Persona BLEACHED 4: Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Fatal Matters are Cold
2008
On a beach in Los Angeles, a training session was taking place. 
"HAAAAA!"
Sonia Rosario, polearm in hand, charged at her partner. She brought down the staff, only to have the strike halted by a similar weapon made entirely of ice.
"Too slow." Bobbi stated.
"Say that again, frosty!"
"Okay. Too slow."
Sonia continued her attacks, with Bobbi deftly avoiding or blocking each one. Eventually, Sonia struck the ice hard enough to snap it in two.
"Ha!"
"Nope." The broken edges of the ice smoothed over, forming a pair of batons.
"Oh for--"
Bobbi took on the offensive. Sonia tried blocking the ensuing strikes, which left her wide open when Bobbi swept her feet out from under her. She landed on her back in the sand.
"Ugggh..." Sonia looked up, and Bobbi pointed one of the batons at her face.
"Game, set and match."
"Yeah, yeah, ya got me, Babs. Can't ya let me win one of these?"
"Wouldn't be sporting of me, would it?" The ice weapons dissolved, and Bobbi extended her hand. Sonia took it, and was helped up.
"Phew...wanna take five and go for a little walk? Fightin' you always gets me beat..."
"A walk sounds good to me. Tranquility feeds the soul."
The two women started walking down the shoreline. "So...how's broski holdin' up?" Sonia asked.
Bobbi sighed. "He's finally out talking again. I realized that he needs someone to anchor him and help him out of his shell. I've had to fill that void for him."
"Poor guy. Been close to a year now since we lost Care. Every time I see him, it's like he's in a trance. Can't even imagine what he's feelin'. Same with the little one."
"Emily's taken it harder than anyone. She's gotten extremely quiet. Carrie used to dote on her. She looks lost without her around."
"Little girls need their mama. This is gonna stick with her for the rest of her life. Doesn't help the twisted pendejo that did it's still runnin' around out there. Gonna be extra sweet when we get our mitts on him."
Bobbi stopped to look out at the ocean.
"Hey, you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I've just been thinking about what else I can be doing."
"Ya mean aside from fightin'? I dunno. I mean, you're pretty damn good at it. What's got ya second-guessin'?"
"All this fighting we've been doing...aliens, mages, monsters...it feels like we're in an endless cycle of violence. The battles keep taking and taking, and we lose more and more. Now it's left my brother broken and my niece without her mother. I just wonder if there's something else for me to do, that doesn't involve all this bloodshed."
"Crazy to hear this comin' from you, Babs. Fight-wise, there ain't a soul in the States that can hold a candle to ya. That strength of yours ain't somethin' the bigwigs are gonna wanna sideline."
"You're right about that. But I can't help but think that there's something I can do where I won't end up leaving the people I love to fend without me."
Bobbi saw something out of the corner of her eye. "Huh? Sonia, what's that over there?"
"Hmm?"
The two women looked, and saw something washed up on the shore. A closer look revealed that it was a person, lying facedown.
"...! They look like they're in trouble! Come on, let's go help!" Bobbi ordered.
"Yeah, on it!" Sonia followed after her.
The two women got to where the distressed person was. They could see it was a man, wearing a tattered, open blue jacket and swimming trunks. His body was covered in blue, tribal markings. He had mid-length, azure hair, a strand of which was sticking up.
"These markings...is he a Lemurian?" Bobbi questioned.
"The heck's he doin' all the way out here?" Sonia wondered. "Is he...?"
Bobbi listened for a heartbeat. "He's still alive...I think he might be dehydrated. Get me some bottled water, and quick!"
"Quick's my middle name, sister!" Sonia ran off at blinding speed.
"Hey, stay with me! You're gonna be alright." Bobbi assured in response to seeing the strange man breathe. "(It's strange...you would think a man of the sea would be more fit. He looks weirdly scrawny...)"
Sonia promptly reappeared with a large bottle of water. "Here ya go, frosty."
"Thank you." Bobbi took the bottle, holding the man's head up and pouring water into his mouth.
After a moment...his eyes opened. "...aaaaaah!"
"Aye, coño!" Sonia jumped.
The man took the bottle, gulping the water down in one go. "*pant*...*pant*...ohhh, that's good." 
He took a moment, and finally noticed the two women staring confused at him.
"Aaaaaah!" He scuttled back.
"Calm down! You're not in any danger!" Bobbi assured.
"Ah...ah..." He looked around. "Where am I...?"
"You're on a beach in Los Angeles. We found you passed out here. What happened to you?"
"I...my apologies. This is unbecoming of a scholar. You'll have to excuse my behavior."
"A scholar? Ya look like you're about to go hang ten." Sonia said.
"What brought you so far from home? How did you get here?" Bobbi asked.
"I...I left the island over a week ago. I was documenting the migratory patterns of the great white shark. I was so caught up in my research that I failed to take note of the weather patterns. I was overcome by a sudden storm, and I lost everything I had. My rations, and...oh, all of my notes! All of that data, lost to the waves! How do I ever return now?" the man panicked.
"It's okay. What matters is that you're still breathing. You're alive to research another day."
"Yes...I suppose you're right."
"Let's get you back to the local base. We'll have you taken back to Lemuria. Your people must be getting worried that you've ceased contact with them."
"Your base...ah, I see. You're with the Defense Force, aren't you?"
"Yes, that's right. My name is Barbara. My friend here is Sonia."
"Hola." Sonia greeted.
"Well met. I should introduce myself, as well. My name is Elpizo. I'm a Lemurian scholar." He took Bobbi's hand. "Thank you for your assistance, Barbara. I am forever in your debt."
"Um...don't mention it." Bobbi uttered.
---
November 18, 2031
"...I get that you were joking, but clearly not everyone felt that way. Next time, think twice before telling an old person you're going to beat them with a stick. Clear?" Bobbi asked.
"Yes, Your Honor. Sorry..." a male agent apologized.
"We've got enough to deal with as-is, don't need to give the vultures anymore ammunition." Bobbi finished writing up the citation. "One more outburst like that, and it's ten days suspension. I say this to everybody, but I'd better not see you sitting here again. Now get to moving."
"Y-yes, ma'am, sorry again!" The agent saluted, and left.
"It's like talking to children sometimes, isn't it, Your Honor?" A woman entered, with tan skin and short black hair. She was accompanied by a bald man with dark skin and a goatee.
"Angie, Carter. Good to see you both back in uniform. Any lingering pain?" Bobbi asked.
"Nothing you can see, ma'am. We're just glad to be back to business as usual. I was getting tired of hospital food." Carter replied.
"Having Ms. Candice visiting every day helped out a lot, of course." Angie concurred.
"I don't know where she got that warm heart from. Certainly not from me. On that note, could you bring her in here for me?" Bobbi asked.
"Yes, ma'am." both replied.
They brought Candice into the room. "Watch your step, missy." Angie advised.
"Thank you both so much." Candice replied.
"You two are dismissed for now. I'll let you know when we're done here." Bobbi said.
"Yes, ma'am." They both left the office.
"You need something of me, Mother?" Candice asked.
"Yes. I've just received a message from the Lemurian consulate. It's...from your father." Bobbi explained.
"From Father? What's wrong, is he alright?"
"It sounds like he's okay, but he's requesting that the two of us go to Lemuria immediately. There's been a development regarding leadership on the island, and he needs you there to witness it."
"I'd assumed that they were comfortable going forward with the high council. I wonder what could have changed?"
"That's for your father to explain. Must be serious if he wants me there to look after you."
"Are you sure that's the only reason?" Candice giggled.
"Please don't go there. He knows as well as I do where things are between us. I'm only going because he says it's vital. He wouldn't use official channels to try to woo me. At least, he'd better not."
"If you say as much. So will it just be you and me making the trip?"
"He said that I could bring one other person of considerable skill to 'witness an important moment in the history of Lemuria'. At this moment, everyone's neck-deep in the rebuild effort. I'm not sure who we can spare to come with us. I should be more than enough to look after you."
"Father wouldn't mention it if he didn't think it necessary. I'm sure there's...one person who can come along."
"Hmmm...I think I know what you're implying. I'll put the call in."
---
"...you're taking me to Atlantis?" Max asked.
"It's not Atlantis. For one, it's not underwater. Lemuria has also embraced some aspects of modern society, though they also still adhere to tradition. It's a very unique place." Bobbi explained.
"It's also very secluded. Not many with no connection to the island have seen what it's like beyond the gate. It's the opportunity of a lifetime." Candice added.
"It sure sounds like it, but man, you guys are having me wrack up the travel miles. Next you're gonna ship me out to space." Max replied.
"Didn't you go to space once already?" Bobbi asked.
"I also went to Hell, doesn't mean I'm in a hurry to go back!"
"I can assure you, it's nowhere so treacherous. The request included the option to bring along one other person. They must be worried that some trouble might ensue. You've shown yourself to be very capable in a fight. I don't ask this lightly. And Candice requested you personally."
"You did? Why me?"
"We haven't had much time to speak. I wanted to get to know more about you. And your Barbara." Candice replied.
"Well in that case, I can't say no. So when do we head out?"
"We'll fly out to LA later tonight. From there, we'll go by boat. It's the only way to access the island. The trip takes just over a week to complete. Plan accordingly." Bobbi instructed.
"You don't get seasick, do you, Max?" Candice asked.
"Guess we're gonna find out. Time to get prepared, I suppose. Er, permission to go and pack, Your Honor?" Max asked.
"Permission granted. See you at 1900 hours at the heliport." Bobbi replied.
"Yes, ma'am. I'll get right on it."
"Have a pleasant rest of the day, Max." Candice bid.
"You, too. Oh, do you need someone to escort you?"
"I appreciate it, but my attendants are with me, finally. I'll be okay."
"Alright. See you later tonight, then." "(And now we're off to Not-Atlantis. No one's gonna believe the things I've seen when I get home.)" he thought as he left.
"I won't keep you from your pool, mermaid. Go get some swimming in before we go airborne. I'll help you pack after work." Bobbi said.
"Thank you, Mother. I'll see you then." Candice replied. "(Oh, I just can't wait to have you and Father in the same room again, hehe.)"
Her attendants entered to escort her home.
"....." Bobbi looked ponderous. "Just what are you up to, Elpizo? I'll humor this for as long as Candice isn't in danger. The last thing you'll want is me with a weapon in my hands..."
---
November 19, 2031
Los Angeles. Late morning.
"Um, Candice? You good?" Max asked.
Candice was in the water just off of the P.D.F. docks. She was playing with a small herd of sea lions. "Can't talk. Having fun with the sea puppies."
"I know a girl who'd kill to be in your spot right now. Or at least learn how to talk seal."
Nearby, Bobbi was on a mid-sized cruiser, which housed several cabins. She was looking out towards a nearby beach.
"23 years ago, it was. If I wasn't on that beach, I wouldn't have my daughter. Our lives are built on little 'what-ifs' like that." she mused.
A male agent walked over. "The ship's fully energized, Judge O'Donnell. At current capacity, it'll last six days before it needs recharging."
"Good. We'll stop in Honolulu to get it fully charged. That'll be more than enough to get us there and back to Hawaii. You all will be relieved for a few days until the return trip. Get ready for departure."
"Yes, ma'am."
The agent walked away. "Thought I overheard something about Hawaii. We're squeezing a luau into this business trip?" Max approached.
"Just a brief stop to get our land legs back under us. It'll take about five days to get to Honolulu, then about two more to get to Lemuria. There's no helipad out in the islands built for our ships, and port-wise it's mainly used to refuel boats." Bobbi replied.
"So that gives us the week-long cruise. Guess there's worse places to go on a work trip to. Let's hope the TV package is good in the meantime."
"I promise, you're not going to be watching much TV if I have anything to say about it."
"That sounds...ominous."
"Go get out of your uniform. It's been a long ride here. And we're not even close to finished."
"Aye-aye, captain." Max departed.
Bobbi looked over the side of the boat. "Candice!"
Candice stopped her play. "Ah, yes, Mother?"
"We're heading out soon. Come on board."
"Okay." She turned to the sea lions. "Farewell, my friends. I'll try to visit again sometime!"
"Bark!" the pinnipeds responded.
Soon after, the boat departed. As it began the long trek to Hawaii, Max got settled into his cabin, showering and changing into more casual wear. Sitting on the bed, he looked at the daruma doll that had become his prized possession.
"All this travel and craziness...you'd be loving this. You always wanted the happy ending. This fairy tale madness would be right up your alley." he said. "Ibuki...are you still thinking of me? I'm trying so hard to be the man that can make you happy. You deserve the world..."
He heard a knock. "Permission to enter." Bobbi requested.
"Erm, permission granted." Max put the doll down.
The door opened. "You're decent, good. Already look settled in, too."
"I didn't really need to do much unpacking...hm?"
It took a second for Max to recognize the judge. She'd forgone her usual long coat and gloves. Instead she wore a simple black tank top, pants and sandals. Her hair was tied up, and her nails were a snowy white. "What's the look for? Never seen a woman before?"
"N-no, it's nothing. I don't think I've ever seen you without your coat before."
"We're heading into tropical waters. A fur coat would be severely pushing it. Don't get the wrong idea, I'm not treating this as a vacation."
"No, ma'am. I won't either."
"I overheard you talking to someone. Or was it to yourself?"
"No, I wasn't...um..." Max glanced at the doll.
"What's that? An ornament...a daruma, I think it's called. Was that what you were talking to?"
"Yeah. It's a gift from my girlfriend. I brought it here with me. So I can remind myself of what I'm here to do."
"Hm. And what is it you want to do?"
"Become the kind of man she deserves."
"Hm..." Bobbi turned around. "Meet me in my cabin in 10 minutes. It's two doors down."
"Huh? Did I do something wrong?"
"It's nothing disciplinary, I promise you. But I said that you wouldn't have time to watch TV. I'm putting that into practice. 10 minutes. No later." Bobbi walked out.
"Really making it hard to believe I *didn't* do something wrong."
10 minutes later, Max was in front of her door. "(Don't know what she could want that we couldn't talk about in my room. It's so hard to read her. Not like Barb at all.)" "Permission to enter, Your Honor?"
"Permission granted. Come in." Bobbi answered.
He opened the door and entered. "Alright, what's the big--um, why's everything been moved?"
The TV and its stand had both been placed in the bathroom. The bed had been folded and moved into the wall. The room itself was empty. "It's more space."
"For...what?"
She picked a staff off the ground, and tossed it his way. "Take this."
Max fumbled to grab it. "Uhhh..."
Bobbi formed a staff of ice in her hands. She took a blocking stance. "Alright, now hit me."
"Hold on a second! We're just jumping into a training duel?"
"You said you weren't treating this like a vacation. So that means no shirking on your training. There'll be no couch potatoes on this ship. Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"No holding back, either. I'll know if you do."
"(Is it really okay to fight her? She's a judge...not to mention, she's got a real terrifying reputation. I should choose my moves carefully.)"
He attacked first from the side. She moved and blocked the hit. She forced his arms upward with a swing, then knocked him on his back with a hit to the chest.
"Oof! Uggh..."
She poked him with her staff. "It was the right move. I just saw it coming. Get up, we'll go again."
This process would repeat itself several times over the next hour.
"Oof!"
"Again."
Max would try to attack, his strikes would be parried, Bobbi would find an opening and knock him over. 
"Dammit..."
"Up. Again."
Each time he'd get up, more frustrated than the last time.
"Grr..."
"Again."
Over. And over.
Until at last, Max was left panting on his hands and knees.
"That's enough for right now." Bobbi said.
"Seeing me on my ass...getting boring for you?" Max uttered.
"For the record, your skill isn't bad. I can see frustration setting in, and it's making your moves sloppy. There's a lot of anger behind your attacks. Focusing that anger is what you need to work on." She held her hand out.
He cautiously looked at it.
"Don't worry, I'm not about to flip you over."
He took her hand, and she helped him up. She patted his shoulder. 
"Let's get some food. We'll pick this up in a couple hours."
"Oh good...the fun's barely started..." Max panted.
---
About an hour later, Max was looking out at the ocean from the bow of the ship.
Behind him was a rectangular pool. Bobbi was walking Candice to the edge of it. "Alright, just hold onto me and I'll guide you."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Now just lower one foot in, and..."
Candice dropped into the water. She rose back up, the color in her eyes now returned. "Ahh, salty and refreshing! You're looking as lovely as ever, Mother."
"Now I know you're just saying it. I look like I'm working on half a bowl of mint ice cream."
"Nonsense, you're always beautiful. I'm happy whenever I get to marvel at your majestic aura."
"Awww. You're making me blush here, mermaid. All it takes to make me happy is remembering that I made you."
"Now I'm the one about to blush. Do you want to join me?"
"I can't right now. I've got to make sure everything's running smoothly. If I have a moment later, I'd be more than happy to."
"Alright, no worries. Don't forget to come and bring me back to my room."
"I'd never forget that."
"Just being thorough. Go take care of your important business. I love you."
"I love you, mermaid. Have fun." Bobbi departed.
Meanwhile, Max continued to look outward. He suddenly felt something poking his back. He turned to look. "Gah!"
It was a hand made out of water, extending all the way out from the pool. Candice giggled. "Sorry to spook you! Just needed to get your attention."
"You could've just called out...what if I fell overboard?"
Max walked over. "So was there something you needed?"
"Just wanted to talk. Oh, your arm..."
Max noticed a set of bruises. "Oh, those. I had a training session with your mom. She...doesn't pull her punches."
"Does it hurt? Here, let me take a look."
Max bent down, and Candice held his arm. She made a motion, and some water rose up and coated the bruises, which disappeared. "There, good as new. I apologize for that. She takes her training incredibly seriously."
"Ah, it's fine. I'm scheduled to go another round with her later, though. I can see where she gets her reputation from."
"She'll only go as far as she believes you can handle. She will respect your limits, so long as you aren't her enemy."
"And what if I *was* her enemy?"
"....."
"Sorry, I don't want to say something uncomfortable."
"It's alright. Please, let me have your hand."
"Um, sure."
Candice took his hand. "My abilities aren't just aquatic in nature. I'm also an empath. I can sense people's emotions. And from you I feel...sadness."
"Hm..."
"There's sadness and...anger. Frustration, and bitterness. There's so much you have buried underneath."
"It's not really anything I hide. There's a lot about my world that I'm unhappy with. And yeah, not being able to see my family is frustrating. But I've made the choice to see things through here to the end."
"I've deduced as much. Even with that sadness, I also sense a great deal of love for your family. And, maybe...for the one you've found?"
"I, uh...don't know what you mean."
"Ahaha, sorry, that did sound corny, didn't it? But it's nothing to be ashamed of. We all love having you around, too. Things have certainly gotten livelier since you came into the fold."
"Still not sure if that's a good thing, but I can admit that things here are growing on me. Having a clean slate definitely helps. Say, that touch of yours. There's something about it...it's very calming. That part of the empathy magic?"
"It is. To any land animal it's more of a cooling touch. But to any marine life, it makes them placid. Any aggression instantly disappears. The aura I exude makes them all friendly. Your sister found that out herself when I met her."
"Barb did? How's that?"
"Well, the night after we met, she came out to check on me. I asked her to join me in the water. We talked about her worries and fears. And then I showed her my power. A great white shark appeared and--"
"Hoooold up. That just went from zero to a hundred. A *what* appeared?"
"A great white. His fin had a fishing hook stuck in it, so I asked Barbara to help me remove it. And in spite of her fear, she did it."
"My sister...touched a shark."
"I could see she was absolutely terrified, but I helped her overcome that fear. Her boyfriend was in a state the whole time, though. Looked primed and ready to jump in and pull her out of the water at any moment."
"Yeah, that sounds about right."
"I am sad that I didn't get to spend more time with her. I could tell what a lovely person she is. And that the love she has for you is completely genuine. She misses you terribly."
"One of my biggest regrets is the stress I've put on her. I hope it's not keeping her from having fun at college. She got a lead role in a school play that I know she was super amped about. And I..." He sighed. "I promised I'd be there to watch."
"I'm sorry. Has it already passed?"
"No, it's the second week of December. Right before winter break."
"I see. Hmm..."
"What are you thinking?"
"Ah, it's nothing. Just something I need to ask Mother later. She wanted to be an actress herself, once upon a time."
"Really, she did? What changed her mind?"
"Life has guided her in different directions, as she puts it. The constant fighting moved her from the stage to the battlefield. Meeting Father and having me led her to exchange her blades for a gavel. Even when things didn't work out with Father, she's remained on the path that takes her away from the fight. Though it doesn't always turn out that way."
"You wouldn't be able to tell she wasn't a soldier anymore from that training session. Her technique is something else."
"Training helps to fill a void. It's an outlet for her. Asking you to join her must mean she sees that you need an outlet, too. Try not to take it personally if she gets intense."
"That's one way to put how she gets. Guess I'm gonna have to get used to the bruises."
"Well if you ever feel achy, just let me know and I'll fix you up. I have the magic touch, you know."
"Thanks for that, by the way. I'm gonna go get some rest before the next training session starts. Pray for my legs."
"You'll be fine. Mother knows when to stop. Have a lovely rest."
Candice waved as Max returned to his room.
"...try to go easy on him, Mother."
---
November 22, 2031
"Ow, ow, and ow."
Max was seated at a dining room table, rubbing his forehead. "This lady's gonna kill me and toss me into a volcano so no one knows what happened. What if this was a trap all along..."
"If it was, I would've tossed you overboard two days ago. I know much more straightforward ways to take out someone." Bobbi walked over.
"Not the most reassuring way to say 'I'm not gonna kill you'."
"Hush. Let me see that bruise."
She placed two fingers on the discolored part of his forehead. He flinched. 
"Easy."
Her fingers exuded a chilling sensation.
"How's that feel?"
"Better. I was gonna go ask Candice to heal it, anyway."
"She's taking a nap right now. I made the bruise, I should be the one to mend it." She took the seat across from him. "Why the glum face? You're doing better. Your reaction time's improved." She rubbed her side. "Had to cool myself off a couple times."
"I still don't hold a candle to you."
"Ask anyone in the P.D.F. and they'll tell you not many do. I'd tell them they're exaggerating."
"I don't think that at all. If you're this intense during training, I can't even imagine what you're like during a fight."
"Hold out hope that you won't have to find out on this trip. And that this pit in my stomach is just seasickness."
"What do you think this trip is for, anyway? Why would Candice's dad ask for you and someone else to come with her?"
"Well, unless he's trying to get back together with me again, I've got this feeling that he wants to explain to my face why he's doing what I think he's doing. I think...he's going to have Candice named as the next ruler of Lemuria."
"...! Are you sure? I thought she said she didn't want to do that?"
"She doesn't. And neither do I. She's told her father countless times. She doesn't want a crown or the weight that comes with it. She's too kind-hearted to be a queen. But that's exactly why he wants her to take the throne. The people on that island adore her. With the royal bloodline effectively dead, whoever is chosen to rule has to have the approval of the entire city. Candice is the most natural candidate."
"But it's not what either of you want."
"No. It isn't. So I'd imagine this trip is an attempt at convincing me to change my tune on that. But that won't be happening. I've tried my best for the last twenty-one years to give her a happy, stress-free life. I want her to be as free and independent as her disability will allow. So when she tells me that she wants no part of any sort of royal position, then I'm going to fight tooth and claw to make sure that doesn't happen."
"And if they try to force her?"
"Well...I'm sure Elpizo has told the council in depth what might happen if I become unhappy. Which would make their requesting me to make the trip all the more foolish."
"(I'm starting to see where the 'Frost Queen' moniker might be coming from.)"
"I do have another theory, however."
"What would that be?"
"Regardless of who they name as ruler, it's tradition to have every Lemurian present to witness the coronation. So Candice would be invited no matter what. But if this is an event to anoint a new king or queen, there is a not-insignificant risk that the former princess might try to appear and make her...feelings on the matter known."
"The princess...that would be the woman I fought in Staten Island. Calypso, I think it was."
"Elpizo and the rest of the council could want me and any available backup there should Calypso and anyone she brings along try to invade. This is a woman with an intense hatred for my daughter. She won't hesitate to attack the island if she believes she's about to lose 'her' throne for good."
"Well if that happens, we're not letting them get away again. They'll regret ever setting foot on that island."
"Heh, now you're getting it. 'Defense' is in the name. No matter where we go, our job is to protect people in danger. And you know what anyone needs to do to be the best at protecting people?"
"I'm gonna guess...more training?"
"You do get it. My quarters in 30. The Wolfpack won't know what hit them." Bobbi got up and left.
"I'm gonna be a living bruise by the end of this..."
---
November 24, 2031
The tropical shoreline of Honolulu. Located in this island paradise was a P.D.F. outpost that served as a waypoint between the U.S. mainland and the islands of Oceania.
With their ship in port, Max landed facedown onto the solid ground. "Oh, mercy...finally, earth. Now I can finally have five seconds of--"
"No slacking on the job, kid. I'll be scouting the beach for a suitable training spot. I'd get my land legs back on the double." Bobbi walked over him.
"Ugggh..." Max groaned.
"Oh, the water is calling my name!" Candice dove in, rising back out soon after. "Mmm, so warm and welcoming! You never get water this temperate in New York this time of year. I'm going to give it a good exploration, Mother!"
"Don't go too far, mermaid. Stay around where I can see you, alright?" Bobbi asked.
"Of course! I'll be extra careful. See you in a little while!" Candice dove under the water.
"We'll be heading out too, Judge O'Donnell." The sailing crew filed out of the ship.
"Good work getting us here. Enjoy the time off. Can think of worse places to have vacation time." Bobbi bid them.
"Excuse me, miss?" An armored agent approached her.
"Ah, you must be the supervisor. We're the delegation from the New York branch, on our way to Lemuria."
"Well you certainly have that official appearance, but I'm a bit confused. We weren't expecting any vessels today. Certainly not any bound for Lemuria."
"Pardon? How can that be? We've been communicating with your controller team since we left port."
"I can see if there's something we missed, but we don't have any records of contact with your ship."
Bobbi looked puzzled.
"We're more than happy to refuel your ship if that's what you're needing. I can ask my control team, maybe there's some kind of mistake."
Out in the water, a man was sitting in a canoe, fishing. He looked toward the docks. Max was looking down at the water, still exhausted from the long journey at sea.
"Bleh, guess I'm not going on any cruises anytime soon..." he uttered.
The fisherman pulled something out from beneath a cloth. It wasn't fishing bait or a hook. It was a black rifle.
"I just don't understand. Who could I have been talking to?" Bobbi questioned.
"This could just be an oversight. I'll go ask if anything was missed." the supervisor started walking.
"Ugh, my back..." Max stretched. He looked out to the water.
He saw the fisherman pointing something at him. What it was, was unclear...until he noticed the red dot on his chest.
A shot rang out, and Max was knocked onto his back.
Bobbi quickly looked to see what was happening. "...?!"
"...ugh..." Max held up his left arm, which was now armored. It was quivering, and in the palm, still smoking, was a bullet, which fell in fragmented pieces.
Bobbi turned to the supervisor. "Run."
It all escalated so quickly. Several armed individuals wearing black armored wetsuits rose up from the ocean, firing their rifles from every direction.
The supervisor fled in a frantic hurry. Max got back to his feet, materializing the entirety of his suit. The bullets bounced off of it. 
Two more armored enemies hopped out of the water, and grabbed his arms. He forced one off, then hit them with a blast from his freed palm, knocking them down. He turned and headbutted the other assailant, causing them to let go. He kicked them into the water.
He looked at the unconscious attacker. On their upper chest was the Wolfpack insignia.
"Oh, crap...! Your Honor--"
"Yeah. I know." Bobbi replied.
The soldiers began to close in on the dock from every angle.
"Kid. I need you to find Candice." Bobbi said.
"And leave you alone with these guys?" Max questioned.
"Who do you think you're talking to?" She put a hand on his shoulder. "Remember everything I've been beating into you. Focus your aggression. Read your opponents and react accordingly. Don't let those bruises go to waste. Now get the joy of my life away from here. That's a direct order. And one more thing?"
"What is it?"
Her eyes turned darker. "Tell her not to look at the dock."
Max shuddered beneath his armor. "...yes, ma'am. Stay safe." He flew off.
The Wolfpack grunts all began to hop onto the dock, brandishing numerous bladed weapons and firearms.
"'Stay safe', he says. Heh. Well, he's got my brother's protective streak, at least." Her gaze turned to the oncoming enemies. "You all understand, don't you? What was wrong with that last statement?
The air temperature began to drop. "Now I know what you're wondering. 'It's Hawaii! Volcano country! Why is it getting cold?' Let me enlighten you."
She coated her right hand in ice, from which three large claws sprouted from the knuckles. In her left hand, she formed a large, frozen mallet. She took a stance, and her eyes turned pale.
"*I'm* not the one who's in danger."
The assault force began charging head-on at the icy arbiter. She parried the initial strikes, swatting one attacker with the mallet while slashing at another with the claws. She moved with the speed and force of a raging blizzard, tossing aside waves of enemies who tried their luck against her.
One of the soldiers tried to get back up. She grabbed hold of them with her clawed hand, causing the soldier, still drenched in seawater, to completely freeze. Two of their comrades fired at her. She responded by tossing their frozen teammate at them, taking all of them out.
More armored soldiers approached, armed with energy daggers. "Cute." Bobbi shattered the head of the mallet, then reshaped it into a large blade. "Shall we?"
She lunged at them.
At the same time, Max was flying above the water. "Come on, where are you..."
A shot echoed, though he managed to avoid it. The 'fisherman' was still aiming at him.
"Alright, Ahab. If that's how you're gonna play it."
Max flew down towards the sniper, crashing through the canoe and knocking him into the water. Now floating, the 'fisherman' tried attacking with a knife. Max blocked it with his arm, then delivered three hard punches to the man's face, rendering him unconscious.
From beneath the water, more shots came up. Max dove under to find another armored gunman firing at him. He grabbed hold of the assailant's rifle, and struggled to wrestle it away. Suddenly, several red tentacles wrapped around the man's facemask, obstructing his sight. He began firing off wildly, as the giant octopus tightened its grip on him.
Max looked around. Candice was waving at him to follow her. Before he could move, the Wolfpack soldier freed himself enough to fire off a shot. It flew past Max's head, and struck an unawares Candice in the leg.
The man tried to get off another shot, but the octopus continued to obstruct him. Max fired off a blast of energy at his chest, finally subduing him as the tentacled creature released its grip and swam off. With the danger averted, Max turned his attention to Candice, who had swum up to the surface. He propelled himself up to her.
Now above the water, he grabbed hold of her. "Easy, easy, you're okay..."
"Aggh, it hurts...it hurts..."
"I know, it's gonna be alright, just hold onto me. I'll get you to shore."
She put her arms around him, and he flew her over to the shoreline, putting her down so that her legs were still in the water. He disabled his helmet. "It's gonna be okay. You're gonna be okay. Take a deep breath." he reassured.
"It hurts...the blood...I can't bear the sight of blood..." Candice frantically replied.
"It's okay. Remember, you can heal. Breathe. I know it hurts. You can close it up."
"Mother...where is she..."
"She's fighting the bad guys off. She wanted me to look after you, and that's what I'm gonna do. I'm not going anywhere." "(Looks like everyone on the beach ran at the sound of gunfire. Hopefully someone goes to grab help.)"
Candice, tearing up from the pain, put a hand over her wound. "Stings..."
"I know. Just push through it. It'll get worse if you don't close it up. Squeeze my hand if it gets too painful. Deep breaths. Close your eyes, count to ten, and start healing."
"I...okay." She closed her eyes. Her hand started to glow. "Ten...nine...eight...seven..."
The wound slowly closed up. "That's it. Nice and steady. You're doing good." Max reassured her.
"Three...two...one."
The bleeding had stopped. "Alright. Good as new."
Candice finally started to relax. "It still stings."
"It'll be like that for a while. Just sit tight. And keep up the healing."
She put her arms around him in a hug. "Thank you..." She looked in the direction of the docks.
There were slabs of ice sticking out of the ground. The sounds of battle echoed out.
"Mother..."
Back at the docks, the Wolfpack army was strewn about, beaten and frozen solid in varying poses. Some were frozen in mid-air, attached to the ground by icy extensions.
One soldier was on his hands and knees, shivering and staring up at Bobbi. She loomed over him, and held her frozen blade close to his head.
"Now, I'm not usually the one doing the interrogating. So today is going to be a fresh experience for me. Before I render judgement...you're going to tell me everything I want to know."
"....." 
"I'm going to assume that you all were responsible for intercepting our comms. How did you find out about our reason for being here?"
"G-g-g-g-get bent, lady. I ain't saying n-n-n-nothing."
"Well, good to know your vocal cords aren't frozen. Let's take a different approach, shall we?"
Ice crept over the grunt's hands and feet, slowly inching upward. Beneath his left knee, a thin, frozen spike appeared, stopping just before it touched his leg.
"Was the plan all along to lure us here? Why trick us into going to Lemuria? Is something going on there?"
"I s-s-said I'm not saying shit."
"Do you know who I am? Johnny might not be as fixated on me as he is on Max, but surely he's mentioned me. You all must know exactly what I'm capable of."
The spike started to pierce the wetsuit.
"Talk."
The grunt started to seethe and show signs of distress, as the spike began to pierce his skin.
"I have about fifteen of your friends I can ask, instead. You seem to want to be a sculpture very badly. I'm more than happy to oblige."
"Graaaaaaaah! Crazy bitch! Go ahead and kill me! You assholes think the Boss is a monster, but you fell off the same tree!"
"Your boss is a murderous sociopath."
"At least he ain't shy about it, 'Frost Queen'."
The ice soon covered his entire body save for his head. "Why are you trying to lure us to Lemuria? What's the plan?"
"Heh. S-s-still haven't gotten the picture? It's like that letter said. Someone's getting a crown."
The ice overtook the grunt completely. "....."
A pair of armored cars pulled up. The top hatch of one opened up. "Don't worry, Judge, help has--oh." The supervisor popped out.
"It's taken care of. They're all wrapped up for you. You're probably going to need more than one transport. And I'm definitely going to need that charge on our ship." Bobbi dictated.
"Yes ma'am, right away!"
The agents all filed out of the cruisers, and began the process of loading up the frozen assailants. "There's a bunch in the water, too, for the record." Bobbi looked toward the shore. She could see Max waving at her, and noticed there was someone else lying next to him. "...! Candice..." She started running.
After a few minutes, she made it to the beach, and got on her knees next to her daughter. "Candice! Is everything alright?"
"I'm alright, Mother. It stings a little, but I've stopped the bleeding." Candice replied.
"The 'bleeding'? Oh, honey, what did those animals do to you..."
"Don't freak out. There's no easy way to say this, but...she got shot in the leg." Max explained.
"...by who? Point me where you left them--"
"Mother, stop!" Candice grabbed her mother's arm.
"Candice?"
"You don't have to avenge me, I said I'm alright! The battle's won, you've ended the threat! Don't lower yourself to their level on my behalf! Please, Mother...that's enough..." Candice began to tear up.
"....." Bobbi embraced her. "Okay. I won't do anything else. I'm sorry, honey. I'm just happy you're safe."
"....." Max observed.
---
"The sunset is so breathtaking, isn't it?" Candice asked. She and Bobbi sat on the edge of the dock, long since cleared of the earlier battle. Candice had a stream of seawater rising up and wrapped around her left ankle, allowing her to see.
"Yes. Breathtaking. It was a sunset on the beach, a lot like this. That's when I told your father you'd be coming. I remember it like it was yesterday." Bobbi replied.
"I love that story so much. Father said he had a feeling, and he'd prepared a poem in advance."
"Oh, goodness. The poem. It's still seared into my brain. 'Ocean, bringer of life. Center of happiness. Daughter of the Earth. Only my love is deeper.'"
Candice giggled. "I still have his original drafts. He wanted it to be perfect."
"I had to stop him before he got to the second verse. I was on the verge of fainting. He's a unique spirit, if nothing else."
"That he most definitely is." Candice paused. "Do you think he and the others are alright? Was this all just a trap to lure us in?"
"I truly don't know. That's why we have to get there as soon as possible. Who knows what that scheming witch is planning..."
Max approached. "They're all finished refueling and stocking. The crew's been briefed on the mission and they're ready to go. We'll head out as soon as you're ready."
"Good. Not a moment to waste. You ready, mermaid?"
"Yes, of course. I just wish we knew what situation we're walking into." Candice replied.
"This reeks of a trap. But we can't turn back and do nothing. Especially if there's a whole island in the crosshairs of a band of thugs. Should we call in some backup?" Max asked.
"Too big of a force might alert them and make them do something drastic. And if there's nothing else going on, it might cause a needless skirmish. We'll go it alone for now." Bobbi replied.
"Is that really the best option, though? We don't know how many more of them could be camped out there. Chances are good that Calypso is leading the charge. We're a small group on a small cruiser. I'm not selling you short, Your Honor, but are we enough?"
"We'll have to be."
"But--"
"Listen to me, Mr. Jadefang. My brother's crew have pulled this exact thing before. Five years ago, they lured us on a wild goose chase by feeding us false info while targeting somewhere else far away. This could be a way to leave their real target wide open for an attack. I'm not going to let Los Angeles or New York become another Naruki. Understood?"
"...yes, ma'am."
"I'm holding the slightest bit of hope that this was as far as their scheme went, and that the island's just fine. But that grunt said someone was going to be crowned. It's likely they were the ones that sent the initial letter that brought us here. We'll have to be enough. I have faith in you, kid. And I'm no stranger to combat, if you couldn't tell."
"What about me?" Candice asked.
"Honey, I'm not going to ask you to fight. I know your feelings on that."
"But Father and the rest of the island could be in danger! I despise violence and the sight of blood...but I couldn't sit idly by and allow people I love to be hurt! Especially because I'm the one Calypso despises more than any other. I desire no throne, no crown, no royal title. But I can't permit her to take them. A Lemuria under her rule would be the last. We'll show her the same level of mercy she offered her father. No matter my level of fear, I won't turn back in their hour of need."
Bobbi took her daughter's hand. "Listen to my mermaid, all grown up and regal. Let's send that treacherous siren to a trench she'll never swim out of. You in?"
"With you, Mother, always."
"Good to hear it. Let's hop on board, kids."
"Right. Next stop, Not-Atlantis." Max stated.
The two women headed onto the boat. Max followed behind. He discreetly took out his phone. "(I'm not underestimating you, Your Honor. But better safe than sorry.)"
The vessel started up once again not long after. 
It was a few hours later, that Bobbi was lying on her bed, eyes closed, but not asleep. A knock at the door caused her to open them.
"Permission to enter, Your Honor? Sorry if I'm interrupting anything." Max said.
Bobbi wordlessly got up and opened the door.
"Hey, sorry, were you asleep? I'll just wait til the morning--"
She surprised him with a hug. 
"Umm...Your Honor?"
"Don't tell anyone about this." she finally said.
"Well, I won't, but...why?"
"You saved my reason for breathing. You stayed with her and calmed her when I couldn't. That alone is worth its weight in gold. She's the one thing keeping me sane. I could never repay you enough for keeping her safe."
"Hey, it's what anyone would've done. I wasn't about to leave her there when she was panicking. No one would be that inhuman."
"'Anyone would've done it'. You sound more like my Max by the day. Anyway..." Bobbi let go. "What was it you wanted?"
"I was just checking to see how you and Candice were doing."
"I'm alright. Candice is sleeping. Last she told me, her leg was still stinging. I want her to take it easy the next couple of days."
"It's understandable. Anyone would need time to come to terms with being hurt like that. Has she always reacted that way to blood?"
"Yes, always. Her father always told her, 'You can only see in Mother Ocean's loving grasp, because you are only meant to witness the world at its most beautiful.' She only sees what she's meant to see, in other words. So when she sees blood--her own, no less--instead of something cute, or majestic, it's terrifying. That's why I...why I can't let her see me fighting."
"Because then she'll associate you with blood. Right?"
"Exactly." Bobbi stared at the palms of her hands. "I may have traded my armor and axe for a desk and gavel, but there's no wiping these hands clean. But...I have to keep them clean when she's looking. She really is my little mermaid, free as the waves and in love with life. Kid...no. Max. She's all I have. No matter what happens on that island, you can't let anything happen to her. She's too innocent for a battlefield. You have to help me protect her. That's an order. Understand me?"
"Yes, of course. I'll protect her like I'd protect my own family."
"Thank you. I know I've been pushing you hard with the training, but it's for situations like this one. We need to be at our best."
"Oh, I know that. I was going to thank you for it. My response time is a lot better than it used to be. It's what saved me from getting shot back there. Just a second later to grab that bullet, I probably wouldn't be here."
"Well I'm glad all those bruises were for good reason. Because we're doubling down on it tomorrow. It's close to the moment of truth, after all. Can't get complacent. In fact, why don't we get a headstart, right this second?"
"Right now? Um...oww, my back...it's all knotted up..." Max grabbed his back.
"Hunh, really? Let me take a look."
"Huh? W-what are you--"
She turned him around, grabbed his arms and put one foot on his back. "This'll only hurt for a second."
A couple doors down, Candice was asleep in bed.
"...OHHHHHH!" 
She jarred awake. "Was that...Max? He sounded like he was in agony...oh, Mother..."
---
November 26, 2031
Morning in the Western Pacific.
The P.D.F. cruiser, after its long journey, was at a standstill. Before it, about a mile away, was the island of Lemuria, and all its limestone structures. The lone visible opening was a cave with seawater extending into it, allowing for boats to enter and exit.
Bobbi stared at their destination. "We're finally here, Mother." Candice said, once again using her power to extend water around her leg.
"So we are. I'm holding out hope that it's nothing. But I know better. There's a fight waiting for us in there." her mother replied.
"Yes. I just hope Father and everyone in the city are somewhere safe."
"So what's keeping us from going in?" Max asked.
Bobbi pointed. "Those."
There were two stone monoliths sticking out from the ocean, with runes glowing blue across their structure.
"The island is protected by an anti-magic barrier, like the one the Wolfpack uses to surround their base." Bobbi explained.
"But this one is different. All one needs to open it is a descendant of Lemuria. Like so." 
Candice got onto the top of the bow. At that time, several glowing blue marks appeared throughout her body, and her eyes also began to glow. She held out her hand. The runes on the monoliths turned from their dark blue shade to a light aqua. A hexagonal barrier appeared between them, before opening up.
"Keep that up, honey." Bobbi turned to the control center. "Start this thing up! Our last stop is inside that cave!"
"Roger that, ma'am!" the ship captain affirmed.
The boat continued its progress.
"(Hope for the best. Expect the worst. Elpizo, you'd better be okay in there.)" Bobbi thought.