She kissed the sleeping child on the forehead.
Max looked toward Kaede. "I'll keep her safe. I promise. I'll spend whatever time I have left making things right. I swear, this isn't going to be goodbye forever."
The attendants arrived. "Oh God, it's really time." Ibuki reluctantly handed over Kanae. "Auntie loves you, Kanae. Never ever forget that!"
As her slumbering family was led away, Ibuki tightly embraced Max. "I know. It's alright to feel this way." he comforted.
"We're gonna kick these assholes back where they came from. Then we can take her out for ice cream like normal. It's not gonna be the end. I won't let it."
"We get through this together. Happier days are ahead. We'll survive this and see them. I swear it."
The scene played out once more at the Kubo home. On the couch was a sleeping Uri, his parents looming over. Kirumi was at a loss for words.
"Sure you don't want to say anything?" Tan asked.
"I may have already lost one sibling, and I can lose as many as four more. It feels like I'm about to bid our son goodbye, and I...I don't..." She shielded her eyes.
"We spent the last month preparing for this. I don't have plans on going to meet my old man, but...geez. I don't want the kid to have to go through that, too."
"So we dispose of the ones coming at us to preserve our livelihood. It really is a war now, isn't it? With my family's crest leading the charge. I'll never be able to come to terms with this."
"I won't either. But if I do end up seeing that power-hungry brother of yours, I'll give him a piece of my mind for both of us. Guy's gonna learn how you're supposed to treat your younger siblings."
Kirumi bent down and brushed Uri's hair. "What if the threads of fate were weaved differently? If I hadn't crossed your path that night? Would I be on the other side of this, fighting to preserve my mockery of a dynasty? Would this bright, carefree little man even be here right now?"
"I can't answer that cuz it's not what happened. You're here now, and so's he. And now we've gotta fight to make sure he grows up with both of us here. Even if it means your family's gotta go. Me and Rinnie know from experience that it ain't easy when it's family."
"And where is your sister right now? Still with Shizuka?"
"I'm assuming so. I'm not gonna be the one to pry the little bug away from her."
Inside of her daughter's room, Rin was glued to her side.
"I'm so used to seeing you napping, but...I know it's different now. I hope I gave you a fun Christmas and New Year's, at least." Rin paused. "It was three years ago that my life changed. I saw this tired, hungry girl sleeping on the street, and I wanted to bring her in and keep her safe. And it wasn't long before I realized that you were a gift. The friend I was still mourning had sent you to me. We needed each other in that moment. And since that moment, I've done everything to make you feel safe and loved."
"Have I been a good mom to you, Shizuka? I wish you could answer that. I just want to hear your voice one more time. I know we've had our ups and downs, but please believe that I only want what's best for you. Lovebug...I truly believe that we were destined to be together. My life's greatest joy will always be that I get to hear you call me 'Mama'. I..."
The weight of the moment finally came down on Rin, who could say no more. She lifted her glasses as the tears began to flow.
"...Rin?"
She looked up to see Rose in the doorway. "Rose...please, not yet. Just a few more minutes, I...I can't let her go. I can't bear the idea that I might not be here when she wakes up."
"I know how painful this is, but it has to be done. It isn't safe for her here. I'll be there to watch over her. And so will someone else."
Hana entered. "Good morning, blossom."
"Mom? You're awake?" Rin asked.
"Rose told me everything. What's coming is utterly dreadful, and I'm afraid of what might happen to you all. But if it puts your mind at ease, I volunteered to watch over the children until this nightmare is over. Come now, aren't you a little old to be tearing up this much?"
"Mom, I...I just don't know..."
Rose took her hand. "If I'm not able to help you on the battlefield, I can at least watch over our future. In all the time I've known you, you've faced every challenge head-on and won. This will be no different. Show these blackguards the depths of their mistake. Until then, I'll safeguard our treasure. Me and Ms. Hana both."
Rin wiped her tears. "I love you."
"And I, you. Now dry your face. There is much work to be done."
Rin turned back to Shizuka one more time. "We'll see each other again soon. Then we can go on that big trip I promised. You and me, and Mama Rose, and Uncle Tan and Aunt Kirumi and your cousin Uri and Grandma Hana. It'll be the most fun you've ever had." She kissed her on the cheek. "I love you, Shizuka. Everything I do now is for you."
She picked Shizuka up, and handed her to Rose. "I leave her to you. Please, keep her safe."
"Without question, beloved. Whatever strength I have left is to protect her. You focus on ending this."
"I will. This is for all of our futures. We'll face down whatever comes."
With their loved ones secured, the combined Artisan army set forth in clearing out the rest of the town. The work was painstaking, but time was of the essence.
By the time January 9th dawned, the bustling metropolis of Tokyo was now barren. The normally cluttered streets could not be more open.
So it was that the combatants took position throughout the city. Most stood atop the buildings. Others hid inside them.
All that was left to do, was wait.
Inside an office building in Ikebukuro, the Ashen Artisans, sans Kibō, Barbara, Carrie and Sakuya, idled about, with Kat seated in a rolling chair. 
"So. The action gonna start soon or what?" Lin, also talked into this, asked.
"Remind me again why you're here?" Kenneth questioned.
"Because I was gonna give her the mother of all stink eyes if she didn't." Kat replied.
Tabby turned to Max. "Who is that, again?" she whispered.
"That's Kat's older sister. She's like a snake lady." he replied.
"So, Care's hiding out in Akihabara, while Keeb and Barb are on the south side with Mr. JoJo. Where's Saku?" Natalia asked.
"All she said was 'top secret' before she walked away. She had this really grim look in her eyes. It's probably not good news." Sahir replied.
"For our enemies, perhaps." Kenneth added.
"So where's your band, Maxie? They gonna show up fashionably late like hero types usually do?" Ibuki asked.
"The plan's to wait until the main force appears. They're probably not gonna attack all at once. The idea's to have the P.D.F. come in fresh to help wipe out the Wolfpack once they show their faces. And when Johnny's out in the open, that's when we unleash our secret weapon." Max replied.
"I seriously doubt it's gonna be that easy, but when's it ever?" Kat asked.
On the edge of town, Jugo looked into the distance through binoculars.
"See anything, Tex?" Tsutsugo asked.
"Absolutely nothin'. Sure this ain't some kinda ruse, Boss? Have us all locked and loaded for nothin'?" Jugo asked.
Rin sat on the edge of a building facing towards the highways entering Tokyo. "They'll come."
Shinji came in on a communicator. "For what it's worth, nothing else is showing up on maps, so--Oh, hold the phone."
Jugo looked out again. In the distance, a huge squadron of armored vehicles approached from the highway. "Here they come. Bogies, and loads of 'em."
"Any sign of who they're with?" Rin asked.
"Ain't seein' anythin' wolf-ish. Their flag's got this big black mask face on it."
"It's the emblem of Kawagami Steel. So...my brother's come first." Kirumi mused.
Rin stood up. "Everyone. Listen carefully. The moment of truth has arrived. It's no understatement to say that what happens here will determine the fate of not just our city, but two entire worlds and their people. It will be difficult, brutal even. But we've stared would-be conquerors in the face before and battered them down, and we will do so again. These threats, both of our world and another, are going to learn what happens when you threaten our peace."
"Steady your hands, friends. Family. If war is what they desire, then let's give it to them tenfold!"
The platoon of vehicles, all of them flying the flag of the Kawagami conglomerate, approached, stopping just short of entering the city. From the lead vehicle, a man stepped out, wearing black camouflage armor and helmet, and brandishing a megaphone. 
"Attention, rebels! I am here on behalf of Kawagami Steel! Which one among you is Ringo Kubo?"
Rin had returned to her seated position. "To whom am I speaking?"
"I am here on behalf of--"
"No no no, that's not how we're doing this. If you're here to declare war on me, it's only proper decorum to address me with your own name."
The man looked around hesitantly. "I am Shūnjin Yoshinori, CEO of Yoshinori Motors. Ma'am."
"Well, Dweebus Maximus' tone changed pretty quick." Tenko commented.
"Yoshinori...Heikō's husband." Kirumi muttered to herself.
"Well, Mr. Yoshinori. That CEO title tells me you have a position of power. Why, then, are you playing messenger for Masayoshi Kawagami? Does he consider a war waged in his name to be an insignificant use of his time?" Rin questioned.
"Erm...by order of Sir Masayoshi Kawagami, head of the Kawagami Dynasty, we are here to subdue the--" the CEO continued.
"Okay, okay, time out. Ignoring a question is an even bigger display of rudeness. Let's get one thing straight. This war isn't the conglomerate's idea. You all are here on behalf of an otherdimensional band of ruffians called the Wolfpack. It's on their order that you all are throwing yourselves at us. There is no dynasty here before me. Just bait being thrown to the slaughter."
"You are very much misunderstanding the situation, we--"
"No, *you* misunderstand. I bet you think this long line of tanks is supposed to intimidate me and my friends into falling in line. You haven't the *slightest* hint at what you're up against, do you? This is a fight beyond your understanding. So, let me return your threat with one of my own. Turn around. Go home. Tell your masters to come and fight us themselves if they feel like it. I have zero desire for needless bloodshed. But if you cross a single foot into my city, I'll consider it an active threat against my friends and family, and will deal with you accordingly."
"The lady nuts on this one, let me tell ya." Tsutsugo commented.
"Uh..." Shūnjin turned around. "She's not afraid, Heikō! What should we do?!"
The other door of the vehicle opened. "God, you are beyond spineless. I'll deal with her myself." Heikō stepped out, clad in dark red armor with fur lining the collar. Her eyes were yellow. "Ringo Kubo. I must commend your bravado in the face of hundreds of artillery units pointed right at you. As to be expected from one not entirely human."
"Heikō Yoshinori, I presume. Judging from the shade of your eyes, you would know something about not being entirely human. I take it you and your siblings have accepted the Wolfpack's 'gifts'?" Rin questioned.
"A correct assessment. Call it a contract, if you will."
"More like swearing servitude to a mightier being. Something your 'dynasty' has quite the history of, if the old texts are to be believed."
"Jealous lies from un-reputable authors. We would be fools to attempt to subdue you with man-made weapons alone."
"And yet, your 'contract' doesn't extend to those outside your circle. Curious."
"Quite the mouthy educator, aren't you? Your students must adore your teaching methods."
"Yes, as a matter of fact. Because I treat them like humans worthy of respect. Something that can't be said about Yoshinori Motors. If more recent printed press is to be believed. You do know that unions are perfectly legal, yes?"
"What is this, a war declaration or a roast?" Tsutsugo questioned.
"Your tongue is certainly sharpened for a duel, at least. But even that will avail you little. Shūnjin!"
"Y-yes, dear?" the CEO flinched.
"Have every weapon within range fire on that woman immediately. Some lessons need to be learned the hard way."
"A-as you command! Men, on your marks!"
The trucks in front aimed their turrets squarely in Rin's direction.
"FIRE!"
A cascade of bullets erupted from the weapons, to the point where all that could be seen were muzzle flashes. Rin disappeared into a cloud of smoke and debris. After a minute, the gunfire ceased.
"Heh." Heikō smirked. "All of that posturing has done you no favors. And the think they were all so terrified of you. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything of you to be terrified *of*."
The smoke began to clear.
"...eh?!"
Rin hadn't moved an inch. She remained sitting with her legs crossed. Mockingly, she brushed her shoulder. There wasn't a scratch on her.
The men in their vehicles looked on in bewilderment. 
"Wha...how...we missed every shot?!" Shūnjin panicked.
"No. Those should have hit her." Heikō asserted.
"I know what you're thinking. 'Those were all direct hits! How is she still sitting there?!' It's an easy enough explanation. Your aim isn't completely terrible. I just turned the bullets to ashes before they could reach me." Rin explained.
"Turned to...but there should've been flames!" the CEO uttered.
"Grr...prepare to fire again! With greater volume this time!" Heikō ordered.
"Don't bother. You know what they say is the definition of insanity, right? How much yen are you intending to burn through on a futile assault? Hundreds of thousands? Millions?" Rin questioned.
"Heikō!" Kirumi stepped out from the shadows.
"Kirumi, stay back. Let me handle this." 
"I have to know something."
"Would you look at who it is. Dear sister. Was cutting hair too monotonous for you, so now you're trying your hand at combat?" Heikō questioned.
"I know you have no intention of turning around, so answer me this. Where is Ichiban?"
"Hm? Ah, the loose-lipped traitor who let the drink get the better of him one more time than he should have. I had just begun to vacate him from my memory."
"Is he alive or dead?"
"I'm not at liberty to discuss."
"Answer me! Is he alive or dead, yes or no?"
Heikō sighed. "Very well. Yes, he is dead."
Kirumi reeled in shock.
"I believe Masayoshi disposed of him personally. A rarity, but what can you expect when your marketing director leaks company secrets? A rather counterintuitive act, wouldn't you agree?"
"You evil little--" Tan emerged. "You're talking about having your own brother murdered! How is that not bothering you?!"
"Ah, is that the oaf, Kirumi? He certainly looks the part."
"Grrr..."
"How could you? To have our brother killed, and speak of it so casually? Were you all truly so twisted, and I never saw it?" Kirumi questioned.
Heikō shook her head. "This is what happens when you coddle your youngest, Mother. They all turn out weak." she mused to herself. "You, Ichiban and Heiwa at that. None of you ever had the stomach to lead. You turning your backs was always seen as an inevitability. Now, Chizuru and Nue leaving, there is the surprise. Perhaps some of that pesky conscience rubbed off on them. But you can understand how losing over half of our siblings in this manner would greatly irritate Masayoshi, don't you?"
"'Irritate'? Killing our brother is 'irritating' to you?" uttered a disbelieving Kirumi.
"Kirumi, I'm so sorry. I know how you're feeling. Let me handle this if you need a moment to--" Rin began.
"Let me say one thing, Heikō." Kirumi composed herself. "I wanted to believe that this was the result of that horrid wolf man's influence, but I know the truth. You, and Fukushū, and Genji and Masayoshi alike were always like this. So devoted to preserving the 'family' image that you would dispose of anyone you considered to be weak. I am at least thankful that our sisters saw reason and walked away. And that our youngest brother could make his last act one of bravery."
"Is there a point you're trying to make?" Heikō asked.
"My point is that I only have three siblings now, thanks to you. But it's alright. This man right here blessed me with a son, and a family to live alongside. One that lives based not on weighted pressure and fear, but on acceptance and love. This is goodbye to you and the brothers we have left. Rin, if you would."
"Thank you, Kirumi. That was very well-put." Rin replied.
"Couldn't have said it any better myself, beautiful." Tan added.
"Are you satisfied with yourselves? That you've managed to thoroughly woo her away from her birthright?" Heikō questioned.
"Don't get your fur twisted, lady. The most I did was run into her at a bar one night. Now we might not have had the fancy upbringing or mega expectations you all did. Up until we lost dad, it was as normal as normal can get. But if this is how you turned out, I'll take another lifetime of normal over a thousand of your dull boardroom meetings."
"Spoken like a true child of mediocre parentage."
Rin and Tan's eyes both flared up. 
"You shut your mouth, witch." Rin demanded.
"Someone like you doesn't get to talk about our parents." Tan added.
"Touched a nerve, did I?" Heikō taunted.
Rin stood back up. "I don't think I've made my point yet."
She leapt off the building, landing in front of the caravan without so much as a thud.
"Wha...how did she--?!" Shūnjin panicked again.
Rin materialized her lance. "If you're going to insult my parents, you'd best do it to my face. Strike three for poor decorum."
"Hmph. Shūnjin." Heikō said.
"Y-yes?" he uttered.
"Order the men out of the vehicles."
"Right away! Clear out, right this moment!"
The men scrambled out and away from the armored cars.
Rin's communicator turned on. "Hey, Red. We've got some ships coming into port. They don't look too friendly to me." Shūjo spoke.
"My map's showing a bunch of aircraft hovering in from the north. Tons of life readings inside." Shinji chimed in.
"I would wager you're just finding out that you're surrounded. You've gravely miscalculated just how many are willing to fly our banner for the right price. And now, my good Professor, it is time for your own painful lesson." Heikō's eyes flared up. "All those who cross the Kawagami Dynasty will be crushed!"
She dissolved into shadow particles that enveloped her vehicle, before spreading out into the surrounding vehicles. All of them took on crimson hues, the headlights transforming to more closely resemble blazing red eyes. Each of them sprouted two additional turrets on either side, all of them aimed at Rin.
"This is the gift granted to us as true conquerors! Now we will overtake this miserable town and your entire clan with it! Enjoy your last, sneering moments, you--" Heikō's voice came from the lead vehicle.
"Are those cars flameproof?" Rin asked.
"Eh?"
"Specifically, are the tires fortified against heat? I'm going to assume no."
"Ah--why can't I..."
The tires on all of the vehicles had melted.
"I won't hold it against you. Even if your manufacturing wasn't cheap, the technology hasn't been mass-produced yet that could withstand my flames. What I *will* hold against you, on top of your snide comments towards my family, is your casual attitude in regards to fratricide. I myself lost a brother to violence. And in spite of everything, I would do anything for him to have one more chance at life. But you? In spite of boasting about your 'dynasty', you show no remorse about one of your own siblings being killed. I have long preached the power of forgiveness. You, and your remaining brothers are beyond that."
"You...!" Heikō revved her motor, but still could not move.
"I should thank you for taking on that form. That's all I needed to confirm that you've tossed away any shred of humanity you may have had. And with it...any guilt about what I'm about to do."
"Grr...DIE!"
Heikō aimed all of her weapons, but it was no use. They, too, had all melted.
"Somebody here miscalculated, alright. And it wasn't me. And now, my good businesswoman, it is time for *your* painful lesson."
Flames began to emerge from around Rin.
"All those who threaten the Kubo family...I'll burn away, until nothing remains!"
"TURN TO ASHES!"
Pillars of fire erupted from beneath the caravan. Motors and gasoline containers exploded, as the charred husks flew off in every direction.
The soldiers, and the CEO, could only watch in horror. Shūnjin, himself, was panicking on the ground.
All they saw amongst the flames, was burning metal, and one Rin Kubo, staring at them, with embers fluttering about her.
"....." Kirumi looked towards the blaze.
"Kirumi. We've gotta go." Tan urged.
Large helicopters flew overhead.
"I know what's going through your head right now. But things are getting real. If we want this to end fast, then we've gotta get moving."
"Yes...you're right. I'll save my grief for when I know precisely who I'm grieving." Kirumi relented.
Down below, Rin stepped out from the flames. She gave the cowering men a look, and they all flinched as she did so, before scrambling to run away.
"(This is what is needed.)" Rin thought. "(I have always lived my life through compassion and forgiveness. But even I have my limits.)"
Throughout town, mercenary battalions began dropping in from the aircraft.
Kat looked out from atop the office. "Welp, our guests are making themselves at home. Let's give them a proper welcome. Places, people!"
The Artisans began splitting up.
"Watch your back, Ibuki." Max said.
"Eyes in the back of my head, baby." Ibuki confidently responded before departing.
Max materialized his armor and helmet.
"One second, Sparky." Kat called over.
"Yeah?" 
She put her fist up. "Proud of ya, pal."
"Heh." The two bumped fists. "Don't go using up all those lives."
"Not dreaming of it. Now go kick some ass."
"Right back at ya." Max flew off.
"Isn't that the dweeb that broke it off with you?" Lin asked.
"Get caught up, dude. That was like, three years ago. I don't bring up every boy you screwed it up with." Kat replied.
"Yes, you do! Every family reunion!"
"Only cuz Gran asks every year, and every year it's a different boy. Now enough with the chatter. You'd better pull your weight." Kat materialized her mask, and leapt off the building.
"'Pull your weight', she says." Lin sighed. "You outgrew me too quick, kitten."
Over on the south side of town, Shūjo looked over the water, hands in his pockets. Approaching the shore were three large, steel ships bearing the Kawagami Steel logo. The lead ship stopped just short of the dock.
Fukushū, garbed in azure armor, stepped onto the bow. "So, Shūjo Higashikata, you're still among the living, are you? I would've expected a ship captain to welcome me with his own vessel."
"I would've, but your dragon friend sent my flagship to the bottom of the bay, along with a bunch of my men. And here I was hoping he'd roll in with you." Shūjo removed his hands from his pockets, removing the glove from his right hand. What was underneath was black and metallic, with the P.D.F. logo on its wrist. "Guess I'll have to test this baby out on you, instead."
"What is that? That large brute said he'd removed your hand! I knew that oaf was nothing but bluster! Well, whatever. It's just one more piece I have to blast off. Now what, exactly, do you plan on doing? I have an entire army at my back, and you seem to be woefully short on support. That should make aiming easier, at least."
The ship's main cannon started to move, only to start squeaking and stop shortly. 
"Wha--what's going on?! Get that thing moving!"
"That's as far as it's going, sir! The foundation's been corroded!" one of his men replied.
"What?! We just installed that thing a week ago! How is it already rusted?!"
"Guess your quality's as shoddy as they say. But I'm assuming I've got the old man to thank for that one. Hey, Hiyoko. Get that hunk of junk moving for 'em, eh?" Shūjo requested.
Hiyoko stepped out, eyes aglow. "With pleasure."
The large cannon began to move lower and lower, before caving through the floor, falling through the ship and creating a hole through the bottom. Several men around the cannon also fell through. Water began to seep into the ship.
"Like a pen through wet paper." Hiyoko mused.
"Grrr...get that hole plugged on the double! The rest of you slugs, onto shore! I want that scoundrel proper dead!" Fukushū ordered.
"Give it a try. You might get it eventually." Shūjo taunted.
Soldiers from another one of the ships began filing onto the dock. As they marched towards the streets, the sea beneath them began to stir. Streams of water jutted out, coalescing before the army, and taking the form of armored knights, rising up and holding their swords in front of them.
The one who summoned them approached. Barbara was now garbed in a light blue outfit befitting a dancer, with blue ribbon wrapped around her arms and legs. A blue veil guarded her face, and the Roman numeral 'XVII' was on the back of her dress. 
With a graceful maneuver, she summoned a pair of knights to her sides. She opened her eyes. "I'm going to have to ask you to turn and leave. I'd prefer to go through this without hurting anybody."
"Heh, you hearing this? I think the Renaissance restaurant's that way, sweetheart." the lead soldier responded.
Before he could continue, a large shield with a red cross flew in and struck him in the head, knocking him into the water, to the shock of the men behind him. The shield returned to the one who threw it, standing behind Barbara.
"If you're gonna be rude and ignore what the lady's telling you..." Kibō stepped forward, "then I'm just gonna have to hand out attitude adjustments. Ready, Barb?"
"As I'm ever gonna be." Barbara replied. "(I hope you can guide me through this, Mother Ocean. At least until the others get here.)"
Looking at the developing scenes from the top of Tokyo Tower was Genji, wearing brown armor and talking into a communicator. "Squad leaders, report in. How is the situation on your ends?"
"This is South Naruki squad. We're already meeting heavy resistance. The flagship's taking on water. It's not looking good."
"We're at the entrance to the city. That red-headed woman's no joke. Most of the troops have already ran off in fear. Ms. Heikō confronted her immediately and...has been terminated."
"Damn..." Genji shook his head. "Masayoshi..."
"I overheard." Masayoshi stared out at the city, cane in hand, wearing a black, tattered cloak with the Kawagami insignia on the front of it. "What of the others?"
"We've just entered Shinjuku. Some girl in a red hood is here--agh!"
"Eyes on the prize, morons! I've had harder times shooting cans at festivals!" Ibuki was overheard in the background.
"Please excuse my friend here, she's enjoying this a bit too much..." Tabby followed.
"Grr, so useless!" Genji griped. "Akihabara squad, report! What's the situation?!"
"...gkk...we...ah..." The feed was cutting out.
"Repeat that! What's happening over there?"
"Ah...sir...they're all...dead..."
"What?! How?! What's happening?!"
"It's just...one girl...how did...oh, no...no! Get away from--NO!"
The feed cut out.
"Come in! Squad leader, come in! Damn it!" Genji uttered in frustration. "Were we truly so ill-prepared? Are we really just fodder until that wolf man arrives?"
"I have no intention of being on the sideline while the brute takes his time. There are things that I must rectify first." Masayoshi responded.
"Should we go handle the Kubo woman, then?"
"No. Send my message out to our troops. If any of them should spot Kirumi or her oaf, we are to be alerted immediately. I will have her life for this. A sister for a sister."
"As you wish."
Over in Akihabara, hidden away beneath his store, Shinji was observing live camera feeds. "An all-out war going on here, of all places. This is as surreal as it gets." He turned to Carrie. "Any sign of the wolves?"
Carrie had her own display up. "None yet. They likely won't show themselves until either the invaders or our own forces are depleted. At the very least, we look to be holding our own."
Shinji took note of a muffled noise coming through the walls. "Should we be more concerned with what your friend's doing up there?"
"I wouldn't recommend taking a look." Carrie's screen showed the immediate vicinity, with numerous dots representing enemy soldiers disappearing at a rapid rate, as opposed to the one friendly moving quickly between them. "It's easy to forget with how even-tempered she usually is, just what kind of upbringing she had. I just hope the polite girl we know and love hasn't been locked away forever because of this."
---
"--gk!"
Ibuki knocked the soldier out with the blunt end of her bow. "Sheesh. That barely counts as a workout."
A number of beaten soldiers were strewn about the ground in an open area of Shinjuku.
"Oy, tabby cat. You can come out, now."
Tabby emerged from behind a large sign. "Sorry, you just looked like you had it all taken care of..."
"I could've left you a couple heads to knock around if you'd asked. Not like these jokers are offering much in the way of fighting back." Ibuki turned on her communicator. "Yo, Maxie. You as bored as I am fighting these clowns?"
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't expecting more." Max was flying through the skyline. 
"Maybe this was wolf man's plan. Psyche us out for a month before hitting us with nothing. Just a bunch of suits and some hire-a-mercs. Bet he's not even gonna show up."
"I wouldn't know how to feel if he didn't. Something isn't right. It's way too easy. Like he's trying to make us comfortable before..."
Max stopped his flight. "No. No, that's *exactly* what this is." He extended his communication feed to everyone in the city. "Everyone, keep up your guard. If it's too easy to be real, that's because it is. The Wolfpack's gonna show up the moment our intensity drops off."
"Copy that." Rin responded, walking away from the burning husk of the armored platoon. "I'll make my way to..." She paused. A noise echoed from up above.
"Professor? What's wrong?" Max asked.
"Did anyone else hear something?"
She looked up. Nothing unusual in the sky. Until she spotted an out-of-place red dot. It started to grow larger. That 'dot' soon became a mechanical box. And it was coming straight for her.
"...!" She began to move out of the way.
"HEAT SOURCE DETECTED. BEGINNING CONTAINMENT." a voice echoed from the box, which accelerated its descent.
Despite running, the box quickly made its way next to Rin. It changed its shape to that of a rectangular object resembling a sarcophagus. It opened up, then shut itself around Rin.
"Ugh! What is this..." Rin started a flame around her hands, then tried to hit the cold metal around her. The fire quickly petered out, leaving her to recoil from the futile hit. "Ow! Why did my flame go out?" 
She tried again, and again any fire she produced was extinguished almost immediately.
"HEAT SOURCE CONTAINED. STANDING BY FOR RETRIEVAL." the box sounded.
"...huh?" Kat uttered, on a building in Naruki.
"What's wrong?" Natalia asked.
"Prof...where'd she go?"
Meanwhile, Carrie stared at her screen. "What on Earth...?"
"What's going on?" Shinji asked.
"This can't be right...Professor Kubo's energy readings...they've completely vanished!"
"Wha...? There's no way...you don't think..."
Across the city, the reactions were a mixture of shock and confusion. 
"Rin-Rin...?" Tenko uttered.
"The hell...?" Shūjo mumbled.
"Hey, what's the big idea?! There's no way...where the hell did she go?!" Tan demanded.
At that moment, a shadow began to fall upon Tokyo. A crimson, hexagonal barrier began to encompass the entire city.
"The hell's this nonsense?" Tsutsugo questioned.
"Hey, Kenny? You getting the same kinda bad feeling I'm getting?" Sahir asked.
"I would make some kind of passive aggressive remark at this moment, but...yes. I am." Kenneth replied.
Standing at the very peak of Tokyo Tower, defying anything gravity would dictate he should be capable of, was a single individual. He clapped. Slowly. Soon, every television and computer screen in the city, big or small, started streaming his message.
"Hello, hello, hellooooo, my good morons! Welcome one and all, to my terrifying, deadly, not-suitable-for-younger-audiences performance!" Johnny bellowed.
"I'm already annoyed." Jin deadpanned.
"So, to answer your most pressing question: no, Ms. Apple Cider isn't dead. Yet, anyway. But she's currently locked away in a nifty little device called the Asbestomatic 3.0. I swear I didn't come up with that name. It's a neat toy built for one purpose: neutralizing any heat source and containing it. And I know it works, cuz it was built to hold *me*. So I can tell ya for a fact, she ain't getting out anytime soon."
"Son of a..." Jugo mumbled.
"What easier way to win a game of chess than gunning for the queen right from the start? Now she can sit back and enjoy the fireworks. Everyone she ever loved being brushed aside one after the other."
"Grr..." A bead of sweat trickled down Rin's face.
"You made a mistake showing your face. Now it's really go time." Max said.
---
In Earth-013's New York, Commander Max watched the feed, with his entire force behind him, ready to depart. "There you are, you sneering bastard. Cindy! Hit the switch! Time to finish this!"
"Roger that!" Cindy pushed a button on the controls.
The circular portal began to light up...
...but then, almost as quickly, it shorted out.
There was an eerie silence, followed by tense whispering. 
"What the hell...?" the Commander questioned. "Hit it again!"
"I'm trying! It won't turn on...!" Cindy proclaimed.
"We checked it all throughout yesterday...how is it malfunctioning now?" Letty questioned.
The Commander got a call. "Bobbi, don't tell me..."
"There a reason why our portal just shorted out?" Bobbi asked.
A third voice came on the call. "So it wasn't just us, then." Dasuke said.
"No. It very much wasn't." Emily also chimed in.
"What the blazes is going on?!" Commander Max angrily questioned.
Atop the tower in the other world, Johnny began to cackle. "BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, squirt, if I could see your face right now, it's gotta be priceless!"
"What...I don't understand. They should've been here by now..." Max uttered.
"They ain't coming, folks. It's in my brother's nature to show up when the slaughter's already finished."
"Bastard...!" The Commander grumbled.
"Let me fill you in on what's happening." Johnny pointed up. "See this barrier here? It's like the one I've got around my digs. Difference is I've had my labcoats make some...adjustments. Teleportation has its own set of rules, you see. Portals too. So all it took was isolating the moment when matter is transported and blocking it. In community college terms...I've completely disabled the ability for anyone to teleport in or out without my express say-so."
"Sneaky son of a--! Cind, can't ya do anything?!" Anna questioned.
"Not from here, I can't! It'd have to be turned off from the other side!" Cindy responded.
"So it would seem that my dear family and all their pals are gonna be late to the party. So there goes your fancy plan to take my powers away, too." Johnny explained.
Everyone watching was stunned. "Wha--he knew?!" Max couldn't believe it.
"How could he have found out? We made sure to cover our tracks!" Carrie questioned.
Emily watched from the island with her coven behind her, unsettled.
"Did you dorks seriously believe I'd leave something that important where I could see it, and *not* check up on it? I swear, y'all must think I was held back in grade school or something." Johnny put a hand to his ear. "Oh, what's that? Why, is that the sound of a bunch of hearts breaking at once? It must be!" He laughed.
"Prof is trapped...and our only way to win can't come through?" Kat uttered.
"So now what?! Are we...are we just screwed?!" Ibuki questioned.
"No...I don't believe it. We thought we were one step ahead, but...he had us pegged all along..." said Max in utter disbelief.
Johnny clapped his hands. "Y'all tried. And credit where it's due, that makes this a hell of a lot more fun for me. But I think my crew's been on their asses long enough. Let's get this hunt started!"
He whistled. Suddenly, large pillars of black flames fired up all around the city. The sound of barking wolves echoed throughout. Wolfpack soldiers numbering in the thousands began to step out from the shadowy fire.
As this unfolded, Tan and Kirumi watched from behind a building. "What's happening...this is utter madness!" she whispered.
"I don't know. But we've gotta get back to Rinnie. Wolf man won't be looking so smug once she gets out..." Tan replied.
"You'll not be going anywhere save for the grave."
Kirumi looked back. Masayoshi emerged from the shadows. "There you are, dear sister."
"...! Masayoshi...!"
On the south side of Naruki, Shūjo and Hiyoko looked up at the pillar erupting before them. It dispersed, and there stood the giant frame of Zhenlong, broadsword on his shoulders and smirk on his face.
Over in Shinjuku, Ibuki drew her bow, while a nervous-looking Tabby grabbed her knife. From the pillar of flame before them, an odd giggle echoed. Out flew the dark elf Noir. "'Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Let us hover through the fog and filthy air.'"
Elsewhere, near Naruki's market district, the other world's Rin appeared. Silently, she turned to face the buildings before her.
At Shibuya Crossing, Kat and Natalia observed a large group emerging from the fire, all of them clad in azure cloaks. At their rear were three individuals: Harold, his face still obscured by shadow, and his loyal guards, Horace and Robert. The old mage lifted his head, his black eyes looking squarely at the two girls.
And near Akihabara, a single man stepped out from a pillar to greet Kenneth and Sahir. "Let the festival of blood commence." Ezekiel sneered.
Atop the tower, Johnny put his hands together to mimic taking a picture. "Keep your eyes peeled, brother of mine. Your turn's gonna come soon. Yeah... first these Persona chumps, then every groupie you wanna throw at me. Today's the day. The Wolfpack's arrived, baby. And we're gonna purge you *all*."