Chapter 27
-Heartstone Trollmarker - Arcadia Oaks-
-One Month Later-
The Heartstone Trollmarket was a subterranean metropolis located underneath the blissful town of Arcadia Oaks. It served as a home for many and many diverse Trollkinds and other supernatural creatures that were considered mythological. It was always lively with lots of activities. Tonight, however, it was livelier. The whole place was filled with music and joyous chortles. Most of the Trolls were gathered in the center, where a huge Heartsone was standing. Encircling the magical mineral stone, was a long table of food and drink.
Most of the Trolls took their refreshments, drinking and eating merrily, while others were dancing and prancing on the open space beside the feast. The reason why the whole place was in a celebratory theme was because of the recovery of the Trollhunter, Toby. When Blinky, one of their Troll friends, received the news of the boy's recovery, he threw a party. Ever since then, the whole place had been lively.
However, among the crowds, the most important person was missing. Toby and Jim weren't on the festive ground. The two of them were standing at an observation deck that overlooked the whole Trollmarket. The two boys were watching the events down below with happy eyes and joyful grins.
"I really am thankful that Blinky threw me a recovery party...but isn't this a bit too much?" Toby asked in a bewildered manner as he looked down. He saw Blinky Galadrigal, the four armed and six brown eyes Troll, drinking a huge cup of malt before slamming it on the table, letting out a boastful laughter. But then Blinky swayed and fell right into the shoulder of-
"AAARRRGGHH!"
The large grey-skin Troll chuckled as his green eyes saw the state of his friend. But that's only his first cup. Toby thought.
Jim made a light chuckle as he pointed at someone. "Well, you can tell that to Claire." The boy pointed at his lover, Claire, who was standing in front of a table, emptying a huge cup of Malt. Sitting across from her was the glowing blue haired and blue skinned Queen Aja. Both of them finished their cups, which they both slammed onto the table.
"Another!" Claire said with raw energy, followed by the energy-based alien Queen.
"Another!" Despite her rough attitude and carnal-like excitement, she was the Queen of Akiridion-5, a rich galactic nation and one of Earth's current allies.
Far from them, however, observing the two with nervous eyes, were their other two friends, Krel and Douxie. Krel, who was the brother of the Queen, silently watched her sister with his blue eyes as she emptied another cup. "Ay-yay-yay...she's gonna have a hard hangover tomorrow." he said as he crossed all of his four arms on his chest.
"C'mon, she's celebrating." Douxie said simply to the energy-based King-in-waiting. "You gotta try this though, it's meat pie with blueberries!" The Master Wizard offered his white plate of food to the Akiridion royal. Krel looked hesitantly at it first before he took one. His eyes widened as he tasted the delicious flavor.
"Well, this is nice!" Krel exclaimed as he took another and another, enjoying the savory delicacy.
Toby and Jim continued to monitor the whole event from the observation deck. Jim couldn't help but make a tranquil smile.
When Jim got home from that bloody war one month ago, he was ready to face the reality that his best friend, Toby, would die. However, his house got a call. The doctors from the hospital told him Toby was alive and his ailment was gone. He couldn't believe what happened, but he didn't believe it was a miracle. I wonder who healed him that time? Jim had a suspicion that someone helped him and whoever that person was, he was thankful that they cured his friend. "Say, Tobes, do you know how you were cured?"
Toby knitted his brows in deep thought. "I dunno, Jimbo. It's just that I felt something drop in my mouth, and after that, I finally opened my eyes." Toby remembered the faint feeling of a cold liquid seeping through his teeth and then he felt a gentle warmth filling up his guts before he opened his eyes and the pain that tormented him for a year was gone.
"Do you think it's Merlin?"
"But Merlin said that he didn't concoct any potion that could cure me."
So, it's not Merlin…Jim remembered asking Merlin if he was the one who cured Toby. The Former Master Wizard shook his head, and told him that he hadn't.
"Speaking of which, where's the old man Merlin?" Toby glanced his green eyes below, looking for the familiar glint of the old Wizard.
"He's already gone. He came out of his retirement and took a job at the Mage's Association." Jim said. He remembered how Merlin talked to Douxie and Jim about coming out of retirement. The old Wizard said that he would love to change the whole organization, erasing their purist route. The news startled the two. The old man was so against the organization. His sudden change of heart was very mystifying and puzzling.
"Oh, hope he's doing ok in there." Toby said with a carefree smile.
The two stood in silence, letting the festive sounds fill their ears. Toby, however, had another bothered frown. Jim had told him about the Holy Grail War and how he participated in it. Toby was alarmed that his best friend was almost killed in that war. He knew that Jim was fighting to get an omnipotent object that granted wishes. However, that object wasn't what it was supposed to be. He was tricked. Toby felt sorry that his friend had undergone such an ordeal just to cure him from Belroc's curse. Toby couldn't help but feel responsible.
"Jim," Toby called and his best friend turned to him, a curious look on his face. "Jim...about the Grail War...I want to thank you for it."
"No problem, Tobes. You know I would do anything just to save you."
That's actually the problem. Toby knew Jim's attitude. The Trollhunter was a classic Hero, one that would sacrifice himself for others. Toby loved Jim's special trait, but he felt bad for it. As much as possible, Toby didn't want Jim to get hurt for him. Toby glanced at him with a serious look. "Then, Jim, can you promise me one thing?"
"What is it, Tobes?"
"Don't leave anyone out of the loop anymore."
Jim looked at him and noticed his best friend's serious and worried frown. He understood what Toby had meant. Toby must' have been frightened of his exploits in the war and he too, couldn't help but feel ashamed for endangering himself in it. "I-I promise you that, Tobes." The boy nodded in assurance. He then added with pride, a confident smirk spread on his lips, "I also promise that I've got your back, for you're the Trollhunter and I'm your sidekick."
Toby chuckled in delight before he said, "About that Jim, I think I'm no longer the Trollhunter because the Amulet is no longer responding to me."
Jim gasped and took out the Amulet from his jacket pocket. It was still glowing in his hands. Toby looked down and with an understanding smirk. He took the amulet and rested it on his palm. The glow died down and Jim's eyes widened in shock. The amulet refused to respond to Toby's touch.
"But why?" Jim asked.
Toby tittered to his reaction. "Because it knows that you're the true Trollhunter. I think you can't run from Fate anymore, Jim, even if you went back in time." Jim glanced to Toby. It was now his turn to feel bothered by it. If the Amulet chose Jim again, then that meant things that happened before might happen again. However, Toby noticed his reaction and knew what was bugging his friend. He quickly patted Jim's back vigorously. "Will you relax? Don't worry. I'll watch your butt twenty-four seven!" Toby snickered lively before he added. "I'm not gay though."
Jim laughed at the humor. Toby's ability to make him smile was always effective and he liked it. He then took the Amulet, which began to glow again, responding to his touch. A strong nostalgic feeling filled Jim's chest and he felt complete.
'Keep moving forward, Trollhunter. I will watch you from the Throne of Heroes.' A reminiscing smile formed on Jim's face as he remembered the voice of his Servant. Artoria, whom he had met and stayed with for a short while and the one who had helped him to go through the war, believed in him and his strength to overcome anything. The King of Knights who looked up to him as a Hero of innocence. Her words fueled his determination.
"Then I accept this. I am now the Trollhunter." Jim said with courage. It made Toby laugh proudly and dive into him, hugging him tightly. The boy was glad to see the light of valor return to his best friend's eyes. He retreated back and stared right into Jim's blue eyes.
"Whew, at least you survive that war though. I mean, you fought against Invincible!"
"Indeed, but you have to understand though, he had a very important wish he wanted to fulfill too."
When Toby learned that Invincible was a Master in the war and he had fought against his best friend, he felt saddened and maddened at the same time. Invincible almost killed Jim. However, he understood why the Hero had done it. Invincible just wanted what was best for humanity and his daughter, but the fear of his wish not being fulfilled corrupted him. That saddened Toby, but he was glad that the man was able to turn himself around.
"I wonder what he's doing now...I mean, they should understand that he was plagued with a mental disorder and he didn't mean what he had done to you." Toby couldn't help but worry. He really liked Invincible. He was a fan and he completely wished for nothing bad to happen to him anymore.
Jim was about to answer when he felt his smartphone vibrate. He took it out and saw a news headline. He made an amazed grin before he showed his phone to his friend. "You shouldn't worry too much, Tobes."
Toby glanced at the phone and read the headline.
'Invincible Found Not Guilty in ICC, But Still Exiled from America. The U.K. Welcomes Him.'
"Whoa, really!?" Toby's green eyes lit up in interest.
Jim looked down at the part below. At least Mark had gained a chance. The Trollhunter thought with happiness as he closed his eyes and let his ears be filled with music.
-Two Weeks Ago-
-The Crown Facility - Lofoten Islands, Norway-
'If fate lets us meet again someday, if you become a Master again, will you still summon me!? Will you still be my Master!?'
'That's the neat part dad! Of course, yes!'
"Dad…" Mark opened his black eyes from the dream. His ears were immediately filled with a loud sound. His sleepy eyes glanced at the holographic clock blaring its time. He swiped the clock away before he slowly sat straight up and looked around groggily.
The room he was in was windowless and small. The walls were made with pure grey cement. There was a sturdy desk made out of metal and beyond that was a door that led to the hallway. Mark glanced at the grey ceiling. Even though it was hidden, he could tell that the speakers above him were still active. In case Invincible ever forced his way out of his jail room, the speakers would activate and play a dog whistle, the weakness to the Viltrumites and one that could paralyze him painfully.
"Good morning." Mark said to no one as he made a strained smile, attempting to lift up his mood. It had been weeks when he first arrived here. The Crown served as a facility to detain dangerous people with superpowers who could be a menace to society. Right now, Mark was one of the few that were imprisoned here and was currently their most dangerous inmate. He let out a depressing sigh. The room was a dispiriting, but he didn't complain about it. I deserve this place for the things that I've done.
Mark stood up and sat down on the metal chair in front of his table. The surface lit up with holographic screens showing his schedule of activities for today. He swiped some of it and clicked on an electronic newspaper. The headline for today was displayed to the man and he read it in silence.
'Peace Accord Signed! Viltrumites War Officially Over. Earth Welcomes New Intergalactic Nation as an Ally.'
They signed it. That's good. A small satisfied smile formed on Mark's lips as he scrolled down and saw a picture of four people standing in front of the U.N. building. The four women were important because they were government officials who signed the Peace Accord.
Mark glanced to the left. The first woman was tall with fair skin. She had short black hair and sharp black eyes. She was wearing an all white and red suit, the clothing design common for a Viltrumite. The woman was the Viltrumite's first president. The planet had formed a new government, abolishing the monarchy and turning it into a democratic one. The second woman who succeeded her was the Akiridion-5's Queen, Queen Aja. The four-armed, and perpetually glowing in blue, energy-based species had acted as the middle man between Earth's government and the Viltrumites, soothing the relation between the two planets and its nations. Next to her, standing between Queen Aja and the female president of the USA, was a woman with an average height. She possessed long auburn hair that was tied into a low ponytail. She was wearing white clothes, and red pants and boots. What was noticeable, however, was the frown on her face. It had a hint of strong revulsion, as if she was disgusted that the two alien species were breathing the same air as her. The woman's name was Barthomeloi Lorelei, and she was a Lord and the Vice Director of Magus Association.
Since the Earth's government had formed a pact with aliens, the Thirteen Mage Lords of Magus Association had decided to come out to the open. The world of Mages had been revealed and the common folks were startled by it. The people of Earth didn't know that magic still existed and it could only be used by the Mages within the organization. However, their presence brought assurance to the public. A lot of people were still distrustful of the Viltrumites and they all thought that the Maguses would protect the world in case the aliens attacked.
"Beautiful...and to think I almost disrupted this peace accord." Mark thought as he closed his eyes. As soon as he got inside his jail cell, Invincible recalled all of the actions that he had done in the war. The lives that he endangered, cities that he destroyed, the crimes that he had done – all of this would have damaged the peace accord.
There would be no peace and the war might rage on.
"Shit…" Mark cursed himself, shamefully regretting his actions. He shutdown the e-newspaper and hung his head back.
A dismal look formed on his face as he recalled his first weeks in the facility. The first visitors he had were Eve and his daughter Terra. They were both confused and terrified as to why he had destroyed Venice and Moscow. Mark explained everything to them, leaving nothing out about the Holy Grail War and the Servants that he had sacrificed. He also told them how his sickness affected his decisions and that he regrets everything he had done. The two were angry and disappointed at first, but they eventually felt more devastated by what had happened to him. His family was so bewildered and lost as to why the Hero had fallen for such a brazen offer. Mark also had the same feeling of himself. He felt so stupid and idiotic. By the end of the day, however, the two eventually forgave him with a heavy heart. They left him. Mark didn't even know if he would ever see them again.
"I'm sorry, Eve...I'm so sorry, Terra, daddy had become a stupid man." Mark thought hard with optimism as he closed his eyes and tried to regain his crestfallen spirit. Don't lose hope you two, everything is going to be ok.
*BEEP BEEP*
The man heard a beep, snapping him from his depression episode, and looked down at the table. A holo-green button flashed on the surface, telling him that he was receiving a call from the warden. What do they want now? He pressed the button and answered, "Yes?"
"Prisoner No. 0256 - Mark Grayson - you have visitors." The electronic voice of the warden dictated.
It made the Hero's face lightened up in surprise. I was not expecting any visitors today. Mark thought in a puzzled manner before he asked, "Who are they?"
"Ms. Animusphere and Sir Schweinorg,"
The Hero blinked. He hadn't heard of the name Animusphere, but the other one, Schweinorg, rung deeply within him. He heard the man's name from before, but he couldn't remember where. Who are they? Invincible thought hard, but his concentration was interrupted after the door of his cell made a loud thud before it creaked open. The Hero shifted his black eyes towards the cell door and saw a figure standing there. It was an old man with a short black cape over his all-black clothes. He entered at a glacial pace. The old man could have been normal, but his crimson eyes told Invincible otherwise. He focused on Mark and the hero couldn't help but feel anxious. If looks could burn, then the old man would have already burnt him to crisp. This must have been Schweinorg.
He was then followed by a small figure – a girl – and she must have been Ms. Animusphere. The girl had elegant long silver white hair and white skin. Her eyes, both gold-orange, simply glanced at Mark. She tailed behind the old man and stood by the wall near the door. The cell door then closed. Mark was now with the other two people and both of them observed him with stern eyes.
"And who are you two?" Mark asked. His black eyes sharpened vigilantly. His senses heightened, catching a strong and dangerous presence emitting from the two.
The old man blinked first and cracked a smile on his rigid scarred face. "My name is Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg. I'm a Wizard Marshal from the Magus Association and this girl here is-"
"Olga Marie Animusphere." the girl said coldly before her gaze shifted into an unfriendly one.
Invincible noticed her firmness but he shifted his focus back to Schweinorg. "I'm sorry, your name, Sir Schweinorg...it sounds familiar to me."
"That's because you used my name when you summoned your Servant before the Holy Grail War. I'm the one who helped the founders of the Holy Grail War create the Ritual."
'The power that I have is a loan from the great master, Schweinorg.' Mark's eyes widened. He finally remembered where he had heard the name. 'The Great Master' – if the old man was the one who helped the founders of the Holy Grail War to implement the ritual, then it was no wonder why Mark could feel an immense power coming from him.
Schweinorg noticed the alarmed look of the Hero. He grinned in amusement. "Well then, shall we get down to business?"
The old man tapped his foot once on the floor. A pair of metallic chairs materialized behind him, which he sat on. The girl took the chair next to him and also sat down, crossing her legs and arms over her chest before she cast her judging eyes on Invincible. Mark wasn't necessarily shocked. They had already told him their identities as Mages. The question now was what were they doing here? Mark could feel that they brought nothing but bad news.
"How was your experience with the Holy Grail War? It must've been very hard. After all, it involves magic and you have no previous experience of using it prior to that time."
"I didn't use any magic, though I did cast some 'Command Spells'. I also learned that Viltrumites are extremely vulnerable to magic." Mark answered straightly.
Schweinorg only made a nod. The wizard understood the young man's words before he asked him again. "It puzzled me, however, that you didn't kill Jim, the Master of Saber. You see, 'Master Killing' is a very common practice in this war. So why didn't you?"
Mark didn't answer, but he shifted his eyes to the floor. The Trollhunter, whom he almost killed with his violent attacks, continued to stand up and chase after the Hero. No matter how much Mark denied and pushed him away, Jim never stopped and he eventually saved him.
"I don't want to kill anyone. I just wanted my wish to come true. I gave him many chances for him to quit, but he didn't. In the end, I discovered the truth and he saved me. He made me realize the error of my ways." A bothered look formed on Invincible's face as he glowered and wondered. What is Jim doing now? Is he still good?
Schweinorg noticed his distress and it made him grin in mirth, sensing that the young man was worried about the boy. "Mr. Lake Jr. is fine. In fact, he got what he wanted. His friend was cured and he was now happy." the Wizard Marshal stated before he flicked his hand. A photo materialized in the blink of an eye and Mark saw it – Jim and his friend, Toby, who was now healthy and fat. They were cycling on a bridge in Arcadia and both of them looked very happy.
"His wish has been granted." A joyful smile showed on the young man's face. He was happy that Jim got what he wanted after the ordeal that the boy had gone through.
"Aren't you angry that he got what he wanted while you rot in this place?" For the first time, the girl spoke. Her voice was piercing and derisive. Her eyes shifted and stared at Invincible crudely.
"Why should I be? He's happy now and his living with his friend in peace." There's no point in getting angry with him anymore. Mark was happy for Jim that a miracle had occurred and saved his friend. "I deserve to be in this place, I was fooled… by that Homunculus girl, Einzbern. I also destroyed cities and killed innocent bystanders. I'm sorry...I do not wish to shed unnecessary bloodshed. I truly do."
True, however…Schweinorg believed him, but Mark's reason wasn't enough to save him from what would come next. He glanced at the other mage and noticed a dark smirk slowly forming on her lips. Here she comes, Schweinorg noticed and frowned at her reaction.
"You really are a kind man, aren't you, Mark Grayson?" Olga began with an unkind smile. Her voice was cold. It made the Hero knit his brows.
Why is her grin strange? The Hero suddenly felt an unusual chill run down his spine because her smile was so unnatural. It was as if the girl wasn't human at all.
"You're a typical downcast and grace-fallen Hero who wants to recover to the righteous path. Unfortunately, that will never happen."
"What do you mean?"
I knew it, they're not here to bring me good news. Invincible thought as his guts were proven right.
The girl tilted her head and her grin widened into a ridiculing one. "Did you know that, as we speak, the U.N. ICC are deciding your fate, Mr. 'Invincible'?" She quotes the word Invincible playfully as if it was nothing to her.
Mark didn't answer. He knew why he was in the Crown. The U.N. government was still deciding on what charges they would put on him, but he already knew that he would receive a guilty verdict. There was simply no way that the government would ever trust him to help people again.
He had enough with their suspense.
"You're here to tell me that I'm guilty, am I right?" Just say it!
"Oh, not at all. You see, Invincible boy, the Magus Association is directly influencing the U. N. Whatever is our organization's decision will also be theirs."
What? The U.N. is in cahoots with Magus Assoc? Mark was startled by the revelation. He was expecting his verdict to be handed down by the U.N. government, but it seemed the charges that he would receive would most likely come from the said mystic organization. He gulped down in dread. Mark felt that he wouldn't like what he would hear next. He then asked the strange girl in a fearful manner. "What do you mean by that?"
"The Magus Association, Mark, wants your body." The Animusphere girl spoke in a matter-of-fact tone. Mark softly gasped in shock. He didn't expect that answer. The girl continued. "During the Viltrumite War, the organization retrieved many dead bodies of Viltrumites, including one in particular whose name was 'Conquest'. They dissected him and they found out that he had at least ninety-nine million magic circuits in his body, despite looking so old. The organization had discovered that Viltrumites have millions of Magic Circuits in their bodies. Magic Circuits are very important to Mages and they're willing to do anything just so they can increase theirs." She paused as she caressed her chin. Her smirk turned more devilish, looking at Invincible as if he was a delicious morsel for her. "Mark, the Magus Association wants you to be guilty just so they can possess you and your body. You'll become a lab rat to them and they'll even consider using you as a Magic Circuit Breeder."
Mark's eyes widened more in fear. He didn't like what the girl was saying, not one bit, and that included the term that she used. "Magic Circuit Breeder?"
"It's a term that Mages use on men or women who have high magic circuits in their body. Mages with poor magic circuits will perform sexual acts on a Magic Circuit Breeder just so they can give birth to a child with many magic circuits and strong magical aptitude." Schweinorg explained simply.
But...that's just like being a rabbit! Mark's eyes flared up in rage. He couldn't contain his anger for the Magus Association anymore. Before he was Invincible, he was also a human and he had dignity too. Life should be respected. Not degraded into mere objects.
"Screw them!" Mark thundered and slammed his fist on the table, almost breaking it. He stood up and declared with firmness and anger. " It's my job to save people. I am a human and a Hero! Not some magical baby-making machine!"
"Exactly! Which is why I vetoed against them and their stupid judgement!"
What? Mark paused his fury. Olga also stood up and beamed her grin of excitement. The Hero blinked in confusion, completely lost to her statement. He expected the girl to be one of the Mages who would like him to be imprisoned and experimented on. Yet she just declared that she had fought against the Magus Assoc, the organization she belonged too.
"You're a Hero, Mark. You aren't meant to be an experiment. You're a living, delicious being that is meant to spread his wings to the sky!" the Mage said in an enthusiastic manner, her golden eyes flashing with energy.
The Hero was even more puzzled by her reasoning. He only sat back on his chair in silence, stunned.
The Wizard Marshal grinned as well at the Hero's reaction. It was too funny for him. "Which is the reason why we are here, Mark – to help you."
"How exactly are you going to help me?" Mark glanced at the old man, who began to stroke his grey beard.
"By inviting you to join CHALDEA."
CHALDEA? The Hero was more puzzled. He didn't know what CHALDEA was, but he could tell that this newly revealed organization was very important. The girl noticed his questioning look, and sighed in exhaustion before she took out a small calling card. "Here."
Mark took the card. On the surface the name of the organization was displayed together with its logo, the same one that was on the shoulders of soldiers who arrested him – a half crescent moon enveloped by semi-circular olive branches.
'CHALDEA SECURITY ORGANIZATION'
'Protecting & Ensuring Mankind's future through the preservation of Human Continuity Order.'
So that's what CSO means. "Mankind's Future...is this just like the Guardians of the Globe?"
"Oh, please. That organization is nothing but a footstool to this one." Olga said with an insulting voice, making Mark glared at her rudeness.
CHALDEA, huh? The Hero glanced down on the card again. The name was still a mystery to him and he wanted to know more. "What does Chaldea do?" he asked in a mildly curious manner.
The woman glanced at him and smirked smugly. "Chaldea is an organization that ensures the continuity of Human Order. We make sure that Mankind has a future to look forward to and, in order to do that, we tend to eliminate anything that threatens Humanity, be it internal or external threats, or even in the past or future eras, or different dimensions. In short, we are just like Guardians of the Globe, only we're much more important than them."
That sounds like them...but more diverse when it comes to threats. "How exactly is it important?"
"Simple," Olga casted a malicious grin at him. "We summon Heroic Spirits and we use them to eliminate any anomalies and threats against Mankind."
"Heroic Spirits? But don't you need the Grail for that?" Mark asked in a startled manner. Schweinorg chuckled in delight.
"No, boy. CHALDEA uses a different method of summoning." the Wizard Marshal explained.
The Hero sighed in relief. At least he wouldn't see another Grail again. The object had left a long, lasting, bad and traumatizing impression on him. However, a wave of curiosity and hope filled his guts. CHALDEA used Servants to protect mankind. It would mean Heroic Spirits were doing their job as Heroes and helping others. It also meant one thing – if Mark joined them, he might have a chance to see him one more time. 'Mark, if fate lets us meet someday, if you become a Master again, will you summon me?! Will you still be my Master!?
"That's the neat part Dad. Of course, yes."
The two mages blinked at each other, puzzled by what the man had said. Invincible looked at them both with a sincere, kind look. A nostalgic smile was on his lips. He had already made a decision, but he must clarify something first.
"Before I say yes, can you two be honest with me?"
Schweinorg and Olga glanced at each other, perplexed at his request. "Ok, we'll be honest." the old wizard said.
The Hero glanced at Olga. "Does Chaldea really help people with Servants?"
"Yes. They do." Schweinorg answered truthfully.
The Hero bore his black eyes at Olga, his next question was clearly directed to her. I think it's time for me to know your true form. "You're not human, are you?" The woman gasped. Her cheeks reddened in shock. The question caught her off guard, and Mark noticed it. He proceeded and interrogated her more. "There's no use lying to me. I have met countless aliens before and I know exactly that you are one. I have no reflection in your eyes despite sitting close to you."
Invincible had noticed it when the woman stood up to his level earlier. It bothered him at first, but it also puzzled him for Olga hadn't lied to him, not yet anyways. Olga Marie Animusphere stared at him with her startled orange-gold eyes glowing in a predatory way. Her face was still, but then a wild grin formed on her lips.
It looks like I've been caught. She glanced at the Wizard Marshal. Schweinorg vehemently sighed and only nodded. It was no use. Her identity was revealed. "I like you already, Mark. Your gaze, your eyes...it all reminds me of the person who defeated me." The person, who was Olga before, began to radiate a white glow. A misty aura swarmed around her. The scene startled Mark. The Hero sat still as the girl hovered from the floor before she burst into golden glitter dust.
The woman had changed. Her clothes were revealing, colored in orange and black. However, the most puzzling part about her was her huge horns floating on the back of her head. The Hero gasped in pure awe. The woman was too grand. It was as if she was the Goddess of another alien world.
"Like what you are seeing, little half-breed Viltrumite?" the alien spoke rudely at him before she added. "The real Olga Marie Animusphere died many years ago when the CHALDEA was attacked by an estranged Mage. I am U-Olga Marie Animusphere, a being who took her likeness. I am the once Prime Minister of Earth and an Alien Universe God!" She let out a hearty and menacing cackle.
Invincible froze in his chair. My God...She's a goddess! Mark felt an enormous power coming from Olga. He could tell her powers and strength was way more than Thragg, the former Emperor of Viltrumites. He could even tell that the emperor wouldn't last long with her. The Goddess looked like she could easily kill him and the entire world in mere seconds.
"You-! You said once...what happened?" he asked curiously after he heard the woman declare herself to be the once Prime Minister of Earth. However, that was impossible. He had never heard of her. The girl glanced at him before she frowned in disappointment as she remembered a sad memory. She then burst into golden lights again, returning her to normal state.
"I was once, but it happened on a Lostbelt, a pocket dimension version of Earth that is different from this, and has no effect on reality. I was defeated by a human Master and I was forced to become his Servant in order fulfill a wager from him."
"A wager?"
"To live like a human and to protect mankind at all cost. I guess I kind of like humanity now."
Whoa...A human Master defeated her? Mark couldn't help but let his jaw slacken in amazement by the Master. The Goddess looked so formidable, invincible even, and yet she was defeated and turned into a Servant by a simple human. Whoever this Master was, Invincible could feel that he was stronger than him.
"So...I revealed my true self. What's your answer, huh?" the alien Goddess asked again in a simple voice, returning to her rude attitude as she crossed her arms over her shoulder again.
I will become a Master again. Mark couldn't help but smile at the opportunity. He now had a chance to meet his father one more time and turn his life around, to become what he wanted to be once again – a hero to the people.
"The answer is simple, Ms. U-Olga." Invincible looked at her and smiled with determination. "I would like to join CHALDEA."
The two Mages glanced at each and grinned in satisfaction. They had saved successfully him from being charged wrongfully and turned into a lab rat by the Magus Assoc.
"Well then, rejoice young man, you'll be freed in one week!" Schweinorg stood up and showed an excited smirk.
Olga made a short chortle, satisfied with the outcome of today's meeting. She then extended her hand to the Hero and smiled at him, this time in her most friendly way. "Welcome, Invincible the Hero of Mankind, to CHALDEA."
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Invincible, Fate/Stay Night and Tales of Arcadia: Trollhunters. Names, places and events are purely fictional. If one exist in real life then its purely confidential.
Special thanks to Pure Red Crane for beta-reading and proofreading.
Well it looks like fortune favors Invincible. What do you think is CHALDEA, everyone?