Arc 12 Villainy 101

Chapter 6

I had long since returned to my subterranean lair. Hubris’s announcement had shaken me. The more I researched him, the more I feared the man. My eyes skimmed over the different screens trying to absorb what information I could on the Heroes that had arrived. Hubris was by far the hardest to deal with. He was a subset of a projector. His power functioned on belief; if he thought he could throw that building, then he could throw that building. What sort of weakness could a man like that have? There had to be a limit to it, right?

What was it that Ichigo had mentioned. I strained my brain, recalling the pickle jar analogy. So I have to undermine his egotism and make him doubt himself. Easier said than done. Perhaps there was a sore spot in his past that could be exploited? Surely he wasn’t ridiculous from birth. Well, then again, he very well might have been. If he is so strong, how come he is not heralded as the most powerful super in the world? The Sanguine Puppeteer is number one followed by Arachnaon. He isn’t even second place. That is rather pitiful for someone so full of themselves. That might be an excellent place to start.

Xava would be looking into that, and if I had a run-in with him, I don’t think it honestly matters, he would squish me like a bug. Instead, I should be focusing on those that I might stand a chance against since Molotov and the others would be dealing with Hubris.

My little hand scrolled along with the Hero profiles, Light Fly. She was rather beautiful with glowing hair and a pure white outfit that I get the feeling she must soak in bleach every night to get it so white. Unfortunately, she wore a hood type of thing that covered her face, though I could make out the outlines. She was fit and curved, a great profile overall. Arrant thoughts of her belly distorting as I filled her with my children flooded my mind for a moment before I shooed them away.

Powers… powers… lets see here. Ok, so she can fly, shoot laser beams that can slice buildings in half and turn herself into a flash-bang bomb that stuns and blinds everyone in roughly a 500-yard radius if they are looking at her. Oh great, that sounds like a ton of fun… not. Ehhh, why it always gotta be people with my weaknesses? From the looks of it she has to use her hands to shoot lasers, or rather her pointer fingers. Now that I looked closely at the video, she was using her fingers like a gun. Depending on how many fingers she used, the intensity of the blast increased.

Got it, rip off her fingers or hands. Next.

Eat her hands.

Now, why would I do that?

To show dominance?

Just cause I ate Nightmare’s arms doesn’t mean I eat people.

Of course, not~ said Sub somewhat dismissively.

… Every day we stray farther from humanity, you know that Sub?

And that is a problem?

… I guess not.

Then… eat… her… hands. I bet they will be finger-licking good~.

Enough about eating hands, alright?

I ignored her and continued my research. Armadillo… hmm, I guess he managed to get out of LA. He had plated armor and could roll up into a ball. I stared at the screen that didn’t seem dangerous… ah, he was harder most metals, and his armor was made from layered titanium. Ok.. So I can’t even scratch that guy. A rank 8. Ball… ball… hmm, how does one fight the immovable object? Although if he a ball, is he genuinely immovable? I could roll him, right? Or maybe, throw him? It wouldn’t do anything to him, though.

If he's a ball, just throw him at other people.

By the Tentacles of Helix, you are a genius Sub.

I try.

Could probably use him as a human shield against Light Fly.

Oh, good idea. See, now we are getting into this.

“Xava,” I said, looking to the Neon Nurse beside me.

“Yes, Vesper?”

“How would you fight an endurance Super?”

Her eyes lit up as Xava’s primary attention shifted into that body, “Endurance? Simple Vesper. I would remove his helmet and gas him or force him to swallow poison or a sedative depending on which you would prefer.”

I tapped my chin, “I see. Wouldn’t he be immune?”

“No Vesper, Endurance Supers are weak to internal threats. Say force him to swallow a bomb and set it off, and he would implode.”

“So Endurance only applies to external threats. I see. That's not so hard; we could drown him. Or trap him in a room with smoke or gas and suffocate him.”

“Yes, those are the most efficient ways.” Smiled Xava sweetly.

I plopped a hand on her head, petting her affectionately. I don’t know why but Xava sure was sexy when she was plotting, scheming. Maybe cause she was putting that big brain to use. It was like I was looking at the real her.

“Still,” I said, “Seems like something that needs preparation to deal with.”

“Yes, though should my lair be invaded, there are deterrents. We are mostly safe here. Even if they were to try and tunnel down to bypass security measures, I have sensors in the surroundings that will detect them coming as such; we will be able to prepare.”

“I will inform you should it be necessary.”

“You don’t trust me?”

She thought on it, “I do, but this is to help you against torture or captured.”

For a moment I was mad, but that quickly simmered down, Xava was, as usual, logical and methodical in her approach. It made perfect sense as to why she did not want me to know as such I couldn’t blame her for it. This was her installation after all, and I, even if I am her lover, am merely her guest. It was all hers that she had built with her brains. As such, I had no room to interfere in the happenings beyond my pets and breeding stock. It was only by her good graces that this place was even available for me to use, and I was thankful for that.

Lightly I hugged Xava, who blankly stared up at me, questioning my actions. I didn’t reply instead leaning down and kissing her on the forehead. I was genuinely thankful that Xava was here with me. We continued with our research, though Xava already knew all of this and was helping me to understand who it is that we would be fighting come tomorrow.

Next was Tecton, who was essentially Gnome, but on steroids. Ugh… Gnome was a pain in the ass by herself, and now there is a guy way the hell stronger than her. Other than flying, I had no idea how to counter a Terrakinetic. I mean, what the fuck are you supposed to do when everything around us can be manipulated?

“Xava, how would you fight this guy?”

Her eyes lit up as she thought on it, “Well, that depends on what is at your disposal, Vesper. If Tecton uses metal to protect himself, then we can either melt it with extreme heat and cook him alive, or we could electrocute him, and the metal would be a conductor. As for dealing with his powers, that is more difficult due to the urban environment we are in. However, the sewers have an abundance of water to be used to dilute the ground and make it more difficult to use. Sound vibrations can also disrupt the unity of the soil as well as destroy his concentration. I believe that your voice can reach decibels of the level required to, at the very least, disorientate him if not outright ruptured his eardrums or incapacitate him.”

“My… my voice?”

“Yes, Vesper, I have analyzed the sample recorded, and you peaked out at 130 decibels, the equivalent of a jet taking off. That was your Princess form, and your lung capacity has more than tripled since your molting. As such, it is likely more powerful than that. If you found a way to project and focus it, you could likely punch holes in metal like Captain Metal did with his sonic ray.”

“My voice is that bad…”

“Vesper, it is a charming voice. There is no reason to feel bad. My sensors are sturdy. As such, I could listen to it all day and not be damaged.”

“You just said I could break metal with it.”

“Well yes, if you amplified it through say a tube or funnel of some sort. I would be rather effective in a sound conducive environment such as a tunnel, such as the sewers, for instance.”

“Thanks, I guess. It still sounds troublesome.”

“Vesper, I am inorganic; as such, I am much more durable than these organics. Even if this body were to be damaged, I can simply replace it. You have many special gifts. You just need not fear them, but rather embrace them and harness them for your gain.”

“That’s…” I looked down for a moment at the large clawed hands, “I, You are right. Wouldn’t that hurt me too?”

“Well yes, but since you have regeneration, it would merely be a temporary set back. Still, it would be best if you used it alone or else you might damage allies, me withstanding, of course.”

“So, it is like my trump card?”

“Yes a last resort sort of thing if you are engaged with allies in close proximity. If not, then feel free to use it, though be cautious of the rebound damage you will receive.”

“We captured some of Captain Metal’s sonic tech, right? Can’t we use that to figure something out?”

“Yes, we did, but it is admittedly beyond my expertise. As such reverse engineering has been slow. Overseer is currently analyzing the designs and formulating replicas. It has been designated as a lower priority as such things take a lot of processing power, and there are much more important projects.”

“What projects?”

Xava pet her belly, rubbing it affectionately and smiled, “Why our children Vesper.”

I lifted my mate kissing her on the lips and snuggling her in a warm hug, “I love you, Xava.”

“Daw, what has gotten into you all of a sudden?”

“I love you, Xava.”

“I know, I know, I love you too Vesper,” She smiled as she pet my tentacles that slithered all over her.

This was a lovely moment… and of course, like most things in my life, something interrupted it. Why can’t I have nice things?

The ground shook. Alarms cried throughout the installation as Xava’s eyes dimmed, she had shifted out of that body, likely returning the central command cortex. The creaking of metal echoed from the sturdy walls as they held firm. After a minute of the Earth shivering and crying out, everything became still.

“What was that?” I asked.

Overseer replied from the autonomous robo nurse, “Report to the gathering hub. We are processing the cause of the seismic disturbance. A plan of action will be discussed once the data has fully compiled.”

I did as she said, rising and following the machine. A short elevator ride later, I had returned to a now somewhat familiar meeting room. Just about everybody else had already gathered, even the Puppeteer, who sat at the far end of the table. Laying upon the table were was not one, but two rabbits and a cat. The rabbit on the left was soft and snow white, with cute little whiskers. The oddest thing about that critter wasn’t the piercing black eyes that seemed to stare into my soul, no it was the pearly white wing that came from it’s back. The other was like a mirrored shadow version of the white one. It was black with red eyes, and a wing extended from it. However, there were eyes on the surface of the wing. Something seemed familiar about these creatures.

As for the cat lounging on the pillow, well, I recognized Miss Wiggles, the ornery Egyptian sphinx cat that seemed to always be in a bad mood.

Molotov sat to the side, Boris, on her side. Vira, Spark Spray, and Xava were arrayed opposite of them with Xava being closest to the Puppeteer. Fold and Shadow had already been seated beside Boris. I took my place at the far end of the table. Directly opposite me, the crooked grin of the Puppeteer faced in my direction. This was my place due to size constraints, as it had been altered for me to fit.

Dr. Arbor made her way in, a deep scowl making her eyebrows crunch as she sat next to me. The usual green mist puffing from her breathing apparatus. It seems the earthquake had interrupted her research. Sheila appeared over to my side, already seated. After a minute of abject silence, Glitter Kitten heaved her pregnant self in the door, out of breath over having to carry my young. She immediately took the seat beside me and slouched.

Was that everyone? I felt like somebody was missing. My assumption turned out to be accurate as the last latecomer came darting coked out of her mind, Burnout. Her biker leathers were singed, still smoking as looked a bit beat up. The left sleeve of her jacket was torn off, and there was a cut on her face.

All eyes fell on the junkie, making her freeze momentarily. The stillness broke when Sanguine motioned with a hand to be seated. Burnout eagerly complied.

“So,” said the distorted voice of the villain of villains as the mask turned to Xava, “Tell me, what have they done?”

Xava motioned to the center of the table where a hologram appeared. Smoke and debris fires were flickering. After a long moment, the wind cleared it, and an abrupt drop cut a street off. The drone approached the edge looking over into the molten pit of boiling lava below.

“Da, that is nice, but care to explain?” said Molotov pointedly.

Overseer replied, “We are processing. A seismic disturbance has jolted the fault line east of the city… assessing damage. Minimal. The disturbance has sent the tectonic plates into convulsions, they are unstable. Expect aftershock quakes of increasing intensity.”

“So, it is like a muscle spasm?” I said, “How strong was that?”

“Magnitude 6.2 If current pressure is maintained, the next jolt will be 6.5, Processing. Hull structural integrity will fail at 9.6 Installation will be compromised.”

“Where is that hole?” said the Puppeteer.

Overseer answered, “Eastern Warehouse District. That was the Diablo De Chillar base of operations. It appears the Heroes have launched a preemptive strike. A moment please, checking communications… It appears the local Diablos have been completely eradicated.”

The Puppeteer crossed its fingers, “Huh, didn’t think they had it in them. Ahh, this is going to be a lot more fun than I thought it would be.”

“The gloves are off,” said Molotov, nodding, “Congratulations, boys and girls, we are in the big leagues now. Citadel is where?”

“Holding position over the crater. Sensors are indicating Hero League teams are beginning to scour the immediate area.”

“Hubris doesn’t usually sneak attack. I wonder who lit a fire under him to make him this desperate?” said Molotov glancing at the mask to her side.

Sanguine tilted its head, “Who do you think? Chimera operatives have arrived.” The gloved hand separated for a moment counting to three on the fingers, “There are three active Chimera agents in the city, well make that two since Nightmare has been dealt with.”

“Who?” asked Molotov.

“Now, now, now. Where is the fun in spoiling that?” replied the eccentric master of evil.

“Arachnaon?” I asked.

All eyes turned to me, and the Puppeteer made a loud Pfft that drew all eyes back to the mask as it laughed, “Ara Haha, Ahhh if only. No, no it is not my old friend. Though I am sure they are up your alley… Vesper. A little bug on bug action? Oh I know. You will fight them. Been a while since I saw a good insect fight. Reminds me of when I would capture little animals and set them on one another for my amusement.”

My face twisted instantly, “You want me to fight Chimera agents? Surely Molotov would be better for that?”

“I suppose it is too early. Fret not little wasp, they will come to you. Well, I suppose one in your situation should be sweating bullets about now.”

“Why are they coming after me?”

“Because little wasp, Arachnaon sent them to collect you.”

“ME? Why me?”

The Puppeteer sighed, “Vesper, I know you are a little slow. It is ok, it is not your fault only ten percent of your brain functions.”

“Hey… that is kinda mean.”

“How so? That is average for humans. Well, so the myth goes. But yes, you are damaged to a degree that seems purposeful. Dr. Arbor care to elaborate?”

Dr. Arbor seemed a bit jumpy as she was suddenly thrust into the conversation, “Well, I don’t know about purposeful, but her brain is functioning above human capacity. As for the damage, that has been an issue since before I met her.”

“Don’t play coy. I see all the traces of tampering. I feel her mental powers have been stunted on purpose. You removed that piece of brain. Now, why would you do that?”

My antennae twitched, I could smell the fear boiling out of Dr. Arbor. She quivered, “I, I had no other choice. Molotov was going to kill me if I didn’t remove it. If I didn’t remove the Vespoidea Cortex, it would have been signaling like a beacon, and they would have come for her long ago.”

“Molotov?”

“Da, I ordered it. Couldn’t have you subconsciously signaling to the Spore and alerting Chimera of your existence.”

“What the hell is a Vespoidea Cortex?” I asked, looking between the two.

“It… it is how your kind communicates over a long distance.”

“AND,” said the Puppeteer.

“Since you are of the Queen variety, it would allow you to control your offspring.”

“Oh well that sounds fucking awesome, shove that shit back in my fucking head!” I growled, my tentacles strangling Dr. Arbor.

She struggled meekly, “I, I can’t. It is at my main facility. I will take you there after this is all sorted, just, just calmed down. It was for your protection!”

The Puppeteer waved her hand, and my tentacles released Dr. Arbor against my will. “Now, now. I brought this to your attention, not to create friction between you, but to make you realize that you owe her for saving you.”

I stared at that maniacal mask, “Saving me? How so?”

“You are one of them. Born of the Spore. As such they will seek you out and they will forcibly take you back to serve the Spore as they do. If you had been left alone, one of them would have come for you within a few days of your transformation.”

“I see. What does the Spore want exactly?”

“To leave this place.”

“Huh, why is that bad? What is your beef with the space jellyfish?”

“Now, why would I allow the most entertaining thing I have found escape? Besides ever since it arrived, Earth has been so much more fun.”

“So you did it on a whim?”

The Sanguine Puppeteer leaned in using its hands to prop its head up, “Everything I do is on a whim of methodical, maniacal genius. Why, I set into motion schemes that take decades, centuries at times to come to fruition, none of you can fathom my objectives, not that that matters. It is not as though you puppets have a choice, dancing on the strings I pulled so long ago that not even I recall what I wanted you to do. I do know that it will be entertaining.”

Molotov waited for a little as the room became quiet once more before speaking up, “Back to the main topic. The Citadel of Order has taken up a forward position over the eastern part of the city. The main team has already wiped out the Diablo De Chillar and scouting teams are probing the surroundings for lairs. The Sixes and Sevens will be hit next as they are closest. As such, we will ambush the Hero League when they attack.”

“What after that?” I asked.

“They have a flying city that has an energy field and enough weapons to level the city ten times over.” Said, Boris.

“Vira and Fold will be instrumental for that. Once the Heroes have been drawn out of their nest, we will invade it and turn their weapons against them.” Said, Molotov.

“How will we turn the weapons against them?” asked Fold.

Vira replied, “Overseer will be uploaded in the command core systems and assume control of the Citadel.”

The Puppeteer nodded for a moment and then raised a finger to interject, “That is a nice plan, but… what makes you think they don’t have precautions against it? Adamantine is in there and he will never leave his fortress. I am sure his firewalls will be plentiful and difficult to crack.”

Overseer replied, “I have already begun deciphering the Citadel of Order’s security systems. By our assessment, it will take less than 24 hours to decrypt the pattern for the firewalls and begin breaking through remotely. However, we will require hard wiring to override control and lock Adamantine from his systems completely.”

Molotov nodded, “That is why we will pick off heroes until they are forced to send Hubris out into the field. Once that happens, we will send the main attack force into the city, claim it and turn all of its weapons on Hubris.”

The Puppeteer scratched the mask’s chin, “Might work. You will need something to distract him for a while, though, or else those who go aboard will be pincered and crushed.”

“Do you have a better plan?”

Sanguine was silent for a long moment, “Of course I do. I have several, but they are not very entertaining. How badly do you want the Citadel?”

“It would be useful that is for sure,” said Molotov, “Though if it must be destroyed, then so be it.”

The air in the room seemed to drain of all heat. Shivers ran rampant as the puller of strings spoke, “Hmm well, as a last resort, should your schemes fail, lure Hubris into the Citadel and set it to self destruct. While that is happening, launch that nuke I know you have squirreled away at it as well. Bronson will be destroyed along with the Citadel of Order, but Hubris will not survive something of that magnitude.”

The cold sweat dripped in my shell, “Wouldn’t that kill all of us too?”

The mask turned to me, smiling as evil as always, “Why yes. Yes, it would. As I said, boring. Though it will be a pretty explosion, and the cloud will likely almost break orbit.”

“What the hell is in that thing to make it so explosive?”

“About 20 tachyon field quantum fission reactors.”

“Oh my, I don’t know what that is, but it's got a lot of big science words and that sounds scary as hell. Well, eh, let us not do that then, shall we?” I worriedly looked around the room.

It seemed just about everybody agreed, the Citadel of Order was not to be destroyed.