The school is closed for Spring Break.

It's time to relax and have fun until classes start.

Or at least, that was the intention.


DATE: APRIL 6, 2015, 4th DAY OF THE SPRING BREAK, CASTLE ZEMO, GERMANY,


Castle Zemo has undergone many changes over the years.

Some of the changes have taken place in recent decades, with the current Baron Zemo adapting the castle to the 21st century.

One of the most impressive was the Baron's infirmary, which had the most varied medical equipment. And it is precisely in this infirmary where there is a twelve year old, whose life has changed completely in just two weeks.

Lying on one of the infirmary beds, the boy was so wrapped in bandages that he looked like a mummy. Only his eyes and a little from the skin of his face were visible. His skin was now scaly and green, and his eyes were yellow and deep, like a reptile's. He took a fright after leaving the Siege Perilous. He was seeing colored blurs, and felt his body burning, until he felt it would literally explode, and that's exactly what happened. He woke up four days later, and came upon the new reality.

Just as the adults had said he had gained powers, but the price came with a reptilian appearance, as well as eyes with which he was still getting accustomed. If he concentrated, a membrane between his eyes and eyelids covered his eyes, allowing him to see as if he had a thermal camera. His scaly skin was thick and sturdy, and his muscles, despite still being those of a boy, made him stronger than an adult. He had no clear memories, but he was sure that something else had happened after he had exploded, indicating that he might have another power.

The worst part was the fact that he was skipping class and not having fun. Chandler could no longer stand in the infirmary all day. He wanted to test his new powers, and, above all, to prepare for his revenge.

He was so distracted by his thoughts that he did not even notice someone entering the infirmary. As soon as he noticed a shadow over his eyes he turned, and he was startled by what he saw. Beside him stood a man in a green and purple insect looking armor.

"How's it going, mate?" The man said, folding his arms. "Glad to find you awake."

"Who are you?"

"What?"

The boy looked at him suspiciously, making him realize that Chandler had not seen his armor. He removed the helmet, placing it on the headboardof the bed.

"And now, do you recognize me?"

"Sure, you're that guy. Hugh, is not it?"

"That's it, mate." He sat down in the chair beside the bed, and smiled at the boy. "But when I'm in armor, you can call me Beetle."

"How often do you wear this armor? The day I arrived, you all looked like normal guys. With the exception of Baron Zemo, of course."

"You probably did not know, but we had to go on a special operation. Each of us went to three different places, and I think I was the first to return."

"Great! I'm here in this boring room and you guys traveling." Chandler took on an ironic tone, and looked back up at the ceiling. "I bet even Dr. Eight-Arms was having fun."

"Actually, we call him Dr. Octopus. But you're right, it's not fair to you. That's why I'm here to help you."

"What do you mean?" Chandler was intrigued, and sat on the bed.

"Simple. You, like me, are interested in taking revenge on the Loud family. The only problem is that this is not part of the Black Knight's plans for now. But it's like he said: he promised he would not attack them, but he said nothing about the other Masters of Evil."

"So, you want to propose a partnership?" Chandler was smiling under the bandages. He was eager to know Hugh's plan. "And what do you have in mind? As far as I know, scaly skin and night vision are no match for a family of superhumans."

"Look, Mr. Garrett did not want us to tell you yet, but you did not faint as soon as it exploded." Hugh glanced sideways to make sure they were alone. He picked up a small bottle of green pills from the nightstand, and handed it to the boy. "Do you know what this is?"

"It's the medicine I have to take. At least, that's what Dr. Octopus said."

"This is to suppress your powers. You see things like a thermal camera, and that's because you've become a living reactor."

"I became a what?" The boy was puzzled. Surely he had heard wrong.

"You're a living nuclear reactor. According to Octopus, you produce high amounts of gamma radiation, and when you reach a specific point, you release a powerful energy pulse, which seems to affect superhumans."

Chandler was still amazed at the extent of his powers, but wanted to know more.

"And how do I affect superhumans?"

"According to Octopus, you can temporarily affect their nervous system. I did not quite understand the words he used, but from what he summed up, you can make them lose their powers temporarily."

"This is perfect!" Chandler stood on the bed, feeling victorious. "If I can get all the Louds at once, they'll be helpless." He looked at Hugh straight in the eye. "Then you can use your armor and finish them."

"I like your enthusiasm, but it's not that simple." Hugh looked at him in a worried way, and assumed a more serious tone. "Another reason for you losing your consciousness was that Zemo shot you with his desintegrator gun."

"What!? I do not remember him shooting me."

"That weapon was supposed to kill a person, but your thick leather helped you to survive. The problem with your pulse is that it also transforms you, and you seem to act like an uncontrolled beast, completelly losing the plot."

"What?"

"You got bigger, and very, very strong. At the same time, you seemed to lose all control, and began to destroy the lab."

Chandler sat on the bed, shocked to discover his other power. As much as it made him a powerful opponent for the Louds, he would not have the pleasure of seeing Lynn humiliate herself in front of him, or watch her cry as she witnessed her family being massacred.

"So, no revenge for now?" Chandler felt discouraged, staring at the ceiling, defeated.

"I would not say that."

Hugh and Chandler stared at the door of the infirmary, and Dr. Octopus came. He clearly had heard the conversation.

"How much did you hear?" Hugh asked worriedly.

"Enough to know that you intend to attack the Loud family even though Nathan is clearly against doing it at the moment."

"Look, Dr., I'm sure we can come to an agreement." Chandler tried to use his talent to manipulate others, hoping to get the sympathy of the scientist.

"Spare yourself from humiliation, young man." Octopus stretched one of his tentacles to the boy, and dropped a small box on his lap. "Although I have nothing against the children, I detest Lynn Loud."

Confused, the boy opened the box, and found a black shorts. Beneath the shorts, he found a bottle of red pills, similar to the ones he had to take.

"What is it?"

"These shorts are made of special material, which will grow along with you when you transform. The pills are to ensure that you will not lose control again. Just take a red pill, and you can transform and remain yourself.."

Both Hugh and Chandler were impressed. Octavius clearly wanted to hurt the Louds as much as they did, but he wanted to do it from the shadows, without drawing attention from the Black Knight.

"What do you suggest we do now, Dr.?" Hugh got up and took the helmet, leaving it under his arm.

"Obviously, you should test the effectiveness of my pills, so I suggest you take one of the HYDRA jets and find a place to test." Octavius turned somber, and looked straight at them. "But of course, I can not do anything if you decide to go to New York and take a test against the Loud family."

The three smiled wickedly, knowing what they were going to do.

Octavius left them both in the infirmary and headed for his lab. Hugh looked at his accomplice and prepared to leave.

"Well, I think I'll prepare the jet. We still have to figure out a way to break into the Loud Tower at a time when the whole family is together."

Upon hearing this, Chandler had an idea.

They did not have to invade the Loud Tower.

He remembered that something important was going to happen in his old school. Something that would make the entire Loud family attend.

"Actually, I do not think we'll have to." He looked straight into Hugh's eyes, almost making the man shiver. "Do you like soccer?"


For anyone who had doubts, Chandler is alive.

I still have some more Spring Break Shorts, but as soon as I'm done, the Masters of Evil will attack.