Revelation

A Face from Days Gone By

Hey, guys! I hope you enjoy this chapter! Happy reading!

"Elsa, is the Invisible King inside?"

"Yes, he should be. ...But I have a bad feeling about this," said Elsa, murmuring softly.

It had taken weeks for them to find another entrance to Castle Bade, having to cut down a few occasional Invisible soldiers on their trek. On the way, Jack couldn't help but feel worried about Elsa, for although she didn't speak about her mother again after their short, tragic reunion, he knew that it was on her mind a great deal of the time. He wanted to help her and he hoped that Elsa knew that as well and would speak with him if she ever felt lonely or the weight of the world got to be too much for her.

But for now, their pressing priority was in front of them.

Eugene gave a stonefaced expression. "Yes. That castle gate... It's as if it's just demanding to be opened now."

"But whatever evil's waiting for us, we'll press on and crush them."

Jack turned to the army. "Everyone, proceed carefully."

As they stepped into the castle, the army looked around cautiously, their weapons clutched and ready to attack if an enemy came into sight. Footsteps echoing in the vast entrance, they looked for another room to proceed through.

Strange, Jack thought, frowning to himself as he led the others. There aren't any soldiers guarding this part of the castle. Maybe the room's no longer used?

Focus, Jack, he scolded to himself. Anything can happen in just a few short mo-

Jack gave a surprised shout as the room was suddenly engulfed in darkness.

W-what? It turned dark all of a sudden... Dammit! An enemy's trap! Where is everyone?!

"Who's there?!" he yelled, gripping Guardian in front of him and cautiously walking forward in the dark. "Whoever's playing this trick, come out! I don't have time for games!"

As he walked deeper and deeper, the floor started to glow, purple mist sparkling and coming together before shooting out sporadically and flying around him before floating away and creating a hazy silhouette. Gradually, the silhouette began to have color and a more distinct form of a person. Blinking in and out, the figure began to speak.

"It's wonderful to see you again," the figure said, walking towards Jack, who held his ground as his mind struggled to grasp how this could possibly happen. "I could not be happier. ...Jack."

After a moment, Jack managed to choke out a reply. "It can't be...Mother?!"

Valka smiled. "Thank goodness... That we could meet again..."

"No! You're not my mother! You're only an Invisible servant!"

"Jack, calm down. I came to help you. Please trust me...your own mother."

Jack pointed his weapon at this - this thing. "Stop...! Don't talk like Mother anymore!

"I trust people," Jack said, livid as he made the rest of the way to the lookalike, "but...I don't trust an Invisible servant!" Raising his sword, he brought it back down to cut down his enemy and-

"...Why?" Jack whispered angrily to himself as his blade stopped just in front of Valka's chest. His hands shook as he tried to finish the job. This couldn't be his mother. It just - couldn't.

I'm such a coward, he thought self-deprecatingly. I can't even take down this thing who looks like Mother.

"Even if you do not trust me... I will always trust you, my son."