Continued from Chapter 5: Seeds of Chaos
by the Time Trust
The room buzzed with tension as metaheroes, both aspiring and established, gathered to discuss the fate of the Meta Board League. The world needed the MBL now more than ever, and the gathered metaheroes were demanding answers.
A young metahero strode forward toward the stage where he could speak to everyone at once. His glowing energy aura caught the eye of his fellow metaheroes, drawing the attention of the crowd.
“Hey, everyone,” he began. “You all know me — Ener-G. I used to be called Generator back when I was in the Seven Senses, but my friends have always known me as Gooz. We all know why we’re here. The Infamous Bedlam Gang has been causing chaos everywhere, and with the Cosmic Gyroscope in their custody, they seem unstoppable. The Meta Board League must rise to meet that threat.”
Freebooter, a metahero known as a rabble-rouser, interrupted him. “And I say we expand the League!” he shouted, his voice somewhat slurred. “Fourteen seats, not seven — a bigger, bolder MBL! Imagine the possibilities!”
The room erupted in debate and objections to the idea. Unfazed by the interruption, Ener-G raised his hand for silence. “Hold it, everyone,” he said. “It’s not as outrageous as it sounds. In fact, I kind of agree with him. The Infamous Bedlam Gang won’t wait for us to sort out any internal disputes.”
As the tumult died down, Ener-G continued with determination. “I’d like to propose a larger revamped roster for the MBL, one that could meet the threat of the IBG immediately, if we can all agree on it.
“In the revamped League will be Meta 7, the one who first suggested a Meta Board League in the first place. Next, I would include a mixture of those Meta Board members and established metaheroes who were in attendance at the board meeting: Damocles, Johnny Morphus, Nightwatch, Grow Worm, Mycroft, Chewy Walrus, and Ace Martian. I would also include Freebooter for his great suggestion of having a fourteen-member MBL team, and I would include myself for similar reasons. I would also include two other proven metaheroes: SuperStretch and Rhyme Guardian.”
As the names were listed by Ener-G, the metaheroes exchanged glances of approval or dissent. Surprised but overjoyed to hear his name, SuperStretch glanced over at Agent F7, who gave him a slight nod. The stretching hero gulped as he realized how close he had come to making the biggest mistake of his life, and now he stood a chance to join the ranks of the world’s greatest team of metaheroes.
“And, if we can find a way to contact him, we should also include the Cosmic Mediator himself, the same being who basically gave birth to the Seven Senses in the first place. Some might say that my proposal is unrealistic, but you forget that the Seven Senses were masters of reality itself. And if we can reclaim the stolen Cosmic Gyroscope from Albino Chameleon, the revamped MBL will be able to change reality at will, too.”
Ener-G then pointed to an empty seat in the room. “And, of course, we need to keep a fourteenth seat open for a reserve hero,” he added, “someone itching to prove themselves when duty calls. Grow Worm has already suggested we create a backup team of MBL Reserves, so under my proposal each reserve member will get a shot at working alongside the MBL on a rotating basis.”
Murmuring of agreement and a nodding of heads filled the room. This was the most agreeable idea thus far, since it would open up the MBL to any worthy metahero from time to time without requiring a longer commitment, much like being a volunteer firefighter instead of a full-time member of the fire department.
“The first two metaheroes that I would love to have in the Reserves are Mach-Force, whose super-speed could serve us well, and Obsidienne, who has already proven her worth in the MBL membership trials,” Ener-G continued. “As fantastic as they both are, I know they already have commitments elsewhere. But don’t worry, the MBL will always be more than the sum of its parts. As far as I’m concerned, this revamped League has a solid lineup, battle-tested and ready.”
The room fell into a thoughtful silence as Ener-G’s words hung in the air. The metaheroes exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement while others remained deep in thought. Under any other circumstances, Freebooter’s outrageous ideas would have been dismissed outright, but now that Ener-G had championed them himself, the metaheroes were forced to consider them seriously.
“The Infamous Bedlam Gang won’t wait, and neither should we,” Ener-G continued, with inspiration. “Our unity is our strength. Let’s show the world what the Meta Board League is truly capable of!”
The young metahero’s words resonated deeply within the crowd. But not everyone there supported Ener-G’s revamped League proposal. Mycroft, the shrewd detective metahero, stepped forward, his demeanor stern and unyielding.
“This idea is preposterous!” Mycroft said in an authoritative voice. “We can’t simply discard the trials the membership candidates have endured for days. It’s unjust to revoke their chance for MBL membership.”
The crowd began dividing, some nodding in agreement with Mycroft’s argument, while others expressed the urgency of bolstering the League’s ranks against the Infamous Bedlam Gang.
“I know the candidates have been working hard,” Ener-G replied firmly, “but the IBG poses a threat that demands immediate action. We can’t afford to play by the rules when innocent lives are at stake.”
A pang of vulnerability hit him as he spoke, Ener-G’s thoughts momentarily drifting to the recent loss of his young wife, a wound still raw and unhealed. Marisa.
“This isn’t just about the ‘rules,’ Ener-G!” Mycroft said in an accusatory tone. “It’s about respect and fairness. You’re undermining the dedication these heroes have shown.”
The young metahero flinched, and his internal turmoil intensified, unbeknownst to the crowd. As the room fell silent, tension thick in the air, the gathered metaheroes observed the clash between Mycroft and Ener-G.
“Respect and fairness build the foundation of the Meta Board,” Mycroft asserted, addressing the crowd instead of his opponent. “Without them, we are no better than the villains we fight against. We must honor the trials and tribulations that these candidates have overcome.”
Mycroft’s words resonated with the weight of wisdom, and some metaheroes eagerly nodded in agreement.
“I’m not undermining their dedication or showing anyone disrespect,” Ener-G said defensively, his voice cracking with emotion. “But the IBG grows fiercer with every passing day. The innocent lives at stake can’t wait while we follow outdated rules. We’ve got to act — swiftly and decisively!”
Mycroft’s commanding presence faltered slightly as a flicker of sympathy emerged in his hardened gaze, but his resolve remained unwavering. “Is this the kind of leadership we desire for the MBL?” he questioned. “A ‘leader’ who jeopardizes the very essence of what it means to be a hero? Sacrificing principles for expediency leads us down a treacherous path.”
Ener-G visibly recoiled, wounded by Mycroft’s reproach. He couldn’t help but inwardly question his own motives. Is he right? he asked himself. Is that what I’m doing?
In the darkness that enveloped the room, a sinister presence watched from a distance while in disguise, her eyes glinting with an intrigued satisfaction. Her lips curled into a sly smirk.
“This is perfect,” Rae whispered to herself, her voice barely audible. “I can sense his pain — it’s almost palpable.”
Rae, the cunning metavillainess, formulated a plan in her devious mind, aware that Ener-G’s moment of weakness presented a golden opportunity for herself and the Infamous Bedlam Gang when the time was right.
Mycroft, a well-respected detective known for his perceptive mind, had also sensed this moment of weakness and decided to capitalize upon it. He stepped forward in an effort to turn the assembled candidates against Ener-G. With a commanding voice, he said, “Do you not all see? This boy’s arrogance in overturning the Meta Board’s rules undermines the essence of heroism! We cannot allow a single costumed fool to make these kinds of unilateral decisions!”
His words resonated with the assembled MBL candidates, their doubtful glances directed toward Ener-G as doubt and envy began to seep into their hearts.
Feeling the weight of their disapproval, Ener-G found solace only in the confines of his own thoughts. He whispered to himself, his voice laden with emotion and turmoil, “I’m just trying to make things right…” The burden of rejection and the torment of loss began to press heavily upon Ener-G’s shoulders. Unbeknownst to him, his vulnerability had become a beacon that Rae, the cunning manipulator, stood ready to exploit.
A smirk danced upon Rae’s lips as she muttered to herself, “Soon… with a little push, I’ll be able to exploit this hero’s darkest hour for my own gain.”
The debate reached a climactic peak, each word delivered with fervor. Ener-G, consumed by personal turmoil, began to feel isolated amidst the sea of dissent. The gathered metaheroes, previously in uniform agreement with his plan, were now beginning to side with Mycroft against him. Then a new voice spoke up.
“I stand by Ener-G’s proposal,” Sky Bull said firmly, speaking in his capacity as a Meta Board member. “The world can’t wait any longer. The threat demands a robust response.”
The Scout Marksman nodded in agreement with his fellow Meta Board member, his gaze unwavering. “Indeed. We must act swiftly. The MBL is necessary now more than ever.”
Many of the once-divided metaheroes began to nod in agreement, their doubts fading away. One by one, they began to speak, sharing their own perspectives.
“Expanding the League could be a real game-changer,” Superfast Man agreed thoughtfully. “We could bring in fresh faces, new powers, and double our chances against the Infamous Bedlam Gang.”
“But what about the dynamics within the League?” Johnny Morphus said hesitantly. “Won’t a larger team create more internal conflicts and disagreements?”
“Perhaps, but it also means more minds working together,” Chewy Walrus replied with a smile, having returned from his duty with the Elitum Protection Squadron to discuss the threat of the IBG. “We can pool our resources, share our strategies, and become an unstoppable force against evil.”
“I’ve seen firsthand what the Infamous Bedlam Gang is capable of,” his partner Grow Worm said somberly, dealing with personal troubles of his own. “I know I objected to Gooz’s idea before, but I have to admit… if there’s a chance to strengthen our defense, we shouldn’t let it slip away.”
“With fourteen seats, we can have specialists for any situation,” Ace Martian said optimistically. “Imagine what we can create when we have a more diverse team working together.”
“And hey, folks! Picture this,” SuperStretch interjected. “If we crank up the power of the MBL, we won’t just be stretching our limits, we’ll be stretching the very fabric of hope itself! The public will be like, ‘Whoa, look at those heroes — they can’t even fit in the frame!'”
SuperStretch’s remarks were met with laughter, testifying to the fact that Ener-G’s proposal had been met with acceptance.
Mycroft’s resolve had begun to falter as the weight of solidarity began to build against his stance. He cast a frustrated glance at the newfound unity among the other Meta Board members and the assembled metaheroes.
“I see the tide has turned,” he said reluctantly. “Very well, then — let it be on your heads.”
But as the decision began to solidify, dissent started to echo through the room. Rejected MBL candidates and concerned metaheroes alike began voicing their own discontent.
“This isn’t fair!” said Dragnet Zero in a frustrated tone of voice. “We’ve dedicated ourselves to joining the MBL! We’ve trained and fought for the greater good, and now you reject us?!”
“You think you’re better than us, don’t you?” Sigma said angrily. “Just because you made it onto the Meta Board, you think you can decide our fate?”
Amidst the uproar, Sky Bull’s voice commanded the crowd’s attention. “Please, everyone, hear me out,” he said calmly. “We’re not dismissing your efforts or your dedication. But the MBL needs to evolve, to adapt to the changing world around us.”
“‘Evolve’? Is that what you call this?” replied the Write Guy bitterly. “Turning your back on those who have proven themselves time and time again?”
“No, it’s not about turning our backs on anyone,” the Scout Marksman replied earnestly. “It’s about recognizing that the threats we face are growing in strength and number. We need a stronger, more unified front.”
“And you honestly believe this ‘revamped League’ idea is the answer?” replied the Cavalier Genius, his voice dripping with skepticism. “That it can fix everything?”
“No institution is perfect,” the Scout Marksman said with determination, “but the revamped Meta Board League has the best chance of uniting us all, of organizing our efforts, and ensuring we work towards a common goal.”
Sky Bull, sensing the doubt among the dissenters, stepped forward again, his towering presence commanding attention. “Listen, my friends,” he began, his voice strong and unwavering. “We may not all agree on the path forward, but the time for action is now. The world needs us, united against the forces that threaten our existence.”
The Scout Marksman stood by Sky Bull’s side, his gaze steady and resolute. “He’s right. We cannot afford to wait any longer. The longer we delay, the more lives are at stake.”
The room fell into silence, the weight of the decision sinking in. Slowly, one by one, the rejected MBL candidates and concerned metaheroes began to nod, accepting the inevitable.
“Looks like we’re all on board, then,” the Scout Marksman said resolutely. “So let’s go forth and assemble the Meta Board League!”
“Fine,” said Cardinal Synn. “I guess we have no choice. But don’t think we’ll go down without a fight.”
“Agreed,” Dragnet Zero said grudgingly. “We’ll hold you accountable for your promises, Meta Board.”
The Crimson Bluestar, an enigmatic Meta Board member from the distant 31st Century, stepped forward, a glint of resolve in his eyes. “Fear not, valiant heroes,” he began. “For those not joining the revamped MBL or anyone who isn’t content to be in the MBL Reserves, I extend an offer. The Legion of Meta Protectors in the 31st Century awaits you. Your commitment to safeguarding the world shall not go unnoticed.”
Whispers rippled through the crowd at the mention of this futuristic League, an opportunity arising from the present turmoil.
“The Legion of Meta Protectors?” said Sigma, curious.
“A Legion forged in the fires of time, open to those who seek to defend an era beyond these pressing days,” replied the Crimson Bluestar.
The rejected heroes exchanged glances, considering the Crimson Bluestar’s offer.
Watching from afar, Rae found herself intrigued. “Interesting… a divergence in paths,” she muttered to herself. “Any division between these ‘heroes’ could allow me to play a game of divide and conquer.”
The room hummed with uncertainty as the metaheroes weighed their choices, the promise of the future colliding with the urgency of the present.
As the room faded out, the rejected candidates continued to exchange glances, uncertainty hanging in the air. Each metahero contemplated the offer presented by the enigmatic Crimson Bluestar, weighing the pros and cons in their minds.
“Are we to abandon everything we’ve built here?” Cardinal Synn said guardedly. “Leave behind the battles we’ve fought and start anew?”
Sigma nodded thoughtfully. “Perhaps it’s a chance to make an even greater difference — to protect not just our world, but countless others in the future.”
The room fell silent as each hero grappled with their own internal struggle. The Crimson Bluestar, his resolve unbroken, listened patiently.
“You’ll still have the opportunity to defend and protect,” the Crimson Bluestar said reassuringly. “The Legion of Meta Protectors will face threats far beyond what we’ve encountered in this era. Our purpose is to safeguard the timeline, to ensure a world worth fighting for.”
The rejected heroes exchanged glances once more, their decision hanging in the balance. They knew that the present turmoil demanded their attention, but the future still held infinite possibilities.
A smile played upon Mycroft’s lips as he watched this new development unfold, observing the interplay with keen interest. He had been unable to prevent the MBL’s formation as he was being paid handsomely to do, but taking any metaheroes out of the game was the next best thing. “Sometimes, in order to move forward, we must explore the unknown,” Mycroft said in a reassuring tone to the rejected candidates. “Our choices today shape not only the present but also the future.”
With his words echoing in their minds, the rejected heroes found their resolve strengthening. Despite the urgency of the present turmoil, they realized that the opportunity to become part of something greater was worth the risk.
"Count me in," said Sigma. "I'm ready to ditch this century and see what challenges there are in the 31st."
"I as well," said the Cavalier Genius. "Perhaps, in that time, the world might better appreciate my brilliant mind!" He laughed confidently.
"Count me out, guys," said Dragnet Zero. "I'm still set on joining the MBL one way or another, and I don't see the point in fighting another century's fight when there's still so much to do here. The streets are still crime-ridden."
"Agreed," said the Write Guy, his arms folded. "At least in this era my plots can still keep up with incremental technological advances. If I left, I'd have to learn a whole gamut of things for my keyboard to work at all, and I'd probably find out it's not compatible with any operating system in the future."
"I always wanted to see what the world's like in a thousand years," remarked Cardinal Synn, flanked by his two female pixie aides. "But for me it'd be like going on vacation -- nice place to visit, wouldn't want to live there. I'll stay here."
"I'm staying behind as well, guys," Obsidienne said cheerfully. "But I will miss each of you terribly!" She hugged each of her fellow MBL candidates in turn as they prepared to leave.
As for Agent F7, he remained silent and simply gave each of his fellow former candidates firm handshakes as they went on their way.
Sigma and the Cavalier Genius thus stepped forward, their uncertainty replaced with conviction. They had each made the choice to join the Legion of Meta Protectors, knowing that their commitment to safeguarding the world of the future would not go unnoticed.
“Welcome, new Meta Protectors,” said a smiling Crimson Bluestar. “Together, we will help secure the safety of countless generations to come.”
The promise of the future couldn’t help but be intertwined with the lingering urgency of the present. And as the metaheroes stepped through the Crimson Bluestar’s portal into the far future, their determination resolute, a new chapter in their lives would begin.
As for Ener-G, his mind was on other things entirely, unnoticed by almost everyone who was there. He had begun to withdraw into himself, burdened by the realization that in pushing for his idea to establish a revamped League, he had also disenfranchised several worthy metaheroes from joining the MBL. In his mind, his promise to honor Marisa’s memory had begun to falter.
Watching from afar, Rae could sense the young man’s raw emotions as they played upon his face, and she had already formulated a plan to exploit them. With Albino Chameleon’s assent, she would help defeat the Meta Board League before it could take any preemptive action against the IBG.