"COMMANDER? IS SOMETHING WRONG?"

I turn around to see Miss Marsh standing behind me. Putting on a brave face, I reply. "No, nothing at all, Miss Marsh."

She frowns before replying. "I BELIEVE YOU ARE BEING UNTRUTHFUL."

"What makes you say that?"

"YOU'VE BEEN PACING AROUND THIS ROOM FOR THE PAST TEN MINUTES, AND YOUR... HEART... RATE SEEMS AS HIGH AS IT WAS WHEN WE FIRST MET."

I sit down on a chair, and internally calm myself, looking back up at her. "See, nothing wrong at all."

"I'D BE MORE INCLINED TO BELIEVE YOU IF IT WEREN'T FOR HOW MUCH YOUR KNEES ARE SHAKING."

Sure enough, they are, and I hadn't even noticed. I place a hand on each to quell them, taking a deep sigh.

"AND, IN ADDITION TO THAT, YOU ALSO REFUSED TO HAVE ANY LUNCH."

Yes, I didn't... I didn't have any appetite for it.

"BASED ON ALL OF THIS, I CAN ONLY CONCLUDE THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG, AND THAT WOULD BE THE FACT THAT YOU ARE NERVOUS."

Ah, she's as analytical as ever — there's always something I've admired about her, even though it's working to my disadvantage right now.

"You're right... I am nervous."

"I UNDERSTAND. IT'S... A BIG DAY FOR YOU."

"That's one way of putting it."

"HOW ARE YOU FEELING?"

"Honestly... scared. I mean, I shouldn't be. Logically, it doesn't make any sense. And... well, I suppose I really shouldn't be surprised. After all, I have been preparing for this all my life... it was the reason why I was brought back."

"BUT TO ACTUALLY BE FACED WITH IT... THAT'S SOMETHING ENTIRELY DIFFERENT, ISN'T IT?"

"Yeah. It's strange, you know? No matter how much I've prepared for this, no matter how long I've been doing this, and no matter how many people, including you, refer to me by the title... there was always a small part of my mind that thought it was all just one giant set up. A part that didn't think this day would ever arrive. The day where I would become the Commander of the Pigmask Army."

"AND YET HERE WE ARE."

A device on the centre of the table starts blinking, indicating that Miss Marsh is needed.

"I MUST GO THEN. I WILL LET YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE NEEDED."

She goes off, leaving me alone. Without her, I feel even more nervous than I did before.

I can feel the adrenaline in my blood, my hands starting to shake. If I had a heart, I might even be able to feel it beating in my chest... but I don't, do I? Somehow, that just distracts me more, and makes me even more nervous.

I can't help but think of how on Earth I got here.

My vacation at the Thunder Tower came to an end sadly, and I was due to return home. But on the day I was due to go back, I found out something interesting — quite a few of the Pigmasks, including the Colonel, were coming back with me.

It was very strange, and naturally I was interested — especially since none of them knew that they'd be coming back as well, until that day.

But that wasn't the most interesting part — no, that would go to the fact that Miss Marsh was also coming back with us, and again, she had no idea this was going to happen either.

Naturally, all of us were rather confused, except for the pilot, who clearly seemed to know something that we didn't, but refused to say anything until we got back.

And when we did, well...

It became very clear to me why Master Porky wanted me out of New Pork City for two weeks — because the first thing we saw was New Pork City completely covered in all sorts of decorations, with lots of people down below.

Before I knew it, we were taken to the Empire Porky Building, entering through a helipad on the side, where we were told by Fassad why we were here — because today, I was to ascend and assume the rank... of Commander.

The Pigmasks were all informed to report to the streets help with the preparations for the parade — yes, there's going to be a parade.

I... can't believe it either.

And as for Miss Marsh and me? I've been waiting in the lobby of the Empire Porky Building for the last two hours, with Miss Marsh attending to my needs and occasionally going outside to do whatever task the Pigmasks need her for.

So here I am. Sitting here in this room alone, with my life's goal right in front of me.

I... it's just so strange. Like I said to Miss Marsh, the title of Commander was something I was groomed into pursuing from the day I came back from near death.

From the day I was created, I was told, my purpose in life was to become the Commander. I was told, that I would devote all my time to become the Commander. I was told, that it was the only path for me to choose in life.

I was told all of that. And though it all surprised me at first, I listened to it all. I accepted it.

Because it was the only way I could repay the person who brought me back.

And I was referred to as Commander, by all the Pigmasks, and by Miss Marsh. But it never... bothered me. Well, at first, it did. I wasn't used to it at all. But I adjusted to it, and... it become a part of my identity. It... was what I am. I don't have a name, and I've never been given one, so... well, that was my substitute, I suppose.

But... part of me has always wanted a name. I don't mind being called Commander, not now at least.

But there was always some part of me that wanted... something unique to me. Well, I suppose Commander is unique seeing as no one else can have the title at the same time I do, but... I've always wanted something more than just a title. A name to call my own.

I wonder... whoever my parents were, they must have given me a name, right? What was it then? Obviously, I don't remember. Nor would I care because... well, they proved themselves unfit to be called parents. Still... it does make me wonder.

But that was all in the past, in a past life, an inferior life. And in this one... well, it wasn't my place to ask for a name, and so I never did.

I can't help but be reminded of Master Porky — like me, he was given a name at birth, but forgot it like I did... and he chose to adopt a different name in place. That's the same thing I've done, isn't it, though Commander is more of a title than a name. Still, it was what everybody called me so Commander just stuck, I suppose.

Yet, every time someone referred to me by that, I would always feel some minute part of me, that would feel this... repulsion. At the person? No, not at all — I care for Miss Marsh a great deal, but even when she uses it, I still feel somewhat uneasy.

And only now have I realised why. It's because I've never felt like I deserved to be called that. Because I wasn't Commander. And so... I never felt like I should have been called that. It was being respected for something I didn't have.

But now... I've earned that title, haven't I? I've earned the right to be called Commander, because of all the work I've put in.

Here I am, and despite all that I've done to obtain this title... I'm not sure if I even want it anymore.

Before long, I hear the sound of a door opening, looking up to see Miss Marsh approach me.

"COMMANDER? THEY'RE READY FOR YOU."

"I'm glad to hear that..."

"YOUR VOICE SAYS OTHERWISE, AND I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU DIDN'T LIE TO ME." she replies, looking genuinely hurt.

"Huh... I didn't know you had a lie detector built in there."

"NOT A LIE DETECTOR, BUT MULTIPLE INSTRUMENTS THAT ALLOW ME TO MAKE AN EDUCATED GUESS... IT'S STRANGE WITH YOU, COMMANDER. THERE ARE TIMES WHERE YOU'RE UNFATHOMABLE, AND TIMES WHERE YOU'RE AN OPEN BOOK."

"I'm guessing this case falls into the latter category then."

"INDEED."

I don't say anything in response, so she sits down next to me, her voice softening a little. "What's wrong?"

"I'm suppose... I'm nervous. I don't know why... surely I should be excited for this? But instead, I'm the exact opposite. I suppose it doesn't make much sense."

She shakes her head slightly before replying. "I THINK IT MAKES SENSE. IT IS CERTAINLY A BIG OCCASION, AND HIS HIGHNESS HAS GONE OUT OF HIS WAY TO GIVE THE EVENT A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF GRANDIOSE. I IMAGINE YOU WOULD FEEL NERVOUS IN FRONT OF SUCH A LARGE CROWD."

"That is part of it, yes, but... I don't know, it's also what the event is about. Becoming the Commander and all..."

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN?"

"Miss Marsh... I have a question for you. Do you think I deserve to be the Commander?"

"IS THE SUN HOT?"she replies, with a great deal of sarcasm in her voice — I think she's almost... smiling? "WHAT MAKES YOU ASK THAT?"

"It's just... am I really suited for the job?"

"IT'S FUNNY THAT YOU SHOULD SAY THAT. I DON'T THINK ANYONE ELSE WOULD BE MORE SUITED TO THE JOB."

"Why do you think that?"

"IT IS THE ONLY LOGICAL WAY TO THINK. AFTER ALL, WHO ELSE HAS DEDICATED SO MUCH TIME AND ATTENTION LIKE YOU HAVE? WHO ELSE HAS SHOWN THAT THEY ARE POWERFUL ENOUGH? WHO ELSE HAS PROVEN THEMSELVES TO BE MORE LOYAL TO HIS HIGHNESS? NO ONE."

"But am I? I mean... I despise Fassad. I really do. But... isn't he all of those things, and more?"

"COMMANDER... I DO NOT KNOW FASSAD VERY WELL. WHAT LITTLE INFORMATION I HAVE ABOUT HIM COMES MOSTLY FROM YOU, AND THE KNOWLEDGE I HAVE FROM MY DATABANKS. HOWEVER, BASED PURELY ON THAT... I WOULD STILL SAY YOU ARE BETTER SUITED."

"But why?"

"BECAUSE FASSAD, THOUGH CERTAINLY CAPABLE, SEEMS TO LACK ONE THING THAT YOU HAVE. KINDNESS. YOU... RESPECT OTHERS. YOU... ARE KIND TO YOUR TROOPS... and to me. YOU VALUE THEM. FASSAD DOES NOT. COMMANDER, YOU... you are better than you think you are."

For a moment, neither of us say anything, before she rises and faces towards the door. "THEY'RE WAITING FOR YOU, COMMANDER. ARE YOU READY?"

I get up and smile. "As ready as I'll ever be, Miss Marsh."

She takes my hand in her own and gently squeezes it. "Good luck."

I walk towards the door talking a deep breath. Collecting myself as much as I can... I open it.

"OH MY PORK!"

"IT'S HIM!"

My ears are immediately assaulted with a number of noises — the sound of cars, the sound of the Pigmask Anthem playing, and most of all, the sound of all the people here, all cheering loudly for me... it's hard to take it all in. But one noise sticks out among the rest... because it's a very familiar one.

"Nwehehehe! And there he is, folks! Standing outside the Empire Porky Building, is none other than our soon to be Commander!"

That voice... up in the sky is a massive Porkship, with many cannons and speakers — the Mother Porkship. Someone inside of it is riling the crowd, using the speakers to transmit their voice all around.

And who is that person? Fassad.

I'm immediacy stricken with another bout of nervousness, but I straighten myself, gather my courage and march forward.

On my way forward, I see many people whispering to each other about as I walk past, talking about me.

"He's really young, isn't he?"

"He's just a kid!"

"How did he got this job?"

Conveniently, Fassad's next words seem to almost be an answer to their unimpressed attitude towards me. "Don't be fooled! He may be young, and he may not look like much, but he is special! He is the pride of chimeras all around — the first human chimera in existence!"

There's a lot of oohs from the people below, and I'm acutely aware of many of them trying to get a closer look at me. It's... a little uncomfortable, to be watched like some sort of animal in a zoo, but I keep walking.

"Outfitted with only the highest quality tech straight from New Pork City, he is much stronger than any normal person! And that's not all! He is a psychic, trained personally by me, and has extraordinary powers! How extraordinary, you ask? Well... if you so much as look at him the wrong way... say goodbye to your head."

There's a lot of gasps now, many of the people likely terrified at the thought of having their heads blown up.

Really, Fassad? Really? Though, Ican imagine Fassad of all people would want a PSI that let you blow people's heads off.

But for fun, I decide to humour him by immediately turning to the right after he says that, giving the people there my best death stare, causing some of them to scream and jump back.

"Yes, so don't underestimate him. To our enemies, he is their greatest fear."

Many of the citizens have quietened down now, likely scared by the picture Fassad's painting of me... well, I guess I am like that... but that's not all I am... right? I'm more than just some... some stone cold killer. Right?

But my thoughts are cut off by Fassad's next words.

"But, don't worry! He may be a nightmare to enemies, but to us, he is a hero! He is our saviour! And he will lead us to... VICTORY!"

"YEAH!"

There's an eruption of cheers from everyone as they start raising their hands in the air, all of them cheering for... me.

I... I must admit, I'm... I'm flattered.

As I continue down the streets, towards the centre, the cheers get louder and louder. While walking, it's here I notice many areas have been closed in preparation for today — such as the arcade, and Beauty and Tasty. It seems like practically everywhere's been closed for this... and so I imagine almost all of New Pork City are here for this.

The closer I get to the centre, the less civilians there are... in fact, I pass an area with some Pigmasks standing guard — I'm guessing that this place is off limits to regular citizens, as there are only Pigmasks of a multitude of different colours with soldiers, captains, majors and colonels all cheering for me as I pass through.

But although it's impossible to pick out individual Pigmasks as they all look the same, there is one soldier who stands out amongst the rest.

"Well, look who's made it to the big leagues!"

There's another familiar voice, and sure enough, it's exactly who I think it is — the Fierce Pork Trooper, with fifteen Pigmasks near him. I can't be certain, but I'm fairly sure they're from my regiment.

"Sir!" I salute him as always, getting a laugh.

"Always serious, even on your own day!"

"Well... it is a special occasion."

He roars with laughter. "Ah, kid, you certainly don't act like one sometimes! But even despite that, you've made it all the way to the top... you know, when you first came in — what was it, two or so years ago? Something like that. Anyway, I was... skeptical. I didn't know what the hell you were doing here. I mean, a kid? Supposed to lead us?"

"I will admit... I was also confused over the prospect."

"Yeah, and I thought this was some sort of joke. I thought when you were doing those push ups, you were just gonna collapse. But you know what? I was wrong. Honestly, kid... I don't understand how you do it. How you've made it all the way here."

"To be quite honest, I'm not entirely sure how I've done it either. Sometimes I wonder if it was just luck and my enhancements."

"You know, maybe if I wasn't there, I'd say that as well. But I was there. I saw you, at your highs and lows. And that wasn't luck. That was hard work. Even with the enhancements, you put in some serious work. Heh... I still remember your first day... from then, you were always the first in, and the last out. That's dedication right there."

"Yes, those days could certainly be long but to get to where I am now... it was worth it. But I never would have made it this far were it not for your guidance. It... it was an honour training under you, sir."

His mask budges a little, giving me the impression that he's grinning underneath it, as he salutes me back. "Well, it was an honour training you... Commander."

My eyes widen at that... that... that's the first time he's called me Commander...

Trying not to get too sentimental, I gave him one last nod and turn back to the path, walking along it... there's not much left to go until I reach the centre.

I get cheers from all the Pigmasks around as I keep walking... it's nice to know that they have so much confidence in me.

Eventually... I reach the very centre of the city, where there is a small podium, with a pedestal on the left and the right. Each one has an object on them — the left one has a helmet of sorts, while the second has what appears to be... a yellow sword?

And in the centre of the podium, between the two pedestals, is a throne and on it, I see none other than Master Porky sitting there — but it's not him at the same time.

What sits there is someone who looks like him, only much younger, and far less weak and frail than he does now. He's wearing a red suit, making him look very business like, like an entrepreneur.

I surmise that this is what he must have looked like when he was younger, but I'm not sure how he's managed to return to that age — his body was many, many years older than this.

The confusion in my eyes must be noticeable, because he laughs and whispers to me.

"It's a robot, you see. I'm controlling it up from my room... in fact, I'm waving at you right now from up there."

I turn and look up in the general direction of the Empire Porky Building, expecting to see Master Porky in his machine, but naturally I'm not able to, and I hear a snicker behind me.

Master Porky's robot snickers and doubles over in laughter. "Ahahaha! You really feel for it! So... what do ya think of this? Pretty good likeness, if I do say so myself."

He certainly seems in better shape here — much less feeble. His voice also seems much less raspy and stilted, like a normal person's voice. Part of me wonders why he bothered with this, but it becomes obvious — a day like this would hold itself very well for things like assassination attempts, and considering Master Porky's frail state normally, the likelihood of harm is much greater.

It also occurs to me that the general public likely wouldn't know Master Porky looks like — I've seen him personally, and I know Miss Marsh and Fassad both have, but I don't imagine Master Porky's true appearance is common knowledge, especially since most seem to believe he looks like the giant statue in New Pork depicting him.

It makes sense — having a stronger face as the king would raise the morale in the city, though now that I think about it, having a child be the face of the Pigmask Army seems somewhat counterproductive to portraying a strong face... perhaps that could do with some work, maybe with something to make me more... threatening.

"You certainly look in better health, my Lord." A thought comes to mind — Master Porky must have had something to base this appearance off of, right? So...

"Is this what you looked like before... before those kids?"

"Yep... but let's not look at the past. It's time to look at the future — mine and yours!"

He stands up and walks to the front of the podium, taking hold of a microphone set up there.

"And now, we will see the chimera ascend, but first... a speech from the king." says Fassad.

The entire crowd goes almost completely silent at that, waiting eagerly for what will come next.

"Citizens of New Pork. We are here today to celebrate a very special occasion. Almost as special as my own birthday. You see, for a long time, we have had a mighty army, one that surpasses the likes of any seen before. A powerful army, that makes everything else like toys." he begins, his voice amplified by the microphone.

"But... this army was always missing something. A thing that would drive our forces forward to crush all our foes. A thing to stand in front of the enemy, and make them feel fear. Somebody to destroy them."

The crowd is silent, taking his words in.

"And you know what? I've known that for a long time. But I never cared about it. Do you wanna know why? It's because we never needed that thing! Because we had no enemy!"

There's an eruption of cheers from the crowd, which nearly drowns Master Porky's voice.

"Everything was peaceful!"

"Yeah!"

"Everything was great!"

"YEAH!"

"And no one could ever hurt us!"

"YEAH!"

The cheers are borderline deafening at this point, and Master Porky waits until they've finished before he continues.

"But now, things are different, and we had an enemy. Things were resolved... but they weren't. I have some bad news for you all. Remember the filthy town of Tazmily? You all thought we had managed to achieve peace with them. Did you think that?"

"Yes! We did!" says the crowd in chorus.

"Well, guess what? You're all idiots! Because you were all wrong! They have turned on us!" he laughs.

Wait, what? What?! They've... betrayed us?! But, but I thought... I thought we were getting somewhere with them! I thought they'd learned!

I'm not the only surprised at the news either, as there's a gasp from all of the audience, including most of the Pigmasks.

Master Porky laughs before continuing. "Yes! They lied! I have sent people there, and they were mocked! I have extended my friendship, and it was rejected! I even sent some of my minions there, just to explore some little old castle. And guess what?"

"What?" many of the crowd replies.

"They were forced to turn back! And now, they have decided to challenge us!"

The crowd starts to get riled up, the anger spreading through the air.

"Yes! Fassad was brutally attacked by an old man just one week ago! He had to call in two Pigmasks just to help subdue him!"

An old man... no... it couldn't be the same one, could it? But I remember that Fassad was apparently having trouble the same old man we met during our visit... and now he's decided to take it out.

Even if I don't like Fassad myself, I still sympathise with him for this injustice... and I only feel that anger within me start to boil.

"People of New Pork! We have tried, over and over to find a way to communicate with these bullies! And each and every time, we have ended up all the worse! They think they can win this game, and we must prove them wrong!"

"YEAH!"

"We will strike across with nothing but sheer terror, and make them sorry they ever messed with us! We will strike around by expanding this city, until it dominates this entire island! We will strike them from the skies with the Thunder Tower!"

"And we will strike with an army! With the Pigmask Army, the finest army in the world! But now, more than ever, we need something to lead it. We need something to make all those idiots wet their pants in terror. We need something that will stomp on their bodies. Don't you think we need that?!"

"Yes! We do!"

"And now... we have it! I present to you... your Commander!"

The crowd starts to cheer once again, as Master Porky grins and continues.

"But he is more than just your Commander. No, he is more than just that. In fact... let me tell you a story. When I was young, not much older than he is now, I was rejected by my pitiful family, and betrayed by my friend. I was deformed beyond belief and twisted through time. And I didn't think that anyone would be able to understand me."

There's nothing but silence as everyone, including myself, waits for him to continue his story.

"But I was wrong. Because I found him. And he was just like I was. He knew what it was like to be thrown away. He knew what it was like to be betrayed. He knew what it was like to be changed. In this pathetic world, he is the only friend I have."

"I bet you're all thinking why I chose him to be your Commander, aren't you? Well, the answer is simple — because he is like me. He knows the meaning of power. He knows the meaning of success. And he was a discarded soul, alone and unloved, until I found him, and gave him a new life. He will take control of the Pigmask Army, and with their help... he will enact his bloody vengeance upon them those that shunned him, and victory will be ours!"

Yes... I will. Because Master Porky and me... we're two of a kind. We're two lost souls betrayed by friends and family, but fate has lead us to find the other, and given us a second chance. Yet Master Porky never had the chance to get revenge on those who wronged him... but I do. The people of Tazmily have had their way long enough... and I intend to repay them in equal measure.

"And so today, we're not just celebrating his accession, but something else... because today, I'm giving him something very special. I'm giving him... a name."

There's a gasp from everyone in the crowd, and even I fail to prevent one from slipping out.

A... name?A... a name? All my life, I've never had a name, and now... Master Porky's giving me one?

"All these years, you see, he has never had so much as a name. He may have had one in his past life... but the past is the past, and now, this is his new life, his better life. He has abandoned everything he ever cared about, and begun his new life, and so with a new life comes... a new name."

Master Porky grabs the sword, and points it towards me, his intention very clear to me. I lower to one knee, as Master Porky raises his arms into the air to the crowd.

"To my partner in arms! To my eternal comrade! To my friend, no, to my double! I am Master Porky, and so you shall be..."

The only sound that cuts through the silence is the sword he raises and lowers until it's just above my head, before a sinister smile unfolds on his face.

"Pokey."

Master Porky raises the sword, as I rise with it. He takes the helmet from the pedestal and places it on my head, the helmet locking with a soft hiss.

Recalibrating... Initiate Protocol 131144-3151420181511.

Yes... it feels right. He places the sword in front of me and I take it in my right hand... slowly, I turn it a few times a few times before swinging it in the air... it... it's so strange, but it feels... it feels right. As if it were an extension of my hand... as if it was made for me.

I... I can feel the electricity in it crackling, flowing through my hand ready to be released. With one swift movement, I raise the sword into the air, as bolt of lightning coming down from the sky and crashing onto the sword. The crowd cheers louder than they ever.

All my life... all of it, I've always been searching. Searched for a purpose, a meaning... an identity.

And now... I've found it. I know what to do. I know what my life is about. I know what I am now.

I am the person who was discarded by the enemy, the soldier enlisted from death and given a new life.

I am the Commander of the Pigmask Army, the face of all hope in New Pork City that will lead this army to crush all those who would dare to oppose us.

I am Master Porky's most trusted servant and friend, sworn to protect and serve him until the end of time.

I am... Pokey.

A/N: Oh boy... well, we're all screwed.

20 chapters in... man, I can't believe I've gotten this far. It's been a long road getting here, and we're still not done yet.

So, Claus, or Pokey if you prefer, is finally the Commander, and with that, I'm actually done filling in the gap between the three years — so yeah, we're finally going to be reuniting with the Mother 3 chapters, as we'll be starting Chapter 5.

Anyway, two things to mention — first off, as I said in Chapter 14, I intended for Claus to learn PK Love in this chapter, specifically at the end of it.

However, the events in Chapter 14 I think made him learning it then much more interesting and added some depth to him I wouldn't have been able to bring about otherwise.

Besides, I think Claus's acceptance of his new identity is already a big one, so no need to double up on the shock factor, which leads me nicely into the other point I have to mention — the identity.

I actually had two other ideas for endings to this chapter. The first was going to have Claus declare himself the Masked Man and accept that, however, I scraped that because while Masked Man is a badass name, it makes admittedly little sense for Claus to call himself that.

The other idea was that Porky would name him Ness — yes, Ness, because he's moulded Claus to essentially be his best friend, like how he wanted Ness to be. I liked this idea a lot, and had I not made Ness out to be a complete monster in the eyes of Claus, I would have probably gone with this.

In the end, I went with Pokey, mostly because of a line Porky has near the end of the game, where he calls the Masked Man his double... so I decided to take that a little literally. That being said, I'm still going to refer to him as Claus.

Next time, Claus begins his first mission.