Here comes chapter nine… damn! This is the longest Fanfic I have ever written! I'm so proud of myself!
And for those who assumed it died; it did NOT! I was being a lazy, moronic person, who should have worked on this. But do not fret; I am going to continue again! Also, I hate to say this but I got a virus. Not a human-sick virus, a stupid compu. Virus. This means that, sadly, I must have a hard time receiving messages n' stuff. So, sorry if you have questions or things you may want to ask; but may not get answered for some time.
Weeks of planning went into Frogg's grand scheme for world domination. It certainly wouldn't get him the world in a week. But, he was in no hurry to have full control of the world. He still had to get everything organized. That and an army… and maybe a weapon so powerful; it could truly out match the atomic bomb. If it was needed, though. And that was going to be a challenge. He knew one thing however, and that was not wasting nearly his entire life getting control. He wanted to enjoy having power of the world for a long time. And what was the point of wasting an entire life to get what he wanted, and only be able to enjoy it for a short time. Before his heart would give away, or his mind would go. No, he would make sure this would be done in enough time to enjoy it, while not rushed to allow any flaws and holes to appear. Though right now, there seemed to stand a mild problem in front of him. All trailing back to a small, conversation of sorts with the local army leader; General Sergeant.
--
He had been looking about in the renovations department of the Mall-O-Mart with Cue and Meredith. Trying to sort out the entire theme for his new base. He wouldn't buy anything yet, as he still had a lot more to organize before even actually doing any repair and decorating. But he wanted to plan ahead. That, and see what styles there were. He truly couldn't decide what overall theme he'd revolve around. And wanted to see the colors he could put together, furniture that would match, etc, etc and so forth. It wasn't the best thing, but he didn't want the place to look like trash. As he mused, he softly bumped against a larger fellow. Stepping two or three steps away to give a formal apology. Hay, he was a villain. But that didn't mean he couldn't be polite and kind once in a while. Besides, he didn't want to push his luck yet. He was big, but certainly not "Skullossus destroying suns" big.
"Hmph. Dr. Frogg…" the voice growled.
"General Sergeant… how odd to find you here today." Frogg replied, looking up to the large man. He could easily notice the anger in General Sergeant's face.
"Listen you-" he paused, noticing Cue and Meredith move up beside Frogg. A sort of warning, to tell the man he should be careful about what he would do next. "I'm not here to bust you, but I'm giving you a warning." He moved in closer to Frogg's face, nearly touching noses with the villain. "We will not go easy on you anymore, Frogg. You are now officially on the army's top watch. Any attack you do, we'll be there. Anything you steal, we'll be there." he growled. "We will find a way to capture you, so be prepared to be attacked daily, my villainous friend. This means war." He snarled. "You understand?" he asked.
"Perfectly." Frogg simply spoke, as General Sergeant gave one more, hard stare before finally giving Frogg some space.
"Good… well then, Jim!" General called out, as a trooper came by and saluted. "We still need to find that color of paint Elizabeth wants for her room! And we can not stop shopping until we find it!" he stated, walking off as the three went back to their own shopping.
--
It wasn't good news to hear that General Sergeant would now be monitoring Dr. Frogg closely and try to keep him from doing his work. Not including that with the added bonus that an attempt would be made to imprison him, he had to go into hiding to avoid capture. But he anticipated that something like this would happen. It would be abnormal if no one came by to stop him… and, if nothing else. It gave him some relief. He would rather like to know that someone will be coming for him, rather then being shocked to learn this later on. He was especially relieved to know who was going to attack. Now, he could plan out the perfect, counter attacks. Simply just by knowing how General Sergeant ran his army. Though, he would have to remind himself that General Sergeant, though predictable in battle, was not so easy to understand in the planning stages. He'd just have to keep his guard up, and always plan ahead thoroughly. That, and stay hidden as best as he can so as to protect himself. He blew out a breath of air as he checked the expiration date on a jug of milk. Today being his day to get the food for his small group. Usually, Cue or Meredith went out; being as it seemed they were long forgotten about in the public's eyes. But Frogg didn't always like being shut in; sometimes he found a way to go shopping.
He always would choose days where few people went shopping, and wore a fake mustache upon entering, and than leaving the place. Thankful for Guy's lack of thought to linking two and two together, though he felt that was the case. It was a very bad attempt to hide himself though, and there were even occasions he took it off and forgot to put it on upon leaving. But… if it wasn't Guy's lack of smarts that helped Frogg go in and out on certain days, it was either Guy having no time to hear about what was occurring in daily life; which meant he knew nothing of Frogg. Or seemed to not care at all that this was Dr. Frogg; killer of heroes and a terrorist of sorts in Metrotown.
"I hope they'll be able to deal with the construction workers…" he mumbled, remembering how today, the people setting up their "business" were coming in to prepare the place. It wasn't that Cue and Meredith didn't know what to do but… well, it worried him a bit. More because the workers may ask things that weren't included in the information he told them. Or a problem might occur that meant having an answer only Frogg could give, if he wanted what he aimed for. He could only hope not though. Mech-Co has to work out. Other wise, well… problems would occur.
Rolling down aisle three, he looked for the canned peas. He was somewhat growing tired of having canned food with his meals. Having enjoyed Cue's naturally made meals when they had access to ovens and other big kitchen appliances. But there was still yet to be a proper fridge installed. They did have one, but it was far too small and it was already prepared to be filled again with the food Frogg was buying today. He could only hope the work for Mech-Co would be done soon. Than he could begin to work on the other floors. Such as a bedroom for him, a dinning hall, even a place to shower. Oh, he was so excited about this; the thought of actually having his own headquarters seemed so amazing, even if in a sense, it was just a base. He stopped when he spotted the can of peas, reaching when suddenly a familiar hand happened to appear. He looked forwards to see Red Menace. Also doing the shopping, though this time he was alone. Without everyone, who usually tended to shop with him.
"Frogg!" he cheered, rushing around his own cart to hug Frogg. He picked up the doktor in a bear hug, squeezing quite tightly as Dr. Frogg tried to breathe.
"Yeah… hay there big guy…" he groaned, wincing in pain at how tight Red was hugging him. "You're… crushing… me…" he barely said. Luckily though, Red heard Frogg and let go. Placing him on the ground carefully and making sure Frogg was okay.
"So, how have you been?" he asked, smiling largely.
"Oh, good. Good… working on my company. It's part of my plan for world domination." he explained, a little more quietly to Red. He even leaned in to make sure it wouldn't just get out in the open. He was doing good today, no one seemed to notice him and he planned to not get noticed any time soon.
"That's good… so…" Red trailed a moment, poking his fingers together as he seemed to have something to say. But was too afraid to say it.
"If you're about to ask that I come back, I'm not going to do that." Frogg stated, expecting that was the question.
"Huh? Oh, no! I just… wondered if you had a phone number and an address. I mean, I would like to visit and all…" Red stated. He truly was going to ask Frogg to come back. But when Dr. Frogg instantly said no before he asked. Well, he didn't want to seem like a bother.
"Oh. Sure. You have a pen and paper?" Frogg asked. Red smiled, nodding his head as he shuffled through his pockets. Passing over a pad of paper and a pen. Frogg attempted to grab the pen, but his claws made it nearly impossible. And so, he had to pass it to Red and speak aloud his number and new home. Yet again having to lean in and speak far more quietly.
"Thanks!" Red smiled, shoving the information into his pockets. They stood there for a bit, trying to find other things to say before realizing there wasn't much needed to be spoken of at that time. "So… see you later?" Red asked. Frogg nodded, saying bye as Red moved around Frogg and headed forwards with his cart.
"Oh yeah! Wait!" Red jerked a moment as he turned back to Frogg. Who, came by with the can of peas he had also attempted to grab.
"Oh, thanks! I nearly forgot!" he added.
"Yeah, well I need you to do something for me." Frogg asked.
"Sure, what is it?!" Red chirped.
"Okay. I need you, Doomageddon and… Voltar… to try and watch an important video I recorded." He spoke, having to take in a deep breath in order to say Voltar's name. "It's of the utmost importance. You guys have to watch it. But especially Voltar. It's a… safety thing, that's all." Frogg stated, a serious tone in his voice.
"Okay, I will!" Red replied.
"Good…" Frogg confirmed with a small smile, turning to go back to his own shopping. Red stood there and watched a bit as Frogg went ahead, smiling at how Frogg seemed to care about Voltar still, or so he hoped. Yes, there was a chance Frogg lied when he said it was a safety thing, and the video could be something to only put down Voltar. But something about how he said that didn't seem like he was lying. "Oh yeah... heh… one more thing, promise!" Frogg stated. Flushing a bit at how he kept on forgetting to give Red Menace the information he really needed to give. "If… you ever feel like switching. You know, wanting to work somewhere else or something… I do have some openings for bodyguard…" Frogg cooed a bit. "Just saying" he added in, waving goodbye at last as he left.
"Bodyguard… hmm…" Red thought about it. It didn't sound evil at all; well he'd be working for evil but doing something he liked; protecting and helping. And he was Frogg's friend. But, he couldn't leave Voltar. He was his friend too… he would have to really think about it. Really, really, REALLY think about it. But first, he had to get Voltar to watch that video.
"Voltar, Doomageddon, I'm back!" he called out. Carrying with him the bags of food he had bought. Over and over, he told himself to get Voltar and Doomageddon to watch the videos with him. Making sure that he wouldn't forget and fail Dr. Frogg.
"Good! Did you bring it, did you bring it!" Voltar asked, jumping up and down with excitement as Red dug through one of the bags. Pulling out a large, box of quadruple, yes, quadruple fudge cookies. "EEEH!!!" squealed the happy leader. Jumping up and attempting to grab the cookies. However, Red Menace lifted his arm up. And so, before Voltar had the chance. The cookies were out for reach. "Hay!" he shouted.
"We need to talk. I saw Frogg today..."
"Oh no, he's coming back isn't he?" Voltar groaned.
"No! No… Actually, he just told me to try and get you, Doomageddon and me to watch an important video he recorded. He says it's for safety reasons…" Red stated, working hard to see if there was anymore information that was behind the videos he may have forgotten.
"Red, why would I want to watch some lousy video Frogg made?" Voltar asked.
"Well… he said it's of the utmost importance, and-"
"Yeah yeah, whatever. I'll watch it later!" Voltar waved. "Now give me my cookies, gimme-gimme-gimme!" he jumped, Red sighing a bit as he handed the cookies to him. The little red man squealed as he ran off. Likely to go through the entire box within thirty minutes. And that would mean having to get more soon.
He moved down the hallway as he headed to Frogg's room. Walking in to see the place quite empty. At least, all but what was on his computer. He didn't really know why Frogg hadn't yet removed the information from his computer. But he guessed Frogg had been so mad that day, he didn't even think of taking his information with him as well. And was too busy now to return and do it. Either that, or he was still angry with Voltar and didn't want to see him. It could also be due to the fact that he had no need to take the information with him, or even that since he wanted them to watch the videos; he left the information on the computer. Whatever the case was, Red assumed that the video must be on his computer. He pressed the on button, allowing the large computer to boot. The screen flashed on, a blank, white background for his screensaver. And right away, Red notice on the left side of the screen a folder that read "videos".
"It might be here…" Red mumbled to himself, clicking it as he saw there were about twenty videos. "Hmm, this one must be the one Frogg wants us to watch…" he stated; noticing a video that said 'For Red Menace, Voltar and Doomageddon'. "But it looks a little long… still; Frogg wants us to watch it. And I told him that I would." Red avowed, deciding to begin watching now. He'd get Voltar to watch it later. Just as he clicked the small icon that was the video; Voltar called his name.
"Red! I need you to get more cookies!" he called out.
"He already ate them all? Wow… he's fast…" Red muttered, walking out of the room as the video enlarged itself on the screen.
Doomageddon teleported into the room as the video loaded, somewhat looking for Red. He was starting to grow hungry, and Red Menace being the only one who really fed him, looked for the large man to get some food. However, rather than finding Red Menace, he spotted the video on the screen. Sitting himself down as he observed it with some curiosity. It finally played to show Dr. Frogg, to the hellhound's confusion, sitting on a chair in front of him. Doomageddon tried to understand what the meaning of this was. Wondering when this video was made, for that matter.
"If you are watching this Voltar, Red Menace, Doomageddon; you did one of two things. You either did what you were told, watched this video and will understand what NOT to do. Or, you didn't," he paused, his face growing serious as he showed this was going to be grave, "and Voltar, your are really screwed now. You see, I decided after having our plans fail, and having you, that means you Voltar, wanting to do silly things like destroy lawn gnomes with dinosaurs or getting one zillion television channels just to impress some kids; I decided to try and… help myself, so that I may go and do evil that you tend to ignore. How? With the Luck Helmet, which has worked and the soon to be built booster. Now, I really should get to the point here, for this is important if you actually decided to listen to me for once and watch this when I tell you to. I plan to add something to the brave booster… something that occurs if you do the reverse. And, you must understand; if you decide to try and reverse this well… let's say you'll find yourself in Hell soon enough…"
Doomageddon watched this carefully, observing the video as he snickered a bit. As the short film went on, Doomageddon just had to give Frogg some credit for this one. That man certainly knew how to set up a trap.
Things seemed to have been going quite well for the construction of Frogg's "company". It was really looking more and more like an actual, professional business, as the men brought in desks and other materials. Especially with the new workers, following the Vice President as he tried to explain to them how it would work. The man looked quite professional. A slick suit, his hair a little choppy. But carefully tied back into a ponytail. He looked to be quite the professional.
"Amazing how hours of preparation can turn Cue into such the business man…" Frogg laughed, somewhat not use to seeing Cue's actual face. It wasn't scarred or unpleasant to look at. It just seemed different. Much more than his usual, all covered but eyes face.
"So… sorry to ask but I need to make sure it's perfect... can you run through the information again?" Meredith asked, the two on the floor just above where the company ended and soon began to be the actual base.
"Alright. I go by the name Mr. Frosch when we're in the company area. Our company sells the inventions that I create to stores that then sell them to the people. You are Miss Sottise, my secretary. Cue is Mr. Señal, the Vice President." Frogg explained, not really annoyed with Meredith needing an explanation again. To be exact, he wanted one for himself. Just to also be certain things were perfect. "And remember, you have to dress up how Miss Sottise would dress up." Frogg stated. "Just like I have to dress up as Mr. Frosch."
It was a clever way to hide his base. No one expecting a villainess lair to be above, and below a simple company. But it was a complicated and mildly risky plan. If neither one of them knew the insides and out of Mech-Co, it would all go to hell. Not including the fact that they needed to have alter egos in order to run this company. If they went as themselves… well. After the G.O.D. incident, would anyone want to work for Dr. Frogg? Likely not. Meredith and Cue were safe really, but it was just to be careful. Not everyone forgot the minor villains. Either way, this also meant having to create other accounts, credit cards, etc, etc. And then there was the fact that they would have to dress up. And Dr. Frogg was not happy with that. There was a great line of risks that could crash this plan down into the gutter, as well. But Frogg had to take a chance. Besides, with Cue's average knowledge of how to run a basic company; mainly from traveling about before actually settling into working at Villaynes; including Frogg's smarts. There was a good chance they could succeed. And make quite a lot of money that would easily help fund all of what Frogg was soon going to work on.
Including one bonus to all of this was Frogg was starting to get his army. Not yet, they were simple people who wanted a job. But, with a few devices and chemicals… they'd eventually become part of the Claw Empire. It was a mild risk, but since he did not run a country; this really was the only way he could get an army without having to openly advertise. This would be the same with the people who bought his products; but that would be worked out later.
A vibration and loud, techno-like song came from Frogg's pocket. The doktor pulling out his recently bought cell phone as he read it to see Cue calling. He tried to answer, but he seemed to have a hard time. Meredith having to do it for him in the end.
"Ugh… infernal claws…" he grumbled. "What is it?" he asked Cue.
"One of the builder… guy… persons needs to ask you something?" Cue stated, unable to exactly know what the people designing their company was called. It didn't surprise Frogg, oddly enough. As, Cue had stated that he had a mild bad memory on things that seemed of little importance to him. And decorators didn't seem that important to him.
"They're known as decorators, Cue…" Frogg stated, agreeing to come down as he closed the phone and put it in his pocket. "Ugh… I hate doing this…" he stated, having to get dressed up as Mr. Frosch to go downstairs. "I can't wait till this decorating and renovations are over… than we can work on the parts that actually matter…" he mumbled.
General Sergeant sat in his office quietly as he observed what he knew on Dr. Frogg. It still didn't help that the man was foreign, or for that matter. That his mother was a spy and made certain that she, and her family were kept as secret as possible. Without the sufficient amount of information, he could never know the weaknesses or strengths that made Dr. Frogg. And without that, what hope did he have to defeating the man? He flipped through the papers yet again, trying to find information that could help him prepare himself for near future battles. Hoping that there was something, anything that could link to further information on Frogg.
"There has to be something…" he growled, flipping through the papers as he began to lose a little hope.
"Sir…" General Sergeant looked up to see Jim, peering in from the door. "You wanted to see me?" he asked.
"Good. Jim, we need to talk…"
"Listen, I'm sorry if my quarters aren't clean and I know that I still haven't cleaned off that moldy sandwich from the wall but I promise I'll-"
"You're not being fired, Jim." General Sergeant stated, to a great relief of the S.W.E.A.T. Trooper.
"Than what is it, sir?" he asked, standing straight and to attention.
"It's about Dr. Frogg…" he paused, sighing a bit. "I'm having a bad feeling about him."
"Sir, he is a villain."
"No, I mean a really bad feeling. He seems worse… far more than Skullossus." General Sergeant stated. "If he is anything like his father…" he trailed a bit, looking to the papers that were in his hands.
"His father…?" Jim asked, wondering what Dr. Frogg's father had to do with… well, Dr. Frogg. Well, other than be his father.
"The man was also a villain. He's retired now… sort of. But whatever the case, I did a little research on the man… it was hard, but I got some good information." he explained, going to a board on the wall. "He had made an attempt to rule the world once…" he explained.
"Really? I… don't remember hearing anything-"
"The United Nations kept it on the down low once it was solved. That, and you weren't exactly born yet Jim." He paused, laughing a little at his statement. "He was a young man, early twenties I presume. He had been able to control the entire eastern hemisphere but failed to get the western. They didn't want something like… that to be in the history books. I was able to get some information about those two years though…" he explained.
"So… what does that mean?" Jim asked. General Sergeant was quiet a moment, looking to some papers he had posted on the bulletin board in his office. It was scattered with pictures of villains. Ones that were defeated, other that weren't. But the one that seemed to stick out the most was Dr. Frogg's, a little larger than Skullossus's.
"It means that we may have another scenario like that on our hands…" he paused, crushing the papers in his hands. "And we may very well not be able to stop it, this time…" he stated.
"Another attempt to world domination…? Sir, are you certain?" Jim asked.
"I could be off, but…" he sighed a moment, turning his back to Jim as he stared at a picture of his family. "The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree…" he mumbled.
"What sir?" Jim asked.
"I'm just saying that there's a chance that if this… Dr. Frogg, had become a villain from learning from his parents. He may very well try and do the same thing his father did. Succeed where his father had failed. Even if he doesn't know his father made an attempt to rule the world once, he may want to try it anyways." He stated.
"But how do you know that?"
"Because children learn a lot from their parents…" he added, taking a picture of his family off the wall and staring at it. "And if he's anything like Elizabeth…" he was quiet; so much that Jim hadn't heard him this time. "Jim; I want you to look up this person…" he placed the photo back on the wall, heading over to his desk and writing down some information. "She might be able to help us…" he added, handing it to Jim. "Understand soldier?"
"Yes sir!" Jim saluted, running off to do his job. He left General Sergeant alone in his office, the man looking back to the picture of his wife and daughter.
"I'll make sure you don't grow up in such a world…" he explained. He could only hope he was off… but if Dr. Frogg was anything like Elizabeth. He could hope not. Hope that Frogg was just a made scientist. And not be like Elizabeth, who had adapted both different points from her mother and father. It wasn't bad that she was a major shopper like her mother, but also a heroine like her father. It was just, if that's how she ended up with two different parents. Imagine what dangers would come from Dr. Frogg, a man raised by a mad scientist who nearly had world domination, and an international, skilled double-agent spy.
It could be catastrophic.
The space overlord sat upon his metallic throne as he observed Earth. Musing about how fragile the planet was. Oh what should he do today to the planet? Try to block out the sun? Destroy the layer of atmosphere that blocked out the most deadly of rays? Or perhaps, he should move the planet. Move it farther than Pluto, to a place where it would simply freeze and become nothing more than a ball of ice amongst the stars? There was so much he could do… and yet, he never really did it. Yes, he had tried. Freeze rays, guns powerful enough to extinguish suns. But when he came to this planet… something seemed to be holding him back. He would claim them to be faults. The freeze ray froze him, or the gun shut down. But, could he really blame those problems? Back when he was far away from this weak planet, he wouldn't even talk about his plans. He would simply grab what he needed to destroy it, and then destroy without a second thought.
Now though… he would go and wait before destroying the planet. Or go through pointless, winding speeches on how he would be their doom. Much different than when he would rush in and destroy the place, grab the weapon, and then leave before doing another batch of destruction. He wondered if the planet made him weak. Or, maybe it was because he had grown to somewhat… enjoy terrorizing the planet. It was far more different than others he destroyed. Far weaker, too. And far more fun to get people running about, panicking like chickens with their heads cut off.
"Computer, access all video surveillance camera." Skullossus ordered.
"Right away, your evilness" the computer replied, opening up holographic screens that showed bits of Metrotown and other cities he had visited before.
"Also, show me the current news… I haven't been to Earth in a while, and I would like to see what major changes may have occurred." He stated.
"Right away." It repeated, turning on another, larger screen.
He observed every single screen before him as he looked for important details. Sometimes asking the computer to remove one or two when it seemed like nothing was going on at all. And it continued like this for a bit, until finally only one was left. Portraying the news channel that spoke of current issues.
"In other news…" the news anchor paused a moment, shuffling his papers as he looked back to the screen. "After much debate for some time, it as finally been decided that the construction of the new skyscraper, which would have been the largest skyscraper in Metrotown, has been cancelled. Due to the recent defeat and deaths of every member in the Group of Defenders, or G.O.D. within and around the building. With the thought of their deaths having occurred here; the company owners have agreed to cancel in order to pay respects…"
Skullossus leaned out from his seat as soon as he had heard G.O.D. had been killed. He hadn't faced them before, mainly due to him doing his evils in Metrotown and not in Starville. But he had heard of them, a powerful group of heroes that could certainly outdo Glory Guy and General Sergeant combined. Hell, they could outshine every hero in Metrotown. And with the number of villains that roamed Metrotown, there were a lot of heroes.
"Computer, turn up the volume!" Skullossus demanded.
"Right away, my Evil Overlord." It stated, the volume going up as Skullossus listened inventively. Trying to hear the killer's name.
"People are still advised to stay away from the killer, Dr. Frogg. Who is seen as now very armed and deadly. Those who spot Dr. Frogg are suggested to report this as soon as possible. The chief of police, as well as the mayor, are still trying to figure out whether they should…" Skullossus ignored most of the report once he learned of who killed G.O.D. Thinking carefully on where he may have heard that name before.
"Wait! Dr. Frogg… him? No… but… he was the one who killed Glory Guy…" he thought it over. A little amazed that he had forgotten about Dr. Frogg. He stood up, pacing a bit as he wondered about Frogg. Could the man have done it?
"What is it, your Evilness?" the computer asked, noticing that he seemed to be deep in thought.
"Huh? Oh. Nothing much but… could you get as much information on Dr. Frogg as you can?" Skullossus asked. "Just about what he may have done recently, if there are any news reports or papers on it. Make sure you get detailed ones." He asked.
"Right away." The computer replied, searching the internet and all other forms of places to receive information. Until finally, four screens appeared. Replacing the news report as each one showed a newspaper heading. They were from the same newspaper company, but from different dates. A new title appearing on the front of the four different sources of information. He walked over to them, looking at each one.
"Terrorist threat in Metrotown… Loss of a Hero… The Annihilation of the Metrotown-Starville Bridge… Massacre at the Tallest Skyscraper…" he carefully went silent, eyeing each source of information. Moving a little more to the right to read another screen, until finally all four had been read. Each one talking about the incident, but above most. Who caused these problems. Skullossus sighed a moment as he paced back and forth, thinking hard about the one, common link to these problems.
"Is there something wrong?" the computer asked.
"No… well, maybe not yet…" Skullossus mused a moment about the question. Was there a problem? "Maybe in the near future…" he mumbled.
"Near future? Why is that, Skullossus?" the computer asked on.
"Because Dr. Frogg seems to be advancing quite far… and I fear that I may be outdone by him if he's left… unattended…" Skullossus went on.
This was a first for him. He had met many villains, and most were okay. Heck, he had even befriended a few. But… this was only because he expected them to never really outdo him. They were good, but not good enough to truly get farther and take over the world. Or destroy it before him. And, well; that wasn't a good thing. Just as much as heroes were bad when it came to a villain attempting to rule the world or destroy it; it was just as bad when a villain outdid you and would beat you to the punch at something. And, no villain wanted that? Though, thinking of it he somewhat blamed himself. He should have destroyed the planet before he began to enjoy simply terrorizing it. He could have tried now, though in a sense he doubted that he would actually go on with it.
"So what should we do?" the computer asked once more.
"Well…" he paused, wondering. This was a first time; he didn't really know what to do. Should he just go in and attack? Or wait and watch? "We'll wait a bit. I want to see what happens from here on. I could be entirely off… and I have to admit. If I ever need a temporary alliance, I don't want an 'I attacked you because I thought you would outdo me' on my record with Frogg if he really won't try to go any further." Skullossus explained. "No, just try and monitor what he does next as much as possible." He explained.
"Yes sir." The computer replied, making it one of its top priorities.
"Why can't I think of new plans!" wailed an annoyed and bothered Voltar. For nearly weeks, Voltar couldn't seem to get a plan into motion. He'd get an idea, and it would seem brilliant. But then something would tell him it just wasn't going to work. And so, he would simply crumple the paper and toss into the overfilled waste basket.
"Well, maybe it's-"
"If you say that one more time, Red I'll…" Voltar didn't know what he would do, but he'd do something bad.
Repeatedly, Red had been saying "maybe it's because Dr. Frogg is gone". That Voltar was tossing these plans into the garbage because every single one involved at least an invention of sorts. Only possible to be made by Frogg. And with him gone, there was no way they could get an invention. This meant a lot of Voltar's plans having to be tossed aside. This was all true, of course. But, Red didn't explain all of it. Some because it would be a little confusing and quite abnormal for Red. But most of it in the form of an attempt into getting Voltar to need Frogg back without sounding too annoying. In hopes that it would get Voltar to look for Frogg, and ask him back.
"Well… okay…" Red stated, noticing that Voltar really was angered by Red's constant attempt to get him to try and convince him to get Frogg back. And even though Red was bigger than Voltar, there was no way he could hurt the little man if he were to attack him.
"Good!" he replied, turning his attention back to the large, chart paper in front of him. He tapped his pencil upon the area of his mask where his mouth was. Thinking hard on a plan that could be quite evil and brilliant. "What if…" he paused, beginning to draw out some shapes of sorts. "We egg Steve's house, and with- AH!" he began to crumple the paper, realizing yet again that the plan would fail no matter what.
"Voltar…"
"What did I say?" Voltar interrupted, trying to remind Red Menace to not repeat those eight words.
"No, I mean. Maybe it's because you keep on putting in these big inventions that neither of us can build." He explained, hoping this wouldn't get Voltar's wrath on him.
The tiny man thought about it, hopping down from the stack of books he used to boost himself up in the chair. He paced a bit, thinking about what Red said. It was true, the common factor that was there was an invention that neither one could build.
"You may be onto something, Red…" Voltar explained, thinking a little more on the situation.
"Really?" Red stated.
"Yeah. The common thing that keeps on ruining my plans is an invention or science… thingy we need, but none of us can build." He explained.
"So why don't we just remove the invention and find something else to fill in that spot?"
"It isn't that easy Red!" Voltar spat, not meaning to. But he was getting edgy, and with that, went his temper. "We have to have an invention! Otherwise, it isn't a brilliant, evil plan! It's just an evil plan… and you need the brilliant!" he stated.
"So… what do we do?" Red asked, sighing a bit. He was getting a little annoyed with this. Wishing for Voltar to say take a break and relax. Red was getting a headache from all of this hard thinking and planning. And he just wanted to go try and cook for a bit or do something he liked.
"Well…" Voltar trailed a moment, realizing that he didn't have an answer to that yet. "We'll have to think about it!" Voltar stated. Red groaned as he had hoped Voltar had an answer soon, which meant he could finish the plan quicker and allow them to rest. Or decided to take a break and relax before thinking it through some more.
"Voltar…" Red asked, a bit of a whiny tone to his voice.
"What?"
"Can we take a break? I mean, a quick one or something? I'm getting a headache from all of this thinking, and we missed lunch too." Red explained.
"Take a break!? Red, it's been weeks since we had an evil plan! We have to get one now!" he shouted. Red sighed, slamming his head on the table. Which Voltar ignored of course. Instead hearing a grumble from his stomach as the reminder of food sparked Voltar's hunger. "Hmm… okay, a food break!" Voltar stated shortly after he had just denied a break, and quite suddenly as well.
He walked off to the kitchen. Red jerking his head up, smiling a little at how Voltar's hunger was able to get Red some break time. He headed into the kitchen, seeing Voltar looking at everything.
"Red!" he blurted out. "Make me a sandwich!" he demanded.
"Why don't you try to make it yourself?" Red asked. He slammed his hands over his mouth, realizing that he had actually denied an order from Voltar. And though he had been very polite when he stated the question, more of a suggestion than an actual statement. It was true that Red denied an order, nevertheless.
"What was that…?" Voltar asked, slowly turning to Red with a hard glare.
"Um, right away Voltar!" Red restated, rushing past the tiny leader as he began to try and organize the materials needed for a sandwich. He didn't look back to Voltar once as he tried to sort out the food. Holding his breath in anxiety at what Voltar would do or say next.
"… Good…" he paused, "that was what I thought I heard…" Voltar went on, turning about and leaving the room. As soon as it seemed like Voltar was out of the room, Red Menace eased up. Slowing his speed to making the sandwich as he looked back.
"Wonder where that came from…" Red asked himself, still quite amazed that he had made such an outrageous thing as to deny Voltar's order.
Red sat in his room, looking out the window as he thought a bit about what he had said in the kitchen. At first, he assumed it was nothing. But as soon as he had brought the sandwich to Voltar, the smaller man decided that they would take the rest of the day off. And so, Red was starting to wonder if his sudden, deny to do the sandwich, even though he did it in the end, was something bigger than what he thought.
"It couldn't be that bad… I still made the sandwich…" Red spoke to himself, sighing as he somewhat wished he had someone to talk to. Like Frogg for example. He'd be able to explain why he denied doing it. He always had an answer for stuff like this.
"If… you ever feel like switching. You know, wanting to work somewhere else or something… I do have some openings for bodyguard…" he mused to himself about Frogg's offer of being a bodyguard. It did seem tantalizing. He'd be doing evil, that being he'd be working for Dr. Frogg, who is evil. But not in the sense of actually having to hurt others. That is, less they hurt Frogg. Or try to, really. And, that was more of a defensive reason than one of just fighting.
"Maybe… no, no! I can't leave Voltar…" Red spoke to himself, sighing as he stood up. "That wouldn't be right…" he added. The idea of bodyguard did seem nice, but he couldn't just go leave Voltar.
Doomageddon wandered into the room, sitting there as he seemed to watch Red mumble to himself.
"Huh? Oh, hay Doomy." Red smiled, walking over and patting Doomageddon on the head. "Huh… I really don't know what to do. I mean, Frogg's bodyguard offer seems really nice. But… I shouldn't just leave Voltar…" he explained. "Why did they have to fight…" he mumbled to himself, rubbing Doomageddon's head as he seemed to be at a crossroads.
It took a month for Red Menace to get the bravery to leave the lair and head to where he heard Frogg was working. He had tried a few times, but somehow it seemed that Voltar knew what he was attempting to do. He kept on getting in the way, constantly finding something for Red to do. And the harder Red tried to get away, the harder Voltar worked to keep him home. It wasn't until he finally found a good excuse to leave the house alone did he get away and see Dr. Frogg's work place. He looked up at the building, amazed at how… normal it looked. He hoped it was the right place. He sighed, walking in slowly as he spotted eyes fall upon him. He cowered a moment, at first worrying that he'd be recognized for the G.O.D. incident. However, it seemed to be that either no one remembered the lesser villains' that were part of the fight, or no one cared. Whatever the case, they only seemed to eye him for the way he dressed, certainly not for who he was. Otherwise, they would have coward.
He came upon a young woman behind a large desk, her head down as she seemed to busy herself with papers. He sighed, smiling a moment as he began to really feel doubt about this being the right place. He sighed, going to the desk as he stood before the woman. She didn't seem to notice, but Red waited. Not wanting to bother her at first. It was only when she seemed far too occupied in her work did he actually try anything.
"Ehm…" he spoke, trying to clear his voice as naturally as he could, yet as noticeable as he could as well. She looked up, to the shock of Red Menace that it was Meredith. He wouldn't have recognized her, actually, had it not been for the fact that he seemed to remember Meredith for her abnormal eye color.
"Red?" she stated, amazed at first. Her voice quiet. "Is that you?" she asked, still keeping her voice quiet.
"Uh… yeah… it's me." Red stated, surprised she had forgotten him. He hoped not, it felt a little rude. Including he only nearly forgot her for the fact that she looked different, certainly not because he just forgot her.
She smiled, nodding as she stood up. "Right this way, sir." She stated, her voice changing its tone at sir as she lead Red to an elevator. He stepped inside, somewhat humming for a moment to the elevator music that played. Moving back, he allowed Meredith to get in front and choose the floor. With the click of a button, the clean silver doors closed. And with a slow shake, they were lifted off.
Red stood there, silently. Looking to Meredith, still amazed. She looked nothing like a villain, she looked exactly like any other person; or at least, any other person who had a good job. He sighed, wondering if Cue and Frogg looked like this. Was Cue even with Frogg? He didn't know, he somewhat hoped so. Frogg wasn't the only one he was missing. The elevator shook again as they reached the floor, the doors sliding open as he could see that, rather than end up in a hallway, they were right in a large office. It looked huge, the place designed in what Red thought to be a new-age modern motif. The room was bright white, light grays and black covering the room. He could see some beautiful vases and plants that seemed to fit well with the space. And while it all looked nice, the couches that sat in the middle of the large room, likely where people would meet and talk, seemed quite uncomfortable. He heard some voices up ahead, looking forwards to see a tall, thing figure talking with a man whose chair was turned back.
His voice sounded familiar, but Red couldn't pinpoint on where. He noticed Meredith begin making her way forwards, Red somewhat stumbling to keep up. He slowed once behind her, looking at the back of the chair. He heard a voice come from it, also quite familiar. And yet, so different too.
"Mr. Frosch, Mr. Señal." Meredith spoke. "A 'visitor' for you." She explained, her voice changing its tone when she said 'visitor'. He looked to the tall figure as he turned to Red. Even looked all so familiar, and yet so different too.
"Red?" the figure spoke, narrowing his tired eyes. Red was taken aback suddenly as he noticed, now close up, the bags under the figures eyes. A lot like the usual tired-eyed Cue.
"Cue! No way, you… you look…" Red was speechless, he had never seen Cue without his mask. Let alone so spick-and-span. Though, it mostly amazed Red to see Cue mask-less. He looked very different without it. He never even knew Cue had long hair.
"I know, weird huh?" he stated, walking over. "I feel a little… too revealed like this. But, it's okay." He shrugged. "If this means our plans work out, than it's worth it!" he stated. The two nodded, soon talking more of what they were doing on the side, in their spare time.
Meredith cleared her voice as loudly as she could, getting the two friends to stay quiet. A look on her face seemed to say that there was more to do, than just chat. And with a nod, Cue… whom quickly told Red that in public, while dressed like this he should be called Mr. Señal, headed to Meredith. The two left the room, going down the elevator as Red was left in the room with the man who sat in the chair. He stood there, uneasy as he tapped two fingers together.
"Well," The voice spoke, "what do you want?" he asked, Red jumping a bit. He walked over, still tapping his fingers together as he tried to get his question out. His brain didn't seem to click yet on who it was, but than again. Except for the mild similarity in his voice, Red just could not seem to figure out who this man was. No mater how obvious it seemed.
"Um… I'm… looking for my friend, Dr. Frogg. I kinda wanted to… talk to…" he trailed, hearing some giggling coming from the chair. He looked confused, at first unable to tell why the man was laughing. He thought of asking, but he worried that it would seem rude.
"You know…" the voice said, a few clicks coming from where he sat. "I always thought you could easily figure people out, no matter what…" it said. "Than again," the voice spoke, rising up a metal claw from the chair. "I wouldn't myself recognize either, without the accent or claws." The voice spoke, suddenly changing from the smooth calm voice to the scratchy, German-like accent that Red easily knew.
"Dr. Frogg!" Red spoke, shocked as the chair spun around. He certainly did not look like the doktor; however the voice and claws were certainly undeniable. This was Dr. Frogg; no matter how different he looked.
"I have to admit, it was very hard keeping my composure. The way you spoke, it was just like you were talking to a big time business man!" Frogg stated, laughing a bit. "I really thought you would have easily figured it out without me having to tell you." Frogg spoke, shaking his head.
Red nodded with a bit of red to his face. Embarrassed that he was unable to easily figure out that obviously the man in the chair was Frogg. The red tint to his face faded away, leaving Red smiling as he spotted Frogg giving him a happy grin. Frogg stood up, going around his desk as he headed towards the bookcase Red hadn't paid much attention to. He watched as Frogg slowly went back and forth, pulling out certain books. Until finally the book case slid to the left, revealing to Red a secret elevator.
"So, why are you here anyways Red?" Frogg asked, clicking a button to summon the elevator. Red Menace rushed over, waiting for it to arrive. He was silent a moment, in truth he himself pondered why he had come.
"I guess… to visit." Red shrugged, looking down at Dr. Frogg. The doktor seemed to hold a neutral appearance, showing no emotion that could state whether he was happy, sad, angry, confused; whatever he should feel to Red's answer.
"That's good." Frogg stated. The elevator doors arriving as he stepped inside. Red followed, carefully moving around so he was behind Frogg, able to give him more access to the buttons. Upon looking only two buttons existed; one with an arrow pointing up, and another with an arrow pointing down. They stood there, silently in the elevator as began to go down.
"So…" Red trailed, trying to spark some sort of conversation to escape this awkward feeling in the air. "How are you doing?" he asked, lightly rolling on the balls of his feet.
"I'm doing well." Frogg replied, the elevator ride seeming much longer than the first that took Red to Frogg's office. "My plans are starting to come together… I'm not a fan of having to keep this business façade though." He explained.
"Oh, why's that?" Red asked, deciding to continue their conversation. That, and naturally he were curious as to why he felt this way.
"It's taking up too much of my time… or at least, it feels like it." Frogg mumbled, though loud enough for Red to hear. "It's a lot of work, first to keep the base and the work place separate. I have to pay my workers… though I am lacing their coffee and the food served with some chemicals that eventually will make them my 100% loyal minions with a set of words," he chuckled a moment "so maybe it evens out".
"Including while I am getting more money, my rapid growing business here is getting a bit too big. I was hoping to keep it subtle, but seems like it won't happen so easily." He stated. He only hoped that people would buy his products, and leave it at that. However, it seemed that his rapid growing business was gaining much attention than what Frogg expected. Meaning more interviews, deals with many other companies, and much more that was becoming a bother of sorts. It was a little overwhelming, but if there was one bonus to this; more people were buying his products. Which also meant more people eventually becoming his minions.
"Hmm, does sound like a lot of work…" Red mused, wondering if he could ever do this; run a business and do evil plans like Dr. Frogg. The elevator shook, and the doors opened. Revealing a white hallway that lead to what may be a single room.
"Yeah, but if this means I am gaining money for all of my work, plus having a base like this and a higher rate of minions…" he stated, leading Red Menace to the room. "Than it's rather worth it… including once I have control over the planet, I can simply abandon this work and get much more free time to do whatever I please." He spoke.
Red nodded, somewhat grimacing but at the same time trying to smile. He was happy for Frogg, it really did sound like this plan was going to be full-proof and inevitably lead him to his main goal of ruling the world. But, Red had to admit. It did sound a little… scary. He liked Frogg and all, but Frogg was mildly on the crazy side. He was always the violent, 'I enjoy seeing people suffer' type. And he didn't know if it was the best idea to have a man like Frogg gain control of the entire planet. Upon entering the room, Red's jaw dropped as he spotted the many, many gadgets that covered the large room. Each one of different size, shape, even color. He heard Frogg giggling, looking to see that the skinny villain noticed the amazement in Red's face.
"Nice, huh? This is what you'll get with large amounts of cash coming in." Frogg stated, heading towards a small, swinging pair of doors. Red was prepared to follow, but upon closer inspection saw it was actually a change room of sorts. Likely used to help Frogg go back and forth between himself and the counter part he made.
"This is really cool Dr. Frogg!" Red stated, eyeing every machine and device as fast and best as he could. He looked to one, the object quite spotless and so polished; Red could clearly see himself, as if it were a mirror. "This must cost a lot, though." Red added.
"It does." Frogg replied, close to being fully changed into his daily attire. Or, what was his daily attire, now that he tended to have to hide from the public now that he was a very wanted criminal. His daily apparel now becoming the get up he used to become Mr. Frosch. "However… I do… kind of do the occasional dumpster dive." Frogg laughed, a hint of embarrassment coming from his voice. "A sort of bad habit I can't get rid of…" he stated, leaving the change room.
Red smiled upon seeing Frogg back to how he always dressed. The same blue clothes, same hair style; he looked just like the way he was. Well, sort of. The buckle on his belt no longer donned the league's symbol, nor did his left shoulder. Instead, it seemed to be his new symbol; a simple, outline of a claw holding the outline of the world. Not as complicated as the actual design, but certainly saying 'this is the group I am part of and run'. This also appeared upon his shoulder.
"Ooo, scary!" Red spoke, having to admit that even with the simpler design, it did look mildly eerie. Frogg looked down to the buckle a moment, nodding his head.
"Cue thought it up. Never saw him to be the creative type…" Frogg stated. He walked over to Red, noticing he had been eyeing one of his more recent inventions. "This isn't complete, yet." Frogg openly blurted out.
"It isn't?" Red asked, looking to it again. "But… it looks so finished and… shiny." Red spoke, looking to Frogg. "How is it not finished?"
"I have to edit out some bugs, and do tests…" he confirmed, "it's supposed to be one of the few inventions that is meant to be sold by the company. It's meant to help those with dementia and Alzheimer's." he explained. Red nodded, liking the idea of Frogg doing this to help people. "That, and if I ever do happen to start… forget things as I grow older, this will keep me from loosing my mind." Frogg added in.
"Should have known…" Red spoke, shaking his head a moment. He really shouldn't have assumed that Frogg was doing this to help people; villains always thought of themselves first, than others. Well, themselves, than evil, than interests, and much more before finally caring about others. Only Red seemed to have been the opposite; though likely because he really wasn't all that evil.
"You were thinking I was really doing this to help people, weren't you?" Frogg asked, giving Red one of his 'seriously, you were thinking that' look. Red laughed a moment, nodding his head as Frogg simply shook his at Red, than turned back to the machine. Unpleasant silence yet again resurfaced, the two silent, Red looking about the room and Frogg just staring at the machine.
"So… about that deal…" Red finally brought up, looking down to his hands. He thought about it a moment, trying hard to find a way to ask his question. "Though I'm not saying I'll join, I'm just… wondering if it still stands and what I would be doing…" Red spoke. Not wanting to tell Dr. Frogg he was going to join, but not wanting to sound like he would never join.
"Well, it's always open; you can choose whenever you want." He stated. "And as for what you would be doing; as I said. You'd be a bodyguard, both for the business part and the actual evil part." He explained. "You would make sure I would never be hurt, make sure that no enemies would appear to stop me, the basic stuff a bodyguard does." He stated. "Though, it all depends on if you want to do it or not." He added in quickly.
Red nodded, going quiet as he sighed. "I think I should go home… Voltar might be worrying!" he spoke, blurting out the last part in order to not sound like he was feeling doubt or regretting coming here. Frogg nodded, turning to Red with a blank look.
"I'm going to stay here for a bit, just click the arrow pointing up, it'll take you to my office again; and don't worry about the bookcase. It will automatically close after a while." He stated. Red nodded, heading to the elevator as he clicked the button. When it arrived, he headed inside.
"Well… bye Dr. Frogg…" Red spoke, waving to his villainous friend. Frogg waved back, though not turning around.
He just could not turn around and show Red the wicked smile that played upon his lips. If he could contain it, he would have. But he just couldn't, the thought that Red was actually considering changing sides seemed so… massive to Dr. Frogg. He began to cackle at the thought, having expected that Red wouldn't have joined so… soon. He had a feeling that eventually, Voltar would drive Red out. Or something would happen, meaning that Red would leave. But to have it this soon, it just all seemed so sweet.
I know this chapter seems slow; but there is some information here that is really going to help explain some up coming events; you'll know which ones they are. Also, if anyone has seen 'Glory Hog', I am seriously sorry if the thing with Skullossus is entirely off. I have missed about 3 of the second season episodes (one being Past Due… which is pissing me off cause I wanna see it badly!) and I don't know how Skullossus acts about the Earth well enough to know if he'd not give a flip about it (and destroy it ASAP), or if he would kind of want a hero to stop him.
That is, unless the episode does not portray anything; in where if that's the case than whateva. I'm good. But yeah, I can't watch it either, since it won't be for a while until they play the new episodes again. Either way; I can wait. I just hope it'll be soon. So yes, please don't yell.