The Bean Brigade #1
"Wu's There?"
In a hollowed out mountain somewhere in the American Midwest, evil was forming. For one diabolical villain had again decided to organize a group towards the goal of world domination. And at that moment, the villains had gathered, wishing to meet their mysterious benefactor.
"Welcome all" came a voice from the table where they were all gathered. "I'm sure ya all who I am, and why I gathered y'all here. That will be revealed in time. First, let me go around the table and introduce everyone.
Directly to my left is Slipstream, a portly young punk who can control wind like nobody's business."
"Right next to him, fresh off a stint with the Brotherhood of Evil, Control Freak."
"Um, I just want to go on record and mention that I wasn't actually fired from the Brotherhood" Control Freak said, "I'm simply taking a sabbatical until they decide to call me again."
"Whatever helps ya sleep at night" the mysterious figure said, "on my right, fresh from the City, the Angry Red Herring."
"I'm a fish" the villain replied.
"Ya sure are" the mystery figure replied disinterested, "and next ta him, also from the City, the Ottoman Empress, restored to villainy by yours truly."
"And it is good to be back" the furniture controlling female replied.
"Across from her, technology expert and air guitar enthusiast, Motor Ed."
"Thanks for the invite bro" Ed said, "I'm always looking to take my villainy to the next level, seriously."
"And last, but certainly not least, ghostly rock star Ember McLane."
"I don't even know why I even bothered showing up" Ember said, "I don't get along with well humans, and I don't take orders. Now tell me what this is all about, I've got stuff to do."
"Very well" the mystery figure replied, "I have assembled you here with a proposition. I am in need of a team of villains to help me in my quest for world domination. You are villains who are not viewed by your respective foes, or society for that matter, as being 'extremely dangerous'. In other words, you're good, but not archenemy material. But I can see you all have potential, and with my leadership, I can make you the most feared and respected villains in the world. People will tremble at the mere mention of your names. So what do you say, are you in, or not?"
"Why should I team with you?" Ember asks, "I have my own plans for world domination, and they don't involve taking orders."
"Now think about what you're saying little missy" the mystery figure said, "have you actually considered how difficult it is to rule the world? It takes a lot of work, and there probably won't be time for you ta play yer guitar, or do any of the other things you like to do. If you join with me, I can't promise you the world, but I'll give you something much better; I can make you the most beloved musician in the world. You want people to chant yer name? I can make it happen."
Ember sat and thought about his idea for a moment "sounds like a good deal" she said, "okay, I'm in…for now."
"And the rest of ya, are you in or out?"
"Count me in dude, seriously" Ed said.
"I'll do anything that will make the Titans see me as their greatest foe" Control Freak added, "what's that guy with the half-mask ever done that's so evil, anyway?"
"Very good" the figure replied, "now that you have decided to join me, it's time for yer first assignment."
Out of nowhere a giant movie screen materialized. The screen displayed a picture of a large, quaint looking building.
"This is a Xiaolin temple located in China" the mystery figure explained "located within its' walls are items of incredible power. But there is one that is of particular interest to me." The screen now displayed a picture of a golden hourglass. "This is the Sands of Time" the figure explained "it allows its' user to travel back or forward in time. I must have it, and y'all are gonna steal it for me."
"I'm not stealing anything until you tell me you who are" Ember said.
"Yeah, why all the secrecy?" Control Freak asked, "we agreed to work for you, the least you can do is tell us who you are."
"I reckon I owe ya that much" the figure said "very well, but I must warn ya, my form is a little hard to take."
And with that, the lights in the base came on, illuminating the mysterious benefactor. The villains were quite surprised when they saw the identity of their new leader.
"No way man, seriously" Ed said.
"I don't believe it" Herring added.
"A bean!" an angry Ember exclaimed, "our boss is some talking bean? There is no way I'm taking orders from some talking piece of food. I'm out of here."
"I wouldn't be going anywhere if I was you" the bean replied, "I may be small, but I can assure you I make it up for it in evil. However, if y'all require a larger boss, then so be it…Moby Morpher!"
Within seconds, the small bean was transformed into a larger version of himself. "Is this better?" he asked the gathered villains, "cause I can do far more than this."
"Like what?" a nervous Control Freak asked.
"As long as ya do what I tell ya, there's no need to find that out" Hannibal Bean replied, "now then, if yer done gawking, I believe you have a job to do."