Mark wouldn't lie he felt a large amount of trepidation in his heart as the ship he was on slowly came out of warp. They were here, they had finally arrived. As the blur of stars faded after exiting warp Mark was greeted to the light of a bright blue star in the distance. As Nolan explained it, this was the original Home planet of the Viltrumites. Before they were taken by the guardians of the universe and experimented on and turned into what they were now. Mark wasn't the only one amazed by this site, all of his children apart from Dante and his wives were there. Kara and Galatea felt the the difference more than anyone as they could feel the power of the blue star energising their bodies much more than a yellow star ever did. Mark wondered how much more powerful they would be if exposed to the suns rays over a long period of time. He even considered if it might help Dante with his condition.
Apart from the Sun, the planet itself was quite beautiful. A large transparent dome surrounded the planet. The planet itself was quite close to the edge of the Goldilocks zone, so the dome was used to capture the light and heat from the Star and turn it into energy, while just letting enough trickle through to make the perfect planet through Terraforming. To Mark this very much sounded like a rudimentary Dyson sphere, which was very advanced technology.
There was a massive fleet in orbit around the planet with numerous space stations and even visible colonies on the moon surrounding Viltrum. He doubted many of the fleets ships even had one Viltrumite on board, from what his father told him there were only a few hundred left and they mostly kept to the capital.
"Take us down," Nolan commanded the pilot. Instantly obeying his orders the ship started to move towards the planet. "Send through our credentials," he added.
"Sending now sir," the alien said as he completed the task.
"Beautiful isn't it," Nolan said, as he turned to Mark. Nolan out of all of them was happy to see the planet again, it had been over 20 years since he'd come home and while that was just a drop in the bucket in his lifetime one can never replace the feeling of home.
"It is beautiful..." Mark said, but deciding not to say anything else on it. Kara quietly moved closer to Mark, slipping her arm around his waist and pressing herself gently against his side. She didn't say anything at first, but Mark could feel her eyes fixed on him. After a moment, she turned her gaze back toward the massive blue star beyond the ship's viewport and asked softly, "Do you really think we'll find a cure here? For Dante?"
Mark met her eyes, and his expression softened immediately. He offered her a small, sad smile as he tightened his arm around her. "I have to believe we will. It's the only thing I can do."
Kara nodded slowly, accepting that answer, and leaned her head quietly against his shoulder. Across the bridge, Anissa glanced at the two of them from the corner of her eye. Her jaw tightened slightly, and her expression briefly shifted to something approaching envy, but she quickly composed herself, returning her gaze to the view outside without saying a word.
Harley stood a few steps behind them, bouncing Lucy gently in her arms, clearly unimpressed by the sight outside. She tilted her head slightly, squinting at the planet with mild boredom. "Eh," she said casually, "honestly, it ain't really all that. I've definitely seen prettier places."
Galatea, standing nearby, snorted openly. She turned slightly toward Harley, one eyebrow raised in a challenge. "You've literally never left Earth, Harley."
Harley shrugged carelessly, shifting Lucy slightly as she turned around to face Galatea directly. "So? Gotham had better nightlife, anyway."
Lucan, who had been silently stewing since their arrival, finally snapped. He stepped forward, glaring openly at Harley. "You will watch your tongue, Earthling," he growled. "This planet is sacred to us. I won't stand here and let you insult our home."
Harley tilted her head mockingly, smiling broadly. "Ooh, big scary Viltrumite gonna get mad at little ol' me? I'd be real scared if ya didn't look like a budget Steel who skipped leg day."
Lucan snarled and took a step toward her, fists clenched at his sides, but he barely moved before Kara and Galatea both appeared instantly in front of him, their eyes glowing an intense red, brighter and more vivid than they had before, likely due to the influence of the blue star. Neither said anything, but the warning was clear enough.
"Stand down, Lucan," Nolan commanded sharply from across the bridge.
Lucan turned, anger still clear on his face as he addressed Nolan. "She mocks our heritage. You would defend this disrespect?"
Harley laughed out loud, completely unfazed, continuing to openly mock Lucan with exaggerated facial expressions and a fake trembling voice. Mark finally sighed. "Harley, enough," Mark said firmly. "I'd rather not have to kill him just because you're getting under his skin."
Harley rolled her eyes dramatically, sticking her tongue out at Mark, but turned her attention back to Lucy, quietly whispering nonsense to her daughter and ignoring the rest.
Kara and Galatea quietly moved back toward Mark, the glow fading from their eyes as the tension eased slightly. Moments later, the ship broke through the planet's upper atmosphere, giving them all a clearer look at the surface. Mark felt a quiet sense of awe as he took in the sight before him. The Viltrumite capital sprawled out below, a vast expanse of perfectly symmetrical buildings and pristine roads, organized with remarkable beauty. The architecture was sleek, futuristic, and clearly designed around practicality and order. At the center of it all rose a massive metallic spire that dwarfed anything Mark had ever seen on Earth, easily ten times higher than the tallest building in Metropolis. It shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting strange patterns as they approached.
The ship descended smoothly toward a large landing platform near the heart of the city. As they touched down, Nolan placed a firm hand on Mark's shoulder and gave him a serious look. "It's time. Let's go."
Mark nodded, turning briefly toward the women. "Stay close to Harley and the children," he said quietly. "Harley, keep holding Lucy and Waylon. You're the most vulnerable here, so the others will protect you if anything happens."
Anissa approached Mark carefully putting a hand on his shoulder. "Your son Dante will be transported once the specialist medical equipment arrives. It's already arranged."
Mark nodded gratefully. "Thank you."
The landing ramp opened with a quiet hiss, and the group stepped out into the bright, filtered sunlight of Viltrum. Waiting for them stood two Viltrumites accompanied by a large retinue of alien attendants—guards, servants, and administrators. Nolan stepped forward immediately, inclining his head respectfully. "Lord Vexa," he greeted, then turned slightly toward the second Viltrumite, repeating the gesture. "Forge Master Brutok."
The two Viltrumites stared back, neither of them returning the courtesy. Vexa spoke first, her tone cold and critical. "Enforcer Nolan. There have been whispers among the court that you betrayed us, or at the very least failed your mission."
Nolan didn't let his displeasure show, though Mark could sense it in the tightening of his father's jaw. Nolan instead gestured toward Mark, speaking clearly. "This is my son and the hybrid, Mark Grayson."
Mark nodded simply, saying nothing else. Brutok narrowed his eyes; they were openly scornful. "Your son seems to have inherited your disrespect."
Nolan's jaw tensed further, his fists momentarily tightening at his sides, but he quickly regained control. He knew better than to openly challenge these two; they were among the oldest surviving Viltrumites, and any disrespect now could make their lives much more difficult later. Nolan lowered his head slightly in an attempt at conciliation. "Forgive my son's behavior. He is unfamiliar with our customs."
Vexa tilted her head, expression unchanged. "Yet another failure on your part, Nolan. You should have educated him in the ways of our people when he was younger." She paused briefly, then gestured to the corridor behind her. "No matter. Thragg awaits you all in the Grand Hall. We will escort you."
Mark turned briefly toward Galatea. "Stay with Dante."
She nodded immediately, understanding without question. Kara hesitated for a moment, clearly torn, but she also knew Mark needed someone he fully trusted to protect their son. Reluctantly, she stepped closer to Mark instead, despite wanting to be left with their son. Galatea was the stronger of the two and she knew she would protect her son with her life.
Brutok cut in sharply. "All of you must be present."
Nolan prepared to speak, but Mark raised his hand first, staring Brutok down. "If you want to make a problem out of it, we can handle it right here. And I promise you'll learn exactly what the difference between a Viltrumite and a hybrid is." His voice was completely calm but the edge of venom etched into it was hard to miss.
Brutok's fists clenched immediately, eyes blazing with barely suppressed fury, but Vexa intervened before he could act. "That won't be necessary," she said firmly. "She may remain."
Without further discussion, the group began moving through the corridors toward the Grand Hall. They passed numerous Viltrumites, most of whom appeared relatively young like Anissa, with only a few showing age similar to Vexa and Brutok. Mark took note of the stares they received; it was clear the entire city knew of their arrival. Eventually, they reached a massive doorway, ornately decorated yet imposing. Two guards stepped aside as the doors slid open, revealing the expansive, brightly lit interior of the Grand Hall beyond.
They moved deeper into the grand hall, the echoes of their footsteps resonating against the smooth metallic floors. Mark took a moment to examine the interior, noting that despite the hall's expansive size, it was surprisingly empty. Ahead of them, the two older Viltrumites lifted silently into the air, Nolan and the others quickly following their lead. Mark glanced at Kara, gave a small nod, and both floated upward. Raven created a solid platform of dark energy beneath Harley, who stepped onto it without hesitation, gripping Lucy and Waylon securely against her chest.
Mark soon saw why they had needed to ascend. Above them, suspended high within the vast space, sat a massive throne surrounded by smaller seats arranged in a circular formation. Each seat was lower than the throne, clearly marking the hierarchy at play. It made sense to Mark that a culture where everyone could fly would build their architecture vertically. His eyes briefly scanned the room, taking note of various Viltrumites seated around—some younger, but many visibly older. Closest to the throne stood two men who immediately caught his attention. One had short black hair, pale skin, and a noticeable cybernetic implant where one eye should have been. Beside him stood a muscular man, older, with grey hair around the sides of his head, a distinct bald spot on top, and an entirely metallic arm, like his father.
However, the throne itself was what truly drew Mark's focus. He tried to see clearly who sat upon it, but was unable. An intense blue light radiated outward, its brilliance powerful enough that looking at it directly was impossible.
A man stepped forward, positioning himself between the throne and the assembled visitors. His voice carried authority as he spoke loudly into the hall. "You stand in the presence of the illustrious Grand Regent Thragg," he announced firmly. "Bow your heads."
Immediately, everyone in the group inclined their heads respectfully. Raven had to subtly place her hand on the back of Harley's head to ensure she bowed as well, Harley giving her a small glare in response. The announcer continued speaking. "Who approaches the Throne of Viltrum?" he shouted.
Vexa stepped forward first. "Warlord Vexa."
Brutok followed suit. "Forge Master Brutok."
Nolan spoke clearly. "Enforcer Nolan."
Anissa and Lucan both announced themselves in turn. "Enforcer Anissa." "Enforcer Lucan."
General Krieg turned expectantly toward Mark. Mark met his gaze calmly. "Mark Grayson."
Kara followed immediately. "Kara Zor-El."
"Raven," Raven said softly.
Harley spoke up loudly while grinning confidently. "Clee Torres."
Mark winced slightly, hoping nobody on Viltrum would catch Harley's crude joke. General Krieg regarded them silently for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"The throne recognises you," he announced formally. "Enforcer Nolan, come forth."
Nolan stepped forward immediately, flying closer toward the throne. He hovered there in front of General Krieg a neutral expression on his face.
"Nolan," General Krieg began sternly. "You failed your initial mission to conquer Earth. You were defeated by a child, as well as a group of primitive earthlings. You are a shame to our race. Were circumstances different, I would execute you right now rather than allow your disgraceful existence to continue."
The throne's intense blue light suddenly flared brighter, stopping Krieg mid-sentence. Krieg cleared his throat, visibly uneasy, then continued. "However, it is the will of Grand Regent Thragg that your failure be forgiven. You have performed a great service to Viltrum in bringing three hybrids home to us. Thus, you are pardoned before the throne. Still, while your life shall be spared, punishment must still be administered."
General Krieg stepped aside. "Let his Warlord speak."
The muscular, bald-headed man with the metallic arm stepped forward. "Warlord Conquest stands before the throne," he announced in a deep voice.
"Warlord Conquest," General Krieg said. "The punishment of Enforcer Nolan shall be yours to decide."
Conquest's gaze hardened, a cold smile crossing his lips. "I will make certain he never forgets it."
General Krieg nodded once, accepting this, then turned toward Lucan and Anissa. "Reports of your actions shall be addressed at another time."
He then fixed his gaze firmly upon Mark. "Mark Grayson, step forward."
Mark released Kara's hand gently and floated forward to hover directly before the throne. The brilliance of the blue light made it nearly impossible to look straight ahead, but Mark forced himself to maintain composure.
General Krieg's voice hardened further. "Reports from Enforcer Nolan suggest you are no ally to Viltrum, but rather an enemy."
This caused murmurs throughout the gathered Viltrumites, a quiet wave of suspicion and anger rising. Mark replied firmly, cutting through the noise clearly. "I'm not an enemy of Viltrum."
The murmuring immediately ceased.
General Krieg narrowed his eyes. "Then what exactly are you?" he challenged. "You have openly fought against three enforcers and disrupted missions ordered directly by our Grand Regent."
Mark stared calmly ahead. "I'm not your enemy," he repeated firmly, "but I'm certainly not a friend either."
"I'm here for my son, to heal him, if in the meantime you have assignments for me I will complete them, that is the extent of our relationship," he explained.
General Krieg narrowed his eyes towards Mark. "What happens when your son is healed?" He asked.
Mark let a small grin form on his face. "I suppose we will cross that bridge when we come to it."
The hall erupted into angry shouts and voices of outrage from around the throne. Krieg attempted to quiet them, but it was useless until a single voice rang out loud enough to hurt the eardrums of every Viltrumite in the room.
"SILENCE."
Instantly, the room fell completely silent. Every Viltrumite present lowered their heads immediately. Mark's eyes snapped toward the source of the voice—the throne itself. Gradually, the blinding blue glow diminished, revealing a tall, powerful man sitting on the throne. He wore a distinctive red and white uniform, broad shoulders and muscular physique unmistakable. His thick black hair was cut and framed his head, a neatly groomed mustache sitting above firm. Blue flames danced briefly across his body before vanishing back into his skin, leaving no trace behind. This was Thragg, Grand Regent of Viltrum.
Thragg leaned forward slightly, regarding Mark carefully. "Mark Grayson..." He spoke the name slowly, as if testing it. Mark met his gaze, refusing to look away. Then, unexpectedly, Thragg burst into laughter—a deep, genuine laugh echoing through the grand hall, nearly tipping him forward from the throne. He wiped a tear from his eye, still smiling broadly. "Never have I seen such audacity," Thragg said warmly. "To come before me, here in my own throne room, and openly admit you plan to betray me? You, Mark Grayson, have quite possibly the largest balls of any man I have ever encountered." He chuckled again, shaking his head. "I like you."
General Krieg attempted to intervene nervously. "Grand Regent, please—"
Thragg's smile disappeared instantly, replaced by a cold expression. He raised a finger, and from it shot a thin beam of blue energy, striking Krieg directly in the mouth. Krieg's lips melted shut, silencing him immediately. "I believe I ordered silence," Thragg said calmly, then turned his smile back toward Mark. "It is a great honor to meet you, Mark. In all my millennia, I have never met another hybrid like us. To see you standing here now, someone exactly like me, fills me with incredible joy. And to see two additional hybrids with you—it exceeds every expectation I ever had."
"You and your women are welcome here," Thragg continued warmly. "Every comfort in this city is yours. You are guests of honor. Should you choose to leave after we heal your son, I will not stop you. All I ask is that you do not involve yourself in the war. A hybrid like us is rare, and even if you choose not to fight for Viltrum, I would rather you live as there are so few of us."
Mark found himself stunned by Thragg's demeanor. This man was a legend—a figure of fear across the galaxy. Yet, here he was, showing genuine warmth and hospitality. Mark searched for deception but found none.
"Thank you, Grand Regent," Mark finally said respectfully.
Thragg waved him off lightly. "We hybrids must protect one another," he said simply. "But Mark, if you wouldn't mind humoring me, there is something I'd like from you."
Mark lifted an eyebrow cautiously. "And what would that be?"
Thragg leaned forward slightly, smiling with anticipation.
"A spar."
____________________________________
Talescria was a vibrant planet, bustling with activity at every turn. Its vast cities were arranged in circular patterns, streets filled with millions of beings from countless worlds. As the central hub of the Coalition of Planets, it served as the heart and mind of resistance against the Viltrum Empire alongside Oa. The planet was a beacon of unity, symbolizing cooperation between species who would otherwise never interact. Tall, elegant spires rose into the sky, metallic and shimmering under the bright sun, and the most impressive of these was the Coalition Headquarters, a massive dome-shaped building adorned with smooth, reflective metal and lined with sprawling terraces and balconies. It was here, in an office atop this great building, that Thaddeus sat in quiet contemplation.
Thaddeus had just finished a communication with Divineq, whose message had shaken him more than he cared to admit. According to her recent encounter, Mark Grayson—the newly emerged Viltrumite hybrid—had openly joined the ranks of the Viltrum Empire. He stared at the inactive screen for a long moment, disturbed by this revelation. The arrival of another perfect hybrid, especially one already so powerful, drastically altered the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. He had hoped Mark Grayson might side with the Coalition, or at the very least remain neutral, but that possibility now seemed lost.
Before ending their call, Thaddeus had instructed Divineq to proceed to the Raxull system along with Moori and whatever ships she could gather. He informed her that the Viltrumites were preparing for a major offensive soon, and that their presence there would be essential. Divineq accepted without hesitation, acknowledging her orders before the call ended. Thaddeus now sat back in his chair, fingers pressed together beneath his chin, deeply unsettled by the new developments.
The older man's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden, unwelcome voice that filled the quiet room. "You already know what needs to be done," the voice said.
Thaddeus looked up sharply, irritation clear on his face as he saw Sayd, one of the guardians of the universe, floated calmly in front of his desk. The Guardian's bright, piercing eyes fixed firmly upon him, waiting expectantly.
"Guardian Sayd," Thaddeus greeted dryly, raising an eyebrow. "Always a pleasure when you decide to simply barge into my office uninvited."
"This is no time for humor, Thaddeus," Sayd responded sternly, unfazed by his sarcasm. "This matter is far too serious."
Sayd drifted closer, his expression severe. "Mark Grayson's powers are far more dangerous than previously anticipated. His ability to manipulate gravity has increased dramatically and continues to grow at an alarming rate. Combined with his Viltrumite heritage, his potential strength is unprecedented. Even now, we cannot accurately gauge how powerful he could become."
"I'm fully aware of this, Sayd," Thaddeus interrupted with irritation.
"Then perhaps you also know about the three children he's fathered," Sayd continued sharply. "One of them is a typical Viltrumite, manageable, but the other two are hybrids as well. One is descended from Trigon himself, while the other carries both Kryptonian and Viltrumite blood. If either of these hybrids reaches maturity and fully develops their abilities, they could annihilate worlds, perhaps entire star systems with ease."
Thaddeus narrowed his eyes suspiciously, the idea of what Sayd implied settling over him heavily. "Surely you aren't suggesting what I think you are?"
Sayd floated closer. "They must die, Thaddeus. All of them. It is for the greater good of the universe."
"No," Thaddeus said immediately and firmly. "Mark Grayson might be a threat we must eliminate... I can accept that, but I will not condone murdering innocent children. That crosses a line I will not step beyond."
"Thaddeus..." Sayd growled, clearly angered by the immediate rejection.
"You have my answer," Thaddeus interrupted sharply, meeting the Guardian's stern gaze without flinching.
Sayd remained silent for a moment, glaring at Thaddeus before finally composing himself and floating backward toward the door. "Very well," he said coldly. "I will leave it to you, then, to deal with Mark Grayson." Without another word, the Guardian drifted out of the room, vanishing from sight entirely moments later.
Thaddeus sighed deeply, allowing himself a brief moment of m regret as he sat forward again. He activated a communication device built into his desk, speaking calmly. "Please send Allen in immediately."
"Right away, sir," came the crisp reply from his secretary.
Leaning back once again, Thaddeus prepared himself mentally for the difficult decisions that awaited.
(AN: So turns out Thragg is a pretty nice guy, maybe that's the twist. Maybe the Viltrumites really are the heroes of the story. Anyway blah blah blah Viltrum. Hope you enjoyed the chapter).
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