'After I killed my family, I ran away from my house. I didn't know what was going to happen next, but what else was I supposed to do? I thought that someone, anyone, would help me. Guilt kept my voice locked away; I couldn't say anything.'
Krogan was walking through the busy streets barefoot with blood on his hands. A few people did see him, but there were completely creeped out by his appearance and ignored him.
"Hi, there," said a woman. "Are you okay? What's the matter, honey?"
She reached out towards him but stopped when she saw his creepy face and quickly backed away.
"I'm sure he will, or a police officer will be here soon, you'll see," she said. "I have to go, or I'll be weight work. By now."
'The denser the population is, the more crime and emergencies there are. Stuff that takes priority over a lost kid wandering the streets. Still, this society is overflowing with heroes; one should have helped me. I figured I was being punished for killing my family, but you know, if anyone had reached out, anyone at all, then maybe I would be a completely different person.'
Drago finally found Krogan and could see potential in the boy. He had now just shown Krogan the remains of his family, causing him to throw up.
"Child, you have such an urge to destroy that it's impossible for you to control it or keep it below the surface," said Drago. "Hate is spilling out of you, overflowing from every pore. You don't have to endure that; it's not necessarily a bad thing."
Krogan found himself in a dark alleyway, where he was immediately beaten up by a pair of thugs.
"This is our street brat! What the hell do you think you're doing out here, huh?"
"Think we're going to let you off easy because your little baby? Not a chance."
Krogan could easily kill them with a single touch of his hand, and it was very tempting, but he decided against it.
He was then brought back to the safe house, where the frustration of this morning consumed him.
"Ah, poor thing," said Drago. "What is it, you fear? Act as your heart desires. If you don't, you'll live an agonising life alone. Conscience… morals… ethics… these are concepts created by humanity. People who want the world to run smoothly don't be held back by that. Do not be afraid what's inside you is more important than anything else. Now tell me what you want to do?"
"Those guys that hit me, I want to kill them," said Krogan. "I don't know why, but they're so many bad feelings inside of me, and no matter what I try, they won't go away. I can't hold back much longer!"
Drago smiled. "Then go and do your best."
It was now dark, and it was falling down with rain; the two thugs that had beaten up Krogan early were just hanging around.
"Geez, how many more friction Hero Agencies are going to pop up in this neighbourhood?"
"I know, it's such a pain."
They then stopped as they saw Krogan emerging from the alleyway and turned to face them.
"What the hell do you want?"
"I thought we told you to get off our street!"
Krogan merely ignored them and raised his hand towards them.
Observing below from the top of the building were Drago and the Doctor.
"What an odd turn of events," said the Doctor. "I thought that he lost his memories."
"They are merely buried deep down inside him, tucked away. The trauma was so large that it was buried deep within his subconscious, making him extremely unstable. He is now only led by his emotions. He feels uneasy watching and observing as he subconsciously keeps his power in check. I will personally cultivate his new identity; he will be the symbol of fear that breathes destruction. Already he has taken the first grand steps toward greatness."
"I feel sick," said Krogan. "I think I might throw up, but at the same time, I feel so calm, like I'm allowed to do whatever I want."
He then soon returned to the safe house, where he was greeted by Drago.
"Congratulations," Drago clapped. "You held back your tears and did what had to be done. You've been reborn, and now you can celebrate. Just remember this day, the day that you became a newborn introduced to the world and leaving the shell of your old life behind. Now stand tall and show me who you are… Krogan."
"I don't get a new name?" Krogan asked curiously.
"Why would you need one?" Drago asked. "To the rest of the world, you're dead, so why try and hide who you are?"
"I remember everything now," said Krogan. "When I was a child, I killed my father because I wanted to. Watching mother and the others crumple away made my heart lighter. It wasn't a tragedy; there was beauty in their destruction. I don't need a future; I just want the League to live however we want to, and I'll destroy anyone who gets in our way."
Re-Destro then charged towards him, charging an incredible amount of stress in his palms. He then slammed them down upon Krogan, but he merely stood there and destroyed his impact move with a mere wave of his hand.
'How is he doing this?' said Re-Destro shocked.
At the same time, Giganto was charging towards Krogan, despite the liberation warriors doing their best to slow him down.
"Re-Destro!" said Geten and extended his ice to make his way over towards Giganto.
"If I destroy your power before you can finish, the punch is harmless," said Krogan simply as he limped towards Re-Destro. "In the end, you're just big, that's all. I understand how fun it is to destroy something you hate, but that's not happening here."
Re-Destro narrowed his eyes. "My power is a means to an end." He then pressed down on a device attached to his belt, and then suddenly she the ground where pieces of armour were. "I was called to liberate people! To carry out Destro's rightist will all cost!"
However, he had this strange feeling that he couldn't place surrounding him. 'What's this? A pulse washed over me in waves. Fear? No, it can't be! Fear is an emotion I can turn into power; this is altogether different.'
The armour then began to attach itself to Re-Destro.
"Seems like something is holding you back, Re-Destro," Krogan noted.
'Why are my stress and power receding?" he roared.
He remembered when he was first introduced to the movement, everyone had high hopes for him.
'Young master, for decades, we have lived in hiding, but you will carry out your father's will. Being Destro's dream to fruition.'
"I design a suit of armour to boost my power to a whopping 150%!" Re-Destro roared.
The armour began pressing hard against his skin, and sharp metal pipes impaled him around his body. This created both anger and anguish that would boost his meta-power considerably, though this was the first time he implemented it.
"Oh yeah?" said Krogan, not looking concerned in the slightest. "Bet that feels nice."
Giganto was still charging through the city towards Krogan, going right through buildings. Twice had his clones carry him and Turid to a safer location.
"Don't get too close; he hasn't noticed us yet. It's nice that he's been drawing them over there, but he's still our enemy."
"He's way too powerful," said the real Twice. "I think it's probably time we regrouped and replan."
"Great, he woke up early for once," Compress complained. "If we try for a fight with him now, the League will be annihilated."
"Crappy timing," Diablo muttered. "I was just about to melt that ice, bastard."
Compress reached for his radio. "Doctor, you're listening, yes? Get us out of here! Giganto is too much. We're going to die!"
"Are you trying to kill Johnny?" Doctor asked.
Compress frowned in confusion. "Who?"
"My poor baby gets tonsillitis every time he walks people."
"I don't care about that, and you're liar. You wrapped people freely before."
"It's not wise to get involved with people who have given away the location and could be tracked by an enemy. Get rid of the Liberation Army on your tail, and try asking me again."
"Are you okay with Krogan dying then? I thought he was Drago's successor?"
"That's why he must be driven into a corner."
Geten was chasing down Giganto, and it was clear that he was heading straight towards Re-Destro.
'Now we must be careful, Diablo, the meta-fighter with the League. His flame attacks have an impressive reach. Geten, you are the cornerstone of our army.'
"I am so sorry, Re-Destro," said Geten and fired to ice dragon straight towards Giganto. "I'm sorry that I made you worry."
Giganto saw them and immediately grabbed some rubble, tossing it at Geten with incredible power behind it. Geten was able to shield himself with his eyes, but the impact of the blow was massive.
Trumpet was on his truck, chasing down Giganto. "We must protect our leader."
Twice meanwhile, was dragging Johann away from the battlefield.
"Johann, pick up the pace!" Twice yelled as they tried to avoid the rubble.
"Quick! Get to Re-Destro!" Sceptic yelled.
Re-Destro was now ready and immediately swung his fist at Krogan with incredible speed and strength. However, incredulously, he was able to stop it by grabbing it and disintegrating it in an instant. Realising there was no waste could beat him hand-to-hand, Re-Destro activated the jet boosters and pulled away from him.
"So a 150%, you said?" said Krogan, not looking impressed. "That blow was nothing compared to Skullcrusher's might."
Giganto was still smashing his way through buildings as he approached Krogan. "Master's successor!"
"We see freedom from suppression; we believe using meta-abilities as well is an actual human right," said Re-Destro narrowing his eyes at Krogan. "After suffering an awakening, it's as though this man has changed."
Krogan then bent down and placed his hand on the ground, and it immediately crumbled and started to spread from the entire area.
"He's been liberated from everything. I see; that's what this throbbing in my chest is."
Krogan's power began to spread until it finally touched the legs of his armour, causing them to crumble.
"I have to get outside his range!" Re-Destro panicked as he quickly took off as his left foot crumbled.
As Krogan began unleashing his full power, he began to remember the lessons that Drago had taught him.
'Do not be afraid; try thinking a bit of this way. People's livelihoods, their dreams, their breath… all of it rests within your powerful hands. You can crush them or make them your playthings, whatever you wish. If you can both meld hate and joy in your heart, then you will be free.'
Viggo was high in the air of serving everything and was completely shocked by the devastation Krogan was unleashing.
"I knew he was powerful, did not think you would be this powerful," said Viggo, stunned.
Krogan merely laughed maniacally as his power continued to spread, demolishing block after block. Giganto had stopped in his tracks as you observed the destruction.
Re-Destro was flying through the air, but his armour had taken a massive amount of damage and was starting to break apart.
"Destroying all!" Krogan roared.
Suddenly the ground gave way, creating a massive crater, and half the town had been decimated. Re-Destro was still flying through the air, but his armour had practically fallen apart, and he was riding on the jet pack like a surfboard, knowing that if he touched the ground, he would be dead. However, the updraught from Krogan's attack erupted, and he began falling towards the ground.
When the dust began to clear, more than half the town had been decimated, and Re-Destro was still very much alive. However, his feet had touched the ground, and so that the decay would not spread, he was forced to amputate his legs with a sharp piece of metal.
He then heard footsteps and saw emerging from the dust was Krogan; it looked as if that attack and also done a number on him. His right arm looked badly damaged, and he was limping, his face covered in blood.
"Did your feet touch the ground?" Krogan asked, and Re-Destro responded with silence. "Too bad. You must have cut them off to keep your body from disintegrating, huh? Now remind me why were we fighting again? Oh, I remember; you were the ones who brought us out here."
Re-Destro said nothing and had a small smile on his face.
Trumpet then arrived with a number of liberation warriors surrounding the crater.
"Re-Destro!" he yelled.
Everyone could see the sorry state that Re-Destro was in, and while Krogan was badly injured, it was clear to everyone that he was the victor.
"The Grand Commander has been hurt."
"It can't be."
"Don't just stand there! Go and save our glorious leader!" Trumpet ordered, using his powers to amplify their abilities.
However, before the jump in, one look at Krogan causes their power boost to disappear and spreads fear into their hearts.
'My power was negated?' said Trumpet, stunned. 'It can't be!'
Viggo then landed next to Krogan. "I believe it has become clear who the winners of this party of yours are."
"No! It is not yet!" Trumpet yelled defiantly.
"Trumpet, Viggo is right. Any more fighting would be pointless," said Re-Destro.
Trumpet deactivated his mass, revealing a face of shock.
Re-Destro looked at Krogan. 'Free use of meta-abilities, not suppression, but liberation. I understand Great Destro. The one who should be at the forefront of liberation, the one who will create the world you dreams of, is somebody who embodies freedom. This man laughed at our history and bloodline, saying they were restricting me. I see it so clearly now, the figure before me as a shining beacon.'
Re-Destro closed his eyes and bowed. "This army agrees with my—no, Destro's principles. They are prepared to become martyrs for the cause. It's as you said, we picked a fight, and you prevailed. Kill me if you like; I'm ready to sacrifice myself for Destro's dying wish. The Meta Liberation Army is now under your command."
Giganto looked down at Krogan and could see that he had finally reached the potential of his master.
"The successor," said Giganto with tears in his eyes.
Krogan remembered a conversation he had after they betrayed the Dragon Hunters.
"If we had worked with the Dragon Hunters, then maybe we would have enjoyed a fancy platter of food and a nicer room," said Compress.
"We also would have had far deeper connections with the underworld as well as financial backing," Viggo added.
Krogan looked at Re-Destro. "So tell me, you're the CEO of Destcon, right? Which means that you're rich?"
One week later, under the orders of Krogan, the battle between the Meta-Human Liberation Army and the League of Villains was covered up.
'Tragedy struck a peaceful city. Criminals used a fake emergency to trick the heroes into a faraway location so they could attack without fear of interference. Facing an unexpected threat, the residents of Hercorn city banded together in resistance. The heroes joined the fray after realising they had been tricked. By that time, many residents had lost their lives.
Eventually, all 20 members of the criminal group were killed, and the heroes closed the case. The news reported that Destcon's president and CEO were present at Hercorn city at the time of the attack. He managed to survive, although he had amputated both his legs.
Some said that the untrained civilians did more harm than good by using their powers to fight against the threats, but the world at large couldn't stop talking about the heroism of the residents. Unfortunately, the incident left behind many mysteries.'
The League of Villains were now holding up the villa owned by the Liberation Army, enjoying a fabulous feast.
"Huzzah, we live to fight on," said Compress lifting a glass of wine in the air. "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger."
"You didn't actually do that much to help," Diablo pointed out as he sat there without touching the food on his plate.
"Oh, come off it; running away has its merits," said Compress as he drank.
"Diablo, if you don't eat, there won't be anything left," said Spinner as he ate.
"Eat all you want," said Diablo pushing his plate back.
Twice now seemed a little bit more unstable than before as he was now having a private funeral of the clone of Turid he had made.
"Turid, please forgive me, but if you haven't shed your blood with Turid, then right now, other Turid—"
"Pease stop babbling," said Turid as she ate. "I'm still alive, and you're creeping me out."
"Yeah, let's stop doing whatever people don't like," Twice agreed as he kicked the shrine away. "My leg is moving on its own! Don't kick without my permission! I was a bad boy, don't hit me. Wait, what? What are you just saying to me?"
"I thought your broken psyche got stitched back together, but you seem worse," said Diablo.
"Yeah, sounds like there's more of you now," Spinner nodded. "Guess trauma doesn't just vanish."
Sceptic and Trumpet then entered the room.
"It's time, come," said Sceptic.
"Bite me! We're still eating, you know!" Twice snapped.
Regardless they all followed Sceptic and Trumpet into the elevator, and Sceptic was still sore about how things turned out.
"Through that was purchased using our funds, the medical treatment, video editing and Turid's new coat were also benefits of our financial sponsorship," Sceptic reminded them.
"Yeah, don't forget a big one for us; Baldy would be in the hospital instead of a swanky hideout," Twice pointed out.
"You must put a stop to this Sceptic," said Trumpet. "These are who the Grand Commander—" Trumpet caught himself remembering that they had a new lead. "–I mean Re-Destro shows to lead our people into the future."
They eventually extra the elevator and made their way into the foyer.
"Re-Destro's words are Destro's words," said Trumpet as a secret passage opened up. "That makes them absolute."
Down in an underground hideout was a massive gathering of liberation warriors, who were all facing the stage. On that stage was Re-Destro, who was sitting in a hover chair; Trumpet was standing beside Re-Destro, Krogan now wearing a business suit with a cape over his shoulders and sitting on what appeared to be a throne of some sort and Viggo standing beside Krogan.
"Thank you for coming, liberation warriors," said Re-Destro. "I am Re-Destro; it is a pleasure to see you. Today the Meta-Human Liberation Army will be reborn."
"Man, Krogan wasted no time; I mean, he's still injured," said Turid.
"He was very persistent to get this organised as soon as possible," said Spinner.
"I believe without a doubt the League was an obstacle before we faced them," said Re-Destro. "I had blinders on, but now I have seen the light. A new Dawn is ahead of us. I was a prisoner of my blood, unable to break free from what I'd been taught! But then I witnessed real liberation! This is not me surrendering my friends; it is me doing what is best for our cause! Krogan is truly free! He filled me with the awe that was necessitated with my application.
From this moment, the Liberation Army recognises Krogan as Grand Commander! As we move towards freedom and strive for Destro's world, the Meta-Human Liberation Army and the League of Villains will unite under a new name."
"Ooh, here we go! Here we go!" said Turid excitedly as they began making their way on stage.
"The idea came from myself and Spinner from the League," Re-Destro continued. "And now, please, Krogan…"
"The Paranormal Liberation Front," said Krogan as the rest of the members of the League, as well as Sceptic and Geten, walked on stage. "We got rid of the term Villain and expanded on the whole meta angle to be a little more inclusive. The 10 people on stage on my lieutenants, teams will be assigned to them based on our needs. We will do what we want."
Everyone then immediately cheered.
Later everyone met up backstage, and Re-Destro began talking to Krogan rather excitedly.
"Excellent work today Grand Commander. Can I introduce you to something to drink?" he asked hopefully.
"Go," said Krogan as he walked away using a walking stick.
"Right away!" said Re-Destro and took off. "Trumpet, we're leaving!"
Trumpet sighed as he followed him. 'How painful. I hate seeing him like this.'
Krogan then suddenly tripped.
"He took so much damage; it's a miracle that he's still alive," said Compress.
"The Paranormal Liberation Front," said the Doctor on the radio. "That's what I call a flashy name. I guess it's much better than something tacky like the League of Villains."
"Giganto listen to me, I played your damn game, and I think I've reached that minimal level you were talking about," said Krogan.
"Yes, your memory is back, and you return to your original self, meta-power included. So as I promised, I will grant you power if you're sure that's what you want."
Krogan merely smiled.