Megastory 3

Baron Zemo begins to form a new Masters of Evil.

          A new vision he had. New inspiration.

          Baron Zemo was, at last, mentally ready to destroy the world’s heroes and set the Earth’s order right. The Master race would, of course, be on top. The other tolerable peoples could occupy the middle-working class. The mongrels and similar- just above animal anthropoids- would be the slaves.

          It was time to form a new Masters of Evil.

          He would start small so as not to draw attention to themselves.  Tackling The Avengers and The Justice League required training, focus and power. Zemo would build up to that confrontation.

          Zemo’s first selection was a rouge mercenary called Vicious. He never worked with guns, only a sword. This man was so proficient with the blade that he was rumored to be able to deflect bullets with it. Such talents would be useful.

*

          There was a solider- an American marine who had single-handedly repelled a demonic invasion.

          This marine was so rough and tough that his handlers didn’t know what to do with him. He wouldn’t fit into a standard military regiment. He didn’t have the right stuff for GI Joe. Private organizations couldn’t keep him busy or challenged enough to employ his services. Even mercenaries couldn’t recruit him because he wasn’t driven by money.

          Baron Zemo looked into the angle of keeping him challenged. The details of his demonic repellence wasn’t documented but one could imagine, Doomguy, as he was branded, had never endured a trial of this caliber ever again.

          Zemo had several trials in store for the marine. Assist him in destroying the world’s protectors. Establish a new world order. Maintain that order and malcontents rose up.

*

          Finding love was not in the plan. But that is what came into Baron Zemo’s life.

          Her name was Rain. She believed in him. She believed in his cause. She was loyal. And she was powerful.

          They met by chance when Zemo was training in a Hydra controlled military base. Rain was there, under special circumstances. It wasn’t clear if she was a guest or a prisoner but when she helped thwart string from S.H.I.E.L.D., Zemo was taken with her.

          Rain was vigilant in helping Baron Zemo build the newest incarnation of the Masters of Evil. She was solely responsible for bringing in the second female to the team.

*

The Lin Kuei ninja were one of the most feared clans in the world. An alliance with them was out of the question as they were already tied to other entities. There was, however, a renegade in their group. A cryomancer who would be very useful to the Masters.

          The only reason Frost joined him was because she didn’t have anywhere else to go.

*

          At last came the fifth name on his initial short list.

          He was just a kid, still in his teens. But he had potential that men such as Vicious or Doomguy could never offer.

          Prince Zuko was from the Fire Nation- a small independent kingdom dominated by pseudo mutants that specialized in fire manipulation.

          Over a hundred years ago, around the time of World War One, the Fire Nation went on a campaign to subjugate its neighbors. Although the surrounding countries hosted elemental manipulating people as well, none of them were equipped enough to fend the Fire Nation off. The international community intervened and created a level of peace.

          By the time Zuko was born, The Fire Nation had lost its aggressive nature. Fire Benders were living and working with Earth and Water Benders. They even sold their abilities out to various entertainment industries as if they were circus attractions. When Zuko openly criticized this, his father banished him into the world so that the young prince could learn a thing or two.

          He found the teen sulking in the back of a gym in Seoul, Korea.

          “For such a young man, you seem to carry a great weight on your shoulders.” Zemo opened the conversation.

          Zuko looked at him for a long moment, obviously considering what he a was going to say.

          “Says the man in the mask.”

          “My name is Baron Helmut Zemo. I have heard of you Prince Zuko.”

          The fire bender stiffened.

          “I have also heard about your situation.” Zemo continued. “Banished from your home. You seem, in need of friends.”

          “I don’t need friends. What I need is to regain my honor.”

          “The decree of your father I presume. A foolish man, I must say. The Fire Lord should have accepted Magneto’s friendship.”

          “A terrorist?” Zuko spat.

          “An extremist.” Zemo softened the accusation.

          “Same difference.” Said Zuko.

          “You sound like the self-righteous Americans. Magneto is simply willing to do what is necessary to protect his kind. The Fire Nation will need him one day, I assure you.”

          “Benders aren’t mutants.” Said Zuko firmly.

          “No, but they are as close as a group can get. Believe me. Your enemies will not make any trivial distinctions.”

          “What do you want?”

          “I would like to invite you to join me and others in a most serious endeavor.”

          “What endeavor is that?”

          “The world is out of order. We must rein things in.”

          “That’s not telling me much.”

          “Of course. Let me entice you with what’s in it for you. Your honor restored. You wearing the crown of the Fire Lord. The Fire Nation as one of the major powers of the New World Order.”

          Zemo wasn’t surprised when Zuko stayed silent. It was the quiet of consideration.

          “Take you time to think it over.” Said the Baron as he stood up to walk away.

          “Wait,” the exiled prince barked. “I’ll go with you on a preliminary basis. To see if your offer has any value.”

          Beneath his mask, Baron Zemo smiled. “Fair enough.”

          And like that, The initial Masters or Evil was formed.

Author's Note

Megastory 3 will be dedicated to the Masters of Evil aspect of the Megastory.