Chapter 25

Jim fell and hit the ground with a loud thud. A short yelp escaped his lips and it was followed by a gripping moan as he felt tenderness on his back. He opened his blue eyes and saw the familiar ceiling made from limestone. He was back in the Einzbern underground workshop. The ceiling was still sparkling from many different minerals embedded within it.

"Jim?" Suddenly, the anxious face of Emiya looked at him. "Are you alive?"

"I think so."

The Trollhunter said and slowly let out a grunt as he stood up. Wait...where's Mark? The boy thought suddenly and looked around. He finally saw the Hero a couple of meters away from him, in front of the altar table. Invincible was still kneeling on the ground, his black eyes still staring at the space above the altar where the portal to the world of the Lesser Grail used to be. With both of the Grails gone, the portal had no reason to exist anymore. The Hero was still stuck in his spot, remembering the events that had transpired inside...and his father's last words and smile at him.

Dad...I'll miss you. I'll truly...A depressing gloom loomed over Mark. However, he felt a presence. The hero glanced up and saw Jim. The boy was looking at the Hero with sadness, feeling sympathy for him, before a gentle smile formed on his lips.

"Mark, you have a good father."

"Yeah." Mark agreed with what the boy said, his looks shifting into a crestfallen one. "I...have no more future, Jim. I've sacrificed my friendship and my team just so I could do all of these horrible things in this war for the Grail." The Hero clenched his teeth, in disappointment. "I am not a Hero anymore, Jim. I've lost everything." Mark said and he hung his head back.

When Invincible had learned about the Holy Grail, he readied himself to sacrifice all of the good things in his life just so he could fulfill his wish, a better universe for his daughter, Terra. He believed the Grail and its powerful miracle would herald a new universe where everyone could live in peace and without doing evil. But that hope, and together with his wish, was shattered. The Holy Grail was a lie and it was never omnipotent. The Einzbern had used him just so she could fulfill her family's mission to open a portal to the Root, the source of everything. All of his sacrifices were wasted. He was left with absolutely nothing.

What would Eve and Terra say? Invincible couldn't imagine what his lover and daughter were feeling right now. The world outside had labeled him as a bad person, but he guessed that it would be worse. His frown shifted into a rueful one.

"Don't give up." Jim said suddenly. A brave look was on his face. "You may be punished for what you've done, but you mustn't give up. You didn't lose everything. You still have your friends and your teammates to go back to. Your daughter and your lover are still waiting for you." Jim paused before his brave expression was replaced by a wide and happy grin. "You're still a Hero, Mark. The world still needs you. You heard your father. You can still turn yourself around." The boy extended his hand, asking the Hero of mankind to stand up once more. "Don't worry, Mark. I forgive you." the Trollhunter said with encouragement.

Jim...Invincible stared at his right hand. Despite all of the things he had done to him, the boy still had the courage to smile and forgive him. The boy's encouraging words affected him immediately. Mark still had Terra and Eve. His friends and teammates could accept him again if he told the world the whole truth of his ordeal. And as much as he felt down about his actions, Invincible still wanted to protect and be the Hero of mankind, to be a symbol of hope for the hopeless. I understand Jim. and then a small elated smile formed on the Hero's face. He raised his hand and reached for the boy's. "Thank you, Jim-"

"ZASHU! Are you two mongrels done?"

A cold and uncaring voice suddenly interrupted the happy mood. Sounds of loud chains reverberated around the two.

"AAGH!" A short, pained gasp escaped Invincible's mouth as a small golden portal appeared above him and a set of golden chains burst and snaked around his wrists, tying the Hero up.

Jim jumped back, a startled look on his face. "Mark!" he called the Hero and was about to help him when a figure materialized out of thin air in front of him. A half-naked, beautiful man with golden hair and fiery red eyes looked back at Jim, blocking his way. His lower half was adorned with golden armour and a red skirt flowing behind him.

"Fuc-" Mark was confused with the sudden appearance of the man, but he yelped again as the links tightened more, sending a burning pain throughout his body.

"What are you doing!? You're hurting him!"

"Isn't that the point of capturing him?" the golden man reasoned without care to the Trollhunter

"Who are you anyways?" The Trollhunter growled in anger bearing his single fang at him. Jim didn't like Mark getting hurt, but Emiya suddenly pulled him.

"Jim, wait. You can't stop him."

"He's hurting Mark!"

"I know, but he's a Servant. He's King Gilgamesh."

Gilgamesh...Wait...You mean the protagonist of the Epic of Gilgamesh!? Jim's eyes widened in shock and recognition. The man was a Servant. What's more, he was Gilgamesh from the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of mankind's first recorded literatures during the Mesopotamian Era. And since he went way back to the Age of Gods, Jim couldn't imagine how powerful the man could be.

"Indeed, Mongrel Trollhunter. Try and stop me and you shall be impaled by one of my precious treasures." Jim turned to King Gilgamesh as the Servant flashed a smug grin. So far, he had discovered two new things regarding the heroic Mesopotamian King – he must love gold things and he was an absolute asshole.

"I'm afraid this is where your interference must stop, Jim." Emiya said to the boy, noticing Rin and his Servant, Ishtar. Lord El-Melloi was walking behind the two and he was followed by a large and robust man with elegant white and black colored clothes. The man had golden blonde hair that matched his mustache and deep blue eyes, which he narrowed onto the Invincible.

"That's enough, Your Majesty, King Gilgamesh. CSO and the Magus Assoc's Department of Policies shall handle Invincible." the man said with a heavy, gruff voice.

CSO? What the hell is that? Invincible thought. He had heard of lots of government institutions before, but this was the first time that he had heard such a name. Mark was about to think more when the links suddenly disappeared, allowing him to gasp sharply in relief.

"Sure. I'm kinda bored anyway. I don't want to spend my vacation with a bunch of low-lying mongrels." Gilgamesh said with a bored tone before he bore his red eyes at Jim and smirked belittlingly at the boy. "Nice meeting you, mongrel Trollhunter." He winked before he vanished into golden dust.

Once the King was gone, the man looked down on Invincible and declared with authority. "Mark Grayson, aka Invincible, you're under arrest for exposing and performing dangerous Magecraft to society by the Magus Assoc and the Church. You're also charged with disobeying the United Nations Hero's Law and Order." Several footsteps hurtled from behind him. Several heavily armored men, wearing black and grey military outfits, stormed the workshop. They surrounded the Hero and pointed their guns at him, showing their sleeves, which bore intricate symbols of a half-moon enclosed by semi-circular olive leaves. The acronym CSO flashed before Mark.

This is it...Invincible closed his eyes and made a resigned frown. "Sir...I will not resist." he said in a downed manner. Jim watched him with saddened eyes. The man nodded and one of the soldiers approached him and put thick and heavy-looking handcuffs around his wrists. The soldiers began to walk and Invincible moved with them. The Hero let out a tired sigh as a downcast thought formed in his mind. I am finally caught for my crimes.

From above the workshop, outside the castle of the Einzbern, the front garden was buzzing with wind and loud sound. Helicopters dotted the afternoon sky and created whirlpools that blew dead leaves across the lawn with the roar of their engines.

Jim, in his human form, followed the group of soldiers and observed Mark, who was in the middle of the group. The Hero was guided to an open, black helicopter, which would carry him to another location where they could imprison him. Mark, the boy made a distressed expression as he called him. "Mark!"

By his voice, the Hero stopped in front of the air transport's door. He slowly turned around and showed a depressed look. Jim's mind suddenly went blank. He didn't know what to say anymore to him. "You'll be alright. I believe you!" he shouted at him, attempting to lift his spirits up. But then he was startled as Mark grinned and chuckled cheerfully.

"Stop worrying too much, Jim the Trollhunter! Of course, I'll be alright. I'll get through this," he paused and proudly said to him, "because I'm Invincible!"

Jim let out an astonished, short laugh, amazed at the Hero's recovered confidence. He watched as the Hero turned around and climbed aboard the helicopter. The door closed behind him. The air transport whirled to life and began to hover from the ground before it took off and left the others behind.

"See you around, Invincible." Jim said with hope in his chest as a sanguine smile formed on his face.

"He'll recover." The boy glanced to his left and saw Waver, the mage was smoking his cheap Taiwanese cigar. A tranquil look was on the man's face. "Mark is strong too. He'll recover."

"I know. He's a hero, after all."

Jim nodded in agreement and shifted his eyes behind the mage. Kairi Sisigou was laying on a stretcher, which was being carried by two soldiers. His stern eyes noticed them both. He grinned in excitement and made two thumbs up, telling them that he was ok and he would live. Waver smirked at the Bounty Hunter and made a tired sigh.

"Guess I'll give him my ten packs of Dragon Smoke. I don't like those things anyway." the Mage said before he shifted his focus back on the Trollhunter. "Jim, can I ask what you will do now? I mean, with your wish not being granted…" Waver stopped after he saw the boy make a contemplative look.

What will I do? Jim hadn't thought about the aftermath. With the Grail gone, and his wish not granted, he would return home and meet his friends. He was sure that he would be scolded by them, but that wasn't the problem. Toby would still be in a coma and there were no more miracles that could cure him. A chagrin sigh escaped from his chest. Keep moving forward, Trollhunter. I will always watch you from the Throne of Heroes. The words of Saber echoed deeply and strongly from within him. The dreadful weight in his guts suddenly disappeared and an accepting smile formed on the Trollhunter's face.

"I will go home and face the music. I will dedicate my life to protecting both Trolls and Mankind. For Toby...and for my friends and loved ones." he said with resoluteness and the Mage nodded in agreement.

At least your spirit isn't broken, James Lake Jr. Waver thought as he glanced behind him. Emiya and Rin were standing by the ruined fountain far behind them. The man in black and white was also eyeing him and the Trollhunter with a studying gaze.

"Say, Trollhunter." Waver started before he shifted back to Jim. "Shall I give you a ride home?" he asked with a welcoming smile.

"So that's the Trollhunter. The one who ended the pesky Arcane Order. He really is just a kid. By Merlin's beard, the Policy Department was put to shame by a kid." A hard chuckle of appraisal emitted from the robust man. Emiya nodded.

"Yes, Mr. Goredolf Musik."

The man named Goredolf Musik shifted his blue eyes at Emiya and then to Rin. "Is the Einzbern's Holy Grail System Ritual Magic Circle destroyed?" he asked with sternness and the girl nodded.

"Yes. Emiya and I dismantled it," Rin's aqua eyes shifted into a serious one before she added more. "There will be no more Holy Grail Wars."

"Good." Goredolf said and his observing deep blue eyes glanced at Ishtar, who was hovering behind them and was busy whistling a Sumerian tune. "By the way, your original Master, Ritsuka Fujimaru, has asked for your whereabouts. Ereshkigal seems to miss you." he said. The Summerian Goddess nodded with a satisfied smirk.

"Well, that's my twin sister for you." she said carelessly. She glanced at Jim from afar, a proud smile spread on her lips. "I like Jim. Hope he'll grow into a wonderful adult." she praised before she beamed a grin at Emiya. "Just like you, Emiya-chan."

"What do you mean by that?" Rin asked with a dark glare on her face, making Emiya chuckled in nervousness.

"In any case, thank you for helping us, Ishtar. You're a good Servant." Emiya said and smiled happily at the Goddess.

Ishtar's face reddened. The man's face was so beautiful to her and, together with his kind words, the way he praised her made her heart leap from happiness. She only raised her head high, hiding her blush from him. "We-Well, I think it's time for you to release me?"

"Oh, yes. wait a second." Emiya raised his right hand and chanted. "By my will, I release my Servant. I renounced the contract from the 'Counter Force' and the Ring of Deterrence. Let my Servant go." The single Command Seal on his right hand flashed red brightly before it vanished from his knuckle.

Ishtar grinned in happiness before she floated and sat on her Maanna weapon which materialized out of thin air, twirling around. "Well then, I'm off to CHALDEA. I need a bath and a long spa day tomorrow. Ta-ta, my wonderful Master, Emiya!" she proudly said and waved everyone goodbye before she burst forward and disappeared into the afternoon sky.

With the Servant Goddess gone, the three of them were finally left alone. Rin glanced at Goredolf and asked with a serious face. "What will happen with Invincible, Sir Musik?"

Goredolf looked at her, inquiringly, before he answered. "He will be brought to Norway, Lofoten Islands. To be exact, a facility called 'The Crown'."

The Crown. I know that place. Emiya thought and recalled. The Crown, despite having a fancy name, wasn't actually a grandeur place. It was a facility located on a remote island and it served as a Prison and Rehabilitation Center for Heroes suffering from psychological disorders. Invincible was suffering from the 'Mist'. Perhaps in this facility, he could be cured.

The Terrorist Mage made a gladdened smile. "So, you believe what Waver said to the Magus Assoc?" he said to the man. During the investigation, Waver somehow arrived at a theory that the Hero might be suffering from mental illness. Ever since he met Mark at the church back in Venice, Waver noticed his erratic movements and his illogical reasoning.

It was good that his 'guess' was correct. Mark was indeed suffering from mental illness.

"Indeed. However, we have more problems on the horizon. The UN Government has deemed him dangerous, but most of the Magus Assoc and the Church want the Invincible dead." The two mages gasped, both of them cast a bothered look, as the man continued with his grim news.

"Most of The Lords of Magus Association are pissed that a Viltrumite participated in this Holy Grail War. They are angry that a half-breed alien, Mark Grayson, used Magecraft. Not to mention, they deem Viltrumites as nothing but brainless animals who don't deserve to learn about it. They also think Magecraft must be used by those who have a long family lineage of Mages or those who have natural talent in it. And they all thought that Humans were the only ones who could use it, not aliens."

Emiya clenched his fist and reasoned out in fury. "That's just absurd! It's clearly racism! They are being racist!"

The Lords of Magus Association were Mages who wield powerful magic. They were the heads of each of the Association's departments and they were all very well connected both inside the organization and outside. Most of all, they had powerful influence in the United Nations.

"What about the Church?" Rin asked.

Goredolf closed his eyes and thought contemplatively. "Well, they abstained from that topic. It wasn't their problem anyways. They, however, welcomed the idea of introducing Viltrumites into their ranks. They admire their strength and skills."

Rin had a different idea. No, they probably want them to join their ranks so they can use them to do their dirty deeds, or to spread their ideology. Really, the Church is also stupid. The Church was no different from the Magus Association. They were opportunists and they would use any crude method to spread their religion and their doctrine. And since the human government was about to form an alliance based on the peace accord, they would use this incident as a leverage to use the said alien race to spread their ideology to the stars and beyond.

Goredolf noticed the distress of the two. The man grunted and cracked a confident smile for the first time since he showed up to them. "Rest assured though, some of the Lords are against them. One of them is Ms. Olga Animusphere." The two looked at him. Their faces lit up in assurance after they heard the name. "It is the reason why CHALDEA took over this investigation. She is also negotiating with the UN regarding the sentences that they will put on Mr. Grayson." Goredolf paused as he fixed his cravat. "Mr. Velvet's findings on Invincible might give her leverage to lighten the charges against the Hero, so rest assured you two." The man glanced at them and cleared his throat as his expression returned to sternness.

"The one who should worry right now is you, Ms. Tohsaka. On Monday, you will become an official instructor of CHALDEA. Are you really up to it?"

Rin's serious expression returned and she only made a single nod. "Yes, I am ready for that." the girl said firmly, making her decision final and absolute. Her answer, however, startled Emiya.

He darted his grey eyes at her. Could it be...? Is that the reason why Gilgamesh was here? "Rin, you're not serious about entering that place. I thought you hated it there."

"Well, I made a good call. Without Gilgamesh, Omni-man would've killed us." Rin glanced at him and cast a confident smirk. "You've been sacrificing many things for me, Emiya. Let me sacrifice something for you. In this case, my career at the Magus Assoc." She turned to Emiya and tilted her head, beaming her grin more. "So will you let me?"

Oh, Rin. Emiya knew that Rin dreamed of becoming a full-fledged Mage and settled in the Magus Assoc as one of its instructors, but now her plans had changed. She would enter the CHALDEA and become one its instructors instead. However, since this was her choice and she did it for him, then he must do something for her. An idea formed in his mind and it was enough to make a mischievous smirk.

"Well then, if that's the case…Mr. Musik, I heard that there's an opening for the Master Candidate."

Goredolf blinked in surprise and shifted his deep blue eyes at the Terrorist Mage before he answered him. "Why yes, we have lots of openings in that department, why do you ask?"

"Then you got yourself a candidate: me." Goredolf shifted on his footing. The man was surprised and he merely showed it by making his eyebrows twitch.

"Wait-! What are you doing?" Rin was completely surprise. She wasn't expecting him to enter the same organization as her. Emiya Shirou was a freelance, vigilante Mage, since he wanted to help people without any interference from the Government. He usually did not stay in the same place for long. He always had to travel around the world, saving people without anyone interfering him. If he took the job as a Master Candidate for the CHALDEA, then he would be stuck in that place for a long time.

"I'm just remembering our vows, Rin." Emiya smiled whimsically at Rin before he added. "Wherever you are, I will always be there."

The girl blushed in embarrassment as a memory surfaced within her. In her mind's eye, she saw them taking their vows on the day they decided to tie the knot. She shifted her aqua eyes away from him and said the other side of the vow with a very shy voice. "And wherever you go, I'll always follow."

Emiya chuckled at her reaction and the two stared at each other's eyes, feeling the chemistry between them.

"Are you two done?" Goredolf said and grunted in annoyance. The couple's actions made his eyebrows twitch again in pique. Rin and Emiya glanced at him and remembered that the man was still there. Mr. Musik made an exhausted sigh before he took out his golden pocket watch, checking the time, and put it back in his white coat pocket. "If that is so, then both of you will start on Monday, next week. Is that clear?"

The two glanced at each other, happy with their decisions and answered the man in unison. "Yes, Sir Musik!"

Arcadia General Hospital

The hallways of Arcadia General Hospital were silent and calm. Few hospital employees were on the floors since it was late at night. On the floor where Toby was confined, there was just a single nurse stationed at the nurse station. Her partner was likely doing rounds on the floor because she was alone. The nurse was so focused on filing paperwork that she didn't notice a figure emerging from the darkened hallway and was approaching her. The figure was wearing a black vest jacket over a white shirt and black distressed pants. The person's boots softly reverberated through the halls as she reached the station. The nurse noticed the presence of the figure, but she didn't look up.

"Excuse me sir, but visiting hours are almost over." she called informatively as she wrote something on her paper.

"It's ok. I'll be five minutes, young woman." The figure's voice was soothing and very pleasing. It was enough for the nurse to look up and make a short, inaudible gasp. She looked at the milky white skin of the figure. The person's eyes and hair were both light-green. What made her startled, however, was that the person was extremely beautiful, but she couldn't tell if this person was a man or a woman. The person's face was formed in such a way that she couldn't distinguish its gender.

"Ma'am?" the person called out with a small grin that made nurse blush.

"Oh-! Uh, can I get your name first...sir or ma'am?"

The person chuckled slightly because they already knew the reason why she was acting like this. "It's ok. My name is Enkidu...and yes, I prefer to be called by that name. I don't have pronouns, you see."

The nurse's cheeks reddened more and realized what the person was saying. "Oh! Uh, I apologize...Enkidu. Which patient would you like to visit?"

Enkidu's light-green eyes shifted into a contemplative one. "That would be Toby Domzalski." the stranger said. The nurse quickly pointed to the door of the patient's room. Enkidu bowed at her and quickly moved towards the door.

The door opened and closed gently behind Enkidu. The person took a step and landed their gaze on the hospital bed. Toby was still sleeping. However, his skin was still ashen white and his cheeks were sunken. Enkidu noticed his brown hair that was slowly turning white. An expressionless look formed on the person's androgynous face.

"My King, you can come out now." Enkidu said flatly before golden dust burst out on the person's left. Gilgamesh, now sporting a beautiful black shirt and white pants, stood beside the person. The king's neck was adorned by a golden necklace, which shone brightly in the dark room.

"Ugh...so this is what that Trollhunter was fighting for, huh? Strange. Master Ritsuka told me that he was special to that mongrel." The King of Heroes commented as he glanced down at the comatose boy. He moved closer and leaned over the patient, inspecting the boy with scrutiny. What on earth does that mongrel see in this normal boy? Gilgamesh thought, mystified. He found that this sleeping boy, Toby, the one that the Trollhunter fought for with his life, was completely normal. There was absolutely nothing special about him.

"To each his own, Gilgamesh." Enkidu said, reminding the King of Heroes that the boy was the Trollhunter's best friend.

A small frown of irate formed on Gilgamesh before he let out a resigned sigh. True. It was their friendship, not mine. "I'm a bit irritated. I can't help but compare Jim's predicament to me."

Enkidu's face became startled. This was the first time that the person heard the King say the Trollhunter's name. Not only that, Gilgamesh didn't usually compare himself to such a low born like that boy. I know what you're planning to do. The person smirked in amusement. "Do you remember, Gilgamesh? You were in the same state as Jim when I died." Enkidu began and moved closer to Gilgamesh. "You endlessly travelled throughout the world, searching for the herb that would revive me. And when you found it, you were so happy." The clay person stopped, a small reminiscing smile on their face. "And then you took a bath in a river and, while you were in a defenseless state, a snake took the herb and whisked it away. You lost your chance to revive me."

Gilgamesh turned to his best friend and casted a thoughtful look. "There's no need to jest me further, Enkidu. I admit it. I applaud the Trollhunter. And just as Master Ritsuka said, his valor and loyalty to his friend must be rewarded." the King of Heroes stated before he flicked his left fingers. A small golden portal appeared above his left that slowly pushed out an object. The object was a small, golden flask. Gilgamesh took it and popped the cork out.

"Is that the Herb that you meant to give me?" Enkidu asked as the person watched a single droplet of silvery gold colored liquid fall from the lid and land on Toby's lips. Gilgamesh closed the flask and dropped it into another one of his golden portals that opened up.

"Yes, Enkidu. I made dozens of them in case you died. I found the herb again, and I made a garden of it inside my Gate of Babylon." Gilgamesh explained simply before he stretched his arms and brushed his golden hair back and exhaled loudly. You know I don't want to lose you ever again.

"And now we're done here. Let's go, we still have three weeks to spend our vacation." the King of Heroes said with a big smug snort before he walked to the door and opened it. Enkidu however, remained in their spot. The person grinned at Toby before they spoke in a kind manner. "You're a very lucky young man, You've a good friend. Don't waste the life that King Gilgamesh gave to you." Enkidu half-turned before casting a warning with their light-green eyes. "Because if you do, Gilgamesh will personally end you. Farewell, friend and partner of Jim the Trollhunter." With that, the person followed the King of Heroes outside and closed the door behind them.

Silence enveloped the room at first, only the beeping sound from the life support machine echoing through the walls. However, a glow of light green started to emit from Toby's chest. The glow increased and seemed to chase the darkness away. And then, just as fast as it happened, the light vanished. The boy, whose skin was ashen white before, was now brown and healthy. His cheeks were no longer sunken and his hair, although still long and messy, had returned to its old auburn brown color.

Life returned to Toby. The King of Heroes' Herb had done its wonders on him. The curse of Belroc was lifted from the boy and, since he was cured, Toby eventually opened his green eyes.

"J-Jim...? Where am I?"

Disclaimer: I do not own the the characters of Fate/Stay Night, Tales of Arcadia:Trollhunters and Invincible. Names, places and events are purely fictional if one exist in reali life then its purely coincidental.

Special thanks to Pure Red Crane for Beta-reading and proofreading.

And so the curtail falls to our beloved hero, Invincible. And a miracle had occured on Arcadia, it seems Jim's sufferings had paid off. Well then, enjoy this chapter everyone. Thinker-out.