Persona BLEACHED 4: Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Isle of Rain
December 7, 2031
Morning in the Kubo residence. The video feed kicked on.
"Good night, ladies--or morning, I guess from where you're at." Commander Max greeted.
"Thank you for your prompt response, Commander O'Donnell. We knew you would understand the gravity of this situation." Rin replied.
"Oh, of course. This is nothing new where my brother is concerned. I naively thought that he'd keep his insanity contained to our world, but I guess I was wrong. I hope you don't mind, I'll be bringing a couple of other people into this call."
The screen split up into three, Bobbi on one feed, Dasuke on another. 
"I believe you're already acquainted with my sister, Bobbi."
"Yes, we have met once before. Good to be seeing you again, Judge O'Donnell." Rose greeted.
"No need to be so formal, Dr. Wolfe. Bobbi is just fine by me. Hope you don't mind the ah, tropical backdrop I have here. I'm helping out with the rebuilding efforts from Johnny's last attack." Bobbi replied.
"As for the gentleman to my right, this is Dasuke Sorenos, commander of P.D.F. Tokyo." the Commander introduced.
"Well met, Professor, Doctor. We have plenty of experience with the Wolfpack, just as my friend here does. I can assure you that we will not be standing idle in regards to this latest threat." Dasuke greeted. "I do have one thing I'd like to bring up first. Max informed me that you encountered a large man who called himself the 'Immortal Dragon King', yes?"
"Yes, that's correct. He attacked one of our friends and destroyed his fishing vessel. I'm going to assume by the look of your eyes that you know this man." Rose replied.
"Zhenlong, yes. I know him very well. He is..." Dasuke paused. "He was once the king of our race of draconids, back when we were far more populous than we are now. But those days have long since passed. Now he is just another criminal. One who I should have dealt with long ago. My apologies for the attack on your friend."
"Don't take that guilt on yourself, Commander. I can tell you that it isn't healthy. My friend is recovering well in his bed and close to being his old lively self." Rin replied.
"'Lively' is one word for it." Rose quipped.
"Back on topic, as you can see I've already taken the liberty of asking a few other factions for help. We've let the Wolfpack crawl around for far too long. Now they're going and sinking their teeth into other people's matters. It's time we put a stop to it, once and for all." Commander Max dictated.
"The people where I'm at are more scientists than warriors. But they will lend their aid where possible. Especially after the Wolfpack ravaged their home. And I'm no slouch when it comes to battle." Bobbi assured.
"I thank you all for this. Our group is mighty, but admittedly small compared to the resources you have. Your help would definitely shift the odds in our favor." Rin thanked.
"I suspect, however, that your brother will be anticipating your intervention." Rose added.
"Oh, we don't doubt that for a second." Bobbi replied.
"Fact is, that's probably his end goal in telling you all about his attack. He usually doesn't announce when he's about to send his army out. He wanted you to come to us. Probably wants to wipe us all off the board in one move." Commander Max agreed.
"Staying here and doing nothing would be a far graver mistake than willingly walking into his trap. We've seen what they're capable of doing to innocent civilians. Do you have some kind of evacuation plan in place?" Dasuke asked.
"I've formulated a way to get the people out without a panic. It's extremely risky, but it's the only option. Our powers are drawn from the cognitive world we call the Metaverse. My mother holds a great deal of power there. We plan to induce sleep unto the entire populace who don't have any spiritual awareness, then transport them into stasis pods that were constructed many, many years ago for large-scale emergencies. They will awaken only once the threat has passed." Rose replied.
"With no knowledge of how Tokyo was damaged the way I believe it will be. We'll have to devise a cover story--an earthquake, most likely. I hate manipulating minds on such a huge scale as this, but it's either that, or leave millions of people to get caught in a massive battle." Rin added.
"Times such as these force us to make difficult decisions, Professor. If it is ultimately for their safety, then it is worth the risk." Dasuke replied.
"Now if only we knew when he was planning to attack. He'll need time to gather his forces together. But we probably won't know until he's just about ready to launch his assault." Bobbi surmised.
"Which means we'll need to be prepared as soon as the new year kicks in. He's usually not one to keep his word, but this time I think he's serious about his time-frame. We'll pool all of our available resources together to be ready for him. You have our word on that." Commander Max assured.
"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. We'll teach these wolves that we aren't so easily intimidated." Rin said.
"...and Mr. Jadefang?" Rose spoke.
The younger Max poked his head into view. "...yes?"
"Don't blame yourself for this. Nobody could've foreseen this happening. What matters now is that we put a stop to it. Okay?"
"...yes, ma'am."
The older Max patted him on the back. "Put some effort into it! We're gonna kick ass out there, right kiddo?!"
"Y-yes, sir." The younger looked flustered. Bobbi shook her head. Dasuke looked amused.
"Keep us posted on when we're mobilizing. We're trusting that you're fully prepared for when the moment of truth comes. Good luck, Professor." Bobbi said.
"Here's to fortune in the coming battle." Dasuke bid.
"Cheers, you all. Keep those spirits up." Commander Max added.
"Thank you. See you when the time is near." Rin said. The feed cut out.
"Mama...?" Shizuka emerged from her room, having just woken up.
"Good morning, lovebug. Did we wake you up?"
"Nuh-uh. Who were you talking to?"
"Oh, it was just a work call. Nothing to worry about. Hey, why don't we go out for some breakfast? I can call Uncle Tan and Aunt Kirumi and see if they're up for it."
"Okay."
"Then we can talk about that big family vacation next month. Maybe somewhere overseas. Then you can get on a plane for the first time. Won't that be exciting?"
"(How is she this calm after we just had what can best be described as a war council? And talking about a vacation next month when...)" Rose took a closer look. "(No. She isn't calm at all. Her body language is totally off. She's *horrified*. But she can't let Shizuka know that. Everything has to seem completely normal to her. And maybe it's something Rin has to tell herself. That there *is* going to be a time after to have fun. That life will continue and we'll all make it through this.)"
"I'll go ahead and call Kirumi. I'm in the mood for pancakes." Rose gave Rin a reassuring glance.
"Thank you, Rose." Rin replied.
"(Is all this pretending healthy? Probably not. But it's what's needed. We can still give her a good Christmas. The world hasn't crumbled away yet. Until then...)"
---
Over in the P.D.F. New York office, Commander Max sighed. "Guess it's about that time, huh? This day was gonna get here sooner or later."
He looked to his clearly troubled younger counterpart. "Hey, kid. Why don't you call it a day? I'll bet Cindy has a series she's ready to binge."
"Yeah, that sounds good right about now." Max replied.
"It's gonna be alright, kid. With all the strength we'll be throwing out there, we're bound to come out on top. I'm not ready to call it a career just yet. Ain't that right, Em?"
Emily was in the corner of the room. "Not until every score's been settled. Speaking of which, Mr. Jadefang, there's something you should know. About our next move."
"And what would that be?" Max asked.
"Johnny's message was that he was going to bring as many friendlies as he could dig up. Outside of the Wolfpack, I know one force that he'll go to whose interests align with his. Namely, destroying our whole operation. I believe he's going to ask Harold Dystergaard's clan for help."
"Harold...? You mean the guy who..."
"Yes. Him." Emily bluntly replied.
"I don't need to tell you what score needs settling there. But if it plays out like I think, then the two men who've haunted me for the longest time are gonna be on the same battlefield in your Tokyo." the Commander said.
"Well that's...not good. You said he's a crazy powerful sorcerer, right?" Max asked.
"One of the strongest. And he commands a clan of highly capable magic users, on top of it all. The opportunity to face the two of us in combat might be too good to pass up." Emily said.
"We've been hunting him down for over twenty years, and now he might just come to us. I need us to be absolutely prepared if and when his clan shows up. There's just one more group I need to request help from." the Commander spoke. "Emily, you have the driver's seat for this. Is it finally alright?"
Emily paused. "Yes. I do believe that it is. Mr. Jadefang, you'll be coming along, as well. It would be best to give a visible face to your world's plight."
"Where exactly are we going?" Max asked.
"Somewhere I never thought I'd be allowed to return to. The Isle of the Mother Goddess. The home of Emily's coven." the Commander answered.
"It is an island inhabited only by women and girls. Contact with the outside world has become increasingly rare. Only a witch born of the island knows exactly where it is." Emily explained.
"I'm one of the few outsiders that's ever set foot on that island. But I haven't been since...you know."
"If they're so secretive, would they be willing to help us?" Max asked.
"If I'm the one asking. And if I tell them that their most hated adversary is likely to make an appearance." Emily replied. "My coven and Harold's clan have resented one another for many a year. His murder of my mother cemented his status as one who should be struck down on sight. It may take some convincing, but I'm sure I can get them to agree."
"Any amount of backup would help. Hopefully they see things our way."
"We'll head out first thing in the morning. Try to get some shut-eye, Starbolt. That island's like nothing you've ever seen before." the Commander advised.
"I just got back from Not-Atlantis."
"I can take you back to your apartment." Emily opened a portal. Max stepped through. "...Dad?"
"Yeah, Em?" the Commander asked.
"You should take your own advice. Tomorrow is important for a number of reasons. Best to preserve your energy."
"Now you're really starting to sound like your mother. I'll be fine. I just...don't know what I'll say when I get there."
"No matter what it is, I'm sure she'll hear it. And, Dad...?"
"Yeah?"
"...I'll save it for tomorrow. Have a good night." Emily walked through the portal, which closed behind her.
The Commander sighed, then sat down at his desk. "...twenty-plus years to think about it, and I still don't have the words."
He thought back to his younger days, sitting on a park bench nervously with Carrie, clumsily dropping his drink and scrambling to clean it up. She could only laugh, smiling a warm smile that belied her witch-esque appearance.
"I never did have the words...things really haven't changed at all."
Back at his apartment, took off his work jacket. "Thanks for the short ride back. The less time I have to spend in the cold, the better."
"You're welcome. Now I know you don't want to keep my sister waiting, but there is something I'd like to discuss." Emily replied.
"I could sense that coming. Look, I know it's not my fault that this is happening. But my home and the people I care about are in real danger. I just...don't know how I can pretend everything's okay when I know what's coming."
"The best thing to do is to maintain a good mindset. Don't let these things get in your head and cripple you with terror before the battle even starts. But...it's not you I'm worried about. It's my father. You see, the Island of the Mother Goddess isn't just where my mother was born and raised. It's where she's buried. And Dad hasn't been permitted onto the island to visit her grave."
"He's never even been to her grave? Were you two on bad enough terms that you wouldn't let him have that?"
"It was never my decision. The coven's leadership forbid him from returning. But now things are different. *I* am the coven's leadership. And I want him to find the peace that's eluded him all these years. I can accept that he's moved on with Violet. But I know part of him still loves my mother. The day will likely never come where he'll forgive himself for losing her. And true peace might not arrive until Harold has been removed from this world. But at the very least...I want to give him the chance to say goodbye."
"And here I used to think you hated the man. I hope your, uh, coven is as forgiving as you are."
"Time will tell. Now I think it's time you diffused for the night, Mr. Jadefang. Cindy is probably burrowing a hole in the floor pacing and waiting."
"I'll get right on that. See you when I see you."
Max departed.
"...I hope they're in a forgiving mood, too. For Dad's sake...and maybe even your world's." Emily mused.
---
Morning arrived at Emily's apartment in Queens. 
"Hi, Muno." Commander Max greeted.
"Caw." the bird responded.
"Your mom giving you the good seed lately?"
"He'd take nothing less. He'd rather go hungry than eat subpar seed." Emily said.
"Caaaaw."
"Don't give me that, you know how picky you can be. Once I had to special order it from Ireland."
"And here I thought Kenneth was fussy with his food." Max said.
"Craaaw." the bird grumbled, before perching himself on Emily's shoulder.
"Alright. Are you two ready?" she asked.
"If I can't face them now, I don't have the right to call myself a commander. Take us home, Em." Commander Max affirmed.
"As you wish."
A black sigil appeared beneath her feet. Energy crackled from it, as she opened her eyes, themselves now darkened.
"OH DIVINE MOTHER GODDESS. ACCEPT YOUR VESSEL INTO YOUR LOVING EMBRACE ONCE MORE." her voice echoed.
Shadows rose from the ground, swallowing everyone up.
"Uhhh, is this safe? Hello--" Max uttered, before being consumed by the darkness.
---
"...gah!"
Max opened his eyes. "Sheesh, that was freaky. You could've warned...uh."
The three were now on an island. Everything looked to be frozen in time, as now wind was blowing. What startled Max the most, however, was the color--or lack thereof. Everything, themselves included, was in black and white, as if they had been transported into an old movie.
"Hey...where'd the color go?"
"Told you it was like nothing you've seen." the Commander replied.
"The coven lies deep within these woods, at the island's center." Emily said.
"Well, where else would a bunch of witches set up if not some big, spooky woods? *Without any color?*" Max reiterated.
"Stay close to me. These woods have been fortified with many a defensive hex. You could easily end up being turned around. Or worse."
"What're the odds of this place ever being broken into? I don't even know where we're at right now!"
"The coven is extremely secretive, if you couldn't tell already. This place isn't on any map. Doesn't show up on any of our radars. It exists completely outside of the rest of the world. They don't want any outsiders disturbing them." Commander Max responded.
"And now here we are, about to disturb them."
"You have nothing to fear with me present. But I must say it again. Stay close." Emily instructed. "Lead the way, Muno."
The crow flew off into the woods. Emily followed close.
"I'm going to die in these woods, aren't I?" Max questioned.
"Just don't get on their bad side, and you ought to be fine. Me, on the other hand..." the Commander replied.
The two followed Emily into the woods. The eerie atmosphere only intensified with every step further through the trees. After a couple minutes of walking, the silence was broken by what sounded like people whispering.
"I'm...not going crazy, am I? You hear that too, right?" Max asked.
"The woods are just trying to psych you out, kiddo. Push it out of your mind." the Commander advised. "I was like that the first time Carrie brought me here. It's like the witches are testing your resolve. If you're just some coward who wandered in, you'll get turned around and lose track of where you're at. Then you'll never find the village."
"I don't know how you can be so calm saying that stuff."
"Honestly, you're better off than I was. I was shaking in my boots the first time I came here. Just a dumb rookie that hadn't met a real witch before. This place blew my mind..."
As the commander continued talking, the whispers Max was hearing seemed to decrease in volume. But his attention was soon diverted elsewhere.
"...Maxie..."
He froze. He looked around. 
"(That voice...it can't be, can it?)"
"Maxie...I'm here, Maxie..."
Something caught his eye. 
Through the trees, he could see a figure shrouded in shadow.
"Come here, Sparkplug...I miss you so much...come and be with me..."
"Ibuki? Why are you..."
Max stepped toward the shadow. He was grabbed before going any further.
"Don't." Emily warned.
"But that's...that's my girlfriend over there! How can she be--"
"It's not her, kid. I warned you, this place messes with your head in the worst ways. You follow her in there, you're never getting out." Commander Max cautioned.
"....."
"Maxie...please, come here, Maxie..." The shadow repeated itself, almost in a mocking tone.
"Come on, kid. Want to know how I know we're being messed with? I don't hear your girlfriend. I don't think I need to tell you who I'm hearing right now." the Commander urged.
"....." Max looked unnerved.
"Just keep hold of my hand and we'll get through alright." Emily noted his expression. "You know better than I, Mr. Jadefang. She is a world away from here. If you want to return to her, you'll tune out that wraith and keep close to me."
Max stayed silent, and followed Emily as she kept walking. Soon, 'Ibuki's' pleas faded out. Deeper and deeper they went into the sepia-toned forest.
"So are we getting close to this village of yours, or is your sense of direction not as good as you'd like me to believe?" Max asked.
"It's just a little bit further. Keep your wits about--" Emily began.
A rustling noise. "Is this where the evil forest guardian comes out to eat us alive?"
Something emerged from a bush. A cat, the same tone as everything else.
"It's just a cat. Still alive and kicking, huh?" the Commander asked.
"Grrrrr..." the cat growled.
"Naughty kitty, where are you going? Hm?" The cat's owner came through the trees. "Emilia? What are you doing here?"
"Hello, Natalie. I came to speak with the elder." Emily replied.
"And I see you brought Max the younger and...Max the older."
"Hello, Natalie. It's been a while. Still running around with this bag of fleas, huh?" the Commander asked.
"Still keeping the posture of an untrained rookie despite your lofty position, I see. How very unsightly, 'Commander'."
"Enough. We can catch up later. I need you to take us to the village." Emily requested.
"I'm more than happy to, little bird, but...you know how they're going to react to *him*, don't you?" 
"Whatever ancient history you've got going on, we have to put that aside. Something bad's come up, and we could really use your help. Please, take us to your village." Max asked.
"Far more of a direct fellow than this aging geezer, aren't you? I can't much say no to that. Come this way."
"As charming as ever, you crazy old cat lady." the Commander responded.
"You know I *could* just leave you for the groundhogs to eat."
"Oh come on, there's no man-eating groundhogs out here...right?" Max asked.
The group soon exited the woods. The village they entered consisted of many a wooden building, short of many of the modern appliances that were commonplace in society. Towering over the village was a large stone statue of a robed woman holding a staff in one hand, and a wreath in the other.
"Welcome to the home of the Mother Goddess' chosen, the Blackthorne Clan. I hope you charged your phone before you came here, Mr. Jadefang. You'll be hard-pressed to find an outlet." Natalie advised.
"Never thought I'd see a place like this when everything else in the world's covered in tech." Max replied.
"Keeping the old ways alive is part of the coven lifestyle. Easier to do when we're isolated from the rest of society." Emily replied.
As they walked through, many of the all-female citizens gave the group looks, and whispered amongst themselves.
"Hey, have I done something to offend anyone? Or are they just that awed by you?" Max asked.
"It's not you they're whispering about." the Commander replied. "Guess they haven't forgotten me after all."
"No, I'm afraid not. If you haven't thought of what to say yet, now would be a good time." Natalie advised.
The group arrived at the base of the statue. There, an older woman, wearing a dark cloak, looked up towards it.
"Elder Cleandra, I've returned. And I've brought a few guests with me." Natalie respectfully said.
Emily stepped forward. "Great elder, I thank you for your audience. I have come to--"
"Dearest Emilia. Daughter of my only child. It has been far too long since you returned to the gaze of the Mother Goddess. I know that you are wise to our history. So tell me, child..." Cleandra turned around. "...why have you permitted this man to step foot in this village?"
By this time, the other villagers had all gathered to observe. Emily turned to her father. He stepped forward. "Lady Cleandra. It has been many a year. I wanted to start by--"
"Hold your tongue."
The elder walked up to the Commander. "Look me in the eye."
He looked up. She proceeded to slap him.
Max tried moving, but Emily held him back. His older counterpart held his head back up as he rubbed his cheek.
"How *dare* you return here? Do you have no shame? Do not think for a second that I'm unaware of current goings-on, 'Commander'. To have such a title as that, yet not have the courage to look me in the eye when speaking to me. Not even your younger self was such a coward. That man could look at me. He promised me that he would protect my daughter for the rest of his days. And he returned her to me in a coffin!"
"....." The Commander could do nothing but stand in silence.
"And where is the dastard who took her life? Have you still not brought him to justice? Is he not still roaming the land, taking more lives as he goes? And what of your wicked brother? The one who stole our knowledge and now uses it to sow chaos across the entire planet? What an efficient leader you have become, to let these men who desecrated our coven roam free!"
"Now wait just a--" Max spoke up.
Emily halted him. "Grandmother, I understand your anger. I brought him here because I believe that holding onto painful grudges is more harmful than anything. Mother's death weighs on him, I know it. Muno tells me everything. Please just--"
The elder raised her hand. "I'll hear none of it. Not from this coward's lips. If that is all you wish to discuss, then you should return home. We are done here." She turned back around.
"You're right. About everything. I am a coward." Commander Max spoke up. "I promised to protect Carrie, and I couldn't. I was weak, and she died because of it. And for all that my position gives me, I haven't been able to stop Johnny or Harold. All the heartache they've caused falls on my shoulders. I'm never going to forgive myself for losing her. I've wanted payback for years, but I don't have the right to seek it out. I've failed so many people. Carrie...she helped me keep it together. Her whole life with me was a blessing. Losing that life is my greatest failure."
He turned around. "Coming here was a mistake. I'm sorry I couldn't protect her. And that by letting Harold and my brother live, I'm failing even more people. I'll turn back and never return if that's what you want."
"Dad, please--" Emily uttered.
"What BULLSHIT!" Max exclaimed. The outburst surprised everyone present.
"Kid?" the Commander uttered.
"So you're just gonna turn around and leave, huh? Give up, just like that? Go home and back to your self-pity party? I get it. Trust me, I GET IT. It's so much easier to blame yourself for the bad things that happen instead of the assholes that are really responsible. Would your Carrie be okay with you going home without at least trying to make peace?"
"I...that's..."
"What kind of commander throws in the towel at the first sign of resistance? You knew it wasn't gonna be easy, didn't you? You know none of this is your fault! Stand up for yourself, damn you!"
"Where on earth is this coming from...?" Emily uttered.
"Credit my crazy girlfriend and crazier ex-girlfriend for knowing when someone needs a kick in the balls to snap them out of their funk. Look, old man. I need you to put this to bed. My home's in danger of being obliterated. If I can learn to stop blaming myself for every shitty thing that's happened to me, so can you. So man up and take care of your business, okay?"
"....." Commander Max was speechless. "...know what, kid? If I had half your spine when I was your age, we wouldn't be here right now. Guess I've gotta set a better example, huh?"
"And just who is this young man who's clearly forgotten proper decorum?" the elder asked.
Max realized how loose he'd been with his speech. "(Crap...what a time to channel Kitty Kat.)"
"Grandmother, this is Max Jadefang. He's my father's counterpart from another world." Emily disclosed.
"Another world, you say? And what exactly brings him here?" the elder asked.
"It's a long story. But as for why I'm here specifically, well...I need your help." Max replied.
"What exactly could you need our help with?"
"It has to do with what you were mentioning earlier. My world's being threatened by Johnny O'Donnell and the Wolfpack. In about a month's time, he's going to gather up his forces and attack the city I call home. Millions of people, friends and family included, are in serious danger. The people of my world aren't as prepared to withstand such an assault. Only a select few have the power to fight back against them. That's why we're asking everyone we possibly can to lend us their aid."
"There is also a strong possibility that Harold Dystergaard's clan will be asked to partake in the assault." Emily added.
"That crooked old bastard *would* be more than happy to join in." Natalie commented.
"If all of these people wronged you, then here's your opportunity to finally see justice done. And if what you said is true, and Johnny's power comes from your magic, then you must know how to defeat him." Max continued.
"That is impossible." the elder replied.
"Nobody's invincible. Not even him."
"He gained his power from forbidden tomes. His source lies in the depths of the human spirit. It would take an unfathomable amount of fortitude to overcome him. Young man. We have remained hidden from the world for centuries. The evils of Johnathan O'Donnell and his ilk are precisely why it is necessary. However...to turn a blind eye to others' plight would be dishonorable when we ourselves have faced such danger. So we will lend you our strength...on one condition."
"Name it."
"You must prove that you can overcome that despicable man. Natalie."
"Yes, Auntie?" Natalie asked.
"Take Mr. Jadefang to the woods. Teach him about what really fuels Johnathan O'Donnell's incomparable strength. Emilia. You are to come with me. You and...that man."
"Thank you, Grandmother." Emily responded.
"I'll try not to add more fuel to the fire." the Commander added.
"The fact you still stand is itself a minor miracle." Natalie chimed. "Alright, boy. Come with me. Time for a lesson."
"(I bought us an opportunity. Now I just need to survive whatever this is. Off to the spooky woods it is.)" Max thought.
---
"Alright. This should be far enough." Natalie said, now within the woods. Esme was perched on her shoulder.
"Is this where I'm sacrificed to the Mother Goddess for swearing in her village?" Max asked.
"I have a question, Mr. Jadefang. On your way here, did you experience anything...unusual? Did the forest show you anything that only you could perceive?"
"Matter of fact, it did. I saw something that looked and sounded like my girlfriend. Even used her nickname for me. I knew it couldn't have been her, but there was a part of my brain that was believing it."
"It is a hex that targets a person's innermost desires. Takes them far away from the village if they're foolish enough to follow it. It's unique to the individual seeing it. Its base is the same as the magic that dwells within Johnny O'Donnell."
"Just where does it come from? All that strength?"
"To understand that, you have to understand where the man came from. Only then will you see the depth of the challenge that lies before you."
Esme's eyes glowed, and lights shone out from them, culminating in images stylized to resemble a graphic novel. At the center was Johnny, in a P.D.F. uniform, more muscular and with shorter hair, and wielding a rifle.
"Before the Wolfpack--before his soul was consumed by malice--Johnny was a soldier of the Defense Force. His skill with a gun was matched only by his ferocity in combat. The type to shoot first, ask questions if he felt like it. He had the respect of many of the newer agents. But where the veterans were concerned, he illicited a different emotion: fear. Even before he tapped into forbidden power, his strength was enough to make even seasoned agents nervous." Natalie explained.
"So what pushed him over the edge?"
"The oldest motive known to man. Envy. He was the mightiest soldier on the planet, but his reputation for brutality kept him from being considered for more high-profile positions. He needed only look at his own flesh and blood to see what had eluded him. Even after his wife's passing, Max had found love again and was steadily making his way up the ranks. Barbara, too, was making strides both on the battlefield and in the courts. Johnny's own relationship, even with a newborn child, was quickly falling apart. He couldn't stand it. So he sought out anything that could remind the P.D.F. who the bigger O'Donnell was."
"And that's when he got hold of your coven's tomes. How could he have done that when only witches from here even know how to get through this forest?"
"Through the hallmark of many a sociopath: his unnatural charisma. In case you haven't noticed, there are no men here. We've kept our bloodlines going by visiting the islands close to our general location. One such island is home to a Defense Force training facility. It's where your counterpart met Carrie all those years ago. Johnny knew where to look. He found a younger girl, venturing out for the first time and unaware of the world's dangers. He regaled her with tales of his strength. She was in awe. He convinced her to take him to her village. She guided him through the forest, and once here, he made his way to our archives. The tome he took was the Oracle of Fear. Have you been told of the Necrofog?"
"Told about it and breathed it in myself once."
"Then you know where his power comes from. What he's been feeding off of for much of his life. Fear. The most rational yet irrational of instincts. The Necrofog draws out its victims' deepest insecurities and makes them reality. That sense of terror is what ultimately gives him his strength. Generations of people, soldiers or otherwise, have been given reason to fear him. And no matter how much one tries to say that they aren't afraid, there is no way to face him without exuding some kind of fear."
"But...not being afraid is the way to beat him, isn't it? My friends and I hurt him. Just barely, but we did. My friends didn't know who he was back then."
"But they do now. He survived your attack. They've seen what he's capable of and what he intends to do. No creature is immune to fear. Let me show what I mean."
Sparks emitted from Natalie's fingertips, as shadows fell upon Max. He shielded his eyes. When he looked again, the surroundings were completely dark. "(More mind games, I'm guessing. Gonna hit me with the old man again, or...)"
He could make out a shape. A figure with their back turned.
"What are you seeing, Mr. Jadefang?" Natalie's voice echoed out.
"....."
The figure turned around to look at Max. Even without color, he could make out the lights on the armor. The lightning bolt symbol on its chest.
"(Of course. Not the old man. Not Johnny. Not even 'Bemular'. The thing I'm most afraid of...)"
"...is me." Captain Thunder spoke.
"I destroyed you. You're not real."
"Aren't I? You can't kill an idea, Max. I'm everything you've ever wanted. Heroic. Powerful. We were minutes away from being the god of this world. But then you had to go soft. Is it fun, being complacent? Just *existing*? Letting a thief have all the adoration we deserve?"
"I'm through with that horse shit. Wanting power because I'm jealous, or I want respect...I know where that leads. You can stay buried in the past where you belong." Max materialized his weapon. He slashed down at the armored figure, who dispersed, along with the shadows.
Natalie looked at him. "What did you see?"
"...me. It's me. The things I've done...that I know I'm capable of. So much of it sounds exactly like what happened to Johnny. Becoming a monster like that...that's what terrifies me. And from what you're telling me...there's no way to go up against him without feeling fear."
"It's one thing to tell yourself that you're not afraid. To withhold that fear. It's another to be completely bereft of it. Everyone is afraid of something. Of dying, of having loved ones hurt, of losing their place in life. His power digs into the very core of a person's spirit. And it feeds on it. What I'm conveying to you is...even if we were to help you fight off his horde, Dystergaard's clan and anyone else he throws at you, to combat an invincible terror would be suicide."
Max began to think. "(Is it really impossible? He can't be unbeatable...he just can't be! If we can't come up with a way to stop him, then...)"
He could picture it in his mind. Tokyo in flames, and Johnny standing upon a pile of corpses, a grin on his face.
"(No...I can't accept that! But if we can't overpower him, then...)"
He had an idea.
"Wait...is there any way to weaken him?"
"Hm?"
"Like, is there a way to undo the magic that's been fueling him? Maybe it's in that tome he stole."
"Hmmm...you might be on to something. But even if there were, there's a slight problem with that plan. He still has the tome, likely secure within the Wolfpack's base."
"Then we steal it right back! It's either that, or my friends are done for. We're short on time and low on options. I'll go grab it myself if I have to."
"That won't be necessary."
Emily appeared, with the elder in tow.
"Madame, I need to know. The tome that Johnny stole, does it contain a way to undo the effect it's had on him? If there isn't a way to get past that power, then our only option is to remove it. Please tell me there's a way to do that." Max asked.
"....." The elder looked pensive. "There is indeed a way to do away with the hexes that give him his strength. However..."
"However?"
"You see the effect it's had on his mind. He's transformed from a soldier with violent tendencies to the personification of chaos. Those tomes are kept locked away for a good reason. Only a witch adept at wielding the dark arts could utilize its pages effectively, and even then there are inherent risks. There is only one witch alive who could cast the spell with the lowest possible chance of it having adverse effects."
"Only one, huh? And I'm gonna guess..." Max looked at Emily. "...that I'm looking at her right now."
"You would be right." she replied.
"Emilia, I must advise against--" Cleandra spoke.
"I am the Arch-Witch, Grandmother. Our magic is being used to bring harm to others. It is my duty to right that wrong. I've studied and honed my abilities for a moment exactly like this one. If I were to turn my back on people in need when I could have helped them, I'd be undeserving of my title. And I could never face Mother again."
The elder was astonished. "Hm. So your mother wasn't enough. You have to try to break my heart, as well. Mr. Jadefang?"
"Yes, ma'am?" Max asked.
"I needn't remind you of the tremendous risk that you are taking. But if you are able to retrieve our tome, we will be in your debt. The Isle of the Mother Goddess would stand and fight against these heathens alongside you."
"But you have to know that there's a 'however' coming." Natalie chimed in.
"I figured as much." Mac responded.
"The Wolfpack's central base is located off the coast of Scotland. The problem--the reason why nobody's been able to overthrow it--is that it's surrounded by a barrier built to repel magic. It's only lifted whenever they enter or exit the base, but not a second longer than necessary. It's the only opportunity to get in or out, but slipping in unnoticed during that time is impossible." Emily responds.
"The only other way in would be to shut down the barrier, but the tech-lovers in New York still haven't figured out how to do that, have they?" Natalie asked.
"If they had, we wouldn't be having this conversation. However...we do have another route open to us." Emily looked at Max.
"I see what you're thinking. I don't play by the same ruleset that you all do. The barrier wouldn't be a problem for me." Max replied.
"You should be able to get into the base without issue. But there's only one other person in this world it wouldn't effect, that being Cindy. I don't know if it's a sound idea to send the two of you alone into the heart of the enemy's headquarters."
"You're right, it wouldn't be. So we get backup from my neck of the woods. I know some guys who can pull off a heist. They won't say no. They came here to help once already."
"Have these people ever faced down a world-class threat before?" the elder asked.
"Yeah. Me."
He was met with silence.
"We'll get that tome of yours back. Then you can work on taking his power away. He's as good as finished after that."
"Don't assume the path will be straightforward. Even before his corruption, he was a powerful combatant. Removing the hex wouldn't de-power him completely. But it should make our task much easier." Emily replied.
"Well, Auntie? Any objections?" Natalie asked.
"I have only one thing to say, young man. If you are to do this, then do not fail. The consequences would be catastrophic." the elder replied.
"Wouldn't dream of it. Besides, our leader wouldn't allow it. She's as stubborn as they come." Max replied. "Hey, I just realized...where's your old man?"
"Oh. He needed his privacy. I trust you know why." Emily replied.
---
Located just outside the village was a cemetery. Above the gate was an iron sign, that read 'Ager Reunionis'. The headstones on display here had no dates on them, or any other inscription save for the names of the interned.
Only one person was present within the gate. The Commander was looking down, hands in his pockets. The headstone he was looking at bore the name of 'Caroline Blackthorne'.
"....."
He'd had over twenty years to think of what to say. Even then, words were escaping him at this moment. So he elected to go with the first he'd ever said to her.
"Hey." He looked uncomfortable. "Sorry I took so long. A lot of things have changed, if you couldn't tell. You always said I could make commander one day if I kept working. I always thought you were crazy. Losing you...it forced me to grow up in a lot of ways. I had to make things better for Emily. But everything I did only made her resent me more. I got to where I could give her anything she wanted, but...all she wanted was you."
"I hope you aren't upset about me and Letty. I know you'd want me to be happy, but she was your friend. She misses you too, you know. And as crazy as it sounds, I think you would've loved Cindy. She's got that infectious energy you had, just turned up to 11. And Emily has your down-to-earth wisdom. Looks a lot like you, too. I just wish she'd smile more. Not that I've given her much reason to. When she does, it's yours. That's what always goes through my head. I miss your smile. It's what'd calm me down after a bad training session or just a bad day in general. And I could really use it right now."
He sat down beside the grave. "I've made so many mistakes. Naruki. Letting Harold and Johnny run around for as long as they have. But the worst, well...you should already know. But no matter how much I screwed up, you'd always give me that smile. It could fix a flat tire it was so good. I'm sorry that I...I couldn't protect it."
He tried clearing his face. "Honestly, I wonder how much I've actually changed these last twenty years. But none of this would matter if we finally bring them down. It's the first time in a long time where I feel like it might actually be over soon. One way or the other. If we end up winning, I'll come back and tell you all about it. If we don't...well, guess I'll still tell you about it."
He thought about what else he should say. His answer was probably the simplest.
"I love you. That is never going to change. And even if I can't stop my brother, I'm going to bring Harold down or die trying. I'll be able to say I did one thing right. If I can't do that, then I have no right to face you again. I swear, you and everyone else who died that day won't go unavenged. I won't let them destroy anything or anyone else."
"....." He went silent. "I half expected you to come back with something witty to cheer me up. I'm lucky that Letty understands. Anyone else seeing a guy obsessing over his dead first wife would probably pack up and leave. Maybe I really haven't changed..."
"...Dad?"
He looked up. "Oh, Em. You finally finished with the kid? Natalie didn't scar him too much, I hope."
"No, everything's fine. We actually may have a plan to help fight Johnny, if you wanted to..."
"Oh, yeah, I'm all ears. I was just finishing catching up with your mom."
Muno flew onto Emily's shoulder. "I had him keep an eye on you. I just...needed to know something."
She knelt down, and put her hands on his. "I'm sorry for...being so upset for all these years. I never should've doubted your love for her. I wanted to say yesterday that I wasn't upset anymore. We can make things right, together. And that starts with settling the old score."
The Commander finally lost his composure. He embraced a stunned Emily.
"...you're hugging me."
"Give me this one moment, okay?"
She lightly patted him on the back. "...I hope you're enjoying this, Mother."
---
A secret location, deep within a mountain cavern.
Figures in blue robes were lined up beneath a throne. One figure was seated, their face obscured. 
Footsteps echoed. "Cozy little hideaway you've got here, Harry." Johnny chimed. Ezekiel and several Wolfpack grunts trailed him.
"Johnathan. To what do I owe this...visit?" the one on the throne asked.
"Hunh, you sound a bit off, Harry. Strep throat? That can be a real bitch."
Harold removed his hood.
Johnny raised an eyebrow. "Hoooo. That face is gonna turn some heads."
"I'll ask again. What do you want?"
"I was just gonna invite ya to the party of the century."
"I've heard about your...'parties'. Why would I attend?"
"Cuz broski's gonna be there. Along with his snooty brat. Thought you'd like another crack at them. And cuz I came bearing gifts. Zeke?"
"Bring them in." Ezekiel ordered.
Two Wolfpack grunts brought forth two men in prison uniforms. One was a disheveled and nervous Horace, right hand of Harold. The other was a younger man with long dark hair and scars across his cheek, resembling claw marks.
"Brother Horace. Brother Robert. You have returned." Harold said.
"B-Brother Harold, we have. Freed from their horrible prison at last!" Horace exclaimed.
"And now owing the Wolfpack a favor. Lovely." Robert uttered.
"Relax, pretty boy. It's gonna be a fun time for everyone. Your ex is gonna bring her witchy self there, and you can thank her for the nice facial tattoo you've got there." Johnny responded. "So, Harry. You in the partying mood now?"
Harold laid back in his seat, folding his hands in his chest. "Alright, Johnathan. I'm listening. Tell me all about this 'party'."
"Knew you'd see things my way. Hope you've got a thing for sushi..." Johnny smirked that devious smirk.