A Trip-Off Planet[1]

Disclaimer

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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[▪︎30th August 2003▪︎]

[▪︎Santa Monica, California▪︎]

"What's wrong?"

I ask, hovering calmly in the air as I watch the Guardians do their jobs, the sea breeze filling my nose with the calming scent of the salt water.

[Invincible just made contact with an alien and after listening to its story, he has decided to follow the alien back to its planet.

[I've tried to persuade him otherwise but he's just as hard-headed as his father. Seriously, what is wrong with this boy!? Can't he see how risky it is for him? Sigh, teenagers...]

Cecil explains, his voice cold and hard as stone. I can practically see him gritting his teeth just by listening to his voice.

Congratulations Mark, you've successfully made one of the hardest and coldest guys on this planet angry...but still, this situation is kinda weird.

Why Invincible specifically? Where did they see him as far Invincible is concerned, he has never been off the planet for even an hour before.

There's more to this than what they told Mark and as naive as he is, he will believe them one hundred percent....sigh teenagers...

"So you want me to talk some sense into him?"

[Yes, if it's you there's a high chance he'll listen to reason. If not then...you'll have to take more drastic actions. I can't allow Invincible to leave this planet no matter the cost.]

Cecil informs seriously, his voice firm and as cold as ice.

An eyebrow raises in amusement.

"Hoh? Now, this is interesting. Just relax and let's see how this goes..."

I smile and flash Ruddy a sign which he nods in understanding.

[...I'll leave it to you then.]

Cecil whispers and then ends the call.

Ironic isn't it? In most of the realities I've been to in the past month, Cecil is amongst the first group of people Invincible takes out when he starts his conquering efforts and I can see why now.

The kid must really hate his guts...

Well then, let's see what all this is about.

Snickering at how funny this situation is, I expand my awareness to instantly cover the whole country, instantly getting Invincible and the alien's location.

With a thought, I teleport and instantly appear on the rooftop of a medium-sized story building, alerting those who are already present.

"...Prime?"

Invincible titles his head slightly and lets out in confusion, standing next to an unfamiliar alien lifeform near the edge of the rooftop.

The alien lifeform is a tall humanoid grasshopper with deep blue skin, pronounced red eyes, a set of curly tentacles hanging on its forehead with other small sets behind it, and curved spike-like appendages pointing out of its joints.

It's wearing a dark gray sleeveless robe that hangs to its knees, perfectly fitting its slender and weak figure. Fascinating, it looks so weak and helpless that it's like I can kill just by blowing on it...

"Yes, in the flesh. I heard something worrying from Cecil and I just wanted to make sure you know what you're doing."

I shrug with a smile and then glance at the alien, making it shrink back in suspicion as I take a few steps forwards.

"...If Cecil sent you here to convince me to stay then...I'm sorry, I'm not listening to anyone on this matter."

He starts slowly and then finishes firmly, looking deep into my eyes, unconsciously clenching his hands into strong fists.

"Don't worry, I just want to understand why you want to do something like this. Have you thought about how your mother will feel about this?

"You're the only one she's got now and if there's a possibility of this being a trap, have you thought of how devastated she'll be?"

I say calmly, my voice is calm and serene as I stop a few meters away from them.

Hearing this, Invincible's eyes widen in realization and he lowers his head, his fists shivering slightly.

"Please, this is not a trap! We truly need his help, my world needs his help. If I go back without him, the very essence of my world might cease to exist. Millions will die."

The alien exclaims emotionally, its voice oily and trembling as it spares me a glance and then grabs Invincible's hand, looking at him with its big red sorrowful eyes.

This immediately brings clarity to Invincible's eyes and the same firm revolve he faced me with blossoms again.

Well, this would've been nice and all if...it wasn't lying... Sigh, you're still a child Mark, just a big one...

Releasing a sigh, I delve into the mind of the alien and instantly scan through its weak mind. Filled with newfound shock and surprise, I come out of his mind.

....I see. So that's why despite the time that has passed I haven't heard a word from him. Who would've thought this might happen? I need to adjust my plans now...Invincible can't go alone.

"My mom will be alright, she's a strong woman. A world needs my help Prime and you are the one who told me to always try my best to be a better person and to do what I feel is the right thing.

"Well, this feels as right as anything I've done. I'm sorry Prime but I've made up my mind. I'll go with him to his world and after I'm done, I'll come back home. Please take care of Earth and my mom for me."

He looks at me and says with a bright smile, his eyes clearer than ever, making the Thraxan by his side smile widely.

"I'm sorry too Invincible, I can't let you go..."

My face turns cold as I start, making Invincible's face change and so he grabs the Thraxan and makes him stand behind him, his eyes showing his surprise but also filled with pleading.

"...Alone Mark, I can't let you go alone."

I finish with a smile, my voice now soft.

They immediately let out breaths of relief and Invincible looks at me with a weird smile as he takes a step forward.

"This sounds serious and I can't let a greenhorn as you go to a planet all by himself, you'll need guidance and supervision. and I'm ready to lend my services."

I continue as he comes to stand in front of me. The Thraxan behind him glances at us with a weird look on his face, totally surprised and a little worried at this development.

"Well then, when do we leave..."