Hawks was currently at the villa trying to get as much information from everyone as possible.
'It's been a week since I've passed the Safety Commission might hint,' he said. 'The word: Hospital.'
"Hey, Hawks!" Twice called.
"Hey there, Twice," said Hawks as he ran up to him. "What's up?"
"I need some help pronto!" he said, alarmed. "Crap, you've got Carmine guys with you. Uh, could we?"
Hawks looked at the guys he was talking to apologetically. "Excuse me for a moment."
He then approached Twice, and they walked away. "Start talking."
"I've got to come up with something to use as a credo," he said.
"Why do you need my help?"
"Spinner and Compress have been in meetings with Re-Destro all day. Talk, talk, talk," he said. "Johann and Diablo couldn't care less. And Turid is too cute to ask. Please help a confused man out. Sanctum just said 'that there are still some troops that don't trust us, even if you're just a figurehead, they should hear some credo or mission statement from you, and it better be inspiring'. And the only thing I could think was, 'Uh, I got to take a dump'. And that's when I ran out here to find you."
Hawks laughed. "You actually said that the old Sanctum? That dude is one of the founding members of the Liberation Army."
'Paranormal Liberation Front has been split into regiments. Each one specialises in different areas and are led by members of the League of Villains and high-ranking brats from the old LMA. The three strongest members of each regimen serve as aids to the lieutenants. All but one of the aids previously had bases all across the country; their duties kept them elsewhere, so they didn't participate in the Revival Party in Hercorn. Still, their abilities surpass those of the average hero.'
"Let me think a second," Hawks pondered.
'If they move first, we'll lose. I have been under strict surveillance since I came here, and the only way I've been able to get a clear idea of the organisation's structure is through the intelligence skills the Safety Commission drilled into me when I was a kid. One thing is obvious: there is hostility and resentment towards the current system.'
"I think I've got something," said Hawks, smiling. "The freedom of an individual reigns supreme, and the existing status quo must be destroyed. A little wordy, but I think it would work."
"Perfect!" said Twice.
"Oh, yeah, and we must be completely devoted to Re-Destro."
Twice stared at him funny.
"I mean, it is because of his bloodline that we were able to band together in the first place."
"Uh, maybe we could add that. I'll think about it," he said and then turned to leave. "We should totally talk that guy up! Good call, thanks for your help."
"Any time, friend," Hawks waved.
'The future looks dire, but trying to accomplish by breaking the status quo is the annihilation of every hero in existence. They will attack major cities across the country; citizens will be left without leaders. Chaos will ensue, and then Re-Destro in the Hearts and Minds Party will swoop in. They will hand out weapons and encourage self-defence; it will be back to when meta powers first appeared, and laws will become meaningless. Krogan or send a throne of rubble and war to a world of anarchy. Which really means the second coming of Drago Bludvist, the end of the United States as we know it.'
Hawks then clenched his fist.
"Hey," said Twice, spinning around to face him, "you know you're the best. Especially to me. Glad to know I've got such a nice pal."
"Right, back at you," Hawks smiled.
'All of this came into focus thanks to you, Gruffnut Thorston. When I heard that you overcome your trauma, I feared what you might do. You went from being a petty criminal to a one-man army. The person we needed to keep the closest eye on, but I also knew that you were a friendly guy.'
Hawks remembered the times he spent with Twice as he began to explain everything going on.
"You sure know a ton about the Liberation Army for being a pro-hero," said Twice. "Why is that?"
"Because I believe in what they preach," he said. "The world I want dreamed of turned out to be a birdcage that kept me prisoner. I want to fly free, but I can't do that as things are now."
"Ah, geez, man," Twice moaned. "We've got to get you in front of Krogan so that he knows that you're legit."
"Seriously, it's kinda weird that I haven't got to talk to him."
"That's because he's off getting stronger; he'll be in the mountains near Los Angeles but for months." Hawks instantly caught at, and Twice realised his mistake. "Whoops, that's a secret. Though I'm sure that long-haired spy heard me. You big creep! Anyway, I don't think it matters if you know since you've been working so hard for us. We're a lot alike."
The thought of Krogan getting stronger sent shivers down Hawks' spine. He heard about the devastation he had caused in Hercorn and what would happen if he got stronger.
"The best people are those who help their friends," said Twice. "Don't you agree? Yeah, I thought so."
Hawks smiled.
"Let's fly where we want together."
'I was right friendly and far too trusting.'
Doctor was currently making his way through this hospital cheerfully, humming down the corridor.
"You sure seem happy, Doctor," said a nurse who resembled a cat. "Good morning."
Doctor laughed. "And you."
Hans Healson: powerless and found of Healson General Hospital and its current chairman of the board. He championed the idea of community-based community medical care and started doing philanthropic work soon after opening the hospital. That meant building orphanages and nursing homes throughout the country as well as partnering up with private hospitals and clinics. On the surface, the doctor comes across as a kind man who is respected and even admired.
In Los Angeles, a group of heroes, including Hellfire, was reviewing a report Alvin had given them.
"So this is the monster," said Rock Lock. "A true villain. Drago Bludvist's trusted agent."
"Right, and he's the mad scientist who bioengineered those Red Deaths abominations," said Mandalay.
"How are you so certain he's the one to blame?" Hellfire asked.
"I sent someone in undercover after receiving Intel from the Safety Commission," said Alvin. "He found a restrictive area within the hospital; none of the staff knew its purpose. This off-limits area has one entrance through the morgue. Hans is the only person who ever comes and goes if you need more evidence…" He then brought up an image of Hans inside the restricted area, "this picture is from our man inside."
Suddenly, next to the picture with Hans was a second picture showing a creature standing next to him. It bore a strong resemblance to a Red Death but was smaller and without any arms.
"Is that a tiny Red Death!?" Pixiebomb asked.
"It would be easy to arrest the doctor since he is a public figure," said Alvin. "But if we act rashly, the Paranormal Liberation Front will enact countermeasures. The last thing we want is a repeat of the widespread devastation in Hell's Kitchen or Atlanta. Those events traumatised the public, and we lost too many good people on our side. Sure, we were able to apprehend Drago Bludvist, but it was at the cost of our number one. Skullcrusher was forced to retire. Therefore, we will face the situation with every available resource at our disposal.
"First, the pros will split into two groups. Team Hellfire will be in charge of securing Hans Healson at Healson Hospital. Team Edgeshot will storm the mountain villa, which we believe to be the Paranormal Liberation Front's hideout. These two events will happen simultaneously; in addition, Hero Course students will be deployed as logistical support for both teams. They will assist in civilian evacuation and rescue if the current operation escalates. We expect substantial resistance from the villains, their supporters and the Red Deaths, but we cannot wait any longer. If we don't act now, they will prevail. The doctor, his pets, Krogan, and every villain must fall. Heroes… the idea to take out the entire Paranormal Liberation Front in one sweep."
Edgeshot and his team were overlooking the villa, and so far, they have not been detected.
"Our Intel indicates that the lieutenants have gathered for a routine meeting," he informed everyone. "Everyone of them should be inside this mansion. Our enemy has someone with a warping power, but apparently, that creature is at the hospital. As long as he's kept out of the equation, these foes will have nowhere to run."
Fungi was on the front lines with the heroes and were deeply concerned. "Uh, is it a good idea for us to be this close?"
"What's wrong?" Mudman asked.
"Doesn't the League of Villains have it out for Berk Academy students?" Fungi asked.
Midnight approached her. "They become too big of a problem."
"Miss Midnight," said Mudman as she bent down towards them.
"Now that they have a mass so much more power, Krogan will move to dominate society," said Midnight. "That means the entire world is in danger, not just the school." She then placed a hand over Fungi and gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't you worry? We just want you to help us a little at the very beginning of the raid. After that, you will go to the rear."
"Whatever you need," said Fungi.
Chargeshot panicked. "Hold up, why would they put me on the front lines in this match down? I should be back with the others! I didn't know I could miss my stupid classmates so much.
"I can only imagine our power set is needed for the early stages of this operation," said Sprite, who was standing next to him. "The pros will handle the heavy lifting. We just offer them support."
"How can you be so calm?" Chargebolt asked.
"Because panicking is not going to help us."
The rest of Berk's students were in the rear.
"It doesn't feel right being kept out of the action," Red Riot grumbled as he stretched. "Especially those two drafted."
"Felicia and Jac from Class B were also taken to the front," said Fishlegs. "Clueless' electric powers, Ragnar's plant powers, Jac's power to soften the ground and Felicia's fungus powers… these are all powers that can be used to subdue large groups of enemies and from afar quickly. We have no idea what this army is capable of. As such, the pros are lying on our brave classmates to take out as many of our opponents as possible during the mission outset."
"Sounds smart, I guess, what if they get their butts kicked?" Grapejuice asked.
"We have to have faith," said Invisible Girl.
"Yeah, they're all great heroes, even Clueless," Acid Girl agreed.
"Every auxiliary base has been surrounded," said Edgeshot. "No one will escape."
"This is nuts," said Fat Gum. "I can't believe we have info on the exact date and time of their meeting."
Hellfire knew it was not a coincidence that they were launching their attacks now.
"It was him, wasn't it?" he said to Alvin. "He led us to these locations. So where is he now?"
"That's classified," said Alvin.
Hellfire huffed to see stepped outside. "Of course it is."
'I've been preparing, just as you told me to,' he said to himself. 'We're ready… Hawks.'
In all the other cities around the country, everyone noticed the lack of heroes, which was unusual.
"I think I've seen a single hero out today. There's usually a couple on patrol, at least."
"Look at that one."
Slip-And-Go was sliding across the streets, and he, too, found it unusual that there weren't many heroes around.
'Hey, why am I the only hero around?' he frowned. 'Something is not right.'
Suddenly, he felt someone wrap their arms around him and found himself in a lock. A shiver went down his spine as he looked up and came right eye with Armstrong.
"Guess we forgot to tell you the big news," he said, looking at him threateningly. "You backstabbing Liberation scumbag."
Hiccup and his group of students were with the auxiliary team that Burnin was leading.
"The infiltration should begin shortly," said Speedy.
"Why the hell am I back here playing support?" Hookfang grumbled. "I want to be on the front lines with my dad!"
"In case you forgot, Snotlout, we only have provisional licences," Glacier reminded him.
"You shut your face!" Hookfang snapped.
"Please, we need to remain calm," said Speedy.
"This is a gigantic operation; coordination is going to be key," said Night Fury. "The best thing we can do to help is to complete our signed duties successfully."
The others nodded in agreement.
"Right!" Burnin yelled. "The heroes are moving in now! That's our cue!"
Everyone immediately dived down into the city as quickly as they could.
"Start evacuating residents block by block! Top speed!" Burnin ordered.
"Right!" everyone nodded.
'It's really happening,' said Hiccup.
The heroes made their way to Healson Hospital, and the staff and patients were rather surprised to see so many heroes arrive.
"What is this?"
"Heroes, quick follow me!" a janitor yelled.
Hellfire quickly came to the conclusion that this was Alvin's inside man. "Cottontail, the morgue."
"On it!" she said and took off.
"Everyone, please leave the building!" said Mandalay. "This area may soon become a battlefield."
Doctor was currently making his way down the corridor, unaware of what was going on.
'Things are progressing nicely,' he said. 'Krogan will be completing it in a little over a month, so I can hardly wait.'
"Start right there!" said Hellfire's voice behind him.
Doctor immediately came to a stop and turned around to find Hellfire approaching him with Trapster, Alvin and the members of the police.
"You're the creator of the Red Deaths and Drago Bludvist's right-hand man, aren't you?" said Hellfire and Doctor immediately panicked. "You're the devil's pawn, and you will face justice."
Back in San Francisco at the new house, Adelaide and Scaldlout were leaving.
"Wait, Dad called?" said Scaldlout, surprised.
"Yeah, he said there's a big work thing, so we may not hear from him for a bit," said Adelaide.
"Wow, I never imagined he would keep us in the loop like that."
Scaldlout then remembered the battle he had with the Red Death, even the nasty scar.
"I hope this job doesn't turn out like Atlanta."
Adelaide had the same thought, but deep down, she knew that something big was about to happen.
Doctor was staring at Hellfire in shock. "Impossible! How?"
He immediately ran for it but was suddenly tripped by Trapster's scarf. He instantly used his power to nullify Doctor's power and suddenly began to age rapidly.
"As expected, his profile on the official register is wrong," said Hellfire. "The instant you used your power on this madman, he aged. He has a metapower."
"There could answer the question," said Alvin. "Super regeneration is something that the most powerful of the Red Deaths have. Not a common power by any measure. Did you reproduce an existing power or created artificially?"
The Doctor didn't answer as he desperately tried to crawl away.
"In either case, Drago Bludvist benefits from the ability now, doesn't he," Alvin continued.
Loudspeaker then grasped Doctor's shoulder. "Impressive… regeneration. A power that can heal used correctly can become a cheat code that allows you to escape death." He then grasped the Doctor and forced him into looking him in the eye. "So why? Why are you using it for evil, Doctor? You could be saving countless lives with that power, but you've hurt so many. Tell me what did you do to my friend!?"
Suddenly, another doctor and a nurse rushed over, desperately trying to protect the Doctor.
"Let him go!" said the doctor. "Are you trying to hurt him?"
The nurse then bent down to the Doctor and looked at the heroes, confused. "Why are you heroes attacking the doctor?"
"Step away from the man," Hellfire ordered.
Alvin and one of his sidekicks then grabbed the two of them in the sport of them away.
"You have to leave, it's dangerous," said Alvin.
"Explain this?" said the doctor.
"What's going on?" the nurse asked.
"Sorry, we'll have to fill you in later," said Alvin.
Trapster then wrapped his scarf around Doctor, trapping him in place. "While you decay before us, our comrades are evacuating everybody in the hospital. We are more than prepared to fight the Red Death here. However, it would be beneficial to all parties if blood were not spilled in these halls. You programmed those creatures so they don't act unless they receive instructions from a specified individual. Without commands, they are nothing but corpses. We figure that much out by analysing the Red Deaths we have captured."
He then clenched his fist firmly on his scarf. "Those you toyed with and those who care for them. You know what they all say… it's our turn to take something away from you."
At the main base of operations of the Safety Commission, everyone was observing the operations that are currently taking place.
"Team Hellfire has entered Healson Hospital. Healson is in custody thanks to Trapster's power."
"97% of patients have been evacuated."
"Team Edgeshot is closing in on the main base. So far, there is no evidence of any defences."
"Update! Cottontail has found the secret area in the morgue at Healson Hospital."
"Mercy!" Doctor pleaded. "I am begging you to forgive me."
Cottontail had just smashed through the secret door and was now rushing into the secret lab corridor, but she saw she wasn't alone.
"Hey, you there, Hellfire?" she said, reaching for her radio.
"No, please," said Doctor and a small smile appeared on his face.
Cottontail ran down the lab as quickly as she could, and coming out of several corners was a bunch of Red Deaths.
"We've got company!" she yelled.
Suddenly, a drill shot out of the ground in front of Hellfire, and the others unskilled the Doctor. Then, emerging from the ground was a large Red Death with multiple arms and drills at the end of it. It was then that they discovered that the Doctor was not real, as he slowly disintegrated into mud.
"Ha, it would seem as if your erasure power does destroy a body created by a cloning power," said the fake Doctor. "Fascinating! Were you really not clever enough to guess that I would employ such an ability? What fools you heroes are."
"Twice's power!" Hellfire gasped. "He was a copy!"
The Red Death then turned to face them, bringing down industrial-like hands towards them. Hellfire quickly responded by unleashing a powerful burst of flames, but more Red Deaths began coming out of the ground in the hospital.
"You will burn!" Hellfire roared.
The real Doctor was still in his secret lab monitoring Krogan, but the assault on the heroes had taken them completely by surprise.
'I suppose they could have known that I've been so consumed with my masterpiece Krogan,' he said, rubbing his hands, 'that I left everything else in the capable hands of my double.' He then quickly rushed over towards a nearby chair. 'Still, that ruse only bought me a little time.'
He jumped into the chair, pressed a few buttons, and began taking him into his lab.
'And I can't just walk away from this hospital. Do they have any idea how much equipment and time is needed to copy or cultivate one single metapower? Of course not; I spent incalculable hours stockpiling these abilities, and I will not leave them behind.'
He soon entered the lab, which contained the samples of meta powers he had been cultivating over the years and many High-End Red Deaths currently in tanks.
'My world is in this facility, and my entire life's work is in it. The blood, sweat, and days that I shared with Drago Bludvist. Every memory…'
Cottontail was still in the corridor facing several Red Deaths but wasn't scared in the slightest; instead, she was excited.
"This'll be fun!" she yelled as she dashed towards them.
She then quickly dealt with several devastating kicks, instantly destroying the Red Deaths, and continued.
Doctor had just grabbed the containers containing the most valuable meta powers he had cultivated and quickly ran over towards the small Red Death at the far end of the lab.
"Times over, Johnny!" he said. "You must warp me and Krogan out immediately."
However, before Johnny could do that, the door burst open and crushed him as Cottontail launched into the lab. She instantly saw the Doctor, who looked at her, terrified and smiled.
"What's up, Doc?" she asked. "I'm guessing you're the real one!"