Continued from Chapter 2: The Moontower
by The Time Trust
Though it had only been active for a short while, the Moontower complex already stood as a beacon of hope and protection for the people of Earth. Its mountainous silhouette on the Moon against the vast expanse of space was a powerful symbol large enough to be visible from Earth. Within this Moon base, the Meta Board meeting had recently concluded, but discussions and tensions continued outside the meeting room, where newcomers who had observed from afar now gathered to explore their potential roles in this formidable assembly of heroes. Metaheroes from all over the world had been invited to take part in such informal discussions and now mingled in the spacious meeting areas.
The enigmatic appearance of the mysterious stranger known only as Prometheus X in particular had left the assembled metaheroes in awe and intrigue. The strange being's words had echoed through the Moontower like enigmatic riddles, leaving many questions unanswered. His vanishing act had been equally astonishing, a departure shrouded in mystery.
SuperStretch, a metahero known for his humor, couldn't resist adding a touch of levity. "Talk about a phantom menace, huh?" quipped the tall, lanky, rubbery-looking man in the bright yellow and blue skintight costume, earning a few chuckles. "Er... on second thought... please don't!" he added playfully. In a somewhat more serious tone, he added, "Anyway, let's just hope there are no more surprises, am I right?"
Grow Worm voiced the disbelief that many felt. "I still can't believe Pro X showed up! His appearing and vanishing like that was like something out of a comic-book! Hmm... I can't help but wonder if he was watching the whole meeting from wherever in the space-time cosmos he likes to hang out in. He tends to show up only when some kind of epic danger is on the horizon. I just wish I knew what he meant by that cryptic statement of his, something about needing to reclaim my soul from the evil that is my image."
"Hmm..." mused Chewy Walrus, his mentor. "Indeed, to my ears it sounded like a warning of some kind. It certainly bears some looking into, at any rate." The Worm only nodded in response, beginning to fret over what it could have meant.
A masked man clad in dark leather from head to toe called the Mauler, who aspired to join the Meta League of Europe, said to the Worm, "I'd like to request MLE membership, but before I do so, I may have to change my alias to Mister Mauler in tribute to the tragic hero of the Mystery Men, that legendary meta-team of the Golden Age!"
Grow Worm, welcoming the distraction from his worries, began to reminisce about the valiant efforts of that fabled team. "Ah, the Mystery Men, they fought valiantly," he said, recalling what he'd read while training to become an EPS agent. "What a shame that team ended after their fateful battle in 1941 when the Nazis sent those Nordic giants against them -- pure evil!"
Kid Beacon, the young optimist, couldn't contain his delight over being at the Moontower and was willing to tell anyone around him how he felt about it. "You know what? I am very, very pleased with this new hangout!" he exclaimed as he spoke with two teen heroes called Xenolith and Primate. "Not only can we just sit around and chit chat about nonsense and randomness, but we can also have a good time about it! And look how much cooler we are with each other. 'Cause I'm cool with most people, and... I mean... I dunno for sure, 'cause I may not have psychic powers or anything, but I think people here are cool with me, too, and... uh... that makes me smile."
"Totally agree with you, man," replied Xenolith. "Now, about those flowers I was asking you guys about..."
A few feet away, Musgosu, the wild-haired young hero of Spain in his red T-shirt and black jeans, spoke enthusiastically about a particular nomination. "Scout Marksman, you would be a great addition if Shaggy Faust isn't interested in joining. We need all the help we can get!"
The Scout Marksman smiled and replied, "Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I'm content to help usher in the next generation of heroes. My days as a globe-trotting member of the Meta League of America are long over."
Amidst discussions about membership, a mysterious and enigmatic figure stood apart from the rest. Cloaked in tattered, shadowy garb and a hood that hid his face, the Cursed Wanderer was bound by a relentless curse, fated to wander ceaselessly, while inexorably being drawn toward danger like a moth to a flame. Despite the many perils he has faced, he was not fated to meet his end for many years to come. He knew exactly how he would die someday, just as he possessed knowledge of many other future events that he was prohibited from revealing to others. Knowing the outcomes of impending disasters, he was nevertheless powerless to change their course.
"I'd love to join a team such a fate was permitted to me," the Wanderer said dourly, his eyes emitting an eerie, otherworldly glow. "Alas, I'm cursed to wander endlessly through various places, never having a permanent home, and constantly drawn to wherever danger is about to strike."
Two costumed men stood atop a platform overlooking the mingling metaheroes assembled below.
“You planned this the whole time, didn’t you?” remarked Damocles. “You knew we weren’t just going to have some board meeting with invited guests only. No, while we were in there discussing possible membership for a proposed meta-team, you had already thrown open the doors and invited in the whole metahuman world to take a look at your amazing Moontower.”
Meta 7 nodded and took a sip from his drink. “Of course, Dam. How else to create an unstoppable movement but to gather the types of heroes who would normally never even meet down there on Earth unless some type of major crisis was at hand? Since as you earlier pointed out most metaheroes tend to work alone, the idea of being part of a larger group must be planted within their minds. Why not begin with a celebration… a party, if you will?”
“Ah, I see,” said Damocles, marveling at his close friend’s plan. “I don’t often realize how forward-thinking you are sometimes, Tek. But before you get too swell-headed, I must point out that in letting in a bunch of metaheroes unvetted, you’ve also let in a few dangerous types that skirt the line between hero and villain. I’ve already spotted some in the crowd. But it’s not those that concern me, it’s the ones I don’t recognize at all.”
Damocles faced Meta 7 and peered into his eyes as he said, “You might just wish for a party atmosphere to get your ‘movement’ going, Tek, but what if instead this crowd instead ends up drawing the kind of ‘major crisis’ that would normally bring them together?”
The once and former Kohoutek merely smiled and said, “You must have faith, my friend. Are there not great heroes enough here to tackle any crisis?”
Damocles just shook his head and hoped his instincts were wrong.
***
Within the expansive confines of the Moontower, where metaheroes convened to discuss their newfound mission and the impending challenges, an undercurrent of camaraderie and purpose flowed. Yet not all who ventured within the cosmic complex shared these noble aims, as one of the greatest metaheroes was soon to find out.
In a distant and obscure corner of the sprawling Moontower, Superfast Man, driven by an insatiable curiosity that had defined his existence both in costume and in his civilian identity, had embarked on a solitary exploration. The astonishing superhuman speed of the man in the red costume with blue and gold fringes allowed him to traverse the labyrinthine corridors with ease, his mind racing as he explored the ancient vessel.
"All right, let's see what secrets you're hiding, Moontower," Superfast Man said aloud, peering through his protective yellow visor as he zoomed through the corridors. "This place is massive, and I'm just scratching the surface."
It had dawned on Superfast Man that the Moontower, a colossal structure visible from Earth's surface, held enigmatic origins. As he sped through it, he marveled at the astonishing level of technology concealed within its colossal frame. His suspicions grew with every room he discovered, each one a testament to the ship's extraterrestrial origins. As he moved from one chamber to another, the scale of this alien invasion vessel became increasingly apparent.
One room he encountered was an advanced laboratory, replete with devices that boggled the mind. "Holographic displays, arcane tech -- this is beyond anything I've ever seen. And to think this is just a fraction of it!"
Superfast Man's heart raced with excitement as he realized how little of this wondrous ship had been explored before. His curiosity propelled him deeper into the heart of the Moontower, far from the prying eyes of the other metaheroes who had gathered there at Meta 7's invitation.
In his whirlwind exploration, Superfast Man discovered an arsenal of futuristic weaponry, each piece an enigma waiting to be unraveled. He marveled at the advanced technology, pondering the possibilities. "Futuristic weaponry, sleek designs -- these could change the game back on Earth!"
Another chamber revealed itself as a hangar for sleek-looking scout ships preserved for centuries. The potential uses for these ignited Superfast Man's imagination. "Scout ships in suspended animation, interstellar travel possibilities -- the potential here is mind-blowing!"
However, his exploration took an abrupt and chilling turn when he was caught off-guard by an unexpected assailant. From the shadows emerged Cap Fury, a ruthless mercenary who harbored a deep-seated antipathy for magic. Cap Fury, a seasoned antagonist to metahumans, had prepared for this encounter, knowing the tricks Superfast Man might employ.
"Cap Fury?" muttered Superfast Man. This isn't good. He's got a bone to pick with metaheroes.
In the ensuing one-sided battle, Superfast Man's attempts to outmaneuver his assailant were futile after Cap Fury unleashed a powerful energy-based blow that struck Superfast Man with unerring precision.
Damn it, he's good. That energy blow came out of nowhere! mused Superfast Man, but he quickly realized the situation was worse than he had thought. "All of my super-speed -- completely drained from me?! What did you do, Cap Fury?"
As Superfast Man lay incapacitated and weakened, Cap Fury's voice dripped with smug triumph. "So much for your vaunted speed, hotshot," he taunted. "No hard feelings, 'kay? Just business. Some people are payin' me a lot o' money to get you out of the way. That sucker-punch I just handed you didn't only take away your powers, pal -- it's takin' you straight outta reality itself!"
What a mess, Superfast Man thought, struggling in vain to get to his feet. And what was that about taking me out of reality? As he lay there defeated, he looked at his hand. He could see right through it, as it was slowly becoming transparent along with the rest of his body. Looks like I underestimated this situation. The others have their hands full, and now... I'm in a real bind.
By the time Superfast Man had completely disappeared into another dimension, Cap Fury was already walking away without looking back, ready to receive his payment for a job well done.
***
Meta 7, the revered founder of the Meta Board League, had long been a symbol of cosmic harmony, a sentinel against the darkness that lurked beyond the stars. His powers, once as brilliant and awe-inspiring as a comet streaking across the night sky, had begun to wane, much like the celestial body that had gifted him these cosmic abilities.
At the Moontower, Meta 7 typically oversaw the Meta Board's multifaceted operations. But on the pivotal day after the fateful board meeting, the tranquility of the headquarters was shattered by an alarm that reverberated through the metallic corridors, its urgency matching the magnitude of the crisis unfolding in the cosmos.
Deep-space sensors, finely tuned to detect the slightest cosmic disturbances, had picked up a colossal celestial anomaly at the galaxy's edge. It was a phenomenon so unfathomably potent that it imperiled the very balance of the universe. This anomaly was one that Meta 7 had encountered before early in his career, and its existence threatened to unleash chaos upon the cosmic tapestry, endangering not only Earth but the entire galaxy if it wasn't controlled properly. He had already made contact with the Matter-Beam Corps, whose agents had managed to keep the anomaly under control for now, but they would need his expertise in order to fully reverse the course it was on.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Meta 7 swiftly gathered his resolve. With a heavy heart and unwavering determination, he selected three trusted Meta Board members to assume command in his absence. The fate of the Earth rested upon their shoulders.
"Scout, Urus, Mycroft... I can't predict how long I'll be gone," Meta 7 admitted, his voice resonating with a sense of responsibility. "But I have faith that you three can handle the process of selecting the founding seven members from the pool of nominated candidates. The safety of our world depends on your discernment."
As the three chosen Board members nodded in solemn agreement, Meta 7 turned to his close friend and confidant, Damocles. The hero, who had willingly stepped down from the Meta Board in order to participate in the trials for MBL membership himself, bore an expression of loyalty and unwavering support.
"Dam," Meta 7 said, his gaze filled with a profound understanding between them. "If anything should go wrong -- if the shadows of the cosmos should encroach upon our world -- please, don't hesitate to contact me through the deep space communicator. Together, we'll face whatever challenges lie ahead."
"Are you sure you don't want me or anyone else to come along?" asked Damocles, his fellow veteran metahero.
"No, the MBC has power in spades already," said Meta 7. "What they need is my experience with the anomaly. It's best you all remain behind and keep a close watch on that Big Blue Marble down there." He gestured toward the Earth, visible through the huge Moontower dome.
"Understood," Damocles replied with a nod of his head. "Best of luck, Tek. And give 'em hell for me."
With a final glance back at the Moontower, Meta 7 took a scouting ship and ventured out into the unfathomable depths of deep space. Despite happening at the worst time possible, his presence was needed on the galactic stage, as only he possessed the experience and cosmic insight to confront the impending threat head-on.
***
In the heart of the vast Moontower, a sprawling complex equipped with an array of cutting-edge scientific equipment, the stage was soon set for a defining moment in the formation of the Meta Board League. With Meta 7 having been urgently called away, the oversight of the trials to select the charter members of the MBL had been left in the capable hands of a few trusted Meta Board members: the Scout Marksman, Sky Bull, and Mycroft.
The grand chamber of the Moontower, known as the Danger Room, was a technological marvel. It was here that the first trials would take place, a rigorous test of each nominated hero's metahuman abilities. The heroes who would potentially become charter members of the MBL awaited their fate with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.
Of the thirteen nominated heroes, only nine had answered the call to prove their worthiness:
Agent F7
Cardinal Synn
The Cavalier Genius
Damocles
Dragnet Zero
Grow Worm
Sigma
Obsidienne
The Write Guy
The remaining four nominees had chosen different paths:
Nightwatch had respectfully declined, revealing his intent to form the Meta League of Europe in earnest, with a pool several interested candidates to choose from.
Chewy Walrus had declined as well, citing his commitment to the Elitum Protection Squadron that needed his attention back on Earth, especially now that Grow Worm had decided to take a leave of absence from the EPS.
Shaggy Faust had been a complete no-show, apparently disinterested in the idea of working with a team at all.
Superfast Man, the seasoned metahero who had been considered by all to be the strongest contender for team leader, had seemed to have vanished completely.
In the cavernous depths of the Danger Room, the heroes were being put through their paces. The Scout Marksman, a veteran metahero known for his precision and unparalleled marksmanship with any projectile weapon, oversaw the trials with a keen eye. "Listen up, everyone," he declared, his voice echoing through the chamber. "You've been nominated because you possess unique abilities, but we need to see how you handle yourself in the face of danger."
Sky Bull, known to his friends as Urus, was a powerhouse with the ability to control and manipulate energy. He nodded in agreement. "Each of you will face a series of challenges designed to test your mettle, teamwork, and adaptability. Expect the unexpected."
Mycroft, the strategic genius, added with his crisp British accent, "We will assess not only your powers but also your decision-making under pressure. The trials will be intense, but remember, this is about selecting the very best of the best."
The heroes exchanged determined glances, a mix of camaraderie and competition in the air. Their trials began with robotic adversaries, each one designed to exploit their individual strengths and weaknesses. The Write Guy's pen became a mighty weapon to alter things around him, Obsidienne controlled the very shadows, and Agent F7 demonstrated uncanny espionage skills.
The Cavalier Genius harnessed his brilliant intellect and swashbuckling swordplay to outwit and defeat mechanical foes, Sigma manipulated one of the eighteen powers he could choose from at any one time, and Damocles wielded a blade of energy with precision. Cardinal Synn's brutal firepower and mastery of his mystical aides was on full display, Grow Worm's ability to stretch shaped the battleground, and Dragnet Zero wielded his incredible fighting skills and athleticism to his advantage.
The trials were intense and demanding, pushing the heroes to their limits. As they fought side by side, alliances began to form, strategies evolved, and bonds of trust solidified.
Days turned into nights within the Moontower, and the trials raged on. The Board members, impressed by the caliber of the heroes before them, faced a daunting task: how to eliminate two of these exceptional nominees. Each hero had proven his or her worth in the crucible of combat, and the decision weighed heavily on the Meta Board members as they approached the defining moment of their selection process.
***
Down on Earth, a situation was rapidly developing that would threaten the very formation of the Meta Board League itself.
The bustling heart of Manhattan had been thrown into disarray as chaos reigned supreme, thanks to the familiar-looking costumed figure who had suddenly appeared in the midst of the crowds, drawing all attention to himself. "I have come to Manhattan to prove my dominance over this city!" he declared, his voice dripping with malevolence. "Prepare to witness the destruction and chaos that only I can unleash!"
With a wave of his hand, the buildings around him began to shake violently, their foundations crumbling under the immense power of his abilities. Glass shattered, raining down on the streets below, as terrified screams filled the air. Cars were flung into the air like toys, crashing into each other and causing explosions that sent flames dancing into the sky. Pedestrians ran for cover, their panicked footsteps echoing through the chaos.
This strange figure's powers were not limited to destruction alone. Even before his first words were spoken he had already begun manipulating the minds of those around him, twisting their perceptions and turning them against each other. Friends became enemies, while families were torn apart by paranoia and fear.
As chaos consumed the streets of Manhattan, the costumed figure reveled in his newfound power that had generated such immense fear and desperation that now gripped the city. He knew his actions had successfully drawn the attention of the media, and it would incite a swift reaction from the metahero community as well. News helicopters circled overhead, capturing footage of the destruction and broadcasting it live to a horrified audience. Reporters struggled to make sense of the madness unfolding before their eyes, their voices filled with urgency as they tried to convey the scale of the disaster.
Emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue those trapped amidst the rubble and chaos. Sirens blared through the streets, competing with the sounds of crumbling buildings and terrified cries. All the while, as the costumed man reveled in his destructive power.
As the city's denizens scattered in fear, the architect of that chaos decided to make his identity known. The Albino Chameleon, once a member of the beloved Seven Senses metahero team, had descended into madness, causing the breakup of that team. Now he sought to claim his own place of infamy in the world of capes and cowls. Stepping forward in the middle of the chaos that he had caused, he prepared to make his dramatic announcement.
Cameras from various news networks had been drawn to the chaotic spectacle unfolding in the heart of the city. The Albino Chameleon, his appearance shifting constantly as he lived up to his name, stepped up to one of the cameras, capturing the attention of a watching world.
"This is a message to the would-be 'heroes' of the Meta Board League. Beware!" he hissed, his voice dripping with malice. "Your self-righteous egos are nothing compared to mine! This popularity contest of yours in the form of a nomination process is an obvious attempt to challenge my power and authority, and I will not have it!"
A palpable tension hung in the air as he continued his ominous declaration. "Therefore, I am hereby announcing that I shall create the Infamous Bedlam Gang, with me as the leader, to challenge your paltry efforts at creating a new metahero team. Membership applications are accepted, but only at my discretion. Membership will be considered to those who can prove their worth, if you know what I mean. So, if you really want to join, you will need to make a name for yourself -- challenge the heroes in battle, cause destruction, and most of all, instill chaos everywhere you go!"
The Albino Chameleon's words sent shockwaves through the world and the hero community itself, just as he had intended. One young metahero, in particular, couldn't stay idle in the face of this madness and would soon face him down.
***
At the Moontower, emergency monitors flickered to life, casting an eerie glow across the control room. The metaheroes, gathered from various corners of the world, fixated their attention on the massive screens displaying Albino Chameleon's chaotic announcement in Manhattan.
As the Scout Marksman, Sky Bull, and Mycroft observed the unfolding crisis, their eyes narrowed with concern. They had been overseeing the training session of the MBL candidates, preparing the ostensible team members for the challenges they would face, and such a challenge had already presented itself.
Amidst the commotion, the trio of mentors seized the opportunity presented by Albino Chameleon's declaration to put two of the candidates to the test. The emergency sirens blared throughout the Moontower, signaling an abrupt halt to the training session.
"In the face of chaos, heroes rise," Scout Marksman declared, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "Two of you will have a chance to prove your mettle today. Albino Chameleon is threatening Manhattan, and we need to take swift action, not only to protect the city, but also the reputation of metaheroes in general. When one of us goes bad, we don't let it slide."
The candidates exchanged determined glances, their aspirations of joining the Meta Board League pushed to the forefront of their minds. But one of them had already stepped forward, answering the call to action before the Scout Marksman could even finish speaking.
Grow Worm, with his unique stretching abilities, spoke with determination, "I'll take on Albino Chameleon. I won't let his madness consume the city."
Beside him, Damocles, with his shapeshifting skills and an arsenal of weaponry, offered his assistance. "I'll accompany you, Worm. Together, we'll put an end to this chaos."
The trio of mentors nodded in approval as they initiated the teleportation sequence. In an instant, Grow Worm and Damocles vanished from the Moontower.
***
On the surface, the two heroes reappeared in the midst of the turmoil that had gripped Manhattan. The chaos was palpable, with civilians fleeing in terror from the destructive forces that had been unleashed by the Chameleon. But before the two heroes could leap into action, Damocles' comm-device chimed urgently.
"Damn it all! Why now?" Damocles muttered under his breath as he checked the alert. His expression darkened, and he turned to Grow Worm. "I'm sorry, Worm, but I've just received another emergency alert. It's an underground crisis with the Subterraneans. They're on the verge of awakening an ancient evil, and I... I really can't explain any further. I have to go."
Grow Worm nodded, his face resolute. "I understand, Damocles. I'm not afraid to face my... to face him alone. Go and handle your emergency."
With a nod of gratitude, Damocles activated his teleportation device and vanished, leaving the Worm alone in the midst of the chaos.
Steeling himself with a mixture of determination and sadness, the Worm drew upon the hero within as he spotted in the distance Albino Chameleon, the hero-turned-villain with whom he had a personal connection. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, ready to confront the darkness that had consumed his own flesh and blood.
The battle against Albino Chameleon was about to begin, and the fate of Manhattan hung in the balance.