PB4G: WRATH AS A LIGHTNING, PART 2

WRATH AS A LIGHTNING, PART 2
---
TERRA-CCLVII/Earth-257
New Rome. The always-bustling, never-slumbering capital of the United Roman Territories. Blending the aesthetics of the old days of the Empire with more modern construction practices, it was seen as the crown jewel of the western regions.
At the sight of something so foreign to their eyes, Cindy and Ibuki were in awe. 
"If Kenny was here...he'd be having the time of his life." Ibuki said.
"It looks so much like New York, but there's temples, and big statues of Roman gods..." Cindy pondered.
"Least everyone dresses the same as back home. We don't look too out of place. There is one big problem, though."
"What's that?"
Ibuki pointed to the signs on the buildings, then cupped her ears to listen to the people talking. "I don't speak Italian."
"Oh...meep. Okay, no worries. P.D.F. watches come standard with universal translators."
"Oh, okay. Wanna show me how that works?" Ibuki held up her wrist, having a watch matching Cindy's.
"Alrighty. Give me two seconds..." Cindy began working with the watch's controls. "...and...activate this here, and...vuala! You're all set."
"Hunh, it's really that easy? Let me check. Um, excuse me, sir? Do you have the time?" Ibuki asked an older gentleman walking by.
"You've got a watch, don't you?" The man kept walking.
"Ugh, rude! Oh hey, I think it worked! Another win for your computer brain."
"Aww, it's nothing. Wait til you've seen what other features I've packed into these things." Cindy replied.
"I'm ready to have my mind blown. So, where to first?"
"Let's try to find out as much as we can about what happened to this world's Max. And if this is supposed to be like New York, then the place where the most people would be is Times Square. I recognize some of the layout, so I don't think it's too far."
"Lead the way, sweets."
The pair walked down the busy streets, past the tall buildings and marble statues. "I really wish we could've come here for a nicer reason. I'd love to take in more of the city." Cindy said.
"Hunh, would you look at that." Ibuki looked inside the window of a dress parlor, with a pair of elegant robes on full mannequin display. "Guess the last couple thousand years didn't take these out of fashion. Think I'd look good in one of these?"
"You'd look good in anything."
"Aww, you're just saying that. You'd look pretty in it, too."
"I only ever look 'cute'. You're beautiful, Ibuki, and you'd look beautiful wearing anything. I've only ever been called cute."
"There's nothing wrong with being adorable, sweets. You're cute as a button."
"I appreciate that, but...I dunno." Cindy put her index fingers together, puffed her cheeks and blushed. "I'd like someone to say I'd look good on the cover of 'Vogue' instead of giving me a headpat."
"Oh, honey. I didn't realize you thought it was that big a deal. Tell you what. When this whole thing's fixed, why don't we work on this self-image issue? I think you've got the perfect aesthetic for you already, but if you wanna add some extra flair to it...I won't argue with a girls' trip."
"Y-You're too nice, Ibuki. I can see why Maxie fell for you. Um...why don't we keep walking before I turn even redder."
"Too late for that." Ibuki winked. 
The girls soon arrived at what, on their respective Earths, was known as Times Square. Much like theirs, there were advertisements and large video screens dotting the buildings, along with many a 24/7 business. The intersection, as always, was filled with crowds.
At the very center of the intersection sat a towering marble statue of a bearded man holding a sickle. At its base, the name of the area was plain: 'Saturn Square'.
"Saturn, god of time and patron of the capital. Makes sense to have him here." Cindy observed.
"Know what I've noticed? A bunch of these shops are either closed or saying they're closing early. Wonder what for." Ibuki questioned.
Cindy looked up at one of the advertising boards. "I think we've got our answer."
The sign possessed a black background, with an image, stylized to resemble old pottery decor, of a man in traditional garb with his back turned. A lightning bolt was present behind the image. Up top, it read 'MAXIMUS: MCMXCIX - MMXXXII'. At the bottom, 'Twelve days hence, we send our hero off. Tonight, VII, at the Colosseo where his lightning faded.'
"A memorial for their Max...right where he was killed. That's going to be heavy." Ibuki said.
"With that many people going through it, there's probably not much evidence left. Still..." Cindy pondered.
"You wanna go pay your respects."
"How'd you know?"
"I feel the same. He's not my Maxie, or your dad, but the people here are hurting all the same. I wanna see what kind of man he was, and, I guess...process how I'm feeling."
"Ibuki..."
"I almost lost the man I love. People here did. Maybe even someone like me. Something inside me's just telling me to see for myself. I know you're still hurting, so I won't blame you if you sit it out..."
"If it was my dad, I'd want as many people there that you could fit. And as for how I'm feeling..." 
Hugo flashed in Cindy's head.
"...I can manage."
"If you say so. Let's see where this 'Colosseo' is."
---
Later that night, the crowds of robe-garbed citizens filed into the Colosseum by the masses. Most carried a candle.
Out of sight, Cindy and Ibuki hid. "Wow, look at all of them...there's no way they can fit that many people in there." Cindy said.
"They've got it broadcasting throughout the whole city...I don't think there's a single person not tuning in. How do we get in there? We kinda stick out against all those robes." Ibuki asked.
"Easy-peasy. The watch has a quick-change feature." Cindy pressed some buttons on Ibuki's watch. Her clothes were immediately changed to a stylish red robe.
"Hel-lo. How's it pull this off?"
"The best in special effects tech. Perfect for covert operations...or if you need a quick wardrobe change." Cindy pressed her watch, and took on a light blue robe. She untied her hair. "...how do I look?"
"Beautiful." Ibuki smiled.
Cindy blushed.
"Shall we?"
"Yeah."
The two made their way into the crowd. All the seats in the amphitheater were filled, while there was hardly any room to move in the Colosseum floor. Cindy and Ibuki found room near the back of the crowd.
At the center was a tall, wooden pyre, atop which the World-Emperor stood. Lying amongst the branches and hay was the body of Maximus, a gold coin placed over each of his eyes.
The crowd's attention turned to the entrance. The procession slowly walked in, led by the minotaur, carrying a torch.
"Is that...a bull with arms?" Ibuki whispered.
"Shh." Cindy quieted her.
At the center of the procession, a black veil cloaking her face, was Maximus' beloved Iris, arm-in-arm with a similarly shrouded Belledona.
"The brown-haired lady must be his sister. And the black-haired one..." Cindy observed.
Something seemed to catch Iris' attention. Previously staring straight ahead, she turned...and met Ibuki eye-to-eye.
"...Huntress...? No...that's impossible..." Iris mumbled.
"What's wrong?" Belledona asked.
"...it's nothing. Just my imagination." Iris turned and continued walking.
"That wasn't my imagination, right? Was she...looking right at you?" Cindy whispered to Ibuki.
"....." The latter stayed silent.
Still unable to shake that feeling of familiarity, Iris turned to look again.
Ibuki locked eyes, and began to sign. "My heart is with you, sister."
She didn't know if the woman in the veil would understand her, or even see it. But Iris saw. And her reaction--a subtle tilting of the head--said enough to Ibuki.
The procession continued on. Once they reached the base of the pyre, Asterius handed the torch to Iris. He bowed his head to her, then turned to look up at where Maximus lay. "I shall miss our duels, old friend. May you find peace in the next life, where this one offered you none." He bowed again, then walked away to join the crowd.
Slowly, still locking arms, the women walked up the winding ramp, and onto the top of the pyre.
"Gods, I can't." Belledona uttered at the sight.
"Stay strong, my sister." Iris urged.
"Ladies." The emperor greeted. "You have my deepest condolences. There was nary a soul who met Maximus who did not love him. A spirit like his is not easy to come by. He will be missed dearly."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Iris replied.
He briefly took the torch. Belledona approached Maximus. "We were never supposed to die apart. I'll be incomplete for the rest of my life. Mother and Father must be waiting for you. I won't keep them. Farewell, my beloved brother." She grabbed his hands, before allowing Iris her space.
She caressed his hair. "How I wish this story had a happy ending. Perhaps it was never meant to be. May we meet again in Elysium. Goodbye, my love." She kissed his forehead.
The emperor handed her the torch. Belledona took hold of it. Both women looked to each other, then lowered the flame onto the pyre. The sparks reached up to the sky, as the fires burned away the shell that was once the man called Maximus. Everyone watching, in the Colosseum or on the broadcast, raised their candles up.
"It feels like...the whole world's grieving." Cindy uttered. "Ibuki...?"
A tear streaked down Ibuki's cheek. "Sorry. I think we should make our way out."
The two made for the exit, as the crowd started to disperse.
All the while, Iris watched.
After walking a short distance, the girls hid from sight behind a building. They dispersed the watches' effect, returning to their normal clothes. Ibuki looked weary. "...you holding up okay?"
"I should be asking you. After that lady looked at you, you got...weird. What's on your mind?"
"I just...felt her pain. That could've easily been me up there, saying goodbye to a happy future. My heart was breaking for her."
"A curious feeling, that." a woman's voice spoke.
The two turned to see someone standing in the shadows. Ibuki drew her bow. "Watch yourself. You don't know who you're messing with."
"That bow tells me otherwise. My feelings were correct. The huntress has also given you her blessings."
"Huntress? You mean...Artemis?"
"Artemis, eh? I know her as Diana. She has not heard that name in many centuries. But how can it be that you have such power? The gods only ever have one living avatar, and for Diana, I am she."
"Who are you?"
"'My heart is with you, sister'."
"...!"
"How did you know I understand sign language? Was it just a gut feeling? A belief that we had much in common? How is it you know sign?"
"Someone I love can't hear, so it's a need. It's my--"
"Sister?"
"...you, too?"
The woman stepped out from the shadows. She had shed the veil, instead being garbed in a green hooded tunic and underarmor, with a quiver on her back. A green covering was over her mouth, but she shed it and the hood, revealing her face. "Me too." Iris spoke.
"It's you..." Cindy said.
"Sorry for surprising you. This is what I normally wear into battle. I wanted out of those funeral robes as quickly as possible. And away from all of those crowds. I can only hear 'sorry for your loss' so many times before my soul erodes completely. Who are you two?"
"My name's Ibuki. And my friend here is Cindy. We're, uh...not from around here." Ibuki replied.
"I had guessed that already. My name is Iris. A pleasure."
"You don't seem all that weirded out by us." Cindy said.
"12 days ago a man in a spacesuit descended from nowhere and killed my husband in front of the entire world. My capacity for surprise is next to nil. That, or my emotions have been numbed by this entire nightmarish affair. So, my fellow servant of the huntress...what brings you here?"
"Looking for answers. Earlier today, the orange bastard who killed your husband nearly did the same to my boyfriend." Ibuki answered.
"By the gods...what possibly for?"
"Well...my boyfriend's name is Max. Same as your husband. He has history with electricity, same as your husband. And that lady with you...is she your Max's sister? And would her name start with a 'B'?"
"Yes...correct on both counts."
"Somebody out there has a grudge against sparky guys named Max, and he's been going around different worlds, killing them. If his word is to be believed, your husband was the 73rd Max he killed." Cindy added.
"What possibly for? My Maximus was a noble man...he had his faults, but nothing so dire as to cause someone to seek his death."
"My Max is a good guy, too. Made a lot of mistakes that he's always apologizing for, but still owns my heart like no one else. I don't think it's anything they did. Somewhere along the way, this 'Shield' guy started hating men named Max, and now he's decided to jump around taking out different versions of the same man. Why's he doing it? Who is he under that orange bucket of scrap? When can I beat his face in? That's what we're wanting to find out. I imagine most of these Maxes left people behind that are hurting. They all deserve closure. You do, too."
"You don't even know who I am."
"Feels like I do. I know what heartache is like. And you wanna find this guy and waste him just as bad as I do."
Iris thought for a moment. "I'd like to go home. All this attention has been draining. What little I know that can help you, I'll be happy to talk. In exchange...I'd just like your company for a while. Maybe hearing of your life with your Max can help me heal. Much more than any intrusive interview could."
"It's a deal. As long as I can hear about you and your hubby. Lead the way."
Taking care to avoid any unwanted attention, Iris motioned the girls along.
---
The Empresses district. Inside of the high rise apartment she called home, Iris locked the door. "You wouldn't believe the number of cameras and 'influencers' I've had to kick away these last couple of weeks. Vultures and parasites, the lot of them." she said.
"I'm sorry. You should at least be able to grieve in peace." Ibuki said from the couch.
"You'll have to excuse the mess. Belledona--my sister-in-law--has been helping me move his possessions. I...can't look at them. It's so difficult when so much I see reminds me of him in some way."
Cindy looked at the pictures on the mantle. "I...know the feeling."
"So, I've been wondering...where does your power come from? You said something about being blessed by the gods." Ibuki questioned.
"Is that not what you are?" Iris replied.
"My power's...a bit more complicated than that."
"Well, in any case, in this world, the gods choose their avatars through a variety of means. Some are chosen through gladiatorial combat. Some are raised with the express purpose of becoming an avatar. Like me, for instance. I'm an Amazon."
"An Amazon? You mean like, one of those badass warrior women?"
"I'm glad that our traditions aren't limited to this world. My people have long been blessed by the huntress Diana. Traditionally, her avatar has always been from among the Amazon. After my predecessor passed, a contest was held to determine the new avatar. A hunt. The quarry was a satyr who made one too many advances towards our number. Whoever captured the pest and delivered him to his judgement would be deemed worthy of Diana's power."
"And that's how you ended up with it?" Cindy asked.
"The organizers believed that the hunt would take days. Maybe even weeks. I had the imp in chains before dusk."
"I'm liking you more by the second." Ibuki commented. "So, how about Maximus? Was he raised to be an avatar?"
"My Maximus? Hardly so. He came from a poor farming community that had been struggling for a long while. His greatest concern was survival. And so one day, he chanced upon a flier. They were seeking candidates to partake in Jupiter's trial. As the king of the gods, his trial was simple, but much different from the rest. He would test not just the candidates' strength, but their character and willpower. Maximus was nothing if not a dreamer. All he could think about was finding some way to save his parents' farm."
"So he took the challenge. What was the trial?"
"Jupiter's weapon, the sacred bolt, was embedded into a stone. Supposedly, the task was to pull the weapon from the rock without getting electrocuted by it. When the first candidate grabbed hold of it, he was consumed by its power. Were he to hold on for too long, he would've been turned to ashes. Most of the other candidates stood by and watched as this man was being shocked to death, unsure of what to do. And then...here comes Maximus. He runs up and tackles the man to force him to let go of the Bolt. Onlookers were stunned. The guards were about to toss Maximus out...until they saw the Bolt in his hand. He was unharmed. Jupiter could have chosen any simple musclehead who could hold onto the weapon. But my Maximus...he couldn't stand by and watch a man die like that. That is what Jupiter sought. Not a man of muscles, but a man of character."
"Wow. Honestly...that's something my Maxie would do. Pretty recently, we were fighting for our lives against this giant monster. I was about to be crushed, and he pushed me out of the way. Didn't even matter to him if he got hurt. Just as long as I got out unscathed."
"He did the same thing for me. He took a hit that would've seriously hurt me." Cindy added.
"And he somehow survived all of that, and being attacked by the orange dastard? Your Max is nothing if not durable." Iris commented.
"So how did you meet him?" Ibuki asked.
"At a banquet celebrating his being named Jupiter's avatar. I thought there must've been some severe mistake. A scrawny farm boy who had never held so much as a sword before, now was going to fight in the arena as the God-King's chosen? I challenged him on the spot. He said his mother would scold him for hitting a girl. I told him not to insult me, but he held to his morals. I'm not proud to say this, but...I knocked him on his rear in front of everyone else there. It was...quite embarrassing."
"Yikes, and he still asked you out after that?"
"Believe me, I was just as stunned as you are. I really thought he must have had his brain fried by Jupiter's lightning. But the more I listened to him...the more he started to win me over. He wasn't in this for glory, or fame. That was a side-effect. His goal was, from the beginning, to help make his family's life easier. Every battle he fought in the arena, every triumph, he would donate the bulk of his earnings to his parents and their farm. Even after they passed, him and his sister--she had by this point been appointed Ceres' avatar--kept and maintained that farm. I thought him a fool when I first met him. Now...I'm honored to have been his wife. And to see him off to the hereafter."
Ibuki comforted her counterpart by rubbing her shoulder.
Iris wiped away a tear. "He didn't deserve this. My Max...he was a good man. He always gave his opponents an honorable duel. You saw Asterius at the funeral, yes? Him and Maximus fought I don't know how many times over the years. Many of his regular sparring partners attended today. He had everyone's respect. That's why this is so incomprehensible. That someone could have so much hatred in their heart that they would kill him in cold blood. And now to learn that he was one of many? It all feels so...meaningless."
"I feel your anger. I've got those same thoughts swimming through my head. My Maxie and I...we were just starting our life together. We'd fought so hard just to have peace. And now, with everything falling into place...some bastard flies in and tries to end him, and for what? A grudge that my Max, or yours, or any of these other ones had nothing to do with except for their names? It makes no sense. I should be by his bedside right now. But I have to make sure no one else has to go through what we are right now. None of these Maxes or the people they love deserve this. Right, Cindy?"
Cindy nodded. "The Max of my world is my dad. I know if something bad happened to him, I'd stop at nothing to make the guy responsible answer for it. We have to stop this Shield guy from hurting anyone else."
"A noble cause, but if this man truly has the power to travel across universes, how can we ever find him?" Iris questioned.
"Is there anything you can tell us about him? I know thinking of that day must be hard, but--" Ibuki asked.
"If it can in any way put an end to this madman's quest, I'll endure as many painful memories as I must. But to be truthful, there wasn't much I saw or heard. He'd already taken Maximus' life by the time I engaged him. But what little he spoke...he made it sound as though he'd done a good thing."
"Yeah, from what I heard, he said the same thing when he attacked my Maxie. Like he was doing us some kinda favor. Horseshit, excuse my French."
"What's 'French'?"
"Um...never mind. Was there anything else about him? Did he leave anything behind that might help us find him?"
"No. He vanished without a trace after we confronted him. I blame myself for not stopping him then. I...was supposed to be in the arena with Maximus that day. But a lingering foot injury kept me sidelined. Even when I made my way down, I was still hobbled. I'm sorry, Ibuki."
"What are you apologizing to me for?"
"I could have neutralized that man then and there. Instead, he escaped, and critically wounded your Max. So long as this man breathes, he's a danger. My failure to stop him surely--"
"Don't do that to yourself. You were hurt. You're not to blame for this asshole going around and killing people. Focus your anger on him. People are ultimately responsible for their own actions. My Maxie would agree. Would yours?"
"Ah...yes. I do believe he would. So, what exactly is your plan for finding this 'Shield' person?"
"We were hoping that he left some kind of clue behind, or something we could analyze and track." Cindy replied.
"Track across entire universes? Is such a thing even possible?"
"This girl's got the tech for it." Ibuki answered.
"My watch has an application for every occasion, but in this case, we've got someone who can track people down so long as they've got an energy signature. But if this happened in the Colosseum, where a bunch of people have been going through the last few days..." Cindy explained.
"Was there no trace where your Max was attacked, Ibuki?" Iris asked.
The hairdresser shook her head. "Tried that. Guess he wasn't around long enough to leave anything tangible. And our people had gone through there already."
"So that leaves us with nothing. I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful."
"No, don't apologize. We'll just have to come up with something else..."
Cindy turned and saw some items in a box. One of which was a toy replica of the Bolt. Suddenly, she had an idea. "Ms. Iris, the Bolt your husband used. Where did he keep it when he wasn't using it?"
"The Bolt? Well, inside a safe in our bedroom. Only him and I knew the code." Iris replied.
"Please tell me that safe is still here."
"Unfortunately, I can't. The safe was one of the first things I had removed after...that day."
Cindy looked disappointed. "Darn..."
"What would you need it for, Cind?" Ibuki asked.
"I was hoping that some of the Bolt's energy signature was still around. If I could analyze and record it, then bring it back to Dr. Wolfe, we could track it down no matter where in the multiverse it was. But if it's already gone..."
Iris gave it some thought. "Wait...there is something else. The rock."
"Dwayne Johnson? I mean, he's beefy, but I dunno if he'll be much help here..." Ibuki replied.
Iris waived it off. "No, the rock that the Bolt was embedded in. After Jupiter's avatar dies, the Bolt is plunged back into the stone until the next chosen is selected. It has been such since time immemorial. If there is any one thing in the world that would contain the Bolt's energy, it's that rock."
"Alright, cool. So where is it?"
"It is held in a temple dedicated to Jupiter, and as tradition holds that it be located in the one nearest to his avatar, then it is, for now, across town. Let me take you there now..." Iris got up.
"Right now? Come on, you don't have to, after today you surely have to take a rest?"
"After today...yes, you would think so. The day I had to bid my soulmate farewell. Anyone else would wish nothing more than to drift off to sleep and stay as far away from other people as possible. I am in so much pain, that I may *never* sleep again. I am a mourning widow...and I am also an Amazon. A vengeful warrior who will not rest until the demon who stole my Maximus away from me is stripped of his head, so it can be mounted from the highest tower!"
Ibuki and Cindy both looked frightened. Iris, sensing this, calmed herself.
"...forgive me. I just...can't comprehend it, even now. He's gone. And nothing short of brokering with Pluto himself could ever bring him back. And yet...I refuse to accept it. Even as I stood there with a flame in my hand, I thought he was going to rise back up, let out a yawn and ask me why I looked so sad. My good-natured Sparkplug...why did you have to leave me...?"
Ibuki got up, and walked behind her. "Y'know, that's what I call my Maxie, too. I don't want to potentially go past your boundaries, but most of my friends are huggers, so..."
Iris turned to her. With one arm, she embraced her. Ibuki hugged with both her arms. When Iris let go, she signed. "Thank you, my sister in the hunt. My heart is also with you."
"I'm honored. Let's go face the future. Not with anger, but courage." Ibuki signed back.
"Yes. Courage. Come with me. To the Temple of Jupiter."
---
With most of New Rome's citizens still concentrated around the Colosseum, the group were able to get to the Temple of Jupiter relatively quickly and largely unnoticed. The temple itself was a large, white marble structure, with a statue of a bearded man holding a lightning bolt welcoming any and all visitors at the entrance.
Beneath the king of the gods' statue, there were numerous offerings of flowers, cards, and other assorted gifts offering their condolences to the fallen champion.
"....." Iris looked at them with a quiet intensity.
"I guess if there was any place in the city where people would go to leave flowers..." Cindy said.
"You gonna be okay going in there?" Ibuki asked.
"I have no choice. You will need a guide to get past the entrance. The only people allowed into the temples at night are the avatars. I'm more worried about you two." Iris replied.
"Why's that?"
"The stone is in a tightly guarded spot. I can guarantee passage to its location, but its guardian might not be so willing and open to accommodate. Her orders are to keep access to the stone limited only to those she deems worthy. Given recent events, she may be in an even worse mindset to let us pass. She and Maximus were quite close."
"I mean...the whole reason we're going is to find the guy who hurt Maximus. She'd listen to reason on that, right?"
"I'd consider it a 50-50 chance. She'll likely wish to test your ability to complete the job."
"I hope she's in a better mood than you think..." Cindy uttered.
The three entered the temple, walking through the ornate halls and into the sanctum in the back. Carvings of its patron deity, along with bolts of lightning, decorated the walls. At the sanctum's head was a large, white stone, with an opening just big enough that the Bolt could fit inside of it.
Cindy shuddered. "What's wrong?" Ibuki asked.
"Ever since we came in here...it's felt like we're being watched." Cindy replied. "Let's get to that rock and get out of here." She stepped forward.
"Wait, be careful--" Iris warned.
Before Cindy could walk any further, several objects flew out from the shadows, being pinned to the ground in front of her. "Eek! What the--"
Ibuki looked. "Are those...knives? And those sparks coming from them...they're pink." A thought came to her. "Oh, don't even tell me..."
Iris stepped forward. "You know you could have hit me with those, right?" 
"As long as they hit something." a woman's voice responded.
A burst of shadow energy erupted from in front of the rock. Emerging from it was a woman, with black armor stylized to appear as if it was made of wrappings. A crescent moon was present on her chest. Her hair was black, with highlights that matched the color of her eyes: pink.
"Hello, Katrina." Iris greeted.
"Shouldn't you be off mourning somewhere? I'm not in any mood for visitors. And who are these two supposed to be?"
"They're with me. They want to help find the man who killed Maximus."
"Don't we all. So why come bother me?"
"We just want a couple minutes to look over the rock. We didn't want to interrupt anything." Ibuki replied.
"Well, too late for that. Iris. This is not the time for nighttime excursions. You lost your husband. I lost my best friend. At least give yourself five seconds before you start hunting down a ghost."
"I know that emotions are still raw, Katrina. But I can't sit by and allow the one who took him from us to run free. He's already hurt more people. Please. Just give us a few moments with the stone." Iris requested.
"Are you even hearing yourself? How's a rock supposed to tell you where the bastard's hiding?"
Katrina looked at Cindy, who appeared nervous. "You there."
"Huh...?!" Cindy was caught unawares.
"You've been shaking like a leaf since the moment you walked in. Most people at least wait to hear who I am before they start shivering."
"Sorry, I, um..."
"You've got to be kidding me, Iris. *This* is who's going to help you avenge Maximus? If my heart wasn't ripped in two, I'd be laughing right now."
"Hey, quit it! She's got her own problems to deal with! Lay off!" Ibuki chastised.
"Her own problems. Right. Listen here, little girl. My best friend was the strongest person I knew, and he's dead. And now you're trying to say you'll do what he couldn't? When you can't even stop yourself from shaking?"
"I'm gonna! My best friend was attacked by the same guy, and I'm gonna make sure he doesn't do it again! So yeah, I've got a lot of problems right now...but I'm not gonna run from this!" Cindy replied.
"Heh." The shadows around Katrina grew.
"By the gods, Katrina, don't. If you want to vent to someone, do so with me." Iris protested.
Katrina raised her hand. "Here's the deal, little girl. If you want to go anywhere near that rock, you'll need to prove that you're prepared to fight someone even Maximus couldn't defeat. I won't let you waste our time."
"Name it. What do you want from me?" Cindy asked.
"Overcome my power. Do that, and I'll leave you alone."
"Cindy, let me handle this. I--" Ibuki objected.
"No...I'll do it. I have to. If it means we get closer to our goal, then I'll push through it." Cindy replied.
"Let's see if you're still thinking that in a minute." Katrina spoke.
Shadows rose up around Cindy. Everyone and everything around her suddenly vanished into darkness. "H-hey! Ibuki! Ms. Iris! Where'd you go?"
"They won't be helping you." Katrina's voice echoed.
"Where'd everything go...?"
"Do you really want to save everyone? Avenge my friend and yours? Then you'll have to defeat me in my own playground. My name is Katrina. I am the avatar of Luna, the ethereal moon. Welcome...to my darkness world."
"....." "(I can't even see my hands...or the light on my watch...this is so creepy.)" Cindy thought.
"What's the matter? Afraid of a wrong step? Eyes wide open, yet you can't see a thing? I'll stop when you beg me to."
"Huh...?"
"All you have to do is last for a little while in the dark. Alone with your thoughts. This is the trial they give to anyone seeking Luna's power. Sounds easy, right? Even a little piece of cotton candy like you should be able to stand in the dark for a few minutes."
"(No. That's waaaay too easy. There's gotta be something more to this. What's so tough about being alone with my--)"
"Lady Cynthia."
She froze up. That voice should not have been there. And yet here it was, outside the confines of her mind.
"H-Hugo...?"
Amongst the darkness, she could make out a shape. A familiar, avian shape, hovering in the air without flapping its wings.
"Huey! How...how can you be here? I thought you were--"
"Be silent, for once." the bird replied.
"Wha...? Huey?"
"You haven't the slightest idea how grating your excitability can be. Always happy. Always bouncing around. I existed only to put up with such nonsense. I would have had better purpose as a calculator."
"Why are you talking like that? You were never so--"
"Mean? Why do you think that is, o wise creator? Was my personality really my own, or was it what you deemed acceptable? What a pitiful existence, cleaning up your messes."
"Huey...you can't really think that. You...you sacrificed yourself for me. Why would you do that if you were really angry?"
"Maybe I thought I could get away from you."
That last remark pierced her through the heart.
"Or maybe I thought I could fix your scatterbrain from the inside. As much as your bed-stealing mother tried. I envy you, you spoiled little princess. What was the meaning behind my existence?"
"H-Hugo...why...I made you...so you'd be my friend?"
"'Friend', you say? Ha! As if a defective freak could ever have friends. I was nothing more than your slave. Your pet. Your 1-Up when the reaper came calling. Is that all I was ever there for? So utterly pathetic."
Cindy buried her head, and covered her ears. "Stop it stop it stop it! I don't want to hear this..."
"Hahahahaha! What's the matter? I thought you *wanted* to hear my voice again, freak! Is this not to your liking?"
Outside the darkness of her mind, Cindy wept. Katrina watched, her eyes glowing.
"...is there a problem?" she asked.
Ibuki had an arrow pointed at her head. "Let her go."
"You forgot to say 'please'."
"Fuck off, bitch. She's had enough. Let her go. Or the only thing going into that rock is gonna be your head."
"Iris, could you please get this rabid dog away from me?"
"How was anyone *your* friend?"
Iris grabbed Ibuki's hands, pushing the arrow down. "Calm down."
"'Calm down'? Seriously?"
"The cruelty is the point. She's trying to get a reaction. Your friend needs to work through it herself."
"I'm testing her fortitude, genius." Katrina stated. "If she can't handle a little bit of despair, then she shouldn't be out hunting murderers. But everyone wants to criticize the big meanie Katrina. Give me a break."
"Grrrr..." Ibuki growled. "(I'm *so* glad Kitty Kat isn't like this, I would've decked her years ago.)"
Within her mind, Cindy sat, mortified. 
"It's all my fault...I killed him...of course he hates me...I'm too weak...everything's falling apart and I can't do anything..."
"(...my lady?)" A voice rang in her head.
"...! Huh?"
"(Why are you listening to this drivel, my lady?)"
"Huey...? But--"
"(You know that is not me. I was never so scornful of you. My purpose in life was to serve you to the best of my abilities. And I never despised it, or you. Not for a minute.)"
".....I miss you so much, Hugo. I never wanted you to die."
"(My lady....life rarely ever goes the way we want it to. I am satisfied with how my own life transpired. What were my last words to you before my existence faded?)"
"...I...Huey, I..."
"(Think of what I said and did for you, Lady Cynthia. This charlatan's words should mean nothing. Do not give into despair.)"
"....."
"Are you even listening? Earth to defect! Have I cut you so deeply that you're ceasing to function? I really did die for nothing!" 'Hugo' insulted.
Cindy stood up.
"Got anything to say, defect? Or is crying all you can do?"
She drew one of her blasters. "Hugo...loved me. And I...loved Hugo."
She pointed it at the bird and fired.
The illusion shattered, and Cindy was now pointing her weapon at Katrina, who had dodged the shot.
"Wow. I didn't think you had it in you." the latter said.
"Cind?" Ibuki questioned.
"You got something to say, cotton candy girl?"
Cindy's hand began to shake. "Never...ever...make him say those things to me again...Huey...he'd never...say those things!" She cried.
Katrina palmed aside the blaster. "You need therapy, little girl. But a deal's a deal. The rock's all yours to do...whatever with. I can't believe I'm actually leaving this to you all. If you don't bring that orange freak back here in chains, I'll feel even worse about this than I already do." She turned to leave.
"A pleasure as always, Katrina." Iris responded.
"...promise me, Iris. Promise me you'll find him. I want that Bolt back right here where it belongs."
"You have my word, my friend. Then we can mourn him properly."
"That's all I ask. See you when I see you." She disappeared into the shadows.
"Thanks for the laughs, shady!" Ibuki called out. "Sheesh. Is she always like that?"
Iris shook her head. "She's always been a bit touchy. Losing Maximus only made it worse. I'll have a long talk with her the next time I see her."
"I'm still having a hard time imagining your hubby getting along with her. But whatever. Let's just get what we came here for."
"....." Cindy remained stoic.
Ibuki put her arms on her. "You're alright, honey. You got through it. Just gotta do your thing now."
"...yeah. I'm okay. Let me see that rock."
Cindy got on top of the rock, using her watch to scan the area where the Bolt would have been placed. "Oh, wow. That's one heck of an energy spike. I'm glad we were right about this."
"Sweet. Now we've just gotta hand this over to Doc Rose and let them do their thing." Ibuki said.
Cindy opened up a portal with her watch. "Faster the better."
"Thanks for all your help, Iris. I promise, we'll bring back the--"
"Why are you starting it off like a farewell? I'm coming along." Iris insisted.
"Is that really okay? You've gotta be feeling--" Cindy began.
"No, Cind. I get it. You're not the type to sit around crying. You're a warrior. And if there was ever a time for one of those..." Ibuki said.
"You took the words right from my mouth. I would be shaming my ancestors if I opted to lie in bed, grief-stricken, when I could be taking the initiative. And besides, someone needs to teach you how to hold a bow properly." Iris replied.
"H-hey! I'm perfectly good with the bow!"
"I was born with a bow in one hand. You wouldn't be winning an archery contest with me. You have a fighter's physique and drive. Take this as me offering to mold you into a proper Amazon."
"Okay, *that* I'm not gonna say no to. You good with this, Cind?"
"Heck yeah! If we're hunting for a bad guy, why not bring a hunter along?" Cindy affirmed.
"Not just any hunter. The one acknowledged by the Goddess of the Hunt as being worthy of her power. I'd challenge you to find a better hunter anywhere in your travels." Iris replied.
"Well, welcome aboard, world's greatest hunter. I'm looking forward to learning all I can from you. And joint-punching that Shield asshole in the face for hurting our men." Ibuki said.
"Oh, I will have the greatest punishment reserved for *him*, don't you worry. Let's be off. My bow craves payback."
The three women disappeared into the portal.
A figure stepped out from the shadows. "I shouldn't be shocked that you went with. Iris...please bring him back to us. I'll guard this spot with my life until then. The one spot I can truly still feel his presence in..." Katrina spoke.
---
The three reappeared in the Velvet Room's computer chamber. "We're back, Doc!" Ibuki called.
"So I see. Did you find anything?" Rose walked over.
"Ah...!" Iris suddenly got on one knee and bowed. 
"Erm...what are you doing?"
"Forgive my rudeness, Lady Olivia! I had no idea your reach extended beyond our own world!"
"I...think you have me mistaken for someone else. My name is Rosemary."
"Oh...oh!" Iris got back up. "Now that I've got a better look at you, yes...clearly you're a different person. Those eyes of yours are just so similar to the woman I know. Lady Olivia, avatar of Minerva."
"Minerva, you say? Goddess of Wisdom...most curious." Rose replied.
"Hey, Doc, am I imagining it or wasn't your middle name Min--" Ibuki interjected.
"And who exactly is it that I'm speaking to?"
"My name is Iris, Doctor. Avatar of the huntress Diana."
"The Max of her world was her husband. She volunteered to come along with us, and I couldn't say no." Ibuki added.
"The more hands for this mission, the better. Especially one blessed by the gods themselves." Rose replied. She looked to Cindy, who was a bit down. "Is there something wrong, Ms. O'Donnell?"
"Oh, no. I'm...okay. It's just been a long day." Cindy replied. "We've actually got something that should help us find the Shield." She pressed some buttons on the watch, bringing up a display. "This is the energy signature of the weapon he stole from Earth-257."
"Ah, I see. This should help tremendously. Wherever that weapon--"
"The Bolt of Jupiter." Iris corrected. "Sorry to interrupt."
"It's fine. It's important to you. But to continue, if the Bolt appears in another universe, we should be able to pinpoint where with this. Thank you, ladies. This should make this mission much easier."
"So what happens now?" Ibuki asked.
"I'll input the data into our system. Keep in mind that there are an unfathomable number of universes out there. It could take a few days before the signature comes up with a hit. Especially if it takes a long time for him to find his next target. There were 12 days between the last two attacks. It might take a while before we find where he's made himself known."
"So, just a waiting game now, huh? Well, we're better off now than we were before. Guess that means...time to head home."
"You sound a bit weary about the prospect." Iris said.
"I wanna go be by Maxie. Just hurts that he's gonna be in that condition."
"This pain is proof enough of your love for him. You should be by his side as much as possible. You never know when that precious time runs out."
"Yeah...you're right. And outside of that, maybe a few off days would be a perfect time to learn a few archery tricks from an expert."
"I can abide that when the moment arrives. For now, let's get you to your beloved."
Rose noticed Cindy's silence once more. "Ms. O'Donnell?"
"Yeah...?" Cindy replied.
"Why don't you spend a few extra days back in your universe? You were already planning a return, yes?"
"Y-yeah, but I don't wanna leave Maxie yet..."
"He's in stable condition now. I understand your feelings, but you clearly need some time to heal your mind."
"She's right, sweets. Take some time to be around the fam. I know how amped you are to finally meet your little nieces. They oughta keep you so busy, you won't have time to think of anything else!" Ibuki agreed.
"Alright...that's probably the best thing to do. Now I can finally pinch those little cheeks and be the cool auntie I was born to be..."
"That's the spirit, homegirl!"
"I'll be sure to send you home first thing in the morning. Get what rest you can. You will need it for the journey ahead." Rose advised. 
"Sure thing. See you soon, Doc."
The three left. Rose let out a sigh. "I suppose I should follow my own advice and get some rest. Should any alert come up, please let me know immediately."
"Yes, ma'am." one of the computer attendants replied.
"Our elusive Shield is about to discover that he isn't so difficult to pin down. Let's hope this brings an end to his scheme soon."
---
The Space Between.
"*cough*"
Flames.
That is all he could see when he closed his eyes. 
The flames. That horrid gas mask.
And that hacking cough.
So loud, so guttural, that it jarred him awake.
"Hng...fell asleep with the helmet on again. That's how I get headaches."
Hearing the coughing again, he shook it off. He couldn't sit idle.
"Computer. Closest universes with a variant. Now."
A map popped up, with one world being highlighted. "Set course for Earth-14124."
With that command, the ship entered hyperdrive, blasting off at incomprehensible speeds. A journey that would otherwise take several millenia would only take a few days at most.
His prey was in sight. For another Max O'Donnell, the clock was now ticking.