"The Dismal Madness, Part II" (Flock'⁴⁴/ıı)

## Plot

At the beginning of the episode, the last remaining Joy Lunatics emerged from the dense woods and made their way across a creaky bridge to the abandoned factory, where flames raged inside. Meanwhile, in the underground tunnel, Kleo, Elva, and Patricia led a group of frightened children through the dark and narrow hallway. Kleo used her Tarot cards to create illusions, making the group invisible and hidden from the frantic Joy Lunatics running past them. The children were visibly upset, with tears streaming down their faces, as they realized that their friends Pete, Liesel, and Mrs. Lily were possibly dead. Dietrich tried to reassure them, saying they might be somewhere safe, but Michael was worried they would be found by the Joy Freaks who were all over the area. Sebastian was especially worried about his father, who could still be fighting, while Hans didn't want to die and Ülar hated to realize that Ellie and Mishael were already dead. The children were scared and unsure of what would happen next. Kleo struggled to find the right words to comfort the children, her illusion starting to falter under the weight of her own emotions.

As Kleo tried thinking positively, Elva stepped in with heartwarming stories of their favorite animals - Sebastian and Hans liked giraffes, Michael and Arnold were fond of frogs, Wolfe had a pet ferret before, Kleo, Dietrich, and Kalli were bunnies, and Aadne liked both cats and dogs for both males as dogs and females as cats, while Finny had a story about trying to win a goldfish at a fair with his mother but losing twice; Milo liked foxes, and Milo's twin sister, Serena, liked rabbits and used to hold a white rabbit toy when she was a baby, Miki and Lukas were bears with Miki having many teddy bears from her father, Amelina believed in mermaids as sea animals, Edith was fond of tigers after visiting the zoo with her nanny, and Dietrich implied that Hugo's favorite animal was a monkey. Edith suggested that Liesel's favorite animal was a lion, Harry often liked hamster, Wolfgang revealed that he liked goats and had visited Sweden where his family had a farm with horses, sheep, and cattle, which made the children surprised. Cosette's favorite animal was a koala because her grandmother was born and raised in Australia, while Elva's favorite animal was a kangaroo as she had read books about Australia and wanted to visit someday, and Amelina wanted to go to Paris one day to try the beautiful food like croissants. Miki read Pete's mind and determined that his favorite animal was a giraffe, and Mrs. Lily's favorite animal was a doll, just like her, according to Miki, while Patricia loved whales and had gone to the sea with her grandfather when she was 5 to see them, which brought a smile to Elva's face.

In a locked room, Elio's desperate pleas and Eilo's search for an escape filled the air. But Louis's main concern was Margu's well-being. He closely watched her as she tried to calm down Ilina, whose agitation was escalating. Margu understood the importance of calming Ilina for everyone's safety. In a vulnerable moment, Margu confided in Louis, sharing her worries about Sebastian and her pregnancy. The thought of dying young and giving birth in their dire circumstances weighed heavily on her. As a French woman carrying a German soldier's child, Margu believed she was destined for death. These fears led her to contemplate joining Hans in suicide, seeing it as an easier path than the challenges ahead. Margu accepted her fate, believing she would go to Hell for aligning with "Germans" like Hans and his father. This revelation deeply affected Louis, leaving him shocked and moved. He refused to accept Margu's self-condemning beliefs, reminding her that her pregnancy had nothing to do with their ethnicities or their current circumstances. He reassured her, expressing joy that she was safe and alive. Watching over Sebastian was both a blessing and a responsibility for Louis, and he thanked God for their survival in the death camps. Margu had become family to him, with a profound impact on Sebastian's life. He was committed to protecting Sebastian's innocence and ensuring his safety, just as Margu desired. It was his duty, as part of the Dumas family, to ensure Margu's well-being and happiness. With affection, Louis embraced Margu, offering comfort. Suddenly, thundering footsteps outside the room caused both Louis and Margu to tremble in fear. Margu hurriedly shielded herself and embraced the frightened Ilina. Sensing the urgency, Louis grabbed a nearby pipe, ready to defend against any threats. Tension filled the room as Margu's fear intensified.

As they reached the end of the room, Jonah and Sonia found oil mini cans and Jonah quickly got an idea. The Joy Lunatics entered the room and threw oil mini cans and grenades, causing Jonah to fly while carrying Sonia past them at high speed. The oil mini cans and grenades caused a big explosion that killed the Joy Lunatics. Jonah and Sonia celebrated with triumphant high fives, reveling in their successful grenade tactic that sent the Joy Lunatics scattering in panic. However, their victory was short-lived as a lone Lunatic wielding a flamethrower emerged from the shadows, hot on their heels. Without a moment to spare, they sprinted through the narrow hallway, desperately trying to outrun the fiery onslaught. Sonia's shoulder bore the brunt of the Lunatic's flames, causing her to cry out in pain and intensifying the panic in both her and Jonah. Summoning every ounce of courage, Jonah disregarded the searing pain in his hands and swiftly reached out to smother the flames engulfing Sonia's shoulder. The intense heat made her wince, a mix of gratitude and discomfort etched on her face. However, Sonia's anger boiled over and she delivered a powerful blow to Jonah's chest, catching him off guard. To his astonishment, he suddenly realized that his own leg was now ablaze. Acting on instinct, he frantically patted at the flames with his hands, his expression a mix of surprise and pain.

Amidst the chaos, Hazel arrived and sprang into action, his wings flapping furiously to fan out the lingering embers. The force of Hazel's wing flapping created a gust of wind that not only extinguished the flames but also left Jonah and Sonia's hair disheveled, resembling a wild and unruly mess. Finding humor in the situation, Hazel couldn't help but burst into laughter, his amusement echoing through the air. But the universe seemed determined to add to the hilarity as the fire sprinklers suddenly activated, showering the room with water and drenching Hazel, Jonah, and Sonia. The deluge caused Hazel's already tousled hair to puff up even more, transforming him into a comical sight. Startled by the water, Hazel let out a shocked scream, while Jonah couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity. However, Hazel's annoyance became evident as he yelled at them for being insulting. On the other hand, Sonia found Hazel's puffed-up hair adorable. Hazel planned to fix his waterlogged hair and started using his wing to create a hard whirlwind to dry it. He then used a comb to fix it. Hazel noticed Jonah and Sonia's messed-up hair, standing straight up, and it made him laugh. In retaliation, they pushed Hazel into a watery puddle to make his hair puff up again. As they recovered from the unexpected drenching and walked through the hallway, the Joy Lunatics resumed their attack. The Lunatic with the flamethrower chased them, opening flames at them but missing, prompting the trio to flee in a mad dash.

In a bloody awakening, Jack found himself trapped in a flaming cafeteria, his heart sinking as he realized that Emma had been taken. Desperation fueled his actions as he sprinted to the door, only to have it cruelly lock before his eyes. Jack's voice echoed through the inferno as he yelled for help, the sound of his own desperation haunting him. Frantically, he raced to the kitchen, his eyes scanning the chaos for a way out. And there, amidst the wreckage, he spotted a vent, perched high on the wall. Determination surged through him as he searched for a ladder, his hands grasping at metal combination plates, hoping for something sturdy enough to reach the vent. Finally, his fingers closed around a solid piece of metal, and with newfound hope, he made his way back to the flame broiler. With quick thinking, Jack used the intense heat of the broiler to his advantage, climbing up its fiery surface, each step a painful reminder of the stakes at hand. Sweat mingled with ash as he reached for the bloom, a lifeline to opening the vent and finding a way out. Summoning all his strength, Jack leaped, his body soaring through the smoke-filled air. But as the ground rushed up to meet him, his grip faltered, and he crashed to the floor, disoriented and gasping for air. Coughing violently, he stared up at the vent, the smoke billowing out in thick, suffocating tendrils. With his heart pounding in his chest, Jack fell to his knees, his hands clasped in prayer. He pleaded to a higher power, begging for salvation, for a miracle that could save him from the clutches of this hellish nightmare. And with renewed determination, he began to climb, his fingertips gripping onto hope.

As the Joy Lunatics relentlessly pursued Jonah, Hazel, and Sonia through the labyrinthine hallway, a glimmer of hope appeared in the form of an open door just below them. With a surge of adrenaline, they hurriedly made their way towards it, their hearts pounding in their chests. As they reached the door, a sense of relief washed over them, knowing they had found temporary refuge from their pursuers. In a desperate attempt to buy themselves more time, Hazel quickly shoved heavy metal cans against the door, barricading it with all his strength. The cacophony of the Joy Lunatics' furious pounding reverberated through the air, a chilling reminder of the imminent danger they faced. While Hazel valiantly held the door at bay, Sonia's sharp instincts led her to another room nearby. She cautiously entered the mechanical room, her eyes scanning the dimly lit space. The room was filled with an array of towering machines and intricate contraptions, their mechanisms shrouded in shadows. The air was thick with an unsettling energy, making her hairs stand on end. As her gaze swept across the room, Sonia noticed a flickering light emanating from a corner. Intrigued, she cautiously approached, her footsteps echoing through the silence. There, nestled amidst the mechanical wonders, she discovered a console covered in an array of buttons and switches. It pulsed with an otherworldly glow, beckoning her to unlock its secrets. With a surge of determination, Sonia hesitated no longer. Her fingers danced across the buttons, delicately manipulating the switches. As she did, the room came alive with a symphony of whirring gears and humming electricity. The machinery seemed to respond to her touch, as if welcoming her into its enigmatic realm.

As the thundering footsteps outside grew louder, both Louis and Margu were filled with fear. Margu instinctively moved towards Ilina, seeking to provide comfort and security. In the meantime, Louis grabbed a nearby pipe, ready to defend against any potential threats. The tension in the room was palpable as Margu's fear escalated. However, Elio seemed unfazed by the danger, convinced that it was the U.S. Army coming to their rescue. Louis, aware of the risks they faced, vehemently disagreed, emphasizing the vulnerability of the pregnant Margu and young Ilina. He urged Elio to remain quiet and cautious, but Elio dismissed his concerns, laughing off the impending danger. Frustrated by Elio's defiance, Louis resorted to slapping him in an attempt to restore order. Infuriated, Elio retaliated by punching Louis, causing him to bleed. The shocking act traumatized Margu and Ilina, who were already on edge. Elio tried to reassure them, assuring them that help was on the way. Meanwhile, Elio continued to bang on the door, creating a chaotic noise that heightened Louis's worry. Desperate to silence Elio and prevent further chaos, Louis intervened, but Elio threatened him with a gun. The sight of the weapon terrified Margu, and Ilina's fear caused her to involuntarily urinate. With the gun pointed at Louis, Elio warned him to stay away. Outside, the sounds intensified, adding to the mounting tension in the room. In a moment of desperation, Louis launched himself at Elio, engaging in a physical struggle. In the chaos, Elio dropped his gun, which Ilina, in her frightened state, picked up. As Margu's labor pains increased, she desperately called out to Louis for help. However, the fight between Louis and Elio left Ilina feeling confused and unsure of who to trust in this dangerous situation.

Meanwhile, as Trace, Kennedy, and Horace fought off the relentless assault, their bullets colliding with the windows as the Joy Lunatics retaliated with a barrage of gunfire, Trace's mind raced, realizing they needed reinforcements to turn the tide. With a determined grip on his walkie-talkie, he urgently called for backup, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and hope. Just as the tension reached its peak, two figures burst into the room, Jerrard and Eugene, armed to the teeth with their own formidable weapons. A surge of relief washed over Trace as they joined the fray, their presence injecting a much-needed boost of confidence. In a swift and coordinated display of prowess, Trace swung his axe with deadly precision, cleaving through the defenses of one of the attackers, sending them crashing to the ground. Meanwhile, Jerrard seized the opportunity, grabbing a weapon from a fallen Joy Lunatic, adding it to his arsenal. The room erupted in chaos as bullets flew and bodies fell, but with their combined efforts, they managed to swiftly eliminate the remaining threats. Breathing heavily, their hearts pounding in their chests, the group wasted no time in making their escape from the perilous area, their unified determination propelling them forward.

As Taylor, Ricky, Ellie, and Mishael ventured further down the dimly lit hallway, their senses remained on high alert, unable to shake the feeling of being stalked by the relentless Joy Lunatics with their menacing knives. Mishael, utilized his sand-breathing technique, delivering powerful blows to fend off the encroaching Lunatics as they closed in on the group. Taylor swiftly fired shots at the Joy Lunatics, aiming to disable them and create openings for their allies. Meanwhile, Mishael tapped into the mystical power of his Tarot cards, unleashing attacks to strike fear into the hearts of the Lunatics. Ricky and Ellie, determined to protect their companions, kept shooting at the assailants, their gunfire echoing through the dimly lit hallway. However, amidst the chaos, Ellie found herself suddenly restrained by one of the Joy Lunatics, her past trauma haunting her as she recalled being used by SS officers. Mishael, sensing Ellie's distress through their connection, swiftly reacted, using his Tarot cards to swiftly cut off the Joy Lunatics, freeing Ellie from their grasp. With Mishael's assistance, Ellie quickly ran towards their friend's side. Unleashing the power of his Tarot card once again, Mishael called upon the chariot, conjuring living sphinxes and powerful king spirits to join the fray against the Joy Lunatics. Ellie, seizing the opportunity, opened fire on the Lunatics, her shots finding their mark. As the Lunatics retaliated, Taylor suffered injuries to his arm, weakening his ability to fight. In a swift and selfless act, Ricky took Ellie's submachine gun, eliminating the remaining Joy Lunatics. As the battle raged on, Mishael commanded the sphinxes to guard both Ellie and himself, creating a shield from the relentless onslaught of bullets using a blanket.

Inside the shield, Ellie's eyes widened at the sight of a large blanket that stretched out resembling the vast expanse of a circus space, an impressive manifestation brought forth by Mishael's intricate spell, which granted them a moment of respite amidst the chaotic surroundings. However, Mishael's concentration faltered, causing him to feel a disconcerting sense of swaying as he tirelessly labored to create something extraordinary. Meanwhile, Ricky and Taylor, having successfully cleared the treacherous hallway, found themselves face-to-face with a menacing Joy Lunatic armed with a flamethrower. With lightning reflexes, Ricky and Taylor skillfully evaded the fiery onslaught, their movements synchronized with the precision of a well-rehearsed dance. Seizing the opportunity, Taylor, empowered by the spirit of a mighty king, effortlessly snatched the Joy Lunatic, flamethrower and all, hurling them out of the nearest window. The Lunatic crashed into the serene lake below, disappearing from sight as sphinxes and ethereal king spirits vanished into thin air. Yet, their triumph was short-lived, for more Joy Lunatics were rapidly approaching, their malevolent intentions evident. Without hesitation, Taylor swiftly retrieved a pair of gleaming axes, while Ricky readied his trusty submachine gun. Standing guard upon Mishael's protective blanket, they braced themselves for the imminent clash. Taylor's axes whirled through the air, finding their mark with deadly accuracy, while Ricky's relentless gunfire mowed down the oncoming horde of Joy Lunatics. With each passing moment, their unwavering determination and unyielding teamwork became the very embodiment of defiance. Fuelled by an unshakable devotion to the safety of his companions, Mishael remained steadfast, forging ahead with his clay spells. Channeling his formidable magical abilities, he summoned a towering golem, a living guardian that would serve as an indomitable shield for Ricky and Ellie. With the golem by their side, they embarked on their perilous mission to locate Lilly, Liesel, and Pete, guided by the unwavering support of Mishael. Together, they formed an unbreakable bond, ready to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead.

Meanwhile, Jonah and Hazel exchanged wary glances, acutely aware that time was slipping through their fingers. They knew they couldn't stay hidden forever. With a shared understanding, they steeled themselves and ventured further into the mechanical room, their weapons clutched tightly in their hands. The room seemed to stretch on endlessly, its shadowy corners concealing untold mysteries. The echoes of their footsteps mixed with the distant clanging of gears, creating an eerie symphony that reverberated through their very souls. Their senses heightened, they moved with caution, every nerve on edge. As they delved deeper, a chilling presence seemed to envelope them. Shadows danced along the walls, their movements fluid and sinister. Jonah's heart raced as he caught a glimpse of a dark mass lurking in the corner of his vision. Without hesitation, he trained his weapon on the creature, ready to defend himself and his companions. But as he fired, the bullets seemed to pass through the shadowy figure, having no effect. The creature slithered away, leaving Jonah bewildered and on edge. With a newfound determination, he motioned for Hazel and Sonia to follow him, determined to uncover the truth behind these elusive foes. Their path became a delicate dance between light and darkness, their resolve unwavering. They wove through the labyrinth of mechanical wonders, their footsteps synchronized and purposeful. With each step, they drew closer to the heart of the mystery, ready to face whatever horrors awaited them as episode ends.