Aftermath:
(1913 A.D., The Kinder Beschützer Institute, Pocket Dimension located somewhere off the western coast of England)
Agent Joan stands in the centre of a great dimly lit marble rotunda as she guides the gathered group of individuals sitting in elevated podiums behind her through a comprehensive Aftermath Report of the Woodsman's recent attack on the K.B.I.
"Repairs are coming along well. Luckily, most of the damage was superficial, not structural. The personnel cost to our security forces is unfortunate, but not unacceptable given the circumstances," explains Agent Joan, directing the group's attention to various charts, graphs and damage readouts. Agent Vincent and Minister Nenious pay close attention to her presentation from their elevated positions, accompanied by a thin, well-dressed man in a red death mask and another dapper dandy of a man in an elegant top hat.
"And what of the boys and their nanny; Miss Liza?" asks Nenious, casting his gaze to Vincent.
"What do you think? Their parents are dead, their sister is trapped in an arcane coma with seemingly no chance of ever waking up. As for Miss Liza, well, she had been with the Darling Family for many years. Those boys and their sister are her whole world, so naturally, she's devastated," answers Vincent, his tone and heart heavy with the bitter sorrow of the matter.
"A heartbreaking tragedy, indeed. Vincent, I want you to make it clear to John, Michael and Miss Liza that they will always have a home here and that should they choose to stay with us, their every need will be met. We cannot bring back their parents, but we can provide them a home and the opportunities needed to move forward. Make sure they know we will never give up on reviving their sister. It is crucial that Liza and those boys know above all else that they are not alone," Nenious presses firmly before taking another sip of his tea.
"Understood Minister," Vincent replies with a half-hearted smile and subtle nod. "Now, Agent Joan. How long until the K.B.I. can get back to peak-operation?"
"I would say within the month, assuming quick restaffing of security and other affected departments," Joan answers confidently before concluding her presentation and making her way up to the elevated podiums and taking a seat next to Vincent.
"Very good, now, Phantom, how goes the construction of La Bastille Crépusculaire?" Nenious asks, finishing off his tea and setting his cup down on the saucer before him.
"We are on schedule, Minister. You need not worry, your magic prison will be ready on time," replies the gentleman in the red death mask.
"Phantom? I thought your name was Erik," muses the man in the top hat sitting just off to the right of the Phantom.
"I prefer Phantom, my good fellow. Just as you prefer Oz. I trust you will respect my wishes," the Phantom replies as he smiles menacingly.
"Of course… Phantom. I was merely seeking clarification," Oz responds playfully as he takes a sip from his wineglass containing some form of amber-colored drink.
"Now, Mr. Wizard, how is Dorothy's training going?" Nenious asks, looking to Oz.
"According to Queen Ozma, her training is progressing well and you can expect a progress report soon. As for your next question, which I know is coming, weapons production is at desired levels in Oz. The building of fortifications and the raising of armies from the Ozian population are all on track with target goals. Should the Realm of Ishrakie or Earth fall, Oz will be ready to do its part," Oz replies, leaning back in his chair as he downs the rest of his drink.
"Perfect. Then it sounds like we are progressing well on all fronts. It was wonderful seeing all again, and if no one has any other matters to discuss, then this meeting is adjourned," proclaims Nenious as he and the rest of the meeting attendees climb to their feet and make their way out of the room.