I'M YOUR PUPPET; invincible

chapter 3

    "The new suit...I like it," he said quietly.

    She smiled. "Thanks."

    "Well, we should get going," Mark announced. Pressing his hands off of his thighs, he stood, gesturing to the sky.

———

    "Hey."

    There was something shaking her, a gentle touch. It was soft, caring. The action, albeit calm, was startling. She inhaled sharply, her body straightening almost immediately.

    Mark, from her side, offered a smile. "Hey," he grimaced. "Sorry, I didn't want to scare you awake. We're here."

    Loren nodded. Brushed her hair away from her forehead, and stood. She followed behind Mark and Nuolzot, the Thraxan who had come for their assistance, off of the ship. The surrounding world was crafted in hues of pink and purple, and very much alive. Thriving, even.

    Her brows furrowed. She leaned close to Mark, lowering her voice. "I thought you said they were in danger?"

    "Yeah," he breathed. "That's what I thought, too."

    Nuolzot looked back with a smile, waving a hand. "Oh, don't mind them. Come. The monarch wants to meet you at once."

    They trailed his steps carefully, both taking in the world around them. It was the deepest either had been into space, though something told Loren it would not remain that way.

    "Wait," Mark said, looking back for a moment to ensure her nearness. "What exactly about this planet needs saving? Where are the meteors?"

    "Meteors?" Nuolzot echoed, sounding confused. "What meteors?"

    Loren paused instantly, a hand reaching for Mark's arm. She grasped onto him, tugging him to stop at her side. "The ones you said are killing billions?"

    The Thraxan stopped, turning to face them. "Oh," he said, "yeah, those meteors. You know, must be a touch of dementia. We age much quicker than you humans, you know. Uh, don't worry, the monarch will explain all."

    "Mark," she whispered. Shook her head. "I don't like this. I believe they're good...people, but I—"

    "I know," he said, lowering his hand to grasp hers. He squeezed. "I know. But let's try to hear them out."

    She nodded.

    Nuolzot turned towards the steps ahead of them. "Your majesty." He turned, gesturing for them to step forward. "May I present Invincible and Lightwalker of Earth."

    Loren choked out a laugh as Mark bent at the waist, and even more so as he peered up at her with a grin. He nudged his hand to her hip, tipping his head slightly in a gesture to repeat his actions.

    With a muffle whisper of "Oh my god," she did, fighting any further laughter.

     But all amusement died, then. Replaced solely and completely by anger drowning her, tugging her to the same place that she had just escaped.

    "Hello, son."

    Omni-Man. Nolan Grayson.

    "It's been a while."