Persona BLEACHED 4: Chapter 20

Chapter 20: The Wolf's Roar
October 13, 2031
"*yaaaawn*"
The office of Commander Max O'Donnell. Morning. His younger counterpart sat in the chair across from his desk, clearly drowsy.
"Good morning, Mr. Bodyguard. Someone looks like they had a full weekend." the commander walked in.
"Your youngest knows how to keep a guy busy. Saturday was pure madness."
"She had that big panel that day, right? How'd she do?"
"Oh, she was in total control of the room. Knocked it out of the park. The line for her booth was insane. And she had this beaming look on her face the entire time. She loved every second of it."
"I wonder...is it because she loved the attention, or because she was there with her new best friend?"
"You're exaggerating...I did what anyone would do."
"You don't have to be humble with me, kid. Cindy told me all about it. She couldn't stop gushing about how much fun you all had. 'We have a connection' is how she worded it."
Max looked down, embarrassed. "I mean...she is really fun to be around."
"Haaaa! Look at you, all flustered. This isn't an interrogation. I'm not talking as Max, the commander. I'm talking as Max, the dad. And I'm thrilled that you're getting along so good. With Dasuke's kids all in Japan with him, the only ones Cindy really has to hang out with are in the family. Nothing wrong with that, but I could tell that she wanted real friendship. I passed by her just now, and she was lit up like I haven't seen in a while. It looked genuine. Not a mask. Thanks for that, kid."
"It's not something I need to be thanked for. I know what being a lonely kid feels like, is all. And she's helped me feel more at-home from the moment I walked through that portal. I'm the one that should be thanking her. And you all, too."
"Now you're gonna make *me* flustered. But I'm glad you're finally starting to feel more relaxed around here. Makes my job a whole lot easier. Now, let's get to your assignment for the day--"
The conversation was interrupted by the door forcefully opening. A P.D.F. officer ran in. "Commander O'Donnell! We have an emergency!"
"Cripes, man, you scared the daylights out of me! What's going on?"
"Our harbor patrols spotted suspicious vessels approaching Staten Island. When they moved to engage, they were fired upon."
"You're kidding...how are our troops holding up?"
"They suffered moderate injuries in the assault, but thankfully there weren't any casualties. Three of our ships were obliterated, however."
"Who'd try to attack a populated city like this with those kinds of weapons?" Max pondered.
"Do we got any intel on this invading force?" Commander Max asked.
"We do, sir. Our officers reported that the enemy ships...bore the flag of the Wolfpack. There was no mistaking it." the officer replied.
The commander's mood intensified. "Shit...you're kidding me. Why now?"
"The 'Wolfpack'? Am I missing something?" Max asked.
"Get every available officer up to speed on the situation. Prepare to scramble every vehicle we have. And get my family in here, pronto!" the commander ordered.
"Yes, sir!" the officer saluted, and ran out the door.
"This cocky bastard...got tired of waiting in the shadows, huh?"
"What's going on? Who are these people?" Max asked.
"Sit tight, kid. You're about to get a crash course in the worst this world has to offer."
"....."
A short time later, Letty, Cindy, Anna and Bobbi arrived in the office. "Alright, that's almost everyone. All we need is--" the commander began.
A shadow appeared on the ground. Emily rose up from it. "I got here as quick as I could."
"Thanks for being so prompt. Bobb, where's Candice?"
"I've been trying to get a hold of her. She might not have her phone on her. You mind telling me what's going on here?" Bobbi asked.
"Right. I just got word that our ships off Staten Island were attacked. Our officers survived, but they identified their assailants as the Wolfpack."
"The...the Wolfpack? Here?" Letty questioned.
"....!" Anna looked stunned.
"It's a developing situation, but I'm getting every available man, woman and robot prepared. The officers reported that their force is sizeable." Commander Max explained.
"So the day we were afraid of is finally here...I can't believe they'd come in like this." Cindy uttered.
An officer entered. "I have another report, Commander."
"Go on." the older Max said.
"The invading ships have overtaken the ports. They've started deploying soldiers en masse and engaging our troops that were already stationed there. They're holding the line so far, but they need reinforcements, and fast. Drone footage is showing that the Four Blighted Generals are among their ranks, including the recently freed Ezekiel Southgate."
"All four of them? They certainly aren't pulling their punches." Emily commented.
"Does *anyone* want to fill in the blanks for me? What's a Wolfpack? And the Four...what?" Max demanded.
"The Wolfpack are the largest criminal organization on the planet. Not a single branch of the P.D.F. hasn't had a run-in with them. Weapons smuggling, terrorism, piracy, the list goes on." Bobbi explained.
"Their force is comprised of anywhere from violent human offenders to extraterrestrial exiles looking out for blood. Their power and sway is so great because a large swathe of the United Kingdom serves as their base." Letty continued.
"How haven't they been taken down yet, if you know where they're based out of?" Max asked.
"Their territory is shielded by a large force field, that keeps magic in...and out. All past attempts at breaching the barrier without them noticing have ended in failure. It only ever comes down when they deploy troops or let them back in. Hence how they've stayed operational for so long." Emily replied.
"The Four Blighted Generals are the worst of the worst. Second only to their leader. Zeke--the guy who we just brought back from your world--is one of them. He's the boss' right hand. Just one of them is enough to give even seasoned commanders trouble." Cindy added.
"And what about their leader? Any signs of the twisted old bastard?" Commander Max asked.
"None as of yet, sir." the officer replied.
"Doesn't mean he's not here. He wouldn't send all of his best generals out and miss out on the action himself. Never been his style." Bobbi said.
"Who's their leader? He has to be a seriously tough guy to lead a force like this." It suddenly hit Max. "Wait...a seriously heinous criminal. I've heard talk of someone like that before."
"We don't like talking about him for any number of reasons, but it looks like we've got no other choice. Their leader is the most wanted man on the planet. Enough strength to render whole cities ablaze. Commands the respect of everyone who takes up a life of crime." Bobbi said.
"His name...is Johnny O'Donnell." Commander Max stated.
"O...O'Donnell? You mean he's..." Max uttered.
"He's our older brother." Bobbi said.
"Then..." Max turned to Anna. "This guy...Anna, is he--"
"He's my fucking dad, alright?!" Anna suddenly yelled. "Can we quit beatin' around the bush? Where's he at? I'm gonna break his neck myself."
"Don't be so hasty, Anna. You know that's what he wants." Letty cautioned.
"That piece of shit destroyed Ma's sanity! She sees him every time she closes her eyes! He can't just keep walkin' free while she's holed up in an ice box for the rest of her life! It ain't fair!"
"Control yourself, Anna. Everyone here knows how much you despise him, but you'd be walking into his waiting arms. Lives are at stake here. We have to think rationally." Emily warned.
"Grrr..."
"I can't believe this...you have a brother? And he's the world's worst criminal? Why did he come here?" Max asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine. Could just be because he felt like it. He's made it his life's mission to see me dead. And I've made it mine to hunt him down. Maybe today's when one of us gets what they want." his older counterpart replied.
"Yes...yes, I'll let them know." the officer received a message. "We've got an update. Our drones have captured images from the coastline. The Wolfpack has a squadron pursuing someone through the water. They're lead by Calypso, one of the Blighted Generals. Judge O'Donnell...they believe that your daughter is the one being pursued."
"Candice?! No! I thought she'd be going for a morning swim...and it's that witch going after her? I'm going down there right now." Bobbi declared.
"Looks like we've lost any room for patience. Everyone, get ready. We're heading for the front lines. Letty, stay back and monitor our drones." Commander Max ordered. 
"On it." Letty replied.
"Cindy--"
"Nuh-uh. I'm coming with. Candy and all those people are in trouble. I'm not gonna sit around." Cindy declared.
"Thought you'd say that. How about you, kid?"
"I promised that I'd help defend this place. If they're hurting innocent people...if they've done all these heinous things you've said...then I won't stand by. Point me to the action." Max replied.
"That's what I want to hear. You coming with us, Arch-Witch?"
"It goes without saying." Emily affirmed.
"Alright. Time to show Old Man Johnny and his flunkies that they don't get to waltz in here and do whatever. Priority 1: Save as many as you can. Priority 2: Get Candice out of danger. If they get her out of the water, she'll be helpless to defend herself. Priority 3--"
"Teach the twisted old fuck a lesson he won't forget." Anna pounded her hands together.
---
A shadow portal appeared over a building in the besieged southwest borough. The O'Donnell clan walked through. Smoke floated up from the streets. The sounds of chaos permeated.
"Remember the game plan. Get as many people out of here as you can. Then we drive these maniacs back." the commander ordered.
"Jeez...never expected to see this here of all places." Max pondered.
"Nowhere's immune from war, unfortunately. I can't remember the last time they tried to attack head-on, though. What could have changed, I wonder?" Emily asked.
"Remember, don't do anything hasty. That goes double for you--" The commander turned. Anna was already gone. "--Anna. Dammit."
"I'm taking the coastline. They're not laying a finger on Candice while I'm breathing." Bobbi declared.
"I'll take you to where she was sighted last. Good luck to you all." Emily opened a portal, and her and her aunt disappeared.
"That leaves you two. Stay close together, and do not engage if you can help it. The people caught up in this are the priority. Leave the heavy hitters to me." Commander Max ordered.
"Sure you don't need any backup?" Max asked.
"I didn't get this position by accident, kid. Let me teach you a little something." 
"Oooh here comes the cool part." Cindy chimed.
The older Max walked to the edge of the building, and took a breath. "Let's hope I'm not too rusty." Electrical energy crackled around him, and he clashed his fists together, causing a flash of light. He emerged garbed in a suit of green and white armor, with wing tips on either side of his helmet, the outline of the upper half of a star on his chest, separating the green top of the armor with the white bottom. The helmet's eyes glowed an emerald green.
"Whoa." Max uttered.
"Told you I had my own set. Courtesy of our brilliant top engineer."
"So coooool!" Cindy exclaimed.
The commander took to the air. "Be careful out there. Don't do anything I wouldn't." He blasted off with a burst.
"Show-off." Max uttered. "You sure you're gonna be good?"
"Mmhmm. I've got plenty of surprises. Let me show you what I've been working on. Hugo?" Cindy responded.
"Yes, my lady." the bird replied.
"Activate Kick-Butt Mode."
"We really should have a more dignified name than that...but very well."
The bird digitally changed color from black to a neon pink. He landed on top of Cindy's head, before dissolving into particles and covering her entire frame. The particles solidified into a sleek set of pink and blue armor, with a heart symbol styled the same way as her father's suit. The eyes on the helmet glowed blue. "Ta-daaaaa!" she exclaimed in a showy manner.
"Wow...so the birdbrain does more than act all fussy, huh?" Max asked.
"I can hear every word still, you know!" Hugo's voice came out of a screen present on the armor's left wrist.
"Not having any innate power isn't an excuse not to do my part. So I put this robo-brain of mine to good use." Cindy said. "Aaaand...sha-boom!" A set of metallic blue wings sprouted from her back. "This isn't too extra, is it?"
"It's bright, it's flashy, and it's colorful. It's textbook you." Max replied.
"Aww. I'm blushing behind this helmet. For real. Alright, let's go, partner!" She took to the air.
"Hey, slow down with the--ugh. Alright. You wanted a moment, Maxie. Here's your moment." Max hopped off the building, taking on his own armor, and flying off in pursuit.
As he flew over the city, he observed agents in open combat with grunts wearing black armor, wearing helmets resembling those of a motorcyclist, complete with dark visors. Their faces were covered with mouthpieces bearing the image of vicious fangs. On the back of their uniforms were large patches resembling those of a biker gang, specifically an image of a wolf surrounded by flames. Above the wolf was a phrase: "One Future. One Wolfpack."
"These guys are fighting like wild animals. Are these guys even human?" Max asked.
"Some of them aren't. It's like Mommy told you earlier. There's a few outworlders in there that got banished for being too bloodthirsty. We ought to--" Cindy began.
"Report, Lady Cynthia. I've just detected Lady Candice's energy signature close by. Several enemy troops are not far behind." Hugo stated.
"Are Emmy and Aunt Bobbi around there?"
"Negative. It would appear Lady Candice has fled farther than previously reported."
"I don't like leaving those troops down there alone, but if they're closing in on Candy, she's in big trouble. Especially if they get her out of the water."
"Take us to her." Max ordered.
"Understood. I'll direct you to her coordinates." Hugo affirmed.
Close by, a dramatic chase was occurring. On the surface, two small boats, each carrying four Wolfpack grunts, moved along at high speeds.
Beneath the water, Candice swam as fast as she could. One of the grunts grabbed an automatic rifle, and began firing into the water. Candice nimbly dodged the gunfire. "Slippery lil' fishy!" the grunt uttered.
"Oy, wot's that?" another pointed towards a disturbance in the water.
Several black fins rose in and out of the water. Their owners expelled water from their blowholes. It was a large pod of orca whales, headed straight for the boats.
"The fuck, who let Shamu in here?!" one of the grunts demanded.
"The freak must've called 'em! Blast 'em to--" 
One whale hidden from sight knocked one of the boats into the air, sending the criminals flying. The same quickly happened to the others. As the ruffians scrambled to get back on their capsized vessels, the whales continued to knock them around with their heads, or slamming them with their tails.
Once they were taken care of, the pod approached Candice. She gently put her hands on the head of the largest orca. "Thank you, my friends."
The whales began to make distressed calls. "You sense her too, don't you? Please, you have to move on from here. I'll be okay. I couldn't bear to see you hurt because of me..."
The animals showed signs of not wanting to leave her behind. "Please don't worry about me. Mother Ocean would weep if you all were to suffer needlessly. It's me Calypso wants. Hurry."
As the menacing presence neared, the orcas fled. An uncommon sight, to be sure. "I will survive this and see you again, dear friends."
"How presumptuous, wretch." a woman's voice declared.
Before she could detect which direction the threat was coming from, Candice was struck hard enough to launch her out of the water, landing on the shore.
"Ugh..." She realized how much danger she was in. "Have to get back...to the water..."
Something else jumped out of the water, landing before her with a hard thud. It was a woman, with tanned skin and long, azure hair tied into braids. She possessed glowing blue markings all across her body, and wore black body armor over her upper torso and legs, with the Wolfpack emblem on her back. She wielded a silver trident.
"How tragic. To die away from the water is a fate our kind dreads more than any other. In a few minutes, you won't be able to even witness your own demise. But worry not. You'll be dead before then."
Candice's eyes glowed, as a stream of water erupted from behind her attacker. She cut it away with her trident, without looking away from her quarry.
"A tidal pool's death throws against the incoming tsunami. Pitiful."
Candice made a last-ditch attempt to make for the water, but her attacker struck her squarely in the chest, knocking her to the ground. The assailant put her foot on top of the prone girl, whose eyes began to lose their blue shade. "No...not yet..."
"Don't fret. Soon all you'll have left to witness is the dark abyss of death."
"Calypso, no..."
"Now let's separate your heart from the rest of you, you half-breed mongrel..."
Calypso prepared to bring her trident down on the helpless Candice.
"PERSONA!"
"Wha...?" Calypso looked up. "?!"
She got out of the way as a large silver fist swung at her.
"Who dares...?"
Max landed on the shore. "Yeah. You've definitely got a 'Blighted General' vibe."
"Ah...Uncle...?" Candice's sight started to fade. "No, it's..."
"Easy there, Candy." Cindy landed next to her.
"Hmph." Calypso brushed off her shoulder. "Well. Looks like I might be getting a proper challenge, after all."
"Get me back to the water, Cindy." Candice whispered.
"I can try...I dunno if she'll let me." Cindy whispered back.
"Your appearance is unfamiliar to me. That armor of yours exudes a curious aura. Who are you?" Calypso asked.
"Someone that doesn't much like bullies." Max replied.
"How trite. It's almost endearing. Proper decorum insists that I introduce myself. I am Calypso. I am among Lord Jonathan's chosen warriors, and the rightful heir to the leadership of Lemuria."
"'Lemuria'? You mean that fake continent they came up with in the 1800s?"
"How dare--ah. I see it now. You are the Max O'Donnell from the other world. That naive and simplistic line of thinking reminds me of the old fool."
"How do you know who I am?"
"Ezekiel told us of the world he was banished to. How their Max O'Donnell was sent here as punishment, and was naught but an untested child. Lord Jonathan wanted to test your abilities for himself."
"This whole attack...is to test me? Why doesn't he just come and face me himself?"
"He won't ignore a prime opportunity to strike at his hated enemies in their home. And if I strike you down here, he needn't waste his time on a minnow like you. I could just as easily serve you to him myself, but if you insist on defending that creature..."
"Her name is Candice, you evil freak!" Cindy yelled.
"Don't attack them, Calypso. If attacking me will satiate your anger..." Candice uttered.
"Candy! Don't finish that sentence! What are you saying?"
"That's not gonna be a problem." Max stated. "Look, lady. I don't care about who you are, where you came from or whatever reason you have in your head that this girl that's never hurt a fly deserves to die. All I see is another villain attacking innocent people. And if there's one thing I can't stand..." Max manifested his weapon. "...it's a villain."
"Hahahahaha! How delightfully amusing! A minnow that knows nothing of this world seeks to pass judgement on me! I needed a good laugh. Fine then. Keep me entertained, 'hero'." Calypso brandished her trident.
---
Elsewhere in the city, a Wolfpack grunt, badly beaten, backed away in a panic. "A-a-a-alright, I get the picture, just let me--"
The sound of steel hitting bone rang out as the commander swung his arm at the frightened thug, knocking him out. "Like your buddies here weren't spouting the same gunk."
Behind him were the unconscious bodies of several more grunts. 
He took to his communicator, on the side of his helmet. "Bobb, any sign of Candice?"
"I just got word that Cindy and the other you found her. Along with Calypso. I'm heading over to back them up. Emmy went on to take care of Noir. That freak isn't far off from where we are. He's not the kind you want more than one person dealing with." Bobbi replied.
"Yeah, good call. Helps to have experience. First time was a debacle and a half--hang on, I'm getting another call." He switched his communication. "Delta, what's the situation looking like on the East Shore?"
"We're getting the upper hand here, Commander. The boardwalk's been secured. Thankfully none of those Generals are around here." a young male soldier replied.
"Good..." The commander shook his head. "Something's not right here. This is going too well."
"That's just a testament to your expert training, Commander. Or maybe your brother's hiring standards aren't what they used to be."
"No, there's definitely something wrong. I know how he operates. He's probably trying to keep us occupied while he goes after who he really wants. Is there any sign of him?"
"None that I've heard, sir."
"Laying low waiting for his moment...he should've made himself known by now. Hold on a second." He switched over again. "Anna, how are things on your end? Have you seen Johnny anywhere?"
"Do I sound pleased as punch that I whooped him?" Anna questioned.
"He's not, got it. I don't get it...if it's not me, you or Bobbi he's after, then who else--" He had a realization. "The kid...! Have to get to the bridge--"
Suddenly, an emergency call came in. "Delta? He just said everything was fine." The commander picked up. "What's going on?"
"Sir! We've got a situation...something just appeared, they're cutting through us like--no...no, get back--!"
The feed cut out. "Delta?! Come in! Dammit..."
The comm device came back on. "Max O'Donnell." The voice was that of a young woman, sounding like she was talking through a cover of some kind.
"What the--who are you? What have you done to my agents?"
"They're sleeping. I haven't sent them to the great beyond. They aren't who I want. I am here because your brother's given me an opportunity to set things right. Today I'll be offering your head as tribute."
"So it's revenge against me, is it? Have to tell you, it's a long waiting list. Mind telling me who you are?"
"Nobody you'll recognize. How could you? As far as your 'official records' go, I never existed. Call me a ghost. Your past, coming back to haunt you."
"That really doesn't narrow it down at all. You one of Harold's? Did I arrest your dad, once upon a time?"
"Making a joke out of a deathly situation. How very hero-like. Then let me fill in the blanks. And if you are to survive this day, then be sure to pass this along to Dasuke Sorenos. 'Never Forget Naruki'."
"...!"
"Got your attention, didn't it? See you soon, 'Commander'."
The call ended. "Hey, wait! Who are--dammit!" He went silent for a moment. "One mess at a time, Max. I have to get to Johnny before he gets to the kid. Tch. 'Never Forget Naruki'. It's the day that doesn't stop giving."
The commander flew off. Nearby, two individuals watched from the perch of a billboard advertising a pest control service. One of them was Ezekiel, out of his prison jumpsuit and now garbed in a black general's outfit, with the Wolfpack emblem on the back. The other man with him was lying on his side with his head held up by his hand, as if he was watching TV on the couch. "And there he goes. Like a shark to a dead whale. Just can't help himself." he spoke with a raspy voice.
"Little does he realize who the shark is in this situation. He has no idea just how much the board has been shaken." Ezekiel replied.
"And how's our newbie holding up? Having a blast, I hope."
"She's currently making her way through the East Shore, shredding everything as if they were classified documents. To think there was that much power waiting to be unleashed, with such fervent hatred of the P.D.F. It's almost *too* fortuitous."
"You know what they say about gift horses, Zekie. She's gonna have to wait in line for that *amazing* brother of mine. But as long as we're dangling that carrot in front of her face, she'll do whatever we want. Where's the main attraction? I've been itching to meet him."
"It would seem that Calypso found him first. Or rather, he interrupted her hunt for her own prey. I would advise moving now if you don't want her stealing our whole reason for being here."
"Ohhhh, Lipsy. Speaking of dangling carrots. Just gotta make it more complicated."
"In addition, your sister is already on her way."
"Cripes, her too? You're killing me, Lipsy."
"I can keep her occupied for the time being. Though I would advise you pick up the pace. Engaging the Frost Queen for any lengthy period is...not ideal."
"Go crazy, Zekie. But leave a piece of her for me, will ya?"
"If there's any piece of *me* left, certainly. Enjoy your discussions." Ezekiel leapt from the billboard.
"Sigh. All my fam's here, and there's hardly any time for a spicy reunion. Aw well. Time to teach Junior the law of the jungle."
---
Down by the shore, Calypso's ears perked up. "Oh."
"What's wrong? Stomach cramps from all that swimming?" Max asked.
"It would appear that I'm encroaching on someone else's hunt. Though this burns me to no end to abandon my own hunt, I must take my leave. Embrace this gift, cur. For a worse fate awaits you." Calypso turned around and leapt back into the bay.
"Hey, where are you--"
"Leave her, Maxie. It sounds like something else is coming. The worst of the worst." Cindy responded.
"Which means we've gotta get out of here. How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay. There'll be some bruising, but nothing I won't recover from. Thank you." Candice replied.
"Who was that lady? Her powers kind of reminded me of yours. How come she wanted to kill you?"
"She is...was of the same tribe as my father. Her hatred of me runs exceedingly deep. She craved leadership, and when she didn't get it...she followed my uncle."
Commander Max landed. "There you are! Everyone alright?"
"We're okay, Daddy. Candy's a little banged up." Cindy answered.
"We've gotta get her out of here, old man. Something big is coming. That fish lady just ran off saying something about a hunt." Max said.
"Yeah, I've assumed as much. You three head back to headquarters. We need you as far away from here as possible. It might be you he's after, but me alone would be too much for him to resist." the commander ordered.
"You sure about this? Think he won't follow me?"
"I know Johnny, kid. And I've traded blows with him more times than I can count. Nothing he does surprises me. Right now I want you to get Candice to safety. I can hold the line until then."
"...alright. I'll keep them safe. Hope you know what you're doing."
"Hold on tight, Candy." Cindy urged, as Candice put her arms around her.
"Thank you." Candice replied.
"Good luck, Daddy. Kick his butt!"
"Always do. Have a safe flight." The commander saluted.
The trio flew off, leaving him on the beach. "Alright, Johnny. Enough of the games. Where are you..."
Another communication came through. "Bobb, what's happening?"
"Max! Where are you?" Bobbi questioned, somewhat frantic.
"I'm near the bridge. Candice is okay and headed back to base. What's going on?"
"Ugh...I just got done fighting this kid wearing a...like a demon mask. She cut through all of our guys from here to the east side like they were bread. Put up a fight like you wouldn't believe. Then she just picked up and left. I think she's headed for--"
There wasn't another word spoken before a chill was sent down the commander's spine. "Ooof...what the hell..."
"Max? What's wrong?"
"I just got this weird feeling, like..."
The eerie feeling began to spread around the shore. A shadowy fog rolled in, obscuring the surrounding area. "What's this now...something's happening, Bo--Bobb?" 
The communicator was now only transmitting static. "Oh..."
He turned around, alerted by the growing feeling of dread. A shape appeared from the fog. "Max O'Donnell."
He recognized it as the same voice as the one from earlier. Its owner was dressed in black cloth, with black-and-red armor covering their hands and legs. A hood covered their head, their face obscured by a black oni mask, though small instances of red indicated that this was not its original color.
"So...you must be my ghost." the commander surmised.
"I've been waiting for this moment..." The 'ghost' held out their hand, a black katana emerging from their palm, which they grasped. They assumed a battle stance. "Now you'll know what it means...to lose everything that you hold dear."
"Tch. You're a couple of decades late there, chum." A green light sword materialized in the commander's hand. "Let's see what you're made of."
---
"Sheesh. Her speed's no joke. Who would've guessed the bird had it in him?" Max flew through the sky, Cindy having surged ahead in her haste to drop off Candice.
Nearby, someone watched through a set of binoculars. "Hmmhmm. Hunting season came early this year."
The individual picked up a black weapon with orange lights, resembling a rifle. "Lævateinn" was carved into its side. He pointed it skyward. "Freikugel."
A shot of energy burst out of the barrel. It flew straight at the unsuspecting Max. "Huh?"
Before he could react, he was blasted in the chest, leaving a cloud of smoke, which he fell from, crash-landing onto the very same building his assailant was perched on. "Ugh...what...the hell..."
He heard a whistle. "Damn. Who says your aim gets worse with age, eh?"
Max raised his head up. "Who..."
His attacker was standing against a door, his weapon placed next to him. He was a lanky, older man, with long, unkempt silver hair and a beard. He wore a black biker jacket with spikes on the shoulders, along with black pants and boots. A different version of the Wolfpack logo was on the back of his jacket, instead reading "Alpha Wolf". Dark shades covered his eyes. He was eating from a bag of pork rinds. "Hiiiiii." He waved nonchalantly.
"Who the hell are you?"
"A damn good shot, for starters. I was actually 50-50 on whether that was seriously gonna hit you. Buuut I guess that's what magic bullets'll get ya." He ate from his bag. "Want some?"
"Do I--you just shot me out of the sky!"
"Figured you'd want something to get your strength back. Sheesh, kids these days. Always complaining and getting hung up on little details. SO annoying."
Max got to his feet. "You're a lot of talk for an old geezer. And I thought you people were supposed to be scary. All I've seen is a lot of smoke."
"Ha! There's not a lot of folks around here that'd say that to my face." The man had a casual, almost pleasant smile on his face. "Of course, you're not *from* around here. Ain't that right, Max?"
"...! How did you--"
The man crumpled up his now-finished bag, and tossed it away. "Littering's the last crime anyone's gonna care about today. Guess I ought to introduce myself." His glasses dropped enough to reveal his eyes, black as night with yellow irises, their menacing appearance at odds with his smile. "I'm Johnny O'Donnell, the head honcho of the Wolfpack. Nice to finally meet ya, kiddo."
---
Outside of P.D.F. headquarters, all manner of non-combat personnel were scrambling, seeing to the growing number of agents arriving with varying levels of injury. Letty was looking up to the sky. Cindy landed next to her with Candice in tow.
"Alright, Candy, we're on solid ground. You can open your eyes." Cindy said.
"Cindy. I'm blind. Remember?" Candice asked.
"It was a joke! I wouldn't forget something like that."
"I don't doubt it. There isn't much that brain of yours *will* let you forget."
"Are you girls alright?" Letty approached.
"We're okay, Mommy. Candy's a little banged up, but..." Cindy answered.
"Many of the others are undoubtedly faring far worse." Candice added. "Have you heard from Angie or Carter? I was separated from them when the fighting started."
"We just brought them in." Letty replied.
"...hey! Hey! Ms. Candice, over here!" a male voice called out.
"Carter?" Candice uttered.
Letty grabbed her arm. "This way, sweetie." She led her along.
Cindy looked up. "Where is he? He was right behind us..."
"Lord Maxwell's energy reading is still located on the island. In close proximity to--oh. Oh, no." Hugo reported.
"What's up? Is Maxie in trouble? Then we've gotta--"
"This is dire, Lady Cynthia! This reading...it's so utterly dreadful. That can only be...*him*."
"Oh...oh no! Don't tell me he's found him...!"
Close by, a dark-skinned man in a P.D.F. uniform, with a goatee and transparent stud earrings was being helped onto a gurney. He was clutching his side, blood pouring out of a large cut. "Easy there, you're alright..." one of the assisting agents spoke.
"Do I *look* alright to you?!" the man griped.
"Carter? Is that you?" Candice arrived.
"Oh...thank God. You're okay. We were scared to death when all this craziness started. When I heard over the comm that the sea hag was swimming around, my heart dropped."
"Are you...hurt?"
"Ah, just a little knick. Can't even feel it..."
"The pain in your voice tells me otherwise...where's Angie?"
"They already took her inside...we got messed up bad."
"I'm so sorry...I should have been there, too. Calypso found me, and I was pulled away from you..."
"Don't blame yourself for this. I'm just glad you're okay. Angie'd say the same."
"What happened to you two?" Letty asked.
Carter sighed. "We started looking around for Ms. Candice. Took a couple of those wolf freaks out, and then...this girl showed up. All dressed in black with this...Japanese demon mask over her face. She took out this sword, and...started cutting through us. It's like we weren't even there. I thought it'd be easy, y'know, it's just one kid, how is she making us look like we just walked into the training barracks--agh!"
"We have to get him into surgery, now." an attending agent stated.
"I'm sorry, Carter...I'll come and see you both later, I promise." Candice said.
"And see, this is why I tell people we got the best gig, being your attendants. You take care of yourself, first, hear?" Carter replied.
The agents wheeled him inside. Candice looked ready to cry. Letty comforted her. "It's alright, sweetie, they're going to be fine. They've got the best possible doctors to look after them. Let's get you taken care of, okay?"
"Okay...thank you, Aunt Letty."
Cindy approached. "I'm going back."
"What--no. Absolutely not!" Letty refused.
"I can't leave everybody to fend for themselves, I can still help! I think Maxie's in danger, and I don't know how Dad's doing, either. I have to go back."
"It's too dangerous, Cindy. Not only because of Johnny and the rest of his pack, but Carter just told us that some girl in a demon mask cut them down. More reports are coming in saying the same thing. This is turning out to be worse than anyone guessed. We're being overwhelmed here."
"And it'll be worse if we don't drive them back from the island! I know I'm not strong like Dad or Emmy, but I'm tired of sitting back and letting them do all the work! I didn't give Hugo all these combat add-ons just to sit around and wait. I'm sorry, Mom...but I'm going back." 
Cindy sprouted her armor wings, and prepared to leave.
"Wait!" Letty called out. "...come back in one piece. Please."
"I'm an O'Donnell, Mom. I can take a few hits, too. See you." Cindy flew off.
Letty shook her head, uttering a resigned sigh. "You'll have to excuse me for forgetting that."
---
"(What is this...why can't I move?)" Max thought. "(Every part of me's screaming to fight back...but I'm frozen. This feeling...it's overwhelming. This guy looks like he lives out of a cardboard box. If I didn't know better, I'd say I could knock him out with one swing. But this...this is pure dread. The most feared criminal on the planet...the old man's brother, Anna's father...he's a few feet away from me, and I can't do a thing. And all he's doing is...smirking.)"
Johnny pulled up his sleeve, and looked at his watch. "Yep, gettin' to be about that time. Part One's where you can't move a muscle. FYI, it's nothing fancy. My fire's got a little bit extra to it. That freezing feeling you're experiencing now is a little ditty I call...*pure terror*."
He walked over next to Max. He knocked on his helmet. "Anyone in there? Helloooo?"
He grabbed hold of Max's helmet, and pried it off, tossing it aside. "There we go. Boy, you really are just a kid, huh? What are ya, 12? 13?"
"I'm 19, asshole."
"Hey, it talks!" Johnny poked Max's face. "Cool scar. Where'd ya get it?" He looked straight into the young man's eyes. "Oh, yeah...there's a nice look. You've done some *shit*, haven't ya? Had to be for you to end up in our little corner of the multiverse."
"I don't have to say anything to you."
"That's fine by me. Your eyes tell me everything. I look into the eyes of every man and woman that joins my gang. I know what it looks like when someone's pissed off at the world and wants to burn it all down. Is that you, Maxie Pad?"
"....."
"What's that? You're not gonna give me that goody-two-shoes 'meeeh, I'm nothing like you, Mr. Bad Guy' speech? Either you've been scared into shutting up...or I'm not wrong. What kinda fucked up things are swimming around in that noggin of yours?"
"Let me out of this fear trap, and I'll show you."
"Testy. Let me tell ya how I see things, kid. You were minding your own business before the powers-that-be swept you out of your cushy life and dropped you here, told you to be a good little puppet and be nice, or else. That's pretty fucked, isn't it? Ain't you sick of letting other folks tell you how your life's gonna be?"
"As opposed to what, your gang of bloodthirsty thugs? How's that any better?"
"Cuz I don't hide what we are, sport. I let my people live how they want, wreck whatever they please. I bet dear old bro and sissy have been feeding you juicy little nuggets about how super special awesome their Big Brother operation is. Hooo, if only you knew just how many people all across this mudball can't stand the P.D.F. It ain't just my peeps, or Old Man Harry's little cult. It'd blow your mind if you just dug a little."
Johnny put his hands on Max's unmoving shoulders. "Has anyone ever told you about Naruki City?"
"...! Naruki? There's a Naruki here, too?"
"So thats a 'yes' and a 'no' all at once. Funny. Next time you ought to ask little bro about that time him and Suki-Suki fought a bunch of aliens and let a town turn to rubble. I'm sure they haven't forgotten. And neither, conveniently, has that nice little poppy seed I picked up from there last week. Wooof. And I thought *I* hated my brother."
"Why are you telling me this? Why are you even here?"
"Why? A few reasons. My new plaything needed some exercise and thought now'd be perfect. If there's an itch that needs scratching, I'm gonna scratch it. And because, Lil' Maxie..." The aura around Johnny became more menacing. "I wanted us to get acquainted. There ain't a name I hate more than Max O'Donnell, no matter who they are or where they came from. And I want you to know...just how powerless you are." He blew black smoke out of his mouth, hitting Max's face. "Have fun. I hear it's a ride and a half."
Johnny turned around to leave. "Where are you going?" Max demanded.
"Gonna go see how the newbie's faring. Gotta make sure she hasn't stolen my pound of flesh. Nothing you've gotta worry about. Give it a second. Your fun's about to start. Peace out, Maxie." Johnny disappeared in a burst of black smoke.
"....."
"(Still can't move. What was he on about? Something happened to Naruki City? Should I even buy a word of what that guy says? Everything Anna's said tells me he's an inhuman beast.)"
"Guess that makes two of ya, sissy."
Max recognized the voice, impossible as it was. He couldn't move his head to turn around and confirm his worst fear. A hand reached up from behind and tauntingly slapped him on the neck. "What backstabbin' everyone ya care about and livin' out in the middle of pissfuck Alaska does to a guy, eh, Maxie? All that high and mighty hero bullshit, and you were just like me, after all."
Staring Max in the face was a gray-haired man wearing camouflage. He could smell the alcohol on this man's breath. There was no mistaking it. This was Jim O'Donnell. His father.
"You can't be here...there's no way...you're dead!"
"Well maybe I crawled my way out of Satan's asscrack just to come and see ya. Maybe by the end of this I'll be draggin' ya back with me. Look at ya. Piss and vinegar and all that blood, just to wind up bein' everything ya hated about me. Your pals can't stand the sight of ya, and that skank of yours? Changin' up her mind and then shackin' up with her? How do ya sleep at night?"
"Shut up..."
"You're pathetic, runt. Your whore mother made ya weak. And then ya left her all alone. What a good little brat ya turned into. Don't just take my word for it."
"Why, Starbolt?" another voice asked.
Max looked. There was Annette. "Mama...?"
"How could you hurt me like this? I told you all your life not to do the wrong thing for my sake, and you did it anyway. I wanted you to have a good, honest life without pain, then you go and hurt all those people? Was I that much of a failure as a mother?"
"No, Mama, it's not--"
"You're so selfish." another voice spoke.
"Barb?"
There was Barbara. "It was never about me and Mama, was it? I was better than you at everything, and you couldn't stand it. You couldn't sit back and watch while me and Kat and everyone else ran circles around you. You never had what it takes to be a hero. Heh. You wouldn't even make a good sidekick. So you asked the space god to make you something you had no hope of being. Then it blew up in your face like everything else. It didn't matter if it ripped my heart out. All it ever is to you is Max, Max, Max. Why couldn't you just stay being another nobody?"
"How did I ever trust a fuckup like you?"
"Ibuki? Not you too--" Max uttered.
"I thought you were the one. Every other chump I've known used me for a good time and threw me away like garbage. But you? You're so much lower than that. Pretending to be something other than another dirtbag using me to get what he wants. Nothing ever mattered to you other than, 'Oh look at this poor, pathetic slut on the street, I can make her better!' What the FUCK is wrong with you?!"
"I'm...I'm sorry, Ibuki, I never...I never meant to hurt you, I swear..."
"What's the word of a fuckup mean, anyway? Who uses a fine piece of ass like that, anyway?" Jim taunted.
"Why didn't you listen to me, Starbolt?" Annette demanded.
"Why couldn't you just *not*, Max?" Barbara asked.
"Why did you lie to me?! Why'd you have to use me like garbage?!" Ibuki yelled.
"I...I didn't...I'm sorry...please, just stop it...I didn't mean to...I...I..." Max trembled as the questions only grew louder, the taunting and the anger festering around him.
This continued on, relentlessly, for what felt like an eternity. And then...
Then came a stabbing sensation in the nape of his neck. "Gah...! Ugh...ugh..."
"Maxie! Maxie, calm down! It's me." It was Cindy.
"I...I...what...where did..." Max collapsed to his knees. The taunting phantoms were gone. There was silence.
"He really got to you, didn't he? Thank God I've got a cure on-hand."
"Johnathan's flames contain a neurotoxin that activates and provokes the brain's fear centers. They make your most deep-seated terrors feel real. What Lady Cynthia just injected you with is the antidote the P.D.F. developed in response to it." Hugo explained.
"None of it was real, Maxie. You're alright now."
"Am I...?" Max began to shed tears. "He came for me...my father, he...he said I was as bad as he was...and then my mom, my sister, my girlfriend...they were all so angry...it all felt so real, and I...I couldn't move...I couldn't...do anything..."
"Shhh, it's okay..." Cindy embraced him, comforting him. "It's over, it's gone. We've all gone through it at least once. I know how real it must've felt."
"....."
"Maxie. Look at me. None of it was real. Your dad is gone. Your family loves you. The hate was fake. The love is real. You're okay. Breathe."
Max settled down, though he still appeared rattled. "I'm good."
"You're good?"
"Yeah. I'm good."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks...for that."
"That's what my mom would tell me any time I was afraid. Think happy. Remember what's real."
"Okay...I'm good." Max sighed. "You all weren't kidding about--crap, that's right! We have to get to your old man, fast. That's where the bastard's headed."
"I'm not gonna say no, but are you really good? You need a few minutes just to settle down?"
"I'm alright, really. Just gotta shake it off. Nothing I haven't gone through before."
"If you're sure..."
---
The clashing of blades echoed out near the bridge, as the commander dueled with the demon-masked enemy. His younger opponent was mounting relentless pressure.
"Not bad for one kid...where'd you learn this sword technique from, anyway?" the commander asked as he blocked a strike.
"I've spent the last five years preparing for this...I've thought of nothing else but this one moment. Devoting mind, body and soul to this one purpose. Seeing my vengeance sated." his opponent responded.
"Five years...so you are from Naruki. Who are you?"
"I told you. I don't exist."
"'I'm vengeance', got it. Well keep shooting your shot. Just a heads-up..." The commander grabbed the katana with one hand. "I didn't get this job for nothing."
Electricity coursed through his hand, pouring through the sword and shocking his opponent, who jolted back.
"Hoo-eey! Still got a bit of bite, eh old-timer?" 
Commander Max looked up. Johnny was sitting on the bridge, peering down at the battle while eating from a can of Pringles. "Hey, brosky! Still needing that tin can to fight, I see."
"Johnny. Still a hateful slob, I see." the commander replied.
"You wound me, my dude. Who turns down a perfectly good can of Pringles? Oh hey, I see you've met my new friend. She's got quite an opinion of you, if you couldn't tell already."
"What did you fill her head with, Johnny?"
"Nothing but the cold, hard truth! You and Scales McSilverhair effed up big-time, and she's here for some payback. This one's actually not my bad, for once. All I'm doing is giving the poor lass an outlet."
"Hmph." the masked girl grunted. "Are you here to relieve me?"
"Perish the thought! I just like to watch. Remember that you're required to leave me a piece, yeah?"
"No promises." The girl raised her sword to prepare an attack. "...hm?"
Just then, a beam of light crashed down, sending her flying away, and dispersing the shadowy fog.
"Wha...?" the commander uttered.
"Sorry we're late!" Cindy arrived, with Max close behind.
"Why are you here?"
"We're...helping you? That thing we're supposed to do?" Max responded.
"Oh hey, it's Princess NoSpells! And in a tin can like her old man! That's adorable!" Johnny quipped.
"Piss off, Johnny." Commander Max ordered.
"Well I AM over the water..." Johnny stood up, and reached for the zipper on his pants.
"Oh my God, stop!" Cindy yelled.
"The hell's wrong with you?!" Max griped.
"You got a week of free time?" the commander asked.
"Just yanking your chains, jeez! I bet you're all scowling under those helmets. Bunch of grumps." Johnny uttered.
"I'll be smiling in a minute." 
"Testy, so testy!"
"Permission to knock that can out of his hands?" Max asked.
"Permission more than granted." his older counterpart replied.
"I'm SO gonna enjoy this." Cindy drew a pair of blasters.
"Siiiigh...always in such a hurry, never in the mood for a laugher." Johnny groaned.
Suddenly, the shadow fog appeared once more. A figure approached. The girl appeared, clutching her mask in her hands.
"Hm? Still wanna tussle? Heck of a hit you just took, but if you're really serious..."
"Looks like our Naruki demon isn't finished yet." Commander Max said.
"Naruki...wait." Max responded. He looked at the girl's face, coming into view as the fog fell back. "(What's this feeling? This girl is...no. That...that can't be.)" he thought.
"Oh, how careless of me! I never even gave my new coworker a proper introduction, did I?" Johnny said.
Behind the mask, the girl had a number of ear piercings. Her eyes, staring daggers at the trio, and her hair shared a shade. Even through the fog, that was clear.
Max's dread only grew as he connected the dots.
Those eyes. And that long hair.
Darker than the one he knew. A dark, carmine red, instead of crimson. But there was no mistake.
"Meet my friend, the Oni of Naruki. Ringo Kubo." Johnny revealed.
"You're...Rin Kubo..." Max uttered in disbelief.
"Ringo Kubo...hey, isn't that the teacher lady from your world? The one whose house I dropped in." Commander Max asked.
"Yeah...the very same one. So she exists in this world, too. But why...why is she with the bad guys?!"
"....." Rin looked intently at Max. "You there. In the blue armor."
"Huh? Me?"
"You're staring. Like you've seen a ghost. You have something to say?"
"...no. Nothing." "(Nothing that would make sense to you, anyway.)"
"Then move aside. Yours isn't the head I'm after."
"Wait just a minute. Why are you--"
Rin appeared next to him, and took a swipe with her sword, which he leapt away from. "That wasn't a request."
She approached the commander, hands gripping her stygian blade. Cindy jumped in front of him, blasters pointed straight at Rin. "Cindy, get out of here! Leave this to me!" the commander ordered.
"No way. Standing around waiting for bad things to happen isn't my job." Cindy replied.
"You're exchanging your life for his?" Rin asked.
"Stop it, Professor!" Max yelled, quickly realizing his mistake.
"'Professor'?" Rin looked over to him.
"Now, Hugo!" Cindy ordered.
"As you wish. Now increasing energy output to primary weaponry." her digital companion responded.
Power coursed through the lining of her suit and into her weapons. She fired, with two large pink and blue beams of energy combining into one and enveloping Rin. The fog once again disappeared, replaced by smoke generated by the force of the blast.
Johnny, for his part, continued snacking on his potato chips. "And here I left my 3D glasses at home."
"Sheesh...how much horsepower did you put in that thing?" Commander Max questioned, having shielded himself.
"Yeehaw! I did it!" Cindy jumped up and down. "Point goes to Cindy-O--"
As she celebrated, Max looked up. "...!"
The smoke cleared out. No one could believe their eyes.
Rin still stood. She was completely unscathed, with her sword held up in front of her. The ground on either side of her had been razed.
"Wha...huh?!" Cindy frantically questioned. "How the...what the..."
Johnny cackled from his perch, slapping his knees and nearly dropping his can. "What did I tell ya, Maxie Pad? I hit the jackpot with this one! A crazy strong gal with a bone to pick with you?! I oughta start doubling down on scratch-offs!"
"Grr...Cindy, I'm not telling you again! Get out of here!" the commander ordered once more.
"Uhhh...uhhhhh..." Cindy, stunned by what had just happened, was frozen.
"(No good...she's a sitting duck after that...I've gotta do something!)" Max thought.
"I'll have to thank you for giving me a moment to reconsider my process." Rin said.
"Th-thank me?" Cindy uttered.
"Your father's negligence cost me everything that I loved. Taking my anger out on him now wouldn't be good enough. No, he has to see everything he cares about taken from him, and know that it's all his fault. Only then will I have my revenge."
"....." Max thought back to the day his friends came to stop him.
"(So once we're done here, I'll go back home and thank him in the most appropriate way I can think of. Dropping him to his knees and making him beg for his life...and then while he's sniveling into the dirt, and driven to the edge of misery, I'll finally silence him for good. I will finally rule over him!)"
"She's not even in control. Whatever happened to make her this way...that's what's pulling the strings now. I have to..."
"Damn it, I said--" The commander reached to push Cindy away, before a blast came down from the bridge, knocking him into the water.
"Ah ah ah, Maxie, you'll have your turn. I wanna see this." Johnny chimed, holding his weapon.
"I take no satisfaction from this. But it is the desires of the dead." Rin raised her sword.
"Hugo...get me out of here..." Cindy uttered.
"I'm still recharging, my lady, I'm sorry..." Hugo responded.
"Farewell." Rin brought the sword down.
...
...
Cindy opened her eyes. She expected some kind of sharp pain, but it never arrived. 
Rin could feel the sword striking a metal target. "...huh?"
It wasn't Cindy that she'd hit.
"...are you done yet?" Max had gotten in front and taken the hit. The blade was embedded into his shoulder.
"Maxie?!" Cindy exclaimed.
"Hmm? Hey...this ain't part of the plan." Johnny uttered.
"What do you..." Rin uttered.
"You wanted to stab Max O'Donnell...and here you go. You...good yet? Or do you need more blood before you're satisfied?" Max grabbed the sword. "Go ahead. Go a little further if that satisfies you."
"Are you out of your mind? You would die for these people?"
"No one has to die, don't you get it? That's just...the revenge talking. I don't know what happened or who you lost...but if they're that important to you that you'd spend your life trying to avenge them...would they want you to destroy yourself?"
"...shut up. You know nothing of what I've endured. If you really don't care what happens to you..."
Rin pulled out her sword, causing blood to gush from Max's wound. He fell onto his back.
"So what are you trying to say? That I should ignore everything that's happened?"
"Tch...I get it...but you don't have to...live like that...consumed by your grief...letting the past control you..."
"And what gives you that idea?"
"...'you' did."
"What? What's that supposed to--"
Johnny appeared next to her. "Fun time's over. We're heading out."
"What? Now?"
"I think we've made our point. Food's not as good without a bit of seasoning. And all this mushy talk's making me wanna puke. Don't make me repeat myself." Johnny turned around, and tossed aside his empty can. "Later, losers." He disappeared.
"Tch." Rin glanced at Max. "Another time, then." She followed suit.
"....." Max could feel his eyes growing heavy. That was a lot of blood that he was losing. All that his senses were picking up was the sound of Cindy calling out to him.
All that followed was darkness.
---
"....."
"....."
Max found himself on the ground. He was on his back, and looked around. Nothing but an endless white around him.
He knew what this probably was. He felt resigned to what was happening.
He felt something grab his hand.
Whichever way he was going, the one he believed had come to get him had red fingernails.
It clicked in his head. He looked forward. Ibuki was laying there next to him. "Hey there, hero."
"Ibuki? What...why are you here?"
"What's the last thing you remember happening?"
"...my head hurts. My head and my..." Max looked down. His right shoulder had a large cut in it. "...! That's...I remember. I was fighting the Professor...no. The other world's version of her. She was attacking, and I..."
"You got in the way of her killing someone. And now here you are."
"And here is...?"
"....."
"Am I dead?"
"I wouldn't be here if you were. But you're teetering. Your brain's showing you what you want to see, I guess. Give you some extra motivation not to bite it just yet."
Max looked up to the endless expanse of white. "The whole time I've been here, I've only thought about getting back to you. I didn't think this world's problems were mine. But...they wanted me to feel like I was home. They treated me like one of the family. And...it started to feel alright. I let myself feel a bit easier. I thought this was a real chance to do better. But Mama and Barb and you were never far from my mind. Even then, when Cindy was about to be hurt, my instincts kicked in and..."
"You did the right thing. It's all you've done since I've known ya. Even if the first few times were *really* effed up."
"...I don't want to die. But wouldn't it just be my luck that after everything, I'm never making it back home. Maybe it's what I--"
Ibuki put a finger over his mouth. "Not another word like that. You're gonna come back home." She pulled out her daruma doll. "These are gonna be together again one day. You promised."
In his other hand, Max held his daruma. He looked back to Ibuki. "I love you. Everything I want to happen in my life, I want it to be with you. But I need to be so much better before then. It's what you deserve."
"So what are you gonna do?"
"I'm going to..." Max thought on it. "I'm going to fix everything. Johnny and Harold...the two monsters that have haunted the other me for all these years need to go. And the other Rin Kubo...I need to make her see that the path of revenge isn't what she needs to take. That leads to nothing but more pain and grief. I can't come back to you for good until I know for sure that this world's in a better place than when I came to it."
"Heh. Gonna make a girl wait, huh? The nerve..."
"Sorry, was that not what you wanted?"
"That's *exactly* what I wanted. If we're gonna spend the rest of our days together, then you need to have every little doubt in your head taken care of. It'll be worth the wait. Or I could just hook up with Saku. Either one works."
"Yeah, I don't see that one happening."
Ibuki got up and over him. She kissed him. "I love you. Now wake your ass up and go be the hero. I'll be waiting..."
---
October 14, 2031
Max's eyes opened. It took him a moment to get his senses in order. He was in a hospital room, and he was in a bed, in a patient's gown. He looked to his shoulder, which was wrapped in bandages.
He looked to one his left. There, asleep in a chair, was Cindy. Hugo was on an adjacent desk, eyes shut. Max was relieved. She'd made it out okay, at least.
"Well. Good morning."
Max looked to his other side. Emily was seated in another chair, legs crossed and reading a book. "A restful sleep, I hope."
"...now am I dead?" Max uttered.
"Not at all. You're in the P.D.F.'s medical ward. Things could have gone either way for you, I won't lie. You'd lost quite a bit of blood by the time Cindy got you here."
"She...brought me here?"
"That's right. Flew with you perched on her back and everything."
"How long was I out for?"
"A full day. And she hasn't left your bedside for anything except the bathroom. I'm glad that she's finally getting some sleep. She was in a state since she got here."
"Sorry to make everyone worry...they *are* all okay, aren't they?"
"The rest of the family made it out alright, yes. We mostly have you to thank for that. Dad can tell you himself, after he's done with his endless stream of meetings and press conferences."
"Yeah, guess he is the one that's got to answer all the tough questions."
"True enough. That's part of what I wanted to tell you. You see, he has another meeting scheduled for tomorrow. He's going to talk with the council that sent you here. He'll be recommending that you be sent back to your world as soon as you're healthy."
"Wait, what? Why would he do that?"
"You nearly killed yourself to save his daughter's life. If that isn't proof that you aren't a threat, then nothing is. And he's seen now that it's far too dangerous for you here, now that Johnny has personally made you a target of his machinations. This is what you wanted, isn't it?"
"...I can't."
"Pardon?"
"I'm not going home. Not yet. Not when there's still a job that needs doing. I can't look at the people I love and tell them for sure I'm better if I abandon you all like this. Especially now that *she's* shown up."
"'She'. Yes, I see. I thought that would be your answer. I'll let my father know. Honestly, he assumed as much, too. I trust that you've put thought into this. Not many would turn down this golden ticket. But you aren't 'most'." Emily looked at the time. "I have to get back to the bookstore. But before I go, I do have one other thing to say."
"If it's anything else about me being sure--"
She grabbed his hand. "Thank you. For protecting my sister. I'm going to put it into practice. What you told me about being better to her. I realize now how foolish I've been on that front. Time is so dreadfully short. I should know that better than anyone...but regardless, thank you."
"Well as long as it helps someone..."
"It did. Immensely. She'll let you know just how much when she wakes up. I'll come by again after I'm finished. Get some rest. Take care." Emily left.
A few minutes later, Cindy stirred awake with a yawn. "Aaaah...man, what a crazy concert...oh, that was a dream..." 
Hugo, who had also awakened, picked up her glasses with his beak, presenting them to her. "Thanks..." She put them on.
She looked over to the bed. Max waved. "Morning."
Cindy began to tear up. She sprang up, ran to his side and hugged him. "Oh my Gooooood...I'm so happy...you're okay..."
"Yeah, I'm owowowowowow my shoulder, Cindy, my shoulder..."
"Sorry, sorry..." She picked herself up. "I, um...y'know...with the...yesterday, and...stuff, and..."
"I...think I do."
"I just froze and...then you got hit, and I freaked when I saw all the blood, and I got here as quick as I could, and...you really almost died cuz of me, and..." Cindy was shaking.
"Hey, hey...stop. Don't start that kind of thinking. I couldn't let you get hurt. We're friends, aren't we?"
"Friends...hey, Maxie?"
"Uh-huh?"
"After that...I can't just say you're my friend. You're...you're family. And I..."
"Try not to overthink it, my lady. Say and act how you feel." Hugo advised.
Cindy bent down and kissed Max on the cheek. "Thank you, Maxie. I'm happy to have you around for as long as you wanna be. That includes being your personal nurse! That's what f...that's what family does!"
"Cind...thanks. I'll be here for as long as you need me to be. Just...don't run yourself crazy over me. I've done that to too many girls alre--what are you doing." Max began.
Cindy had grabbed a pillow, and was vigorously shaking it. "Maximizing fluffyness! Nurse's orders!"
"I'd like to see your medical license first--"
"Head up!"
"Ah...OK." Max did as he was told. Cindy promptly replaced the pillow.
"How is it?"
"...fluffy."
"Perfecto! I'm gonna go grab a bite to eat. Stay comfy!" Cindy bounded away.
Max stared at Hugo. "In case you're wondering, yes. This is normal." the bird said.
"Figured. Guess I'll try to take a breather until she gets back." Max settled, and closed his eyes.
"(No going back now. You're in this for the long haul.)" he thought. "(It's not just about getting home. It's about cutting evil off at the source. And...)" He pictured the 'oni'.. "(Her.)"
He opened his eyes. "No pressure."