"Krogan, we have been weakened considerably ever since we have lost Drago Bludvist," said Viggo. "To do what must be done, we'll have to advance to the next stage. He had left formidable power behind us. You only have to say the word and Ryker, and I will go and retrieve that power for you."


Two months ago, on a certain day in February, Krogan analysts of the League finding ways to regain their strength. They had made it all the way to a dense forest when suddenly the ground beneath them broke apart, and emerging from the ground was Giganto.

"I have waited so long; now I have found you at last," he said, looking down at Krogan. "So, are you really the leader that will succeed Drago?"

Krogan looked up at Giganto. "Viggo, is this the formidable power left behind by Drago? I'm not impressed."

Viggo gave a small smirk. "Then perhaps a demonstration is in order."

Giganto raised his hands and slammed them into the ground, immediately creating what felt like a small earthquake. Every single one of them were blown backwards from the shockwave of the impact.

"Why would you do this, Drago Bludvist!" Giganto roared furiously with tears in his eyes. "I can't believe it! Tell me why Master! He's too weak to deserve this!"

"I see him run into some trouble, Krogan," said a voice.

Krogan saw the old radio that had been around Giganto's neck had fallen to the ground, and he recognised the voice coming out of it.

"Doctor?" he said.

"I trust you have been well."

"Ask me again in a minute; it may be game over there."

"I can't accept this!" Giganto cried. "I don't wanna question you, Master, but this is wrong!"

"I take it that you have met Giganto?" Doctor assumed. "He's Drago's biggest fan; this giant even used to work as his bodyguard. He's got incredible stamina and resilience, and with that body, he can handle multiple metapowers without having to undergo any modification.

A few years after the Master took you in and after Skullcrusher weakened him, Viggo warned him that defeat was inevitable. So he convinced Drago to hide Giganto from view. Together both Viggo and Drago thought many steps ahead and planned meticulously. Drago did this so no matter what became of him, he could be certain that his hopes and dreams would live on."

"Call me crazy, but this doesn't seem like a very nice gift," said Diablo as he produced flames in his palms. "Or is it just me?"

"You've got quite a discerning eye, Diablo," said Doctor. "Giganto is loyal; that is what led him down the path of despair you see now. It pains him that Krogan doesn't quite measure up to Drago."

"So you're saying that we've got to make this big baby like us?" Diablo yelled as he unleashed a burst of flames at him.

At first, it looked as if the flames had stopped Giganto in his tracks, but when they dispelled, he remained completely unharmed, and they hadn't even slowed him down.

"Well, that didn't work at all!" said Turid.

Giganto kept on charging towards them even faster than before, with the obvious intent of crushing them beneath his heel.

"Giganto…" said Drago's voice from the radio. "…Giganto… Giganto…"

Giganto suddenly stopped in his tracks and dashed over towards the radial, cutting it tightly in his giant hands.

"That a recording of Drago's voice; I knew it would calm the big guy down," the Doctor explained.

"He is more trouble than he's worth," said Krogan.

"You're very quick to dismiss it," said Viggo as he stood there with his hands behind his back. "Being this power would help you greatly in your goals."

"You should listen to Viggo and smarten enough," said the Doctor.

"If I wanted anyone's opinion, I would have asked for it," said Krogan.

"Then allow me to try something else. One second."

"What is he up to?" Turid asked.

"Mad scientist types don't make any—" Twice, then suddenly burped out of nowhere.

"Really? How gross can you—"

Turid then suddenly felt sick as black with a quick shot out of her mouth, and the same thing happened to everyone else.

'What the heck?' Twice yelled.

'This is the same power that Drago used in DC,' said Compress. "How? Why?"

'Things just keep getting weirder,' said Spinner.

"Now that I've got your attention, let's have a little chat," said the Doctor.

They disappeared, leaving nothing behind but strange black liquid.


Suddenly they all reappeared in what appeared to be a kind of lab filled with giant test tubes filled with strange creatures.

"Nasty! That stinks!" Turid complained.

"Where are we?" Krogan asked.

"What is all this?" Diablo asked.

They closely examine the strange creatures in the test tubes and immediately recognise them as Red Deaths.

"Red Death?" said Diablo. "They don't like ones I've seen before."

"Diablo, I'm impressed you can tell the difference," said the Doctor's voice. They follow the voice towards a computer screen, and sitting on the chair was an old man. "I knew you had a keen pair of eyes. These are not nothing like middle or low-level Red Deaths. These are High-End, my finest work. Super Red Deaths. Dare I say to call them masterpieces."

"Good timing, I've been looking for you," said Krogan. "There's something I want you to duplicate."

"Viggo, it is a pleasure to see you again in the flesh," said the Doctor. "Have you been successful in guiding Krogan?"

"I do my best in pointing him in the right direction," said Viggo.

The Doctor turned to Krogan. "I would remain my location to remain a secret, which is why I summoned you all here by transmission. Besides Krogan and Viggo, your faces are all new to me. Much like Giganto, I'm a close aide of Drago Bludvist; you may call me Doctor. Now to business, I brought you all here today because of an agreement I need out of my deference to our former boss.

My life… my tech… my expertise… and, of course, my little ones here are dedicated to the great Drago Bludvist. Up until now, you've been getting by on my scraps, my leftovers. It's not that I dislike you; I just have to be cautious. I need to make quite sure that you are worthy of receiving the fruits of my labour because, so far, I'm unimpressed. A reject dragging through the dregs of society, what can you show me to change my mind, Krogan?"

"Honestly, I don't remember much about my life before I met you and master," said Krogan.

"Yes, I'm already well aware of that."

"And yet, I said, this uncontrollable rage inside of me. Ever since that day, I've been thinking about what happened."


20 years ago, Krogan was an orphaned boy on the streets when you were suddenly approached by Drago.

"No one came; not a single soul stopped to help you, did they?" said Drago. "That must have hurt. Krogan Cruelson, I know you're afraid and in intense pain. You ran and ran, looking for someone to help. No child should have to endure that."

Drago then wrapped his arms around him and hugged him, and tears began to fall from his eyes.

"People thought a hero will come. Sooner or later, a hero will help as they pass by, pretending not to see you. Who turned the world so upside down that a child must suffer as you have? But not anymore, for I am here."

"I have no memories of my life before my master helped me that day," said Krogan. "I was just an empty shell, actually hollow."


Drago then took him to a house and offered him a room.

"I am sorry about the cramped quarters, but as of today, this is your room, and for now on, I will be your master," said Drago.

"Master?" said Krogan turning to face him. "What are you going to teach me about?"

"Doctor," said Drago.

"Yes, sir," said Doctor, and he entered the room with a trolley of human remains.

"This is all that's left of your family," Drago explained. "A very rare variant metapower manifested in you. A mutation no one has seen before, and you murdered your loved one simply by hands on them."

Krogan suddenly found himself completely overwhelmed with horrific memories.

"Do you remember that?" Drago asked.

Krogan then suddenly threw up on the floor and shivered uncontrollably.

"Will we modify him?" Doctor asked.

"No," said Drago bluntly. "Even if your mind has forgotten, your body remembers, and the feelings remain locked in your heart. You asked what I would teach you. As your Master, I will help give you purpose with that frustration."


"Every time I try to think back to my family, I immediately feel sick to my stomach," said Krogan. "But at the same time want to remember my family. Do you think that's odd? My mind is empty beyond those flashes and fragments, and yet there's a heaviness in my heart like a lump of lead. Never moving, filling the rage that propels me but never brings me relief.

Even if we bring down the hero society, even if I rule the ruins from the shadows, that lead will be with me all my life. That's why despite all of existence, all that lives and breathes presses on the weight of my soul. So then, why shouldn't I destroy it? Why must I suffer it? When this world falls, we will see the glorious new horizon that awaits us. So why not lend me a hand? I will show you the holes of heaven and the depths of hell."

The Doctor just sat there looking at Krogan and then burst out laughing. "You sound like a kid playing a bad guy; I'm amazed you got through with a straight face. Oh, why not? I'll help you achieve your vision, but only you can back up that speech with action. After all villain's philosophy is worthless if he can't bring his dreams to life."

"Krogan, those ideas of yours seem a little bit deranged if you ask me," said Turid. "Like, do you want to destroy everything that I love?"

"There's always room for comrades' wishes; live out as you want to," said Krogan.

"All right!" Turid cheered.

Doctor laughed. "You pass the test with flying colours; you're appalling."

"Hold on, you were testing me," said Krogan.

"I plan on working with you from the start, but I had to see some growth. I can't bestow these powers onto just anyone you know. That said, I still can't hand them over yet; you're all far too weak. But there is something you can do that can prove to me that you are ready.

Giganto may be dense, but he is valuable to us both. Though, unlike me, he hadn't accepted you as his own. Do you catch my drift? If you can make him submit to you that everything I have will be yours to use as you see fit. If you want what I offer, you'll have to seize it for yourself."

Krogan just smiled. "Fine. But was that self-indulgent tutorial necessary?"

"Just saying right now that I'm not helping," said Diablo.

"Oh, come on. Don't be a graduate because your flames didn't work on him," said Turid.

"That's not it, you maniac; I have a good potential ally in mind. I'm going to focus my energies are there." He then turned and looked at Krogan. "Do you object?"

"No, I'll look forward to meeting them," he said.

"In that case, Diablo, I would very much appreciate your help in testing a High-End Red Death," said Doctor. "I have just the one; it will pair elegantly with your aesthetic. A perfect match."

"Did you even hear what I said?"

"I'm afraid I'll be setting this one out myself," said Viggo. "I have some work that needs to be done."

"Fine, I'm sure we can manage without you," said Krogan and turned to the Doctor. "Send us back now so that we can get started. I feel like I can take on the world."

A platform then appeared next to him, holding a radio.

"From this point forward, contact me through this device exclusively," said the Doctor, and then he picked up a small creature wearing a pair of trainers and its brain visible in a jar. "Come on, Johnny, back to Giganto. These little soldiers go."

Johnny then opened his mouth wide, and a black liquid shot out, wrapping itself around them.


Giganto was still kneeling against the radio with tears in his eyes.

"Oh, Master," he said.

Krogan then appeared next to him. "Hello, now you ready to submit to your future King?"


It was now April, and Krogan and the League had been battling Gignato day and night almost continuously. Giganto had just tossed Krogan up into the air and then punched him as hard as he could.

"You're weak!" he roared.

However, Krogan turned out to be one of Twice's clones which immediately began to melt. He then suddenly found the ground beneath him, gave way, and he started to fall into a ravine. Higher than the air were Krogan, Twice and Compress.

"He's vulnerable when he's in the air," said Twice.

Giganto then slammed his fist into the ground creating a massive shockwave that caused rubble and dust to be shot upwards into the air.

Spinner and Turid were a few miles away, but they could see the dust cloud forming in the horizon.

"Looks at the future King is in trouble," said Turid.

"Well, that's nothing new," said Spinner.

Both Spinner and Turid were wearing their civilian clothes.

'The Doctor had promised that he would give his full support, but only under one massive condition that we rein in Giganto. And in the month and a half since then, Krogan has come no closer to improving his strength of the giant and winning him over.

The big guy wages an all-out assault for 48 hours and 44 minutes straight, only taking breaks to sleep. That brief respite only lasts three hours, and then he started the whole cycle all over again. His body gets bigger during combat, and some of his is always able to find Krogan no matter where he hides.

So for a month and a half now, Krogan has barely slept a wink, but even as he's pushed to the brink of death, Krogan is still smiling. As for the rest of us go, he doesn't seem to notice when we withdraw from the action. It's like he's blind to everything except for his primary target… Krogan. We rest in shifts, keeping ourselves fresh, so we can devote our energy into helping our leader in conquering the giant. Meanwhile, the Doctor is giving us barebones financial support. Turid decided to spend what little money she got on a new duffel coat.'

"Toasty and warm," said Turid as she walked casually.

Spinner groaned; he could think of a number of items where that money could be better spent.

"I don't run as quickly if I get cold," he said, smiling.

"Uh-huh."

"Plus, airline looks super cute on me."

"You only joined the League because you are obsessed with Flightmare?" Spinner noted. "His influence is all but disappeared at this point, though. So why are you still here?"

"I love Mister Flightmare, and I love Hiccup; it's so amazing that I can be all these wonderful people," she said with a dreamy look on her face.

"Your real free spirit," said Spinner as he put on his mask.


Once Giganto was asleep, they soon joined up with Krogan and the others. They didn't look too worse for wear, though Compress' prosthetic arm was destroyed.

"The monster is asleep," said Compress. "As massive as he is, you would think he'd stopped to eat more."

"Hey, Krogan, you still alive over there?" Turid asked.

"Yeah, the big dumb bastard is slowing down a lot," Krogan smiled. "I'm much closer now ever since this saga has started. I'll bring an overgrown gorilla to his knees sooner or later."

Spinner looked at him closely. 'That look in his eyes, it's like a kid chasing after a dream.'

Twice's phone then began to ring, which sounded an awful lot like a fart.

"It's Johann," said Twice as he looked at his phone. "I wonder where he's been?"

"I've been calling Johann and then getting nothing but radio silence," Compress complained. "Ask him if we have damage insurance?"

"That guy cares about me more than anyone ever has; he got me into the League, you know. A real pal, that one," said Twice and answered the phone. "Why the hell have you been answering Mr Compress' calls? You're the absolutely worst man!"

"Oops, that would be our fault, sorry," said a voice that was obviously not Johann. "Don't be mad at him. Don't tell me your Gruffnut Thorston, the villain known as Twice, right?"

"A voice changer?" said Compress curiously.

"Who are you? Where's Johann?" Twice asked.

"Never mind that; turn on the news if you can."

Twice then turned on the news.

"Our top story following yesterday's events is another thing to has been found," said the reporter.

"A finger?" said Spinner.

"Earlier and severed finger was found near the home of the Dragon Hunter's boss, at Berk shopping mall, on the Detroit Expressway, and at ground zero at DC, all within the last three days. And our pinkie finger turns up in Atlantic where Hellfire battled against the Red Death."

"All areas we been active lately, that's no accident," said Compress.

On the other end of the phone was a middle-aged man in a business suit holding out a glass of wine as he overlooked a town.

"Who the hell are you, huh?" Twice demanded.

"I am the ground commander of the Meta Liberation Army. The name is Re-Destro," he said.

"First the Mafia and now the Liberation Army," said Krogan. "All you has-beens are trying to make a comeback. I hear you're selling a lot of books lately. You want to get in on the trend while the getting is good?"

"Think again; we're the ones who started the trend," said Re-Destro.

"Congratulations; what do you want with Johann?" Twice demanded. "You better not hurt anymore. Your toast!"

"Ah, I've got your broker right here, and he's still alive, of course," he said, looking at Johann, who was currently strapped to a chair. "Our objective is to liberate all Meta-Humans. To demolish the existing framework and create a world where people can be themselves. Where they can use their abilities to their fullest capacity."

"Interesting; I don't see any reason why we should oppose that," said Compress.

"Is he trying to exploit our name just like the Mafia?" Turid asked.

"Give us the broker, and we'll get back to you soon," said Krogan. "We're busy now. I'll hear that, you little revolution club, once our task here is complete."

"While you're taking a breather, why not just hear me out?" Re-Destro suggested as he poured a glass of wine. "I'm not going to release my hostage now because you're not calling the shots, and your friend has told me what a tight-knit group you are. Your broker is an admirable man and takes great pride in his work.

I imagine that he is determined to remain hidden in the shadows, ever careful to avoid the prying eyes of heroes and police. Sadly he never thought that someone might be working in those same shadows, ready to pounce. Still, I commend him; he had the foresight to delete his client list before we struck. Not only that, but he didn't so much as winds as we started taking his fingers, nor did he give you up. As for that client list, we were able to recover it; I must praise his resistance, feudal though it was.

We, liberation warriors, have worked hard, preparing for years to enact the coming events. We have endured for generations biding our time, spreading out far and wide. Revolution club? I don't like jokes in poor taste. I have 116,516 hidden warriors, and we're lying in wait, ever ready to take action."

"This guy must be bluffing," said Spinner.

"Rex Spinson, huh? So how is the weather there is deep in those mountains?"

Twice immediately tossed his phone, realising they were tracking them.

"Too late for that, I'm afraid; we're watching you right now thanks to our satellite," said Re-Destro. "Go where you will, but we will always find you. We are always watching the League of Villains, Hellfire, Hawks, Edgeshot, Cottontail and Crest. One quick call, and they will drop everything and have you surrounded."

"I do appreciate the advance warning," said Krogan. "Now, what do you want from us?"

"I insist that the leader of this revolution bear the name Destro," said Re-Destro as he raised his glass to a portrait of a man. "Your organisation has become too well-known. Therefore we shall crush you, the signalling the arrival of the Liberation Army. The fingers prove our resolve; let's not draw this talk out with a little pointless bargaining.

The war has begun to liberate all Meta-humans from tyranny. Next, you will make your way to Hercorn town in the state of Colorado within the hour. That is your only hope of freeing your friend Johann then you must make your choice. Will you stand against us and be destroyed, or do nothing and be captured by the heroes? You must decide, Krogan."

"He wants us in Colorado in the hour, and he's tracking our every move from space," said Compress as he looked up towards the sky. "If that's all true, then it feels like Checkmate."

"Uh, do we even have to discuss this?" Twice asked. "No way, that guy just described Johann to a T; this Re-Destro guy has him for sure. Johann saved me, gave me a place to belong, and we have to go and save him right now!"

"Johann might already be dead, though," Turid pointed out. "Everything that guy said could be a lie. All that we have is his word."

"But even if there is a slim chance that Johann is alive, we have to help him," said Twice.

"You want us to bow in there without a plan?" said Compress. "Calm yourself; you've become way too attached to people lately. It becomes a bad habit."

"It's because I'm an outcast!"

Krogan then removed his mask, and he immediately had a mental breakdown.

"I think I've got an idea," said Krogan and reached for his radio. "Doctor, did you catch all that?"

"Yes, I've been tuning into villain radio, and I'm shocked that the Meta Liberation Army is back. The move you been making in the underworld have spread out some real darkness."

"How long do we have until the big baby wakes up?"

"If left undisturbed, he should wake up in two hours and 25 minutes, give or take," said Compress.

"Perfect. Where are Diablo and Viggo."

"At the moment, just outside the border of Colorado."

"That's a great place to be," Krogan smiled. "Okay, we'll need to transport. Let's go."

Spinner stared at him. "You're taking the bait? What if they really have 110,000 men? We'll be dead."

"The giant is not invincible; after a month and a half of fighting, it is clear to me. He does have excessive stamina, and no matter where I am, he'll sniff me out and hunt me down." Krogan then slammed his fist into his palm. "We're going to send Giganto right into the fray and let him face all those fighters. Battling those revolutionaries where that meathead down."

"How sneaky, and what will you do with it turns out Re-Destro is bluffing?" the Doctor asked.

"Then he'll die, simple as that."

"We're really doing this?" said Spinner.

"That's what I said," said Krogan putting Twice's mask back on.

"Oh, I'm covered," said Twice, relieved. "Now I'll recover."

Krogan then turned towards the direction of Hercorn. "They won't know what hit them."