"With a whole week passing after the gruesome battle at Machine Head's penthouse, Mark learned a lesson that day. Which was to never trust people that work in the criminal underworld. As well how that he needed to get stronger if he was going to handle people like Battle Beast. Though for right now, he needed some time off from being a hero. Seeing how he needed a rest from it, while for Sledge. He was concern over Fury as the feline wasn't himself after the fight. Whatever happen, it left him shaken. With how Mark was dealing with trying to go back to a normal life, Sledge decided to use this opportunity to see what the hell was going on with his former rage filled warrior."

Sledge's Base-Morning

With making the former Teen Team base now there's, it somewhat felt like home. Fury, making Rex Splode's room his room. Had it styled like that of a training room, with that of punching bags and several punching bags with face's that he hated. One of them, was a concrete wall with a iron pad. On it is a sketched up version of Battle Beast that had been just made, standing in front of the drawing was Fury. Who looked at the sketch seeing how the words he spoke to him ran through his head.

"You have the eyes of a warrior, but do you have the strength."

Remembering Beast words as Fury rushed at the wall while letting out a roar. Striking against the metal plate multiple times with his claws, moving left to right. It wasn't breaking.

"When you grow stronger cat, I will come for you."

Thinking about the sign of how if he got stronger, then Fury could beat him in a fair fight. No one coming in or having more members, just two lions in a fight to see who is stronger.

"Pathetic."

Hearing the word from the lion as Fury felt like it was towards him, growling more and hitting harder. Fury pulled out his sword and attacked the wall making one massive slash. Breathing heavily, he looked at the sword slash on the wall. Though it still didn't make him feel any better since this wasn't the real Battle Beast.

"It's not the same."

Fury telling himself of how this was meaningless, and didn't fill him with anything. He went back to his bed where he looked at his sword, along noticing some dirt on it. As he cleaned it, he felt someone by the door. Gripping the handle, he rushed at the door aiming the tip of his blade by the intruder.

"And where the hell was this when we were getting our ass's kicked."

A familiar voice asking him which was Sledge, as he was standing by the entrance as it caught Fury off by surprise. Shaking off the thought of almost attacking him, he placed his sword away seeing how lost interest in fighting. Sledge took a look around the room seeing that of claw marks along of how he took a lot of frustration out in his room.

"So, that Guardian team told me about how you ripped that electric man's throat. Pretty hardcore, seeing you haven't done that in years."

Sledge telling him how he was impressed with going savage on the human since it's been a while since he acted like a animal. However, Fury wasn't thrilled about it seeing how out of the whole group of villains they took down. Battle Beast got out of there as well stealing Spellbinder at the same time.

"It still doesn't matter since we got punk by those outlaws we captured. And that lion stole one of them and is off world."

Responding to Sledge of the fact while he was still able to prove himself as a dangerous foe, it still didn't make up the fact that he was beaten by a much more bigger and stronger cat like Battle Beast. Sledge, could see the look on Fury's face as it still bothered him. Remaining silent, Sledge walked over and sat by his side as the two aliens took a moment of silence.

"Well, when he's comes back. He's going expect someone who's going stand on his feet and make him bleed, so I don't think it'll be good to have him see you sulking."

Informing him on how if Fury was going get Beast's attention to come back to earth, he would need to keep focusing on getting stronger. As well aggressive, to which he showed it with his eyes showing electricity that was generating within him. As Sledge could see the energy, he felt somewhat jealous about it.

"Something wrong boss?"

Fury noticing the look from the sight of how Sledge reacted to the new power he had obtain, much like Poisandra and Wrench since they due were effected by the eruption on their pods. All three of them had showed new powers, Sledge was the only one who didn't have anything new.

"I'll summarize in short, my girlfriend is almost as fast as that Red human. Wrench can manipulate water with his axe, and you have fucking lighting. What do I get? Nothing."

Explaining that so far all three of them had obtain newfound powers that they never had during their time in space, while for him? Just his strength and durable body that could handle that of powerful attacks. Apparently the two of them had their own problems they needed to resolve, however the moment was interrupted by that of some skipping.

"Hey guys!"

Shouted that of their newest member of the crew which was Curio. As the patchwork type monster got their attention as well poked his head into the room, it's been a while since they've had someone new into the crew. However since he was made by Wrench for Poisandra for having now live on this world, she had to have something to withstand the crap that they've been going through.

"Wrench and Poisandra are ready for the trip, and also some clothing for us to wear. Here heading to a University!"

Curio announced in a excited tone since Cecil had informed them about how Mark wanted to check out a place he would be attended once he was finished with high school. Such as them sense they were all posing as students, something that still bothered them. Curio then stopped seeing how while he had been made for several days, he was still new to everything.

"What's a university?"

Asking them in which the two aliens merely got annoyed of how they basically had a child on a team with how innocent he acted, as well curious about everything around. However with enough time with him hanging around them, they could make Curio as tough as them along dangerous to match. Though for right now, it appeared they will be heading over to Mark to see where exactly he was heading off to.

Mark's house-Afternoon

Taking several days off of being his alter ego 'Invincible', Mark decided to take some time being a average human. Along do something that he didn't expect to do, visit a university with his friend William since apparently he was getting a tour around campus. So he invited Mark and the rest of his 'friends' to come since they've been hanging around Mark for a while. As he was packing some bags since he might sleepover there, he heard a sudden knock at the window seeing a pink light outside. Looking at the light, it was Eve in her costume waving to him.

"Eve! Come in."

Getting excited to see again since the last time, the doctors informed him about Eve coming to visit him while he was unconscious. Letting her inside, the two gave a warm smile seeing how it's been some time since they've last met.

"Mark, I wanted. I wanted to say sorry for not helping out, I was at this community center with Amber helping the people out."

Apologizing for how she wasn't there when he and the other guardians was having the fight for their lives. Along of how as soon she had finished her shift, she got a text from Robot about what happened, which left like a stab in her heart about her former team getting beaten so violently.

"It's ok, I blame myself for what happened. If I didn't fall for Titan's words, then Monster girl and Black Samson wouldn't be in the hospital. They almost died because of me."

Explaining to her how it was his fault in the beginning in falling for Titan's ploy in taking out Machine Head. Both of them seemed to be at fault with what happened, and wanted to try and do something different. In which Eve could tell from the bags that Mark had ready.

"Going somewhere?"

"Oh, this guy William's crushing on goes to Upstate U. William's going for a tour, and I convinced him to let me and the others tag along. You can come along if you like."

Mark giving her information about where he and Sledge's crew was heading off to, which was college no less. It was a good thought of how she could be attending somewhere that could offer her a future out of the superhero lifestyle, though not that much to her perspective.

"That's okay. I'm skipping college anyway."

Responding to Mark about the invination to come with them to visit the college, to that of not going to college at all. This had Mark concern and surprised since out of the entire high school, she had far better grades than even him. Eve took a minute to adjust herself seeing how there was explanation about this new life choice.

"When I was at the community center with Amber, something clicked for me. I think I can help more people by just helping them, you know? I don't have to wait for some alien invasion or burning building. I can irrigate deserts, stop natural disasters, bring food to the starving. You know, make a real difference."

Giving him a explanation of how she's been using her powers in a aggressive manner than actually acting like a hero, which involved helping people that needed it than waiting for a disaster to happen. From how he powers were displayed on the news and video's, she could do it. In which he nodded showing approval for this decision.

"Yeah. I get it. With what's happened lately with the constant villain attacks. Maybe we both need a fresh start."

Acknowledging her about how if she wanted to use her powers responsibly than just fighting people, she should do it. This made her smile at his response about what she was going to do from now on, while Mark was curious about what would happen at the university. Eve, tried to get closer to him. Seeing how Mark was considerably the only boy who has listen to her.

"Mark! Your friends are here!"

His mother shouted which ruin the opportunity for Eve as Mark heard his mom calling out, seeing how Mark had to go. She decided to hug him quick before flying out the window, Mark felt it quick as he wanted to say something. But she flew to fast for him to say anything, still surprised by the sudden hug. He got his bags and decided to head down to see the car with his friends in it.

"This seems more like a party than visiting a college."

Nolan questioning his son of how the car that William was driving was a van, which had the others in the back as well that of some seats with them. Mark, rubbed his head seeing that it looked a bit suspicious.

"It's just a visit, nothing to messed up."

Promising his dad and mom on how while it looked like a means to heading to a party, they were just visiting the college. Heading over to the van, he got into the passengers seat and buckled up as it seem they looked ready to head out.

"Be careful, and remember. No drinking, or drugs. And no sex!"

Listing the several things that Mark wouldn't do, in which made the group of friends laugh at Mark as he felt embarrassed. While for the disguised aliens, they were chuckling at him as they soon took off onto the road. As everyone hanged on tight, William begun to explain about his apparent crush that invited them to the university.

"I can't wait for you all to meet Rick. He's first of all tall. Amazing hair. Thick as a horse's mane. As well fit since he does track."

Describing the man which he seemed rather fond of, while listing the several traits he liked. Sledge, was neither those things since he didn't have hair or even good a running due to him working on upper body strength. Wrench, didn't understand as well since he was a robot and that this was what most people find attractive.

"Is that, a good thing?"

"Yes."

Both Will and Amanda saying as this made Wrench a bit dumbfounded of how humans found it attractive, while for Sledge. Merely muttered about it since if there were guys like that at the school, he was going be close to Poisandra. The pink haired girl smiled of how her boyfriend was getting jealous, in which she wrapped her arm around him to show she was his. As for Mark, he still couldn't shake off from Eve's hug. While it was fast, he felt both concern and still sorry for what happened. The only thing he could hope for her was she found a way to use her powers in a proper manner,

Upstate University-Afternoon

With the long drive ending at the university, they had finally arrived to their destination as well seeing the campus. The buildings around them, people walking around seemed like a human gathering for young beings. It would be interesting for the aliens, however they were hearing for the entire road of how William possibly had a crush on this Rick male.

"Ok Will, we get it. You love the guy."

Mark calling out which made the his friend a bit flustered seeing how he liked him, and not exactly love him. As they soon notice someone coming to the van, which was Rick. He was just how Will described him as, he had somewhat the similar hairstyle of Fury while having a perfect body form. They came out of the van to get there bags as Rick noticed the large group.

"William! I didn't expect you bring a party like this."

Greeting him and the others as they all introduced themselves to him, he offered some assistance to help out with the bags which he helped with Mark and Amber. While the others could handle it.

"I can tell you that the dorms can hold everyone, trust me. Your going love it here."

Promising them that the university would be great for them, leading them. Poisandra and Will couldn't help look at the backside of Rick as he looked perfect. Sledge, noticed this and felt rather jealous in the moment.

"This is going be a great week."

Will stated as the group soon followed him, in which they had so much. Wrench, pulled out a book for him to write down the several spots about the environment. As they continued to check the area, the robot noticed on the bulletin board of some missing people.

"Pardon me but, what are these 'missing reports'?"

Wrench asking Will about the two missing people that had apparently vanish in the past two weeks, the others looked at the board seeing the missing posters of the two men vanishing.

"They've started recently when the guardians passed away, seriously as soon as the originals kicked the bucket. Every nut job decided to go off and do whatever crime they like, especially kidnapping."

Responding to him on how that the death of the guardians wasn't just a blow to the hero community but apparently to the criminals. Seeing how it gave them opportunities like this for them to do anything. Mark, looking at this affected him with how while the new Guardians were doing their best to keep a eye out for global scaled crimes. These types of crimes had to be handled by the community heroes, which he was since he wasn't a part of a team.

"Well, I know whatever they might be thinking. Will surely be screwed since they should be ready for the upcoming heroes that are popping out of the.."

Before Sledge could finish his sentence, there was a booming sound from right behind them. The people panicked while for the others, Mark and Sledge looked at what made the impact seeing how it was a man. Or a cyborg with grey and black armor, with a cycloptic red eye who was looking at the place.

"What, in the hell is that?"

Curio asking as he had on a disguise which matched the others as they saw how the cyborg acted like a rabid dog. Screeching at people and looking around the place, Mark believed it was time to handle this. Wrench seeing this as well offered to help out as he turned to Sledge seeing this required a robotic assistance.

"Instead of gawking at the fucking weirdo, we should get out of here!"

Sledge shouting as they all decided to head somewhere safe, along for Mark and Wrench decided to suit up to handle the cyborg. As it soon grabbed a large truck and threw it into the air, as the gang was making a run from the cyborg. Will accidentally tripped onto the ground as well looked at the flying truck.

"Will!"

Rick shouted afraid of how the truck was coming down on him, however. It was stopped by Invincible, holding the truck in the air. Will got a look at him seeing his black hair, as well somehow able to recognize him even through the mask.

"Mark?"

Asking his name in which the boy threw the truck back at the cyborg, how it ran up the vehicle and leapt right at him. Tackling him to the ground, the two engaged in a fist fight. The cyborg was able to be a even match for him, with both speed and strength. Blocking the punches, Mark tried to keep the cyborg away from the people. However the cyborg threw him to that of a water fountain with a sundial statue near it. As the cyborg tried to drown him, Mark felt the water leaving from the fountain.

"Mind if I cut in?"

Asked Wrench as he was showing his robot form, focusing on the water within the pond. He made it rose right out as he attacks the cyborg with it, letting go of Mark. Wrench walked over and helped him up as the Viltrumite was coughing from the water that was in his lungs.

"That thing hits like a freight train. Got a plan?"

Looking if the robot had a plan on how they could handle this psychotic machine. Wrench, taking a closer look at the robot. He could tell that the helmet seemed like a obvious point since it kept him focus on the battle.

"From the human movie's that you've shown me. The best option? Go for the helmet. I'll take the punches."

Offering a plan as the cyborg rushed at the two, being the bait. Wrench went first and held off the wild cyborg as he begun punching his face. As he continued, Mark tackled him from behind to try and remove his helmet. It felt like a manhole trying to remove it, soon enough. The two were able to get the helmet off him. Hearing a painful yell, the two saw what was behind his cycloptic helmet.

"Oh my god."

Invincible asked as the two were looking at a male who had been possibly experimented on. With his nose gone and having a bloodshot eye, he seemed he was half done. The cyborg looked at himself in Wrench's body armor and saw his reflection, horrified by this look. It let out a scream of how much pain it was in, looking at the sundial. He rushed right towards it.

"Wait stop!"

Wrench pleaded as the cyborg soon impaled himself right at the dial sliding downwards. It was a horrific sight of what had just happened, along of that instead of living like this. He decided to kill himself. As the two looked at the cyborg, William was still stuttering on the fact that his best friend had now discovered he was a superhero. Not taking a chance, he flew right over to his side.

"Will, you can't tell anyone. Ok?"

Asking him in which his friend could if telling someone could lead to trouble, nodding to him. They soon noticed that of some police officers coming, not taking the chance. Invincible rushed over to Wrench and took him so they didn't get their photos taken. For Will, it was still a shocking thing to learn about his friend being a hero. Along that the reasons why he had been gone would have to be because of the countless crimes he had stopped.

Later at Night Time

With everything settling down, Mark decided that if this type of stuff would be going on. He would make sure to get it over so no one would ruin his trip here. Both him and Sledge's crew decided to do some night time surveillance around the campus to see if there were more of those cyborgs. Invincible, was in the air checking at the sight as the others were in secure spots.

"Ok everyone, anyone see any of those cyborgs?"

Calling each on their phones as they were placed in several locations, Sledge had the main entrance since he looked like a statue due to his armor. Fury at the gymnasium where he posed as the school mascot which was a lion, both Poisandra and Curio was at the cafeteria where they were enjoying the snacks. Lastly Wrench, was checking out the street since it was dark and quiet.

"Nothing, the place feels so empty with no one walking out at night."

Wrench responding to the area around him seeing that all of the buildings was preoccupied with students. As well made the atmosphere of the campus eerie, the others turned in responding to Mark as they didn't find anything odd or suspicious. As Mark continued to look in the air, he noticed his phone going off as he answered it. Looking at the ID, it was William.

"Mark! I don't where I.."

Shouting through the phone as it suddenly cuts off, which made him shocked seeing that it might involve with the kidnapping. Informing the others, they looked around if there was any sight of the kidnapper. As they continued to look for a sign of the kidnapper, Wrench accidentally fell down a manhole yelling as the group heard threw their communicators.

"Invincible? I think Wrench got kidnapped."

Curio informing the masked hero as the blue and yellow male noticed the hole that Wrench went threw, swooping inside. He looked around hearing that of panicking as he rushed over to where Wrench went to. Flying through the sewer tunnel, he saw down at the end was that of Wrench. Who was trying to get out of the muggy water. Mark, rolled his eyes at how Wrench panicked.

"Your a alien robot from outer space. You should be able to.."

Before he could finish his sentence, something else rushed out of the water. It was another cyborg which grabbed him by the face, Wrench saw the ambush as well two other cyborgs around them.

"Sledge! We're underneath the.."

Wrench trying to speak in his communicator, however was unable to in which the cyborg destroyed it. The two did their best to hold their ground along avoid getting overwhelmed by the savage machinery. Continuing to battle them, the two were sent across the wall and crashing into another room. Getting their vision back, Wrench saw to his horror mangled bodies combine with machinery.

"Oh, you two are finally here. I've been wondering where you'd come, I've made some modifications as you can see."

A voice calling out as the two looked at a young adult male with black hair as well wearing a burgundy suit. Holding a saw blade, he had William strapped to a table possibly going to operate him like the others.

"He's the kidnapper! He's been kidnapping people and turning them into these, things."

"You make me sound like a monster. I'm not turning people into anything. I'm fixing humanity's weaknesses."

He responded to William's accusation about what he was doing, as the two continued to battle the cyborgs. Mark had the chance to overcome one, getting him in a arm hold he removed the helmet seeing that it could work for them again like last time. Only it was removed easily, the two saw underneath the helmet seeing that of Rick who had been turned into one of them.

"Rick?"

William asked frighten as the man he fantasized has been turned into a mechanical killer, cyborg Rick and the two others continued to batter both Invincible and Wrench. Taking the blows one by one, Rick couldn't watch his friend be beaten.

"We met last year! At the lake! Remember last summer? The boathouse! It changed my life, Rick. I know it changed yours, too. Because we had sex by the water! It was the best thing that ever happened to me!"

Shouting out to Rick seeing how there had to be something in him that was still his normal self, hearing the words while he was choking Wrench. Rick looked at William at the table, as well noticing what was going on. From the bodies and William about to be turned, he sheds a small tear from his eye.

"Wait, are you crying?"

The cyborg creator asked as Rick struggled to overcome his control, reaching for the back of the head. He pulled out that of a device which kept him control, letting go of the blue robot. Rick soon helped Invincible with handling the other cyborgs. The two removed their devices which freed them from the control. The scientist looked the moment in disappoint as he grabbed his laptop trying to run. Mark rushed over to free William from the table, in which the boy looked at the mad man in anger.

"Your not going anywhere asshole!"

William announcing as he tackled the scientist, he slammed both of his fists right onto his face making him bleed. The scientist feeling the pain, kicked William off him trying to shake off the punches he gave him.

"Don't you understand? This is about progress! Science! Saving the human race from disease."

Going on about making humans stronger, however. He pumped right into Wrench, in which his eyes was glowing blue in anger at this sight. Gripping his left hand into a fist, he slaps the scientist hard enough to break his jaw and fall to the ground. invincible saw the sight of the robot ending the man's rant.

"Science? You don't know the meaning of the word."

Wrench stating as he looked at the sight of how things had settled down, however. William was worried for Rick as there was no chance for him to be restored, however. There was going to be way, once Mark notifies Cecil about what has happened.

Above the Dorm rooftops

With the GDA cleaning up the area and informing the university about the incident, Mark was on the rooftop looking at the sight. In which he was thinking about how while he wanted to escape the hero life, it followed him. As he enjoyed the piece and quiet, he soon heard some footsteps which was Sledge seeing how he knew the human would be up here.

"Trying to escape the moment? The stories I can tell when I've been in that predicament."

Asking Mark about how he wanted to be alone from everything right now, especially Sledge since it's been hard to get some personal space. Looking at the sky, he thought about space where his suppose alien bodyguard was from.

"Why did you become a bounty hunter? I mean, there has to be a reason why? I chose to be a hero so I could be like my dad. But it wasn't exactly what I thought it to be, but why a bounty hunter."

Questioning Sledge since it was a good time for them to talk since no one else was here, Sledge. Got taken by surprise from the question, in which no one asked him about since he never question about the occupation.

"Because, not a lot of people would want a scaled alien like me in a job. Besides, if the strength and power everyone has. They should use it for something worthwhile, me with capturing dumbass's and meeting new people. And you, being this world's next hero. Or something dumb like that. "

Responding to Mark about why he did it, while it wasn't a full explanation. Mark accepted it as the two merely enjoyed the silence they had. Not knowing from above was Mark's dad floating above them from behind. Crossing his arms at them, it seemed soon enough it would be time to tell his son something important. As well see if he was strong enough to face what would happen next.