The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Nolan's garden, bathing the carefully tended flower beds and manicured lawn in golden light.
Thragg sat perfectly still on a sturdy chair that had been reinforced to accommodate his massive frame.
His eyes were closed, his expression one of unusual patience as Roberta worked with meticulous precision, trimming his slightly overgrown hair with a pair of specialized scissors.
"Hold still, please," Roberta instructed, her movements calculated and exact. "I'm almost finished with the back."
Thragg complied without comment, his only acknowledgment a slight inclination of his head.
Amanda watched from a nearby bench, her expression a mixture of amusement and affection.
The crimson cape that marked her as Thragg's mate draped elegantly around her shoulders despite the casual setting.
"You know," she remarked, "I never thought I'd see my husband - who is the literal Emperor of the universe getting a haircut in my friend's - who so happens my husband's nephew's - parents' backyard."
"The location is irrelevant," Thragg replied, "Maintenance of appearance is necessary regardless of setting."
Roberta moved to stand before him, studying his face with analytical precision. "Your mustache requires trimming as well. It has grown approximately three millimeters beyond optimal symmetry."
"Proceed," Thragg granted, closing his eyes once more.
With careful movements, Roberta began the delicate work of trimming the Emperor's distinctive mustache.
The task would have been impossible with ordinary tools on Thragg's Viltrumite hair, but he had reduced his hair's durability through precise control of his smart atoms, allowing Roberta's molecular manipulation abilities to compensate for the remaining resistance.
Amanda observed the interaction with thoughtful eyes.
She had come to terms with the inevitability of Thragg taking additional partners – the Viltrumite breeding program demanded it, and the survival of his species was non-negotiable.
But she had made a decision that if others would share her place in Thragg's life, they should at least be women she trusted and respected.
Roberta, with her brilliant mind and unwavering loyalty, had become something of a sister to Amanda over the past months.
If anyone could understand and appreciate Thragg the way Amanda did, it was her - that is what Amanda came to after getting over her initial jealousy.
Across the garden, a much louder scene was unfolding. Mark and Nolan had positioned themselves at a reinforced metal table, arms locked in what appeared to be an epic arm-wrestling match.
The table, specially designed to withstand Viltrumite strength, nevertheless creaked ominously under the pressure.
"Come on, Dad! I've been training!" Mark grunted, his face reddening with effort as he strained against his father's immovable arm.
Nolan smiled, seemingly exerting minimal effort despite Mark's obvious struggle. "You've improved, son. But you've still got a long way to go."
Eve stood behind Mark, her hands on his shoulders. "You can do it, Mark! Show him what you've got!"
Debbie, watching from Nolan's side, laughed. "Don't hurt yourself, honey," she called to Mark. "Your father's had a few thousand years more practice than you."
Conquest, who had been silently observing from beneath a nearby oak tree, suddenly called out, "Proper form, boy! Lock your shoulder! Direct power through your core!"
The unexpected coaching from the normally taciturn ancient warrior caused everyone to glance his way in surprise.
"What?" Conquest growled defensively. "The Emperor's nephew should not be defeated so easily."
Even Thragg, still seated for his grooming, opened one eye to observe the contest. "Your center of gravity is misaligned, Mark," he commented. "Adjust your posture by seven degrees and increase pressure by thirty percent."
Mark shot a quick, incredulous glance toward Thragg before refocusing on the match.
Following the Emperor's advice, he shifted his position slightly and renewed his effort. Nolan's arm moved back a fraction of an inch, causing Mark's eyes to widen in surprise.
"There!" Thragg called, his voice slightly becoming more enthusiasitc, though subtle. "Maintain that vector!"
Amanda couldn't suppress a smile at the sight of her husband (still crazy to think about, no wedding - will happen in the future though, he promised -
but it is official in a way that she is acknowledged as apparently Earth's highest authority after Thragg when it comes tot things not contradicting him ) offering enthusiastic coaching.
"Almost done," Roberta announced, making a final, precise cut to Thragg's mustache. She stepped back to assess her work, nodding in satisfaction. "Perfect symmetry restored."
Thragg opened his eyes and ran a hand over his freshly trimmed hair, feeling the familiar crew cut that had been his signature style for millennia. "Acceptable work," he acknowledged, which from him was high praise indeed.
"Thank you, Emperor," Roberta replied, her expression revealing nothing of the pleasure his approval brought her.
She carefully cleaned the specialized scissors and placed them in a case designed specifically for them.
Amanda approached, circling Thragg to inspect Roberta's handiwork. "Much better," she declared. "You were starting to look a little shaggy around the edges."
Thragg raised an eyebrow at this description but did not dispute it. Instead, he rose from the chair and turned his attention to the arm-wrestling match, which had intensified.
Mark was now fully engaged, his face a mask of determination as he managed to push Nolan's arm back another inch. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and the veins in his neck stood out with effort.
"You've been holding out on me," Nolan observed, genuine surprise in his voice as he applied more pressure to counter Mark's advance.
"Thragg's... training... is... working," Mark managed between gritted teeth.
The Emperor nodded, a hint of pride visible in his normally impassive expression. "His cellular density has increased by seventeen percent in the past three months," he informed Nolan. "His power output is approaching sixty percent of optimal capacity."
"Impressive," Nolan acknowledged, now exerting visible effort himself. "But still not enough, son!"
With a sudden surge, Nolan began pushing Mark's arm back toward the table. Mark resisted valiantly, but the tide had turned. Inch by inch, his arm moved closer to defeat.
"Come on, Mark!" Eve encouraged, her pink energy swirling around her hands in sympathetic tension. "You've got this!"
"Focus, boy!" Conquest bellowed. "Remember your training!"
Mark's arm trembled with effort as he tried to halt his father's inexorable advance.
Just as his knuckles were about to touch the table surface, a flash of green light erupted in the center of the garden.
The air split open, revealing a swirling emerald portal that pulsed with otherworldly energy.
Before anyone could react, a figure came hurtling through the opening, crashing directly onto the table where Mark and Nolan were competing.
The impact shattered the reinforced metal, sending both Viltrumites stumbling backward. The newcomer lay sprawled among the wreckage, groaning in pain.
In an instant, everyone was on alert. Eve created a protective energy shield around herself and Mark.
Conquest moved with surprising speed to position himself between the intruder and Thragg. Roberta's hands glowed with pink energy, ready for anything.
Thragg alone remained calm, studying the figure with narrowed eyes.
The intruder was a man of average height, a dark skinned man with a beard.
'Angstrom Levy,' Thragg murmured internally, recognition flickering in his eyes.
The man – Angstrom Levy – struggled to his feet, his eyes wild with panic and exhaustion. Blood trickled from a cut on his forehead, and his clothes were torn and singed.
"Emperor Thragg," he gasped, his voice ragged. "Thank God I found you. I've been searching through countless dimensions... You're our only hope."
Conquest stepped forward menacingly. "How dare you intrude upon the Emperor's private gathering? Identify yourself and your purpose immediately!"
Angstrom Levy flinched away from the ancient warrior, his eyes fixed on Thragg. "Please, I need your help. The multiverse is in danger.
There's another version of me – insane, consumed with hatred – he's gathering evil versions of Mark Grayson from across dimensions, promising them worlds to conquer if they destroy his own home reality."
Mark's eyes widened. "Evil versions of... me?"
"Dozens of them," Levy confirmed, his voice breaking. "Each one from a different dimension where you chose a darker path.
Where you embraced conquest instead of protection. Where you became the villain instead of the hero."
Nolan - who decided to entertain this for the moment - moved to stand beside Mark, his expression grim. "And why come to us? To Thragg specifically?"
Levy's eyes darted between them. "Because in my research across the multiverse, I discovered this reality – one where Thragg conquered Earth but did so... benevolently.
Where he rules not through fear alone but through genuine improvement. I need that kind of power – that kind of leadership – to stop the invasion before entire dimensions are destroyed."
"This could be a trap," Conquest growled, his scarred face twisted with suspicion. "A ploy to lure the Emperor into an ambush."
"I agree with Conquest," Nolan said. "We know nothing about this man or his claims."
Thragg raised a hand, silencing further objections. "Roberta," he commanded. "Analyze him."
Roberta stepped forward, her eyes glowing pink as she extended her molecular manipulation abilities to scan Angstrom Levy at the cellular level.
Her powers, enhanced through Thragg's training, allowed her to detect inconsistencies or signs of deception in a person's biological responses.
"His vital signs indicate extreme stress and fatigue," she reported after a moment. "Adrenaline levels are elevated consistent with fear response. There are no physiological indicators of deception that I can detect. His neural patterns show genuine distress and urgency."
"He believes what he's saying," Eve added, her own powers allowing her a different kind of insight. "Whether it's true or not, he's convinced it is."
Thragg stepped closer to Levy, towering over the exhausted dimensional traveler. His eyes seemed to penetrate beyond the physical, as if examining something deeper than mere flesh.
Which he was, having the ability to see truth from falsehood as demons - as Darkblood could - with their soul sight.
"Why should I risk my subjects for another dimension's problems?" Thragg asked, his voice carrying the weight of imperial authority. "What do you offer in exchange for such intervention?"
Levy blinked, clearly not having anticipated this response. "I... I can offer knowledge. My dimensional technology, my understanding of the multiverse. There are countless realities out there, some with resources and technologies beyond imagination."
Thragg's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of interest crossed his features. "Continue."
"I've seen hundreds of dimensions in my travels," Levy explained, gaining confidence. "In almost all of them, conquest is inevitable – if not by Viltrumites, then by others.
But few conquerors build something better after their victory."
He gestured around at the peaceful garden, at the family gathered there. "This reality – your empire – is different. You've brought order, advancement, peace. If someone must rule the multiverse, better it be you than the alternatives I've witnessed."
Amanda stepped forward to stand beside Thragg. "You're offering to help my husband expand beyond our universe? To other dimensions?"
"If that's what it takes to save my home, with that insane version of me promising already other worlds to those monsters," Levy confirmed. "My technology, combined with your power... the possibilities are limitless."
Thragg was silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he turned to address the others. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"
The question itself was significant – the Emperor of the Viltrum Empire, asking for input rather than simply commanding.
Mark was the first to respond. "If what he's saying is true, there are God knows how many evil versions of me about to slaughter innocent people. I can't just let that happen."
"I agree with Mark," Eve said. "If we have the power to help, we should use it."
Nolan looked less convinced. "This, again, could still be an elaborate trap. We should proceed with caution."
"Caution, yes," Conquest agreed. "But not inaction. If there are battles to be fought, let us fight them. Especially with granting us such expansion."
Roberta's mind had been working through the problem from multiple angles. "The potential benefits outweigh the risks," she concluded. "Access to multiversal travel technology would significantly advance our scientific capabilities."
Amanda who has been racking her brain was the last to speak, her eyes meeting Thragg's. "You've built something remarkable here," she said softly. "Maybe it's time to show the multiverse what that looks like." Having fully embraced his ways these past months.
Thragg considered their input, his massive arms crossed over his chest. Then he turned back to Angstrom Levy, who had been watching the exchange with desperate hope.
"I will assist you," Thragg declared. "Not out of altruism, but because your offer has value. You will share your knowledge of dimensional travel, beginning immediately upon our return. You will exclude nothing, withhold nothing."
Relief washed over Levy's face. "Thank you, Emperor. Anything you ask, it's yours."
"I am not finished," Thragg continued. "Upon successful resolution of this crisis, you will remain in service to the Viltrum Empire as a dimensional consultant.
Your knowledge and abilities will be employed for the expansion and security of my realm."
Levy hesitated only briefly before nodding. "Agreed. My life for my dimension's salvation – it's more than a fair trade."
"Then we have an accord," Thragg stated. He turned to address the others. "Mark, Eve, Nolan, Conquest, Roberta, Amanda – you will accompany me. The rest will remain here."
"What?" Debbie protested, stepping forward. "Nolan, you can't seriously be considering this!"
Nolan moved to his wife, taking her hands in his. "If what Levy says is true, the threat is significant. And if it's not... well, Thragg and I together should be able to handle whatever trap might be waiting."
"I don't like it," Debbie insisted. "Jumping into another dimension based on the word of a stranger?"
"I understand your concern," Thragg said, surprising everyone by addressing Debbie directly. "But your husband's safety is assured. As Emperor, I give you my word that he will return unharmed."
The personal guarantee from Thragg himself seemed to take Debbie aback. After a moment, she nodded reluctantly. "You better keep that promise."
"The Emperor's word is absolute," Conquest stated with such conviction that further argument seemed pointless.
Thragg activated his communicator, connecting directly to General Kregg. "General, I will be absent from this dimension for an indeterminate period. You will maintain imperial operations in my absence. The High Council will provide guidance if necessary."
"As you command, Emperor," Kregg's voice replied, betraying no surprise at this extraordinary announcement. "May I inquire as to your destination?"
"Another reality," Thragg answered simply. "One requiring imperial intervention."
There was the briefest pause before Kregg responded, "Understood, Emperor. The Empire awaits your victorious return."
With that settled, Thragg turned to Angstrom Levy. "Open your portal. We depart immediately."
Levy nodded, concentrating. The air before them split open once more, revealing a swirling vortex of green light.
"This will take us directly to the dimension," Levy explained. "Currently, the evil versions of Mark haven't launched their full invasion yet – my counterpart is still gathering them. We have perhaps hours before they attack."
"Then we have no time to waste," Thragg declared.
Eve moved to Mark's side, taking his hand. "Ready to fight evil versions of yourself?"
"Not really," Mark admitted with a wry smile. "But I guess we don't have much choice."
Amanda approached Thragg, her expression concerned but resolute. "First time dimension-hopping," she remarked, attempting to lighten the moment. "Anything I should know?"
"Stay close to me," Thragg instructed, his tone softening slightly. "Interdimensional travel can be disorienting for those unaccustomed to it."
Roberta joined them, already contemplating the scientific implications of what they were about to do. "The quantum mechanics involved in breaching dimensional barriers must be fascinating," she observed. "I look forward to studying the process."
Conquest, ever the warrior, simply cracked his knuckles in anticipation. "Finally, worthy opponents," he growled, a savage grin spreading across his scarred face.
Nolan embraced Debbie one last time. "We'll be back before you know it," he promised.
"You better be," she replied, her voice firm despite the worry in her eyes.
Thragg surveyed his assembled team – a curious mixture of Viltrumites and humans, bound together by circumstances none could have predicted months ago.
Each brought unique abilities to the mission, complementing his own overwhelming power.
"Form up," he commanded. "We enter together."
They positioned themselves before the portal, Thragg at the center with Amanda and Roberta on either side of him. Mark and Eve stood beside them, hands still clasped together, while Nolan and Conquest took up the rear, flanking Angstrom Levy.
"On my mark," Thragg declared, his voice carrying the weight of imperial command. "Three. Two. One."
As one, they stepped forward into the swirling green vortex.
---------------------------------
(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all liked the chapter!
Yeah, I was thinking, Crazy Levy was geniunely a threat to the entire multiverse since no one knew because of his insanity whether he would keep his promise to the
evil Marks or not, so why shouldn't some Levy who probably monitors the muliverse to a certain extent find out and want to do something about it.
Seems logical to me, hopefully you guys as well.
Well, Invincible war is starting, hope you all enjoy it, see you all later,.
Bye!