Chapter 1: A Hero's New Year

The sky over Metrovale City was painted with a palette of fiery orange and deep purple, signaling the end of another day. For Axel Railton, better known across the multiverse as the Train Hero, it was a moment to pause and reflect—something rare in his fast-paced life. Sitting atop the station clocktower, his legs dangled lazily as he watched the sun dip below the horizon.

"Another day, another victory," Axel mused, taking off his hero mask and letting his wavy black hair catch the evening breeze. Unlike most heroes, Axel didn't bother with a secret identity. His life was an open book, and he liked it that way. Graduating high school, managing multiverse crises, and keeping Metrovale safe was no easy feat, but he made it work.

His hero suit, a sleek, navy-blue outfit adorned with subtle train-themed accents, had become iconic in Metrovale. Even without the mask, he was instantly recognizable. People often waved at him on the streets, and while Axel appreciated the love, the attention made quiet moments like this even more valuable.

"Axel, you there?" a familiar voice crackled through his communicator. It was Finn Bakersfield, Axel's best friend and sidekick.

"Yeah, just enjoying the view," Axel replied, a smile creeping across his face. Finn was more than just a sidekick; he was family. At 16, Finn was a quirky but resilient kid with muffin-like hair and a knack for turning despair into determination.

"You'd better not start the New Year's celebration without me," Finn said with mock sternness.

"Wouldn't dream of it, buddy." Axel chuckled.

The evening turned to night as Axel reminisced about the whirlwind of the past year. One memory stood out vividly—the day Finn told him about his mother. She had been a hero in her own right, protecting Metrovale until an alien attack claimed her life years ago. Finn rarely opened up about it, but when he did, Axel listened. It was moments like those that deepened their bond.

Finn's ability to bounce back despite the weight of his past never ceased to amaze Axel. Finn's dark humor often masked his pain, but Axel saw through it. Together, they made an unlikely duo—the multiverse-traveling Train Hero and the muffin-summoning sidekick. Yet, their friendship felt unshakable.

By 11:30 PM, Axel's flying train—a marvel of his unique powers—soared gracefully over the shimmering cityscape. Finn sat across from him, legs folded, his ever-present grin in place.

"You've got to admit," Finn said, "our lives are pretty cool."

"Yeah, saving the multiverse and graduating high school in the same year? That's pretty epic," Axel replied, leaning back on the plush seat.

Finn held up a bottle of sparkling cider. "To us. And to not flunking physics despite saving timelines during finals."

"Cheers to that," Axel said, clinking his bottle against Finn's.

As the train glided smoothly through the air, the duo turned their attention to the city's giant screens, broadcasting the New Year's Eve concert. Front and center was Melody "Beep" Woolcroft, a pop sensation whose infectious hit, Beep Beep I'm a Sheep, was playing in every corner of the city. Axel couldn't help but bob his head to the beat.

"You've got to admit, she's got talent," Finn said, tapping his foot to the rhythm.

"And fluff," Axel added with a grin. Beep's signature fluffy outfits had become as iconic as her music.

As the clock neared midnight, the train slowed to a stop above Starview Park, the city's prime spot for fireworks. Axel and Finn stepped out onto the train's roof, sitting side by side under the starlit sky. The air was crisp, and the city buzzed with anticipation.

"Hey, Finn," Axel said, breaking the silence. "I'm glad we're doing this. With all the craziness in our lives, it's nice to just…be here."

Finn nodded. "Yeah. Here's to a year hopefully without alien invasions, villainous plots, or physics exams."

"Cheers to that," Axel said, raising his bottle again.

When the clock struck midnight, the sky exploded with color. Fireworks lit up the horizon, their vibrant hues reflecting off the glassy buildings. Axel and Finn watched in awe, their faces illuminated by the dazzling display.

"This…this is perfect," Finn said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Axel took a sip of his drink, smiling contentedly. "You know, Finn, this year…nothing will go wrong."

Scene Change: Victor Flop Rendal's Mansion/Secret Lab

The scene shifts to a sprawling, gothic mansion perched on the edge of a windswept cliff. Beneath its opulent facade lies a high-tech labyrinth, the heart of Victor Flop Rendal's empire. Inside, a cacophony of machines hummed and crackled, the faint smell of oil and electricity filling the air.

Victor stood in the center of his secret laboratory, dressed in a sharply tailored suit that was as dramatic as his personality. His platinum-blonde hair was slicked back, accentuating his angular, villainous features.

His team of scientists worked frantically at their stations, adjusting dials, typing commands, and trying not to make eye contact with their volatile boss.

Victor stopped pacing and glared at the screen. Displayed in bold letters were the current music charts. His latest album,Flop Is Forever, sat at number two. Number one belonged to none other than Melody Woolcroft and her infuriatingly catchy single,Beep Beep I'm a Sheep.

Victor slammed his fist onto a nearby desk, making his scientists flinch. His voice, sharp and dripping with fury, echoed through the lab.

"Melody Woolcroft!" he spat, pacing back and forth like a caged animal. "That insufferable sheep-loving pop princess. She thinks she can dethrone me? ME? The world's greatest artist?"

"Sir," one of the braver scientists ventured, "it's just a temporary dip. I'm sure your next—"

"Silence!" Victor snapped, his face turning red. "Temporary? TEMPORARY?! Do you think genius is temporary? Do you think I am temporary?"

The scientist shrank back, mumbling an apology. Victor adjusted his tie, taking a deep breath to calm himself.

Victor's rant was punctuated by a swipe at a display screen that showed the latest music charts. At the top was"Beep Beep I'm a Sheep" by Melody Woolcroft. Beneath it, in second place, was Victor's latest single, "Symphony of Greatness."

"This is unacceptable!" Victor growled. "My music is ART! Her… her fluffy nonsense is nothing more than an irritating jingle!"

One of his scientists cautiously approached, holding a clipboard. "Sir, the multiverse travel project is complete. The technology is ready for use."

Victor's rage instantly gave way to a maniacal grin. He turned to the massive DJ booth with childlike glee, the dim light reflecting off his sharp features.

"Finally," he whispered, stepping closer to the device. His voice grew louder as he gestured dramatically. "With this, I'll prove that I'm not just the greatest artist in this world—but in every world! My music will echo across the multiverse, and no one—NO ONE—will remember Melody Woolcroft!"

As the thought filled his mind, Victor began to laugh. It was a loud, maniacal cackle that echoed through the lab. Halfway through, he started coughing and had to steady himself on a nearby console.

"Ugh, I really need to stop doing that," he muttered, clearing his throat.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," he muttered, his voice returning to its usual smooth tone. "Ahem. Where was I? Oh yes—WORLD DOMINATION."

Victor approached the microphone in the DJ booth, running his fingers over its polished surface. The device thrummed with energy, faintly glowing as it synced with his presence.

In the corner of the room, Don Spudero watched the scene unfold while munching on a large box of fries. As Victor's right-hand man, Don had seen it all—the tantrums, the schemes, the late-night rants about Melody Woolcroft. None of it fazed him anymore.

"You know, boss," Don said, adjusting his shades, "if you put half as much energy into your music as you do into being mad, you might've stayed at number one."

Victor shot him a withering glare. "And if you put half as much energy into your job as you do into eating fries, you might not smell like a deep fryer."

Don shrugged, popping another fry into his mouth. "Fair enough."

Victor sighed and turned back to the DJ booth. "Just…be ready. Once this thing powers up, we're leaving."

Don gave a mock salute. "You got it, boss. Shades on, fries secured. I'm ready for anything."

"Sir," another scientist chimed in, "we should conduct one final test before activating the device—"

Victor cut him off with a dismissive wave. "Non sense. I don't have time for your tests. Greatness waits for no one."

From the shadows, a slow, deliberate sound echoed: Click. Clack. Click.

Don Spudero's personal Gun cleaner emerged, cocking a gleaming revolver with casual precision. The barrel glinted under the lab's fluorescent lights as he polished the gun and handed it to his boss.

"Don't worry, boss," Don said, his voice gravelly and low as he took his gun from Jake. "I'll keep anyone who tries to mess with your plans six feet under. No one gets in the way of the Flop's comeback tour."

Victor glanced at Don with mild irritation. "Don, as much as I appreciate your… enthusiasm, youreallyneed to lay off the fries. You reek of potatoes."

Don shrugged, unfazed, as he reached into his box of fires and pulled out another fry. "Can't help it, boss. It's my signature scent." He tossed the fry into his mouth and leaned back against a nearby console, arms slightly crossed.

Victor sighed, shaking his head. "Just try not to stink up the multiverse."

The scientists worked furiously, pressing buttons and pulling levers. The DJ booth began to glow brighter, its panels lighting up in a synchronized rhythm. The air crackled with energy as the microphone pulsed in Victor's hand.

"Sir," the lead scientist called out, "the device is fully powered. Activation is ready on your command."

Victor stepped onto the platform, holding the microphone aloft. His expression was one of pure triumph as the countdown began on the lab's central monitor.

10… 9… 8…

Don adjusted his shades, spinning his revolver before sliding it into his holster.

7… 6… 5…

Victor turned to address his team, his voice dripping with dramatic flair.

"Prepare yourselves, gentlemen! This is the dawn of a new era—the Era of Flop!"

4… 3… 2…

Don rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "You've really gotta work on your slogans, boss."

1…

At exactly midnight, the device roared to life. A blinding beam of light shot out from the DJ booth, illuminating the entire lab. The microphone in Victor's hand glowed with an otherworldly energy, resonating with a low hum that shook the walls.

Victor's laughter filled the air once more as the portal to the multiverse opened before him—a swirling vortex of colors and possibilities.

"The beginning of a new era. An era where Victor Rendal reigns supreme!"

The countdown on the main screen hit zero, and the room filled with a burst of light and sound. Victor held up the microphone, grinning from ear to ear.

"Happy New Year, Melody Woolcroft," he said under his breath. "Enjoy your spot at number one while you can. It won't last."

The scene ended with Victor stepping into the portal, the swirling vortex reflecting in his determined eyes. Behind him, Don Spudero cracked his knuckles and adjusted his shades, ready for whatever lay ahead.

A/N: No cap I was bored.

Character Names:

I Like Trains: KidAxel Railton

Muffin: Finn"Muffin" Bakersfield

Flop Guy: Victor "Flop" Rendal

Mine Turtle: Tobias Turtlanova (Mine Turtle)

Die Potato w/Shades: Don Spudero

Beep Beep Sheep: Melody "Beep" Woolcroft