It was nighttime in Grimwood. A week had passed since they defeated the Spider Queen's army and saved the city. Inside the school were Marcus, the Grimwood girls and Miss Grimwood all sitting together. Partidos was sitting on the floor next to Miss Grimwood. Marcus was very serious.
-I've gathered you all here, because I have something to tell you. After thinking about it for a week, I've decided that you deserve to know how all this started.- Marcus said.
It's true, none of them knew how all this started. Before they believed that the Spider Queen was just a myth among monsters but now they know that she is real. They also didn't know very well what the possessed were. They knew that when a monster's spirit possesses a human, they become a monster but they didn't know where these spirits that possess people came from.
-How did it all start? Do you know how all this started, professor?.- Tanis asked.
-Yes.- Marcus answered.
-I used to think that the spider queen was just a tale.- Winnie said.
-But now we know that she is real.- Elsa said.
-The question is: Why did she and those beings called possessed appear now?.- Miss Grimwood asked.
-I remember that Alador told me that all this started when an organization called Argus opened the doors of the underworld.- Sibella answered.
-The doors of the underworld? What is that?.- Phantom asked.
-I can answer that. The doors of the underworld are like a portal to another dimension. A dimension where the souls of evil monsters live.- Marcus answered.
-That place sounds like hell.- Miss Grimwood said.
-Yes. It is where the monsters who have committed sins in life go when they die and the most evil of all is the spider queen. I still remember her abominable form when she was released.- Marcus said.
-Were you there?.- Winnie asked.
-Yes.- Marcus answered.
-How could you have been there?.- Sibella asked.
-It's because I was part of Argus.- Marcus answered.
They were all shocked to hear that. Marcus had a hard time confessing that to them.
-Argus?. Isn't it supposed to be Argus who was responsible for freeing those creatures?.- Phantom asked.
-You were part of them?.- Elsa asked.
-Yes. In part, I am responsible for all this happening.- Marcus answered.
Sibella stood up and hit the table hard.
-Professor, explain yourself!.- Sibella said.
-It all started when I was young. About 7 years ago.- Marcus said.
7 years ago...
Since I was a kid I have always loved sports. Baseball, basketball, running, jumping, etc. It helped me grow my confidence and character, so I always challenged myself when I trained. As I grew up I got better and better. Until I became the best in my class. I wanted gymnastics, not just as a career, but as a lifestyle, so I decided that when I grew up I would become a gymnastics teacher. Helping others learn and grow would make me learn and grow, too. I thought that was what my life was going to become. Until one day, when I was 18, that happened.
When Marcus was 18 he was studying at Fanwood High School. That day he was competing in a swimming competition. Many parents, students and promoters came to see it. Marcus was winning, he was the fastest swimmer. He managed to come in first place.
-And the winner of the Fanwood High School swimming competition is Marcus!.- Said the announcer.
Marcus had won the competition. His coach went to congratulate him.
-You did it. Good job kid.- Said his coach.
-Thanks, coach.- Said Marcus.
-You have talent for this.- Said his coach.
-I know, I want to dedicate myself to this. That's why I chose to become a gym teacher.- Said Marcus.
-You had mentioned to me that this was your dream. Speaking of which, your acceptance letter to Berkeley University arrived.- Said his coach.
-Really!?. Where is it!?.- Asked Marcus.
-I left it in your locker. Go look for it.- Answered his coach.
-Great. I'll go see it.- Said Marcus.
-Good luck, kid. A bright future awaits you.- Said his coach.
The coach said that and left. Marcus was jumping for joy. He had faith that he was accepted into the university of his dreams. The best gymnasts in the world studied there. While he was celebrating, he noticed that in the crowd a black man, bald, with a beard and a suit was staring at him. Marcus ignored the man and went to his locker to get his letter. When he got there, he opened the letter and it said that he had been accepted. Marcus couldn't be happier.
-I did it! Come in! - Marcus said.
While Marcus happily looked at the letter, he noticed that there was someone else in the lockers. He turned around to see who it was and noticed that it was the same man who was watching him in the crowd.
-Can I help you with something, sir? - Marcus asked.
-Oh, excuse my manners. Let me introduce myself. My name is Morgan Kane. I work for Argus. - Morgan Kane said.
The guy gave him a card that said "Argus".
-We've been watching you for a while Marcus. You have extraordinary physical abilities. That's exactly what we're looking for at Argus. We want you to join us.- Morgan Kane said.
-And what exactly does "Argus" do?.- Marcus asked.
-Argus is a federal government agency that specializes in national security.- Morgan Kane answered.
-Ok? What am I supposed to do at Argus?.- Marcus asked.
-You'll be trained in different fields so you can complete all kinds of missions in different parts of the world.- Morgan Kane answered.
-So, you want me to be a spy or a soldier?.- Marcus asked.
-You'll be whatever we tell you to be.- Morgan Kane answered.
Marcus let out a small laugh. He thought this guy was joking.
-I'm flattered that they want to recruit me but I've already chosen my career. I'm going to be a gym teacher.- Marcus said.
Marcus wanted to leave but that man moved aside to prevent him from doing so.
-No, you want to work with us.- Morgan Kane said.
-Hey, move aside sir.- Marcus said.
-Our boss personally recommended you to join us and when the boss wants something, she always gets it.- Morgan Kane said.
-Stay.- Marcus said.
Marcus pushed him aside so he could leave but that man had other plans.
-Bonnie Lane and David Lane. They live on Frederick Lopez Street at 100.- Morgan said.
Marcus stopped when he heard him say those names.
-How do you know those names?.- Marcus asked.
-They are your parents' names, right?.- Morgan Kane asked.
Marcus was speechless. How did this guy know his parents' names and the street where they lived? How long had they been watching him. All that was going through his mind.
-You know Marcus. Argus has the power to get information from anyone and we can also make anyone disappear.- Morgan Kane said.
-What does he mean?.- Marcus asked.
-Your parents, your friends, your coach. It would be a shame if something happened to them. There are a lot of bad people out there.- Morgan Kane said.
Marcus grabbed Morgan by the suit and pushed him to the locker.
-If I touch them...- Marcus was interrupted.
-You can stop it. You can stop it by joining us. Help us stop all those bad people. If you don't... Who knows what could happen to them?.- Morgan Kane said.
Marcus was cornered. He didn't know what this man or Argus was capable of in order to get what they wanted. If he refused, all his loved ones would be in danger but accepting would mean that he would have to give up his dreams of being a gym teacher, everything he had worked so hard for all his life. His family and friends were the priority. If that meant giving up his goals, so be it.
-You win. I'll join Argus.- Marcus said.
-Excellent. I knew you would make the right decision. Oh, by the way. Argus agents must keep their identities secret. So we will tell your family and friends that you went to Berkeley University. We will contact you when you should come. We already have your number.- Morgan Kane said.
Morgan said that and left. Marcus stared at the card they gave him.
The next day, Marcus told his parents that he was accepted to Berkeley. They were very happy for him.
-You were accepted to Berkeley. I'm so proud of you son.- David Lane (Marcus's father) said.
-You're finally going to fulfill your dream. You said you wanted to be a gym teacher, right?.- Bonnie Lane (Marcus's mother) asked.
-Yes...I'm going to be a gym teacher.- Marcus answered.
Marcus lied to his parents. He knew he wouldn't be able to get into college because he would have to go to Argus.
The next day, Marcus packed his things and got ready to leave.
-Take care of yourself, son- David Lane said.
-Don't forget to write.- Bonnie Lane said.
-Sure. I will.- Marcus said.
Marcus hugged his parents and got into the taxi that was waiting for him at the entrance.
-Bye Marcus- Bonnie Lane said.
-Have fun.- David Lane said.
-Bye Mom and Dad. I love you.- Marcus said.
Marcus said goodbye to his parents, as the taxi drove away. That was the last time Marcus saw his parents.
-Well, where do we have to go?.- Marcus asked.
-You'll know when we're there.- Marcus answered.
That taxi driver who was transporting Marcus was actually an Argus agent. He was taking Marcus to one of their bases. After driving a few hours, they had arrived at an abandoned building.
-Is this the place?.- Marcus asked.
-Yes. Come in, they're waiting for you inside.- The taxi driver answered.
The taxi driver left Marcus and left. He entered the building. Upon entering, he met Agent Morgan again.
-Marcus. Welcome.- Morgan Kane said.
-You again.- Marcus said.
Morgan moved a painting and pressed a button behind it. A secret door opened.
-Follow me- Morgan Kane said.
Marcus and Morgan entered through the secret door. They had to go down some stairs. When they went down, Marcus came to a huge place.
-Wow!- Marcus said.
There were many Argus agents in the place. Some were training in combat, target shooting, escape, driving maneuvers in cars, etc. Others were working and some were resting in armchairs. There was also high-tech equipment such as computers, spy devices, weapons, armored vests, etc. It was a secret government facility.
-Come. There is someone I have to introduce you to.- Morgan Kane said.
Morgan led him to a man who was training other agents.
-Marcus, let me introduce you. This is Sergeant Snake. He will be your trainer.- Morgan said.
He was a muscular man, he was about 40 but fit, his hair and beard were gray, he had a scar on his left eye. He wore a black beret, a black shirt, a belt with green pockets, gray and white military pants, and black military boots. He didn't seem like a very nice person.
-So this tadpole is the one the boss recommended.- Snake said.
-Yes, let me introduce you. This is Marcus.- Morgan said.
Snake approached Marcus and said something in his ear.
-I'm going to make your life hell.- Snake whispered.
-Okay. I'll leave you two alone so you can get to know each other. Do your best, boy.- Morgan said.
Morgan went somewhere else and left Marcus alone with Snake.
-Follow me, boy. We'll start your training.- Snake said.
Snake was going to show Marcus the training room but Marcus stopped him for a moment.
-Wait. Before we continue, I have to know. Why did they choose me? Marcus asked.
Snake approached Marcus to tell him the reason.
-Our boss has a hobby. She searches the networks for potential recruits to join Argus. She found you on Instagram. She saw that you were very good at sports. With your talent, she thought you could be of use to us. So she asked us to bring you by any means necessary.- Snake answered.
-That's the reason? Marcus asked.
Marcus realized that he was just another boy, of possibly many more who was threatened to enter Argus. An experiment to see if they could form a soldier, by the boss of Argus.
-Let me tell you something. I've seen many like you come and go, and you know what I like to do with them? I like to push them, and push them, and push them, until I break them and see what they have inside. Because only by seeing them inside, will I know if they are worth it. Welcome to your new life, now follow me there is much to do.- Snake said.
The life that Marcus knew was over. The next few months were spent training in combat, handling weapons, field exercises, ability to tolerate pain in case of being caught and interrogated, etc. Sergeant Snake was a beast, he overexerted the recruits, asked them to do impossible things and nothing was ever enough for him. All that training was torture for Marcus but he never gave up. He didn't want to know what they would do with his family if he failed the training.
It had been 3 months since he started his training. They were the hardest days of their lives, but in the end, after so much sweat and blood, he successfully completed the training. That day, Marcus was lined up with the other recruits. They were all wearing Argus uniforms. They were going to assign them their first mission. Sergeant Snake was the one who was going to assign the mission.
-To all of you who were able to get here, I congratulate you. You have proven to be soldiers worthy of serving in Argus.- Snake said.
Some of you were unable to complete the training. Who knows what happened to you?
-This is your first mission.- Snake said.
The sergeant gave each of them an envelope. Inside was a photo of a man and information about him.
-This is Karil Ala. He is an arms dealer. Your mission is to eliminate him and anyone who prevents you from doing so.- Snake said.
Marcus raised his hand to say something.
-Sir, I have never killed anyone. I don't know if I can...- Marcus was interrupted.
Before he could finish speaking, Sergeant Snake approached Marcus and slapped him.
-They will do what we tell them to do! Do you understand, insect!? - Snake asked.
Marcus touched his cheek. That blow really hurt him.
-Yes sir. - Marcus said.
-Good. - Snake said.
Apparently Marcus had no choice. He and the others headed off in a helicopter to carry out their mission. When they arrived, they were able to eliminate their target. Marcus was the one who fired the shot. That was the first time he killed someone. Even though he was a bad person, having taken a life left a bad taste in his mouth.
-This is Marcus. Target eliminated. Over.- Marcus said over his radio.
-Excellent. Report back for further orders. Over.- Snake said over the radio.
-Copy. Over and out.- Snake said over his radio.
That's how his days went. One mission after another. Eliminating targets, gathering information, carrying out infiltration missions, etc. Over time Marcus began to question Argus's moral integrity. Not only did they eliminate bad people, sometimes also the witnesses who saw them, they were innocent. There were also times when he didn't know if his targets deserved to die. It wasn't just on his missions. Argus performed questionable experiments on strange creatures. Marcus couldn't stand it but it was all so they wouldn't kill his parents. His teammates didn't care who they hurt. They were cold, and there were some who enjoyed hurting others. It seems that some were recruited from reform schools. After some time Marcus began to feel empty. All those missions had made him numb. He didn't cry for anything anymore and he barely slept. He just kept doing his job. So, 6 years had passed, and that day that would change everything arrived.
Marcus and many other Argus agents had arrived at some ancient ruins. It was night and the place was terrifying. Snake was arriving from a military truck, transporting someone else. Snake got out of the vehicle.
-We have arrived Dr. Zany Zap.- Snake said.
A man of about 60 years old got out of the truck, he was slender and bald. He wore black glasses, a white lab coat, black gloves and brown shoes. He was the Argus scientist. The one in charge of making weapons and creating superhumans.
-Eureka! I found it!.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
-Is this here, professor?.- Snake asked.
-Yes, comrade. Finally, after years of searching, the place where the doors of the underworld lay is in front of me.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
The Argus members entered the ruins. They were carrying technological equipment in military vehicles. Upon entering the ruins, they saw that there were skeletons of Templar knights. There were also remains of skeletons wearing red robes, they seemed to be from some sect. The site looked as if a battle had taken place there a long time ago. There were debris from walls, columns, doors and a huge hole in the roof.
-What is this place, Dr? - Snake asked.
-A long time ago, a battle took place here. It was in the middle of the 13th century. There was a sect that worshipped an evil that came from another dimension. With the help of magicians and alchemists, they built a door that crosses dimensions to bring that evil to our world. The Knights Templar knew of their plans and prevented them. A bloody battle took place. In the end, the Knights Templar won the battle, but the door that the sect built could not be destroyed. Using their catapults, they destroyed this place and buried the door in the rubble. The door had been buried and the Knights Templar prayed that no one would ever find this place. - Dr. Zany Zap replied.
Marcus did not believe anything that Dr. Zany said. He thought he was crazy, but he did not care. He did not care about the doctor, or the door, or this mission. Lately, nothing mattered to him. Only that his family was well. -And this door is here?.- Snake asked.
-Of course. We just have to look for it.- Dr. Zany Zap answered.
-It better be here Dr. We've invested a lot of money in this search and our boss doesn't like to waste her time.- Snake said.
Inside a military vehicle was the head of Argus. She didn't look very good but she seemed to be a fat woman. She had come in person to witness the search.
-Soldiers! Start searching!.- Snake said.
-Yes, sir!.- The soldiers answered.
Marcus and the rest of the soldiers began to search through the rubble. He didn't expect to find anything. This whole door thing seemed like a fairy tale to him. All he wanted was to send them all to hell and go back to his normal life.
-I found something.- A soldier said.
A soldier seemed to have found something in the rubble. The rest of the soldiers went to help dig it up. As Ivan dug it up, it became clearer what he had learned. Morgan, who was also at the scene, got out of a vehicle and went to see what the soldiers were digging up. When they finished digging it up, they could see more clearly what it was.
-Incredible.- Morgan said.
-Isn't it beautiful?.- Dr. Zany Zap asked.
What they unearthed was a huge door. It had drawings of people carved on it that looked like they were being tormented by monsters. That was the door to the underworld.
-I found it! Finally, after years of searching, I found it.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
Marcus looked at it and couldn't believe it. Seriously, that door existed. The other members of Argus looked at it in amazement.
-Is this the door to the underworld?.- Snake asked.
-Of course. It looks exactly like the legends say.- Dr. Zany Zap replied.
-Congratulations, Dr. An extraordinary find.- Morgan said.
-Thank you. Bring the equipment to open it!.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
The Argus agents brought the equipment to open the door. Marcus got goosebumps about that door.
-Are you really going to open it?.- Marcus asked.
-Of course. It's a door that connects to another dimension. Imagine the possibilities it would have for science?.- Dr. Zany Zap asked.
-Or the possibilities it would have for Argus. If we find out how it works we can go to other worlds. We will have unlimited resources at our fingertips.- Snake said.
Argus only cared about getting resources from others, they didn't care about what they could see on the other side.
-Didn't you say there was a great evil behind that door?.- Marcus asked.
-Soldier. Just follow your orders and don't talk.- Snake said.
The soldiers tried to open the door with their equipment. Marcus couldn't do anything. Just hope nothing bad happens. Suddenly, the torches in the ruins lit up by themselves. The soldiers didn't know what was happening. Out of nowhere there was an explosion of smoke and from that explosion came what seemed to be a lich. That lich was Alador.
-Stop! Stop!.- Alador shouted.
-A skeleton?.- Marcus asked.
-I think this place is haunted.- A soldier said.
-Identify yourself. Who are you?.- Dr. Zany Zap asked.
-My name is Alador. I'm a lich.- Alador answered.
-A lich?.- Marcus asked.
-You must not open the door to the underworld. You have no idea of the horrors you could unleash. I beg you, please, go back where you came from.- Alador said.
-Argus takes what he wants and no one can stop him.- Snake said.
-I warn you mortal. They are playing with forces that you cannot understand.- Alador said.
-I am not sure. I am someone very intelligent.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
-Open fire!.- Snake ordered.
The soldiers began to shoot at Alador. He created a force field with his magic to protect himself. When they finished shooting, he used his staff to launch a beam of energy and destroy the equipment they were using to open the door.
-Stop him! He is destroying the equipment!.- Dr. Zany Zap shouted.
The soldiers took out some bazookas from some boxes. They aimed and fired at Alador. He used gravity magic to deflect the projectiles but one escaped him. It impacted near him, causing him to fall to the ground.
-Stop right there.- Marcus said.
-Hold still there.- Marcus said.
Marcus pointed a gun at Alador.
-Very well. Marcus.- Snake said.
-Go ahead. Open the door.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
The soldiers continued to open the door. Alador stood up and looked at Marcus.
-Your name is Marcus, right?.- Alador asked.
-Hold still, thing.- Alador said.
-I'm not a thing. I'm a lich.- Alador said.
-Are you really real?.- Marcus asked.
-Yes.- Alador answered.
-It's not a costume?.- Marcus asked.
-No.- Alador answered.
-Wow.- Marcus said.
The soldiers continued to try to open the door.
-You must not let them open that door. There is a great evil behind it.- Alador said.
Marcus continued to aim at Alador. Sergeant Snake saw that Marcus had not yet shot the skeleton.
-What are you waiting for soldier? I finished him off.- Snake said.
-Please, I beg you boy. If that door opens many people will suffer.- Alador said.
-I have no choice. If I don't do what I'm told my parents will suffer the consequences.- Marcus said.
-The world is full of parents. Are you going to let them suffer the consequences of your actions?.- Alador asked.
-Shut up! What do you know? You don't understand everything I've been through.- Marcus said.
-It's true, I don't know what you've been through but there's one thing I know. You love your parents very much, I understand that. I also have family.- Alador said.
-Really?.- Marcus asked.
-Yes. A daughter. I would do anything to protect her.- Alador answered.
The soldiers were almost finished opening the doors.
-Almost there. A little more.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
-Soldier! Eliminate that skeleton or I go up and eliminate both of them.- Snake said.
Marcus was going through a moral dilemma. If he didn't obey, his parents would die and if he did he would condemn the world. All this time he worked for Argus doing all kinds of bad things but putting the world in danger was something he wasn't going to allow. His parents were also part of the world. Obeying or not would have the same result. He pointed his gun at the soldiers who were opening the door and fired.
-Traitor!.- Snake shouted.
-Kill him.- Morgan ordered.
The soldiers pointed at Marcus and Alador, and started shooting.
-Hurry. Let's take cover.- Marcus said.
Marcus grabbed Alador and the two took cover behind a column.
-You disappoint me Marcus. I expected more from you.- Morgan said.
Marcus returned fire with his pistol and Alador responded using his magic.
-When I grab you you're going to wish you were never born.- Snake said.
Marcus shoots Snake in the shoulder.
-AAAAAAAAHHHH!.- Snake shouted.
-You have no idea how I wanted to do that.- Marcus said.
-Really?.- Alador asked.
The soldiers kept shooting at them. Marcus and Alador continued their counterattack to prevent them from opening the door.
-Morons! What are you doing? Stop it already.- Dr Zany Zap said.
The soldiers couldn't open the door while they were being attacked by Marcus and Alador. So Dr Zany Zap grabbed an electric lock and started to open the door himself.
-Come on. Open up.- Dr Zany Zap said.
Marcus and Alador saw what the doctor was doing.
-We must not let him open that door!.- Alador said.
The door to the underworld opened slightly.
-It has opened.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
-No!.- Alador said.
-Good. We managed to open it. Now what, Dr.?.- Snake asked.
-Now you will all die.- Dr. Zany Zap answered.
Sergeant Snake did not understand what Dr. Zany Zap was talking about. The door to the underworld began to open more and more.
-Do you remember that I told you about a cult that wanted to bring great evil to our world?.- Dr. Zany Zap asked.
The door to the underworld opened completely.
-I was part of that cult.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
On the other side of the door it seemed that another world could be seen and from that side horrible spirits of monsters began to come out. They flew through the air frightening the soldiers.
-Free! Free at last!.- Said a monster spirit.
-What the hell are those things!?.- Asked a soldier.
-A body.- Said a monster spirit.
The spirit went to the soldier and possessed him. The soldier became a monster. The spirits of the monsters began to possess the soldiers. Turning many into monsters.
-What is happening? Why are they becoming monsters?.- Asked Marcus.
-They are being possessed by the spirits of the underworld. When a spirit possesses you, you become a monster.- Answered Alador.
-We have to close the door before more spirits come out and spread throughout the world.- Alador answered.
Marcus and Alador went there to close the door. The Argus boss seeing the danger, tried to start the vehicle to leave. She didn't care about letting the soldiers die, she believed that her life was more important. When she managed to start the truck, an Argus soldier turned into a monster breaks the door of the vehicle, enters and kills her. Dr. Zany Zap laughed out loud.
-Stop all this! You work for us!.- Snake said.
-The only one I serve is my mistress. You were just a means to get to her.- Dr. Zany Zap said.
-Your mistress?.- Snake asked.
-Yes. She is a queen. When I cross and get here she will rule this world.- Dr. Zany Zap answered.
Marcus and Alador reached the door.
-How do we close it?.- Marcus asked.
-You close it on one side and I'll close it on the other.- Alador answered.
They started to close the door from both sides. Since it was very big, they didn't move it very fast.
-You're wasting your time. She's almost here.- Dr Zany Zap said.
Dr Zany Zap looked at the other side of the door. Sergeant Snake went and grabbed him by the neck.
-You're going to regret this.- Snake said.
Dr Zany Zap took a gun out of his pocket and shot Sergeant Snake. He stepped back, touched where he was shot, began to stagger, fell to the floor and died.
Marcus and Alador were almost closing the door.
-Good. We're almost closed.- Alador said.
-Good, because this is very heavy.- Marcus said.
When they were about to close the door to the underworld, a hand came out from the other side stopping them. Dr. Zany Zap, seeing that hand, kneels down with his head looking down, thinking it is his mistress. The creature opens the door completely. Marcus and Alador step back. The being that opened the door was an arachnid monster. It was the spider queen, Tirannica.
-My God! What is that monstrosity?.- Marcus asked.
-No...it can't be. Is she real?.- Alador asked.
The spider queen saw that there was a human being kneeling in front of her. She approached to see him up close.
-My mistress. I am your humble servant. For centuries we have waited for your arrival. You do not know what...- Dr. Zany Zap did not finish the sentence.
Dr. Zany Zap raised his head and saw the arachnid monster.
-Wait a minute...You are not...!.- Dr. Zany Zap did not finish the sentence.
Before he could finish speaking, the spider queen ate him. After eating him, he took a deep breath.
"Fresh air," Tirannica said.
Marcus watched in horror as what happened.
-She ate him and she also talks. What is that thing?.- Marcus asked.
-It's the Spider Queen. The most evil monster in history.- Alador answered.
The Spider Queen wasn't satisfied with just devouring Dr. Zany Zap. She walked around to see who else she could devour.
-How do we stop her?.- Marcus asked.
-We can't. She's too strong for us. All we can do is close the door and then escape.- Alador answered.
-Well, then you close it and I'll distract her.- Marcus said.
Marcus grabbed some grenades from a dead soldier's belt. He started to get the Spider Queen's attention.
-Hey, you!. You monstrosity!.- Marcus shouted.
The Spider Queen turned to look at him. Marcus threw a grenade at her. It exploded in her face. That only caused a few scratches but it made her angry.
-What? Did I make you angry? Then come for me!.- Marcus said.
Marcus ran while the spider queen chased him. Alador took the opportunity to close the door using his magic. The door closed faster.
-You should have done that from the beginning!.- Marcus said.
-I wanted to save magic to come back!.- Alador said.
Marcus kept running while throwing grenades at Tirannica. When he no longer had grenades to throw at her, he looked for a place to hide. He hid behind a column. The spider queen was looking for him.
-You can't hide from my mortal.- Tirannica said.
Marcus peeked out from his hiding place to see what the spider queen was doing.
-What a disaster.- Morgan said.
Marcus hadn't noticed that Morgan was next to him. He got a scare when he heard him.
-Are you still alive?.- Marcus asked.
-This was supposed to be an extraordinary discovery but it ended up being a catastrophe. So many resources, so many soldiers, all for nothing.- Morgan said.
-You guys caused this. Look what you unleashed.- Marcus said.
-I think this is the end of Argus.- Morgan said.
-I'm glad.- Marcus said.
-You know Marcus. There's something you don't know.- Morgan said.
-What?.- Marcus asked.
-Your parents had found out that you weren't at Berkeley. One day they went to that university to bring you something you had forgotten. When they asked about you they were told that they had never had a student with that name. They didn't know where you had been so they started looking for you. As they did so they were getting closer and closer to the truth. We weren't going to let them find you. So well, we did what we had to do.- Morgan replied.
Marcus' blood ran cold upon hearing that and he felt a chill run through his body.
-What do you mean?.- Marcus asked.
-We got rid of them. They've been dead for a looooong time.- Morgan answered.
Marcus went into shock. His parents had been dead for a long time. So what was all that for? He had no family anymore, he was alone in the world. He could barely keep his composure.
-You're a bastard.- Marcus said.
-Don't take it personally. It's just part of the job.- Morgan said.
Marcus was overcome with murderous rage. He started hitting Morgan over and over again. He hit him until he bled. Behind Morgan came three soldiers turned into monsters. Marcus let go of Morgan and let them take him away. They started eating Morgan. As they devoured him he looked at Marcus with a smile on his face. The soldiers ended up killing him. A horrible death for a horrible man.
-AAAAAAAAHHHH!.- Marcus screamed in frustration.
Marcus had nothing left. Alador had finished closing the door.
-Fine, I did it. Now I'll put a seal on it.- Alador said.
Alador put a magical seal on the door to the underworld so that no one could open it again.
-It's done. Marcus, let's go.- Alador said.
Alador called Marcus but he didn't answer.
-What's wrong? Didn't you hear me? I said we have to go.- Alador said.
There was still no response from Marcus. He was just kneeling on the floor with his head looking down. Some monsters saw him and went after him.
-Marcus, run!.- Alador shouted.
Since Marcus had no plans to move, Alador went to save him. He removed the monsters with a magical blow from his scepter. He grabbed Marcus to get him up.
-Marcus, get up. We have to go.- Alador said.
Marcus took Alador's hands off of him.
-Leave me.- Marcus said.
The spider queen saw them and went after them.
-If you stay here you will die.- Alador said.
-Fine. Let me die. I have nothing to live for anymore.- Marcus said.
The spider queen was getting closer and closer.
-I can't leave you here.- Alador said.
-Just leave me. Since it matters.- Marcus said.
The spider queen was about to grab them.
-I'll take you with me whether you want it or not.- Alador said.
Alador activated his teleportation spell and took Marcus with him, just before the spider queen grabbed them.
The two were in Alador's castle.
-Why did you do that?.- Marcus asked.
He didn't want to be saved.
-You should have let me die! After all the bad things I did, I deserved it! My parents are gone. I did everything to keep them safe and they killed them. I don't deserve to live!.- Marcus said.
Marcus knelt on the floor, put his hands on his face and started to cry.
-Mom, Dad, I'm sorry. I let you down. Has my life become like this? I just wanted to be a gym teacher.- Marcus said crying.
He no longer had any reason to keep living.
-Why do you think you're a bad person?.- Alador asked.
-Because I am. If you knew everything I did for those bastards, you wouldn't have saved me.- Marcus answered.
-When you pointed that gun at me, you could have seen me shot. Why didn't you do it?.- Alador asked.
-I don't know.- Marcus replied.
-When I saw you, I didn't see a bad person. Just a good person who was being used by bad people. You also helped me stop them.- Alador said.
-I just didn't want to screw things up more than I already had but it was no use. Now those monsters are loose in the world and there's no one who can stop them.- Marcus said.
-Come with me young man. There might be a way to solve all this.- Alador said.
Marcus stood up and followed Alador. They walked through the castle.
-Nice castle you have.- Marcus said.
-You don't mean it but thank you.- Alador said.
Marcus was just trying to be nice. In reality the castle looked like something out of a horror movie. Alador brought Marcus to a library.
-If you feel guilty about what you did, then help me fix it.- Alador said.
-How?.- Marcus asked.
-You will also have a spirit.- Alador answered.
-Do you want me to become a monster?.- Marcus asked.
-No. The spirits that possessed those soldiers were evil monsters, so they became monsters. You will have good spirits that will give you powers so you can save the world.- Alador answered.
-Ok, and how do we do it?.- Marcus asked.
-Now you'll see.- Alador answered.
Alador recited a spell and a dimensional door appeared.
-Whoo. What is that?.- Marcus asked.
-It's a door that connects to the spirit world. You must enter there and get a spirit to be your ally.- Alador answered.
-What's in there? Isn't it dangerous?.- Marcus asked.
-Yes. Entering the spirit world has its consequences. You could get lost inside there and never come out.- Alador answered.
Marcus knew he was taking a big risk by entering there but the world was in danger because of the organization he worked with. Thinking about what those monsters that came out of the door to the underworld could be doing now. The people who would be their victims. He couldn't afford to die and forget everything. He had the opportunity to remedy everything and he was going to take advantage of it.
-I will.- Marcus said.
Marcus entered through the door.
On the other side the place was covered by a thick fog. Nothing could be seen, only the grass where he was walking.
-Hello.- Marcus said.
He walked around the place but couldn't find anything.
-Is there any spirit around here?.- Marcus asked.
Suddenly he started hearing voices and seeing figures in the fog.
-Is anyone there?. Don't be shy, I'm friendly.- Marcus said.
Suddenly Marcus heard a voice he knew very well.
-Marcus is that you?.- Bonnie Lane asked.
-Mom!?.- Marcus asked.
He had just heard his mother's voice.
-What are you doing here?.- David Lane asked.
-Dad!?.- Marcus asked.
Now he had just heard his father's voice. He searched the place to find them.
-Is that you?.- Marcus asked.
-You shouldn't be here.- Bonnie Lane said.
-It's not your time yet.- David Lane said.
-Where are you? Why don't you show up?.- Marcus asked.
-Come back.- Bonnie Lane said.
-You have to go back.- David Lane said.
-You don't know how sorry I am. I couldn't save them.- Marcus said.
-Oh, Marcus. My dear son.- Bonnie Lane said.
-It wasn't your fault.- David Lane said.
-Aren't you disappointed in me?.- Marcus asked.
-We would never be disappointed in you.- Bonnie Lane replied.
-You are our pride.- David Lane said.
-Mom. Dad. If only they knew everything I've done.- Marcus said.
-We know.- David Lane said.
-We still love you.- Bonnie Lane said.
-They know?.- Marcus asked.
Marcus saw two figures in the fog that looked like they were his parents. He ran to them.
-You will meet many people who will need your guidance and direction.- Bonnie Lane said.
-There will also be many who will need your help. You must save them.- David Lane said.
-I want to go with you.- Marcus said.
-You can't. You have a dream to fulfill. Become a gym teacher.- David Lane said.
-You must live. Fall in love. Get married and have children. I want to have many grandchildren.- Bonnie Lane said.
-Take care of yourself, Marcus.- David Lane said.
-Wait. There is still much more I want to talk to you about.- Marcus said.
-With that we say goodbye to you, son.- David Lane said.
-We love you and we always will.- Bonnie Lane said.
Marcus rushed to get to his parents only for them to disappear when he tried to hug them.
-No.- Marcus said.
Marcus threw himself to the floor and began to cry.
-Don't leave me. I need you.- Marcus said.
Other figures began to approach Marcus and say things to him.
-Murderer.- A voice said.
-I didn't deserve this.- A voice said.
-Why did you do this to me?.- A voice said.
They were the voices of all the people Marcus hurt. He covered his ears so he couldn't hear them.
-You should be in my place.- A voice said.
-Why are you alive and we're not?.- A voice asked.
-Scum.- A voice said.
-No. Stop. Stop it, please.- Marcus said.
-Die.- A voice said.
-You don't deserve to live.- A voice said.
-Disappear, trash.- A voice said.
-ENOUGH! I didn't want to hurt them. I wish I could fix things but I can't. I would gladly take their places if I could.- Marcus said.
Marcus was being tormented by the ghosts of his past. Suddenly a voice was heard that drove everyone else away.
-Leave him alone! Don't you see that this man is very sorry? You won't gain anything by tormenting him? - A voice said.
The figures that were there left.
-Are you okay? - The voice asked.
Marcus turned to the figure that was speaking to him.
-Yes, thank you. Who are you? - Marcus asked.
The figure emerged from the mist and appeared before Marcus. It was a warlock.
-My name is Alaric. I'm a warlock.- Alaric replied.
It was Alaric. The warlock who would become Marcus' spirit.
-I heard your conversation with your parents.- Alaric said.
-Did you hear that? God, how embarrassing.- Marcus said.
-Don't be embarrassed. Me and others were in tears.- Alaric said.
Marcus blushed. His scene was seen by others.
-What... what do you want?.- Marcus asked.
-You're alive, right? Why have you come to our world?.- Alaric asked.
-I'm looking for a spirit who wants to help me. The gates of the underworld were opened. The spider queen and many evil spirits escaped.- Marcus replied.
-Oh my God. That's a big mess.- Alaric said.
-I know. I'm partly responsible for that.- Marcus said.
-Do you really want to fix what you did?.- Alaric asked.
-That's all I can think about right now.- Marcus answered.
-How far are you willing to go?.- Alaric asked.
-I would give my life to fix all this.- Marcus answered.
Alaric thought about what Marcus said for a moment.
-What do you guys think, should we help him?.- Alaric asked.
Three more figures appeared in the fog. Out of it came a pirate, a black knight and a cowboy.
-Who are they?.- Marcus asked.
-Marcus, they are my friends. This pirate you see is Captain Kidd, the knight dressed in black you see is called Tristan and last but not least, Will.- Alaric answered.
Marcus looked at Alaric's friends.
-Are they going to help me?.- Marcus asked.
-That depends on them.- Alaric answered.
Alaric's three friends thought for a moment.
-I can see that inside this boy there is a noble soul that seeks redemption. Count on me.- Tristan said.
-You seem to smell like adventure. I'm in.- Captain Kidd said.
-If you seek justice and to punish those who do wrong, I'm your man. I'm in too.- Will said.
-This one's decided. The 4 of us will go with you.- Alaric said.
Marcus was surprised. He hadn't just gotten one spirit, he got 4.
-Are you sure?.- Marcus asked.
-When I was alive I met the spider queen. I know very well what she is capable of. She must be stopped.- Alaric answered.
-My sword is at your service.- Tristan said.
-When I was alive I was a sheriff. Bad guys need to be locked up so they don't hurt the innocent.- Will said.
-Besides being here is very boring. I want to have some excitement.- Captain Kidd said.
-Thank you. I promise I won't let you down.- Marcus said.
-Good. Follow us. We'll lead you through the door you came from.- Alaric said.
Alaric and the others were heading with Marcus through the door to the world of the living. What they didn't know was that other spirits were following them.
Back to Alador's castle. Marcus had brought 4 spirits with him. Alador saw that Marcus returned triumphant.
-Wow, I see you did very well.- Alador said.
-That's right. The 4 of them are going to help us.- Marcus said.
-The 4 of them?. And them?.- Alador asked.
-"Them"?.- Marcus asked.
-Marcus, look up.- Alaric said.
Above Marcus, there were 5 other spirits floating in the air. A vampire, a werewolf, a mummy, a homunculus (I mean, what is Frankenstein, do your research) and the spirit of a ghost woman. They were Drusilla, Camila, Eris, Justine and Spectra. Those who would be the spirits of the Grimwood girls in the future.
-I felt like someone else was following us.- Tristan said.
-What are you doing here?- Will was interrupted.
-I'm sorry. We were listening to you and we couldn't resist. So we followed you.- Drusilla said.
-You're always interrupting others, Drusilla.- Alaric said.
-Who invited you?!. This is a man's thing. Women and the sea don't mix.- Captain Kidd said.
-Shut up, old man! It seemed interesting, so we came. Any problems?.- Camila asked.
-I-I-I-I-Old man!? I was middle-aged when I died.- Said Captain Kidd.
-I go where you want to go. Nobody tells me what I should or shouldn't do.- Said Eric.
-Girls. Didn't someone else come with us?.- Asked Justine.
The girls looked everywhere looking for that person but they didn't see anyone.
-Oh, anyway. You opened it by imagining it.- Said Justine.
-Since we're all together here in the world of the living. Let's have a party.- Said Spectra.
-Now we understand each other.- Said Captain Kidd.
-Good idea. After...- Camila was interrupted.
-Let's have fun.- Said Drusilla.
-Stop interrupting me!.- Said Camila.
-I'll put the music on.- Said Alaric.
Alaric used his magic to make a disco ball appear and play music. The castle looked like a disco. All the spirits were having fun dancing. Marcus looked at them with a face as if to say: "What the hell are these guys doing?". Alador was about to pop a vein on his forehead. He was angry.
-ENOUGH! My castle is not a disco.- Alador said.
Alador used his magic to make everything Alaric did disappear.
-Don't come and do whatever you want in other people's houses!.- Alador said.
Marcus and the spirits nervously obeyed Alador.
-Excuse me, sir. It's been a long time since we had fun like this.- Alaric said.
Alador calmed down.
-Marcus, to obtain the power of a spirit, you must first make them accept you as your bearer.- Alador said.
Marcus looked at Alaric, Tristan, Will and Captain Kidd. They nodded.
-Done.- Marcus said.
-Very well. Finally, they must join hands to operate their souls.- Alador said.
Marcus went to the boys. The five joined their hands and a light was produced that illuminated the whole room. When the light disappeared, the four were no longer there. They had merged with Marcus.
-I feel a great power inside my body.- Marcus said.
-Now your training will begin. You will learn to use that power.- Alador said.
Marcus and Alador looked at the girls who were still there.
-What about you? Don't you want to also...?.- Marcus was interrupted.
-Fuse with you? I don't know... I think I'll pass.- Drusilla said.
-I won't fuse with a human. They are fragile. You wouldn't put up with someone like me, I'd rather give my power to a wolf.- Camila said.
-I want to fuse with someone worthy of me.- Eric said.
-So, do you want to be sent back?.- Alador asked.
-Not a chance! We'll stay here and enjoy the world of the living.- Justine said.
-My castle is not a hotel.- Alador said.
-Oh, come on. You won't even notice we're here. Besides, you might need us later.- Spectra said.
-Okay. I'll see what to do with you.- Alador said.
-Yes!.- Spectra said.
Spectra and Justine shook hands. At that moment Amelia, Alador's daughter, had entered the place.
-Dad. What's all the fuss about?.- Amelia asked.
When she entered she saw that there were 5 women floating in the air and a man she had never seen before.
-Dad. Why is a human here?.- Amelia asked.
-May I introduce you. This is Marcus. Marcus, this is my daughter, Amelia.- Alador said.
-Nice to meet you, Amelia.- Marcus said.
Marcus approached her to greet her but Amelia hid behind her dad.
-She's a little shy.- Alador said.
-I see.- Marcus said.
-I hope you can get to know each other better over time but for now we'll start with your training.- Alador said.
That's how Marcus' training began. As he was part of Argus before, he quickly mastered the training. Months passed and he began to master the powers that were given to them.
A year had passed. Marcus and Alador were in the castle courtyard for the final phase of training.
-Are you ready, Marcus?.- Alador asked.
-I'm ready.- Marcus answered.
-Good. Let's start.- Alador said.
Alador used his magic to summon a group of skeletons. They were armed with bones.
-Defeat them!.- Alador said.
Marcus prepared to enter combat.
-TRANSFORMATION!.- Marcus shouted.
A light of energy surrounded his body. Turning him into his warlock form. He used his magic to throw a fireball at the skeletons. He defeated them all easily.
-Second stage!.- Alador said.
Alador used his magic to summon another group of skeletons. They were wearing armor and were armed with weapons.
-TRANSFORMATION!. BLACK KNIGHT!.- Marcus shouted.
A light of energy surrounded his body. Turning him into his black knight form. He swung swords at the skeletons. Thanks to his training, he was now a master of swordsmanship. He first knocked down one and then two. Then he stepped back to give them the final blow. He channeled his energy into his sword. It was surrounded by a dark aura.
-DARK CUT!.- Marcus shouted.
He threw a dark cut at them, destroying them all. He had passed stage two.
-Third stage!.- Alador said.
Alador used his magic to summon another group of skeletons. They were armed with crossbows.
-TRANSFORMATION! DEAD JUSTICE!.- Marcus shouted.
A light of energy surrounded Marcus' body. Turning him into his cowboy form.
The skeletons shot arrows at him but he shot the arrows to destroy them. Thanks to his training, his aim was impeccable. Then he aimed at the skeletons. He channeled his energy into his guns. A ghostly green aura surrounded them.
-GHOST BULLET!.- Marcus shouted.
He fired a very powerful charge, destroying the skeletons. He had passed the third stage.
-Final stage!.- Alador said.
He used his magic to summon a large skeleton. It had four arms, wore armor, a Viking helmet and swords on both arms.
-TRANSFORMATION!. GHOST PIRATE!.- Marcus shouted.
A light of energy surrounded his body. Turning him into his pirate form. He pointed his sword at the skeleton. Both began to clash swords. Then Marcus began to dodge the skeleton's attacks. He did acrobatics to evade the cuts. Marcus stepped back, preparing to give him the final blow. He channeled his energy to his sword. The sword became wrapped in a blue flame.
-BURNING CROSS!.- Marcus shouted.
Marcus formed a cross with the flames of his sword. Launching an X-shaped attack at the skeleton. He burst into flames, turning to ashes. He had completed the final stage.
-Final stage completed! Exam passed!.- Alador said.
Marcus returned to his normal form. He was tired. Amelia was walking with a bottle of water in her hand to give to Marcus.
-Here you go Marcus.- Amelia said.
-Thank you Amelia.- Marcus said.
Marcus had been living in the castle for a long time. Amelia had gotten used to him and they had become friends.
-Very well done Marcus. You have finished your training.- Marcus said.
-How are things going outside?.- Marcus asked.
He had been in the castle for a whole year without leaving. He was worried about what those monsters could be doing in that time.
-The society of ghosts, specters and retired spirits of Transylvania has made sure that those beings that came out do not cause irreparable damage to the world, for now.- Alador answered.
-And the spider queen?.- Marcus asked.
-No one has seen her. Maybe she plans to regain all her strength before appearing.- Alador answered.
The day that Marcus had been preparing for had arrived.
-Marcus, are you ready?.- Alador asked.
Marcus put on a determined look.
-I'm ready. I will save the world. If I don't, I won't be able to face my parents again.- Marcus answered.
Alador and Amelia were happy with Marcus' answer.
-Before saving the world. You have to go to this place.- Marcus said.
Alador gave Marcus a brochure of a school.
-"School for ghoul girls from my Grimwood"? What is this?.- Marcus asked.
-It's a school for monster girls. You'll work there.- Alador replied.
-What? Shouldn't I be looking for those monsters?.- Marcus asked.
-Don't worry about that. If a possessed person appears, I'll know through my crystal ball and I'll call you. Remember that I know the teleportation spell.- Alador replied.
-Okay. But what does that school have to do with it?.- Marcus asked.
-The daughters of the most famous monsters study at that school. Although they are just girls, they are strong. If the spider queen wants to regain her strength, she will have to devour powerful beings and I'm sure those girls will be her target. You must protect them.- Alador replied.
-But wait. How will the spider queen know where those girls are?.- Marcus asked.
-She has spies everywhere. Since they are just girls, they will be easy targets.- Alador replied.
-I'm not going to let anyone else be a victim of my mistakes. I will protect them at all costs.- Marcus said.
-I'm glad to hear that. By the way, as I mentioned before, those girls are very strong and in case you haven't forgotten, we have 5 spirits to spare around here.- Alador said.
-Never. I'm not going to put some girls in danger. This is a battle I must fight just to atone for my sins.- Marcus said.
-It will be a very difficult fight. It would be good for you to have companions.- Alador said.
-Just me is enough.- Marcus said.
-We'll have this talk again.- Alador said.
-Better tell me, what will my job be?.- Marcus asked.
-Will you be a gym teacher.- Alador answered.
-Gym teacher?.- Marcus asked.
Marcus almost forgot that his dream was to be a gym teacher. As if it had been a dream he had had in another life.
-It wasn't the way I imagined becoming a gym teacher and I never imagined working at a school for monsters but oh well, what can you do. Grimwood, here I go!.- Marcus said.
-Be careful.- Amelia said.
-I'll get it.- Marcus said.
That's how it all started.
Marcus finished telling his story to everyone.
-And there you have it. If I hadn't pointed my gun at Alador when he tried to close the door to the underworld none of this would have happened.- Marcus said.
Marcus looked at the table. He couldn't see the others' faces. There was no response from the girls.
-I understand. They don't want to talk to me. They must think I'm...- Marcus couldn't finish his sentence.
When he raised his head, he saw that everyone was crying. Winnie turned her head so they wouldn't see her cry. Sibella went and hugged Marcus.
-I didn't know you'd been through so much.- Sibella said.
Tanis went and hugged Marcus.
-We know you're a good person.- Tanis said.
Elsa went and hugged Marcus.
-We would never think badly of you.- Elsa said.
Ghost went and hugged Marcus.
-You've saved us so many times. You're our hero.- Ghost said.
Miss Grimwood wiped her tears with a handkerchief.
-You shouldn't keep those things to yourself. You can share them with us.- Miss Grimwood said.
Tears went and kept Marcus company. Hand patted Marcus on the back. If Hand could cry, he would.
-It wasn't your fault. It's all the fault of those horrible people from Argus who had your parents as hostages to use you. Damn. Don't think like that. You're our teacher. We love you. Realize it, fool! - Winnie said.
Winnie couldn't stand it anymore and ran to give Marcus a hug. They all hugged Marcus in tears. He couldn't express how much his heart was happy when he heard those words. Tears began to come out of his eyes.
-Thank you. Thank you all. You know, I lost a family once but by coming here I feel like I gained another. - Marcus said.
The tears couldn't stop falling from his face.
-I love you. - Marcus said.
-And we love you, teacher. - His students said.
They all cried hugging him.
In Alador Castle. He saw the whole scene in Grimwood through his crystal ball. Tears fell from his face.
-I'm happy for you Marcus. I'm really glad.- Alador said.
He wiped his tears with his fingers. Although he was a lich, he also had a little heart.
Back to Grimwood. The group continued hugging.
-Okay. Enough. I'm fine now. Thanks, I really needed it.- Marcus said.
His students let go of their teacher.
-You know what? Now that I remember, next week is the parent meeting.- Miss Grimwood said.
-Parents meeting?.- Marcus asked.
-Yes. Our parents will come to visit.- Tanis answered.
-Next week?.- Marcus asked.
-Teacher. I want you to meet our parents already.- Sibella said.
-I'm sure my dad will love to meet you.- Winnie said.
-Next week I will meet your parents.- Marcus said.
Next week Marcus will meet his students' parents.
Back in Alador Castle. Amelia was asleep in her room. While she was sleeping she seemed to hear a voice calling her.
-Amelia. Amelia. Amelia.- The voice said.
Amelia woke up suddenly. She knew that voice.
-Mom?.- Amelia asked.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: By the way, that great evil that Dr. Zany Zap spoke of was not the spider queen. It was someone much worse than her. They will find out much later.