Investigating the Janus Order HQ and shocking revelations:
Even though Nomura was tired from fighting she still ran at her full speed in order to reach HQ as quickly possible for she still believed that it was Strickler playing a prank but when she reached the Janus Order HQ she saw the the fiery underground wreck, which used to be an expansive underground base but now it was nothing more than a smoking pile of wreck and bones. Nomura angrily said," Whoever did this will pay with his life." " I think that person might have done us a great favour." Nomura turned and saw Strickler and angrily hissed at him saying," How could you say such a thing about our fallen brethren?" " Because they were planning on doing these." said Strickler and put a harddrive in front of Nomura. Strickler said," This is the only thing that survived the fire and it contains proof of things that will happen to us changelings if Gunmar was able to rise to the surface. Go home Nomura and see for yourself what horror that awaits us if Gunmar rises to the surface. Nomura reached home and plugged the harddrive in her computer and turned on the hour long video and what she saw shocked her. Otto was in this video explained after Gunmar successfully took over the surface the changelings in order to show their respect for him would boil all of their familiars in a large pot which would be heated using the burning bodies of all changelings and those who opposed will be hunted and will be used in the sacrificing rituals as well most of the changelings agreed to these idea and those who disagreed were also marked so that they can be captured with ease. Nomura hurriedly called Strickler and called when he picked up Nomura inquired about his plan to stop this. Strickler simply replied," We let the Excalibur wielding warrior and Trollhunter do their work and we continue with ours because this is the only thing we can do." Nomura remained silent for she didn't have a better idea.
Meeting Atlas and Vendel's test:
Toby, Claire, Darcy and Mary were waiting under the canal where they were told to meet with Atlas and they got this location from a note which was left behind by someone in Toby's locker. As they were waiting they suddenly heard footsteps and it was Atlas. He was clad in armour and his face was covered in a helmet with two green eyes and in his back Excalibur was hanging. He came forward and said," It's nice to meet you trollhunter and I am very honoured to meet your comrades." Toby and the others were surprised by his politeness as they were expecting some smug faced asshole who would be very boastful while Claire was also acting to expect such a person but she knew that it would not be the case for that is not the way Jim presents himself. So, after introductions Blinky opened the gate to Trollmarket using his horngazel although the crystal staircase was awe inspiring Atlas traversed down the stairs as if he had been down here a thousand times before, which aroused suspicion among all the present there except Claire. As they finally descended Atlas was greeted with suspicious and disgusted looks ,one troll even threw a bunch of god knows what towards Atlas but he just simply dodged it as if it was nothing then they finally reached Vendel who was waiting for them. Vendel came close and said to him," In order to determine whether you are a friend or foe I will put you through a series of tests if you agree I will let you free access to Heartstone Trollmarket and the hero's forge. So, will you agree?" Atlas simply gave a nod which indicated that he agreed. Vendel said," Good, first I require you to move the armour from your hand so that I can use the gaggletack to determine whether you are a changeling or not." Atlas did as instructed and it was revealed that he was not a changeling. " Now you will show us your fighting prowess by demonstrating your skills in the heroes forge."said Vendel.Atlas passed this test as if it was nothing . Vendel said," Now it's time for the final test. Simply put your hand in the mouth of the soothscryer." Atlas put his hand inside the soothscryer and vanished. Toby, Darcy and Mary started to panic Claire also pretended to panic but she knew he was taken to the void between worlds as the trollhunters of the past wanted to inquire him. Atlas was surrounded by many voices all were asking the same thing and it was how can someone hold such unfathomable power? They demanded explanation and threatend him to not let go if he did not answer. Atlas just simply swinged his sword at nothing but suddenly the fabric of space time itself was torn and on the opposite side a forest could be seen and the tear closed again. All the voices quieted down and Atlas simply said," I have no need to explain anything to you all. Simply know this, I wish only to protect the world and my loved ones. So let me leave this place normally." Suddenly he was back at the forge and Vendel said,"You have passed all the tests and I will fullfil all of my promises and I will also let you choose a stone from our deposit of magical stones as a sign of good faith." All were shocked to hear this declaration but nonetheless everyone was happy especially Claire because not only because they gained a valuable ally but she(Claire) could spend more time together with the love of her life who was Jim disguised as Atlas.