Jumbo, Dynamite, and TNT came to Hero HQ after their first break of strategic planning. The children sat on his shoulder with his hands holding them securely and eating coned ice creams happily.
"If it isn't the traitor." Thunder frowned
Jumbo smiled, "Either way. My family is doing well. Thanks for asking."
"Was it worth it?" Greg suddenly asked
The villains glared at them with hostility. The room was filled with bloodlust but Greg continued to stare at the ex-hero.
"Yes." Jumbo beamed "I have my amazing children. It's enough."
Lioness frowned, "You almost became an SSS class hero."
"That's enough of that." Jumbo sighed seeing no progress in the conversation. "How's the planning going?"
"It's tough." Nine sighed
"What??" Dynamite grinned "We can just blow it up!"
"Bring it down!" TNT continued
Nine sighed, "And you guys wonder why Demolition Crew isn't involved in planning?"
"The greatest mystery." Jumbo chuckled looking at the holo-map
He zoomed in on the cracked areas.
"So... war?" Jumbo asked
"We can't say for sure....never know." Ajkula smiled
"If you say so." TNT shrugged "Dad. Can we go to an amusement park?"
"Hmm? I'll think about it." Jumbo laughed
TNT tried to mention and create reasons why they needed to go to the park. Jumbo smiled happily and didn't say anything to her.
"Maybe we should reinforce the cracks?" Jumbo asked
"You can do that?" Goldilocks went
"Of course. I'll have you know all construction is looked after by our Demolition Crew. A simple rift like this is destined to break but extending its life isn't impossible." TNT smiled
Dynamite frowned, "It will depend on what their barrier is made of and the equipment we have available. From what I see we can only extend it for a few hours or days. No- to wasting time and materials."
"We'll need to scout." Executive Gris went
"You want to send those kids out there!!!" Mystic yelled
A woman stood up
"I am Kila. I oversee those kids as you call them but that is incorrect. They are villains who haven't been assigned to or don't want a unit. They know what they got themselves into and I won't have you look down on their work."
"You'll send them?!" Bull went Kila holding a stern expression.
"We'll take care of our own."
"It seems its war...." Road Maniac interrupted
There was tension in the air and they turned to the seated Pillars.
"Nights Race has already infiltrated the country. The Gates were attacked and declared it as war." Shadow Hound informed
Ajkula clicked his tongue, "Well...that's spilled milk."
"THEY'RE HERE!!!" Goldilocks exclaimed
Nine shrugged, "Honestly, I was expecting it?"
"Well, let's enjoy ourselves anyway!!!" Dea Tacita laughed "Viva! Villains!"
Glasses of Côte du Rhône appeared on the villains' hands all over the building. Green tentacles wrapped up the heroes and staff tightly and music echoed throughout the HQ. Their outfits changed and they started to dance.
"VIVA VILLAINS!!!" They cheered "TO LIVES OF CHAOS!!"
"Stop this!!" Thunder frowned
*MUSIC BECOMING LOUDER*
" TO WAR!" They continued "VIVA!"
"Do you want some?" Pink Cloud laughed at the trapped heroes
"We're willing to share...we are big-hearted villains."
"Oi!! Don't waste the booze!" Ajkula frowned. "It's no use. Heroes are drunk on something else. Our cheap wine won't please them."
"Fair point." Executive Drak nodded grabbing a bottle. "But I'm not."
The party was in full swing. Food started to appear and they were deep in entertainment now. Jumbo got seated as they started to play games.
"Go enjoy yourselves. No alcohol." Jumbo smiled at his children putting glasses of grape juice in their hands
Dynamite sulked, "Fine."
"Come play when you've rested, Dad!" TNT beamed
"I just don't want to play. And don't you dare guilt trip me?" Jumbo sighed
Jumbo looked happily at the notorious villains having fun, being childish, and enjoying the moment. Although his thoughts we disturbed by someone calling his name.
His eyes turned to the captured heroes, "Did you actually want the wine? Hugo?"
"Cut the crap and release us." Thunder reacted
Jumbo raised a brow, "Why ever would I do that? The party will have to end early if I do."
"Why have you become like this." Thunder snapped "You used to be an iconic hero."
"You mean, I was like you?" Jumbo scoffed
"Life is funny isn't it?" Jumbo took a sip of his glass. The music blocked off the noise of Laasya's battle outside and the cries of protesters at the HQ gate. He soaked it on but he could only smile.
"I didn't need it anymore." Jumbo smiled
The heroes looked baffled by Jumbo rejecting their offers so many times. Although Pyro Lady looked different and started to think over his words.
"JUMBO-" Thunder began
Jumbo poured the contents of his glass over the hero's head. His gaze was cold and an irritated expression was on his face. The heroes had never seen this expression of his.
"I'm trying to be nice. Can't take no for an answer?" Jumbo scoffed "Is it so hard to believe there exist people who don't want to be you, to be heroes?"
"You-" Thunder frowned "They are other options besides heroes but a villain."
Jumbo smirked, "Who are you to decide my options? Some lines shouldn't cross, Hugo. I'll respect you and vice versa."
"He's just worried since we were once....allies." Samurai frowned
Jumbo swept back his hair and smiled, "That's not why he's asking. He just wanted another strong subordinate. He adores being at the top. Let me say something-"
The ex-hero towered over them and his smile only grew on his face. Hugo stared back at him with a scowl.
"I'm good where I am. Although Hugo.
When you sit high above us on your throne of prestige, titles, honor and your achievements piled up over your name. Looking around at the glory you amassed for yourself having trampled down on everything else for your ideals leaving me and everyone else down here.
Tell me how you like the view, by yourself, and tell me about it. I hope....you'll be happy with what you see." Jumbo told and walked away
Explosions went off and the restraints on the heroes were removed. Thunder looked back and saw Pyro Lady with hot tears falling down her cheeks.
"Pyro Lady?" Daylight went
"I don't want to...." She cried "I don't want such a life."
"Lucian?" Hugo exclaimed
"Hugo...I don't want to be your Queen." she frowned "It's too lonely."
Another attack hit the HQ and it started to tip over. Although Hugo was stunned. And Zaiden watched from the comfort of his room as he closed a book titled, The Path of a King.