MLIV C4, P1- "From The Inside"

"From The Inside" is the first Part of "Miracula Luxia IV" 's fourth Chapter.
It was released on 20.06.2022.
== Plot ==
Adam and his allies manage to get over the recent threat of Phaerzon and his allies, but soon realize that there is nowhere else to go. As much as they want to leave and embark on another adventure, there are no clues to lead them toward Darkthrop's new headquarters.
Little do they realize that a single insignificant-looking event will be the catalyst that will open the road to destiny and reunite them with a person whom they had presumed gone forever years ago.
It is clear that this is the beginning of the end. But who shall be on the receiving side?
== Story ==
As Donovan, Amelia and Jonathan return to Duskwood, they plan their next move.
"Al is gone. He's really gone."- Amelia says- "What could we possibly do without him?
Donovan sighs.
"We must keep on believing in ourselves... and in the Order."- He says- "If we are to win this war, then we must stand focused. It's what Al would have wanted us to do."
Emela joins them, still carrying Alcander's lifeless body on her back.
"Hate to remind you, but our fallen friend is still here."- She says to Donovan- "I managed to arrange his burial in a place that he used to be familiar with. However, I fear that we might make the right choice."
Donovan nods.
"We don't have to make the wrong choice, because I know a place where he will be mourned the most."- He says- "So, could you trust me enough to make this decision?"
Emela shrugs.
"Since he isn't here to help us, you're the boss now."- She replies- "Then what is your decision, if you don't mind me asking?"
Donovan looks at Alcander's corpse and smiles sadly.
"I want you to ship my friend to Paris as soon as possible. Inform the Kaos family that we had an unfortunate casualty and that we are really sorry."- He says- "I'm sure that they'll know how to handle this from... from... "
He looks down and realizes that he is crying.
"What is this?"- He says to himself- "It feels as if part of me is missing. As if it departed with Al."
He stares back up and realizes that Emela is still staring at him, confused and concerned.
"Donnie?"- She says- "Do I need to lend you my handkerchief again?"
Donovan wipes the tears from his eyes and shakes his head.
"Just go, Em. Do your job."- He says- "I don't want you to... see me like this."
Emela nods.
"It will be done."- She says- "Just remember that we're in this together. Alcander may be gone, but his legacy shall live on through us. Don't forget it."
Donovan nods.
"I got it."
Emela smiles and drags Alcander's body further into Goznor, intending to make the arrangements as soon as possible.
As Donovan silently continues to mourn for his fallen friend, Jonathan approaches him and sighs.
"Al meant a lot to you, didn't he?"
Donovan nods.
"More than anything, to be honest."- He says- "I've known him for a long time, but we never came to truly know each other... until my brother was lost to the forces of darkness.
He looks down. 
"Much to my surprise, such a traumatic event is what made our bond even stronger. After Aiden perished in a most heroic way, he became like a brother to me. The level-headed brother that I've always wanted, that I've always sought to meet. And yet, he was always in front of me. I was just too blind to see that."- He says- "Even so, I still had so many responsibilities to take care of. He understood that and never said anything negative about it. But I felt his sadness, his disappointment. After he was separated from Adam, he became different. Alone. He seeked attention, only to receive fear and mistrust. And I... I was one of those who were foolish enough to shun him when he... when he needed me the most."
He sighs.
"People like to pretend that they care about us, Jon. But they never know the truth behind that. Or perhaps, they never bother to find it out."- He says to him- "And it is no surprise that people will truly respect our world's heroes and cherish their many feats only when they're gone for good."
Both of them sigh in unison.
"I wish I had known that sooner."- Donovan adds.
Jon nods.
"I understand your grief. But maybe you're too hard on them."- He admits- "They've suffered as much as we do now, maybe even more sometimes. Perhaps it's best if we leave them to whatever thoughts they've got inside of their minds?"
Donovan shakes his head.
"After what happened to Al? No. I can't do that."- He says- "The people of this world saw him as yet another puppet of the Order who fought for what he thought was right and died for a cause that means nothing for them. Soon, his name shall be forgotten and they'll pretend like he never existed. They'll forget one of the greatest heroes known to mankind, just because he didn't die in such a heroic way!"
He clenches his fist.
"I will not let the memories of him fade away!"- He yells- "I shall keep them alive for as long as I live! And if anyone dares to tell me that he is gone for good, then I shall make them see how wrong they are!"
Jon raises his eyebrow.
"Donovan. You're truly a titan of a man."- He says to him- "Seeing that you truly care about my cousin is... invigorating. Motivating. Awe-inspiring. Perhaps, when the two of you met years ago, it was not by coincidence."
Donovan smiles.
"It's nice to hear such words from your mouth, Jon."- He says- "I'm glad that I could trust you, even when I can't trust myself."
Jon nods.
"Just keep on believing, friend."- He says- "You'll see the light again, sooner or later."
He tries to say something else, but he is stopped by Amelia.
"Jon? Can you come here for a second?"- She asks him- "I've got something important to show you."
Jon nods.
"I'm on my way."
He turns back to Donovan.
"With your permission, Your Majesty."
Donovan sighs.
"Yes, yes. Go right ahead."- He says- "I won't stop you. I never would."
Jon smiles, pats him on the shoulder and leaves him alone.
As he leaves, Amelia approaches him.
"Donnie, are you sure that you're okay?"- She asks him- "You can join us if you want."
Donovan shakes his head.
"I don't want to."
Amelia raises her eyebrow.
"But we still need y-- "
Donovan stares angrily at her.
"I said that I don't want to!"
Amelia steps back, startled.
"Umm. I guess that I'll be going, then."- She says- "Enjoy your time alone, big bro."
With that, she and Jon leave.
Donovan looks back at the gates of Goznor. He reverently grasps Alcander's last message with his right hand, remembering the moments when he trusted him to deliver it.
"Guard it with your life."- He hears his words in his mind- "Who knows when you will see him again?"
Donovan takes a step forward and sighs.
"I said it back then and I'm not afraid to say it again."- He says- "No matter what it takes, I shall meet Adam again. This message shall reach its destination."
He looks around.
"But... how can I do that?"- He wonders- "With everyone looking at me, someone's surely going to take me back here if I go. But I don't want to endanger them."
As he continues to stare at the gate, someone taps him on the back. When he turns around, he sees a mysterious figure- perhaps all too familiar, but not to him.
"Hey there, king. Heard you were looking for a way to sneak out of town."- He says- "Is that so?"
Donovan nods.
"I guess that you've been listening to my monologue, huh?"- He asks him- "How long have you been here?"
The man shakes his head.
"Does it matter?"- He says- "All that I want is to help you out."
Donovan sighs.
"I guess that I don't have another choice than to trust you."- He says- "Very well. What are you offering?"
The man smiles.
"A small proposition that you might find rather... appealing."- He says- "Go to the east walls at midnight. Take whatever supplies you can. If you truly want to see this Adam you speak of, then you surely know what I mean."
As much as Donovan would like to simply refuse and politely send the man on his way, his desire to see Adam again and deliver Alcander's message is too great.
"As you wish."- He says and shakes his hand- "We have a deal."
The man smiles.
"I knew that you're an honest man from the moment I saw you."
He gives him a small key.
"This one belonged to a friend of yours. He forgot it when he left with you."- He says- "Ever heard of the new Kaos residence? Well, you'll soon find out why I gave this to you."
Donovan nods.
"Sure thing."
The man nods.
"Farewell, for now."- He says- "Don't be late."
Donovan approaches the Kaos residence and puts the key into the lock on the front door.
"So, this place belonged to Adam and his family?"- He says to himself- "How was I not aware of that?"
Then, he turns the key and realizes that the man was true to his word. The door opens moments later.
Carefully closing the door behind him, Donovan goes to the second floor and lays on the bed.
As he tries to close his eyes, he notices something on a nearby shelf, shining in the moonlight.
"Hmm?"- He says- "What is this?"
He stands up and grabs the shining item, peering closer to see it.
"A photograph?"- He says- "But... whom does it depict."
He stares at it for a while and smiles.
"Ah. I see it now."- He adds- "Al must have left it here in a hurry."
He puts it in his pocket and lays back on the bed.
"Your memories were shown in little things like those, Al. You cherished them as you travelled, hoping that you could relive them again."- He says to himself- "Well, I won't let them disappear. For as long as I exist, your memories are mine, as well."
Having said that, he closes his eyes.
A few hours later, he wakes up and looks at the watch on his hand.
"Hmm. It's 2 AM now."- He says to himself- "I'd better get going."
He leaves the Kaos residence and locks it, keeping the key with him.
As he looks around, he realizes that the streets are empty. There is nobody in sight.
"Perfect."- He whispers- "Now is my chance."
He listens at the sounds around him as he moves forward. It's still very quiet, except for the sounds of the crickets coming from the bushes around him.
As he approaches the east walls of Goznor, he realizes that there are no guards. The gate is open and he is free to go.
"Hmm. This seems too good to be true."- He says to himself- "Could I really be this lucky?"
He shrugs.
"I guess that I was right to trust that man."
He approaches the nearby stables and frees one of the horses. As it tries to neigh, he silences it and shakes his head.
"Keep it quiet, boy."- He whispers- "You don't want them to catch us, do you?"
The horse neighs quietly.
"I knew that you're on my side."
Once he saddles it up, he makes sure that he is ready to go. 
As he leads the horse out of the capital, he looks back and sighs.
"Forgive me for what I am about to do, everyone. But I can't just let Darkthrop's crimes go unanswered. Not while I sit here and try to handle the chaos from the inside."- He whispers- "Adam must be notified of this. I shall return as soon as the deed is done, but not before I make it to him."
He smiles.
"I'll miss you."- He whispers- "A lot."
Donovan prepares to leave.
"The fate of Adam's revolution depends on me."- He says to himself- "If I could notifiy him of what we found, then maybe he could figure something out."
He turns to his horse and nods.
"Alright, Blaze. We're coming in hot."- He whispers- "Let's make our move."
As the two of them make it out of Goznor, a small band of goblins jumps out of the bushes and surrounds them, forcing Blaze to slow down a little bit. However, just as it is about to stop completely, Donovan launches a massive fireball at the troublemakers, incinerating all of them with just one hit and allowing his horse to continue galloping forward.
"It was just a minor setback."- Donovan says to it- "Jump over them and keep running. And don't look back."
As the horse gallops forward, Donovan stares at the road ahead and smiles sadly.
"This one is for you, old friend."- He says- "Together, we shall conquer our fears and save the world. Nothing will be able to stop us again."
With that, he and Blaze approach the end of the forest around Goznor and disappear into the dark mist.
----
Adam and Akira sit in the woods outside of Duskwood, as if waiting for something to happen.
"We have been sitting here for days."- He says- "Why don't we just leave and search for the right way ourselves?"
Akira shakes her head.
"I know that you're anxious, but try to keep it down."- She says- "I'm sure that Linus's got it all figured out."
Adam looks at the child in her hands and smiles.
"Is my little nephew asleep?"
Akira nods.
"Poor thing's been sleeping for hours."- She says- "What with all the undead and villains that tried to kill us, he's been on the edge. I'm glad that I was finally able to calm him down."
Adam nods.
"I just hope that we could get out of here faster."- He says- "If not for either of us, then for him."
He looks at Akira.
"So. I heard that you have fallen in love with my classmate."- He says- "How does it feel to have him by your side?"
Akira smiles.
"He might not be the brightest man alive, but he definitely has a big heart."- She says- "I want my children to have a good father and I think that he's the right one."
Adam nods.
"I would never dare to tell you whether you are right or not."- He replies- "If you think that you are happy with him, so be it. Just be warned that love can be like a two-sided blade- keep yourself on top of the good side and you won't have a problem."
Akira nods.
"It's nice to hear you say it, being the youngest sibling."- She says- "Maybe you're wiser than I thought."
Adam smiles.
"Mama told me how to hold them and how to fold them."- He says- "She is a great teacher."
Akira smiles sadly.
"Mama's a very wonderful woman. She taught you and then, she taught me."- She says- "If only she could take more care of herself, though."
Adam sighs.
"And that is why we are here."- He says- "To correct someone else's mistakes before it is too late."
Akira raises her eyebrow.
"Isn't that always the case?"- She asks- "I've never seen a problem that isn't caused by someone's mistakes."
Adam nods.
"Perhaps it is. Or perhaps it is not."- He says- "But do not forget that every problem, no matter how severe, has its solution. And the answers are hidden in the mistakes that we fear so much."
Akira smiles.
"Okay. You lost me there."- She says- "But it doesn't matter. You're right about that. And I'll do my best to prove it to everyone else."
Adam smiles.
"I know that you will!"
As the two siblings continue to talk, Linus leaves Duskwood and joins them.
"Did you find something, dear?"- Akira asks him- "Any clues?"
Linus shakes his head.
"Just vague guesses and pieces that we need to reassemble."- He says- "It's all just a bunch of mumbo jumbo for me."
Akira smiles.
"Aww. You poor thing."- She says and kisses him on the cheek- "You're trying your hardest. That's what matters."
Linus smiles and blushes.
"Thank you, Akira."
Adam smiles.
"Well, Mister Nice Guy."- He says to him- "Looks like you are very lucky."
Linus smiles.
"How could I say otherwise?"- He says- "You and Akira are very dear to me."
Adam nods.
"And that is what makes our bond so strong."
Moments later, a small group of people approaches the gates of Duskwood. Adam stands up to question them, but Akira stops him.
"Hold on."- She whispers- "Something's a little fishy over there."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"You think that those people are suspicious?"
Akira shrugs.
"Just a hunch, I guess."- She says- "If you want to risk it, go ahead and give it a try."
Adam wisely decides to trust his sister's suspicions and stay back, watching as a group of guards meets them.
"Liam, my dude! Where have you been? It's been so long!"- One of them exclaims- "The mayor's going to be so happy to see you!"
The red-haired man in the front smiles.
"It's good to be back, fellas."- He says- "We've been stuck in quite the predicament and only recently managed to get away."
The guards nod.
"Make sure to tell us everything once we're inside."- One of them says- "Those freaks have been attacking us from everywhere and every single bit of information's appreciated."
Liam nods and looks down.
"Just... get us in there."- He says- "I'll fill you in once we're safe."
With that, Liam, his people and the guards enter Duskwood.
"What a strange man."- Adam says- "Why would he escape and go all the way in Duskwood, just to endanger himself again?"
Akira glares at the gates.
"Or maybe he's got something in mind."- She says- "Something... mischievous."
Linus looks down and sighs.
"This person, he... he is no stranger to this town."- He says- "Before he was captured, he used to be a hunter."
Adam and Akira look at him.
"And what is this supposed to imply?"- Akira asks.
Linus sighs.
"Liam is a friend of ours. We shouldn't be suspicious of him."- He says- "He's already been through a lot. Once he goes in there, all eyes will be on him. And I don't want us to be part of those who mistrust him."
Adam nods.
"We are not suspicious of him. Just a little confused."- He says- "But we still have to be wary. Even a single mistake could bring our plans to ruin."
Linus nods.
"I'm aware of that."- He says- "It's just that I... don't know what to think of the one who willingly accepted his fate."
Adam looks at the gates.
"Shall we enter Duskwood as well?"
Linus nods.
"I guess that it's for the best."- He says- "Let's go."
As the three of them go inside, they notice Liam and his people ahead of them. They overhear a bit of Liam's conversation with one of them and notice how he hands him a rope.
"Keep the crowd under control, Josh."- He says to him- "I'll make a signal to tell you when to act."
Josh nods.
"You got it, boss."
As the guards appear to escort them again, Josh stands by Liam's side.
"Are you feeling better?"- One of the guards asks Liam- "Did they hurt you badly?"
Liam shakes his head.
"Just a few injuries during the interrogation."- He replies- "I'll be okay."
The guard nods.
"What about Lisa?"- He asks him- "What happened to her?"
Liam looks down and sighs.
"I don't want to talk about it yet."- He says- "As I said, I'll tell everything when the right time comes."
The guard nods.
"Don't worry about it, Liam."- He says to him- "You're home now. There's nothing to fear."
Liam sighs.
"I really hope so."
With that, they leave and approach the inner section of the town where everyone is waiting for them.
"Something's telling me that this guy is not quite... genuine."- Akira says- "Are you sure that we shouldn't just blast him?"
Adam shakes his head.
"Remember, Aki."- He says to her- "Nobody is guilty of something, until it is proven otherwise."
Akira sighs.
"I'm still learning this whole thing about morals, you know?"- She says- "Just give me some time and I'll be done with it."
Linus smiles.
"Maybe I could help you out!"- He exclaims- "I know a thing or two about morals!"
Akira looks at him and smiles.
"You're just like me, dear. I saw how indecisive you were back there. Don't try to hide it."- She says- "But fear not. We could still learn together."
Linus nods.
"And Adam shall be the one to help us find our inner morals."
Adam smiles serenely.
"I will do my best."
As the three of them approach the town square, they notice that there is a meeting in session. A group of townsfolk is watching as Liam and his group approaches James.
"Liam, my boy! What a pleasant surprise!"- James exclaims- "How did the journey go?"
Liam looks down.
"Don't pretend that you care."- He says stoically- "You just want to hear my report."
All of the townsfolk go quiet. James continues to watch him, concerned and confused.
"Wait a minute. I can see that you're here, but not everyone else is present."- He says- "Did something happen out there?"
Liam sighs.
"We were ambushed by a huge patrol, led by Vexor. You know, that vile imitation of a necromancer who's been the cause behind all of our problems with the undead. He had us captured and killed some of our people who tried to run away."- He says- "Then, that sicko just... mocked the rest of my team and laughed as his fiends killed two more of them, leaving them to reanimate and attack the rest of us. Screams echoed all around us, until I became brave enough to stand up to him. He backed down, but not without a cost. A terrible cost."
The townsfolk gasp as they hear his story. James himself is outright terrified.
"And how did he let you go?"- He asks him- "Did you promise him something to appease his ravenous hunger for... for power?"
Liam smirks.
"You know, I've always hated that guy. But he made quite a big deal."- He says- "I wanted to refuse, but I had to accept. For the freedom of my people. For the safety of Lisa. For the inner peace of myself."
James nods.
"What could he possibly ask for?"- He asks- "We've got gold and units, but we can't just spare them like this."
Liam shakes his head.
"No. Not like that."- He says- "He wants something bigger. Something that's more... important to us."
James raises his eyebrow.
"He wants something important?"- He asks- "What could it be? The clothes on our backs? Our wives and children? The entire town?"
Liam shakes his head and pulls out a gun from his pocket.
"That guy was clear. He'll let me go once I bring him the head of our leader."- He says- "It's the only way for him to let go of Lisa and the others."
Suddenly, his entire group springs to life. Liam whistles for Josh and he pushes his way through the crowd, approaching James and apprehending him.
As Liam's people stand between James and the terrified townsfolk, Liam approaches Duskwood's leader and points his gun at him.
"Well, fellow citizens! Is this what you really want?!"- He yells- "My wife almost died because of you! My people suffered because you were too afraid to say yes! Was it really that hard to make peace with the enemy instead of fighting them?!"
Everyone stays silent, unsure how to respond.
"Heh."- Liam says- "I expected as much from you."
He turns back to James.
"I know that you've got a whole family, but this is for the good of our people. We need to survive, so tough decisions must be made."- He says- "Sorry, Mr. Braveheart. I hope that you can forgive me for what I'm about to do."
Having said that, he pulls out a small dagger and stabs him in the stomach, shocking everyone.
"I'm sorry."- He apologizes- "Please forgive me."
James shakes his head.
"You're no friend of mine anymore, Liam."- He says vehemently- "Joining Darkthrop and his people was your biggest mistake. And, rest assured, you'll find no friends here. Not after they see you for the traitor you are."
As Liam prepares to gun him down, he is shot in the shoulder by Adam, who rushes to the stage and tackles him away from James.
"What do you think you're doing?"- He says- "Boys! Get him away from me!"
However, he soon realizes that most of his people are too busy being gunned down by Akira and Linus.
As he fights back, Adam shakes his head.
"I do not want it to end this way, Liam."- He says to him- "Surrender and I promise that we can find another way to rescue the people who were captured by Vexor."
Liam shakes his head.
"No. You're ruining everything."- He says- "You're killing my people! You're killing Lisa!"
Adam shakes his head.
"Nobody is killing anyone right now. We are just doing our part, because you are too afraid to see your own mistakes."- He responds- "In fact, you are the one who is killing yourself. We are only trying to help you, but you are threatening to spark a mutiny in Duskwood!"
Liam glares at him.
"Well."- He says- "If you really want to help me, then let me kill Mr. Braveheart!"
Adam sighs.
"I can see it now."- He says- "You are too hopeless to survive."
As Adam prepares to deliver a killing blow, he is tripped by Liam, who takes his weapon and points it at him.
"You killed my dreams, so I'll kill you!"
Adam sighs.
"Most of my powers still remain diminished."- He says to himself- "Until I could have the chance to rest and recuperate for a while, this is the best I can do."
Using whatever strength he has left, Adam fights back against Liam, who is now armed to the teeth.
"Stop resisting!"- Liam yells- "Lisa won't survive if people like you are still around!"
Adam shakes his head.
"You are wrong!"- He yells- "People like me are trying to save the world! You are the one who is killing her with your actions!"
Liam grits his teeth angrily and prepares to plunge the sword into Adam's chest. However, before he could even get closer, he is suddenly struck in the chest with a ray of light.
And then another.
And another.
And yet another one.
As he falls to the ground, a mysterious figure, wearing a robe whiter than the stars in the sky, approaches Adam and helps him stand up.
"Thank you, umm... "
The man shakes his head.
"Names do not matter here, child."- A voice emerges from behind the hood- "Just do as I say and we can win this fight."
Amazingly, Liam stands up and attacks Adam, but is easily overpowered by the stranger, who efficiently blinds him with a light spell and forces him to fall on his knees again with just a single strike from his sword.
"You betrayed your own people. Cursed your homeland and condemned your loved ones to a life of servitude to a dark and ancient entity, thinking that you are doing the right thing."- He says to him- "Normally, such a cowardly act deserves a punishment greater than anything you could imagine. However, I have decided to be merciful to you and simply end your pitiful existence instead."
Before Liam could attack again, the stranger draws his sword and unceremoniously strikes him in the chest, unleashing a wave of energy so strong that it nearly incinerates him.
"I suggest that you stand back a little bit."- He says to Adam.
Adam nods and maintains a safe distance as the wave does its job.
Finally, the stranger backs away, sighs and watches as Liam's lifeless corpse falls on the ground, never to awaken again.
"It is happening again."- He mutters- "Life itself is playing tricks on us. People keep on making mistakes. Why can't it just end for good?"
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Umm, sir."- He says- "I hate to interrupt your monologue, but there is something that is still left undone."
The stranger nods and watches as Liam's skin slowly turns gray. Without another word, he pulls out his sword again and stabs him in the skull, sending his tortured soul wherever it was meant to be.
"The deed is done."- He says stoically- "Now, he can finally rest in peace."
As Adam tries to join him, one of Liam's henchmen grabs him from behind.
He soon realizes that he is Josh- one of Liam's closest people- and he is very angry.
However, before he could do any damage to him, Adam trips him, hurls a bolt of water of his face to disorient him and leaps back.
As the villain stands up and attacks him again, Adam casts another spell.
Running forward with his head in the front, Josh refuses to give up on his leader or anticipate the fact that he is in danger... until the problem is on top of him, ominously standing over his head.
Suddenly, a large, sharp stalagmite falls from below and pierces Josh's head, crushing a small part of his skull and ending his life.
As Adam and the stranger stand over the corpses of their enemies, Adam smiles and turns to thank the stranger, but he is already a fair distance away.
He waves and tries to get away unseen, but is stopped by Akira.
"Don't think that we didn't see what you did there."- She says- "Why did you go through all this trouble to help us out?"
The stranger shakes his head.
"I am just doing whatever I can to build a better world."- He says- "Nothing more, nothing less."
He tries to leave again, but Akira refuses to let him go. She stares at his hood, seeing something that Adam does not.
"Umm, Aki?"- He says- "You are aware that it is rude to stare at someone for so long, right?"
Akira sighs.
"They'll get over it."- She says- "It's important to know who we are dealing with."
As she catches the glimpses of two bright, blue eyes, she gasps.
"No."- She says and takes a step back- "It... it cannot be."
Adam raises his eyebrow.
"Aki?"- He asks her- "Are you alright?"
Akira sighs, takes a step forward and touches the stranger's cheek with her ice cold hand.
"Daddy. You're here."- She says as her eyes fill with tears- "I thought that you were gone forever."
Then, without thinking twice, she leans forward and hugs him.
Adam looks at her, confused.
"Aki?"- He says- "What are you talking about?"
Akira looks back at her brother and smiles serenely, for the first time in weeks.
"Adam, we did it!"- She exclaims excitedly- "We found him!"
She looks back at the stranger.
"Lift your hood."- She says- "Please."
The stranger shakes his head.
"It is hard to show my face again."- He says- "I don't want to make you cry."
Akira smiles.
"It's okay. We're family. We've always been."- She says- "There's nothing to be afraid of, dad. Just do it."
The stranger looks at her.
"But... why?"
Akira sighs.
"Because I... want him to see your face again."- She replies- "It's been to long and he's missed you so much."
The stranger sighs and finally decides to lift his hood.
As Adam stares at the face that emerges from within, he gasps.
"Dad!"- He exclaims- "It is you! It really is you!"
Then, he hugs him as well.
Jared, now free from the hood that concealed his face, smiles and hugs both of them.
"That is right, my little diamonds."- He says- "Daddy is back. And I am never, ever going anywhere again."