The Teen Team headquarters buzzed with unusual energy.
Mark Grayson sat on the edge of a training platform, watching as Rex Splode demonstrated his explosive abilities on a series of holographic targets.
"Watch and learn, Invincible," Rex called out, charging several metal spheres simultaneously. "This is how a professional handles multiple threats."
He launched the spheres in rapid succession, each one detonating with pinpoint precision against different targets.
The explosions created a rhythmic percussion that echoed through the training room.
"Not bad," Mark acknowledged with a half-smile. "Though I'm pretty sure Eve could take out twice as many in half the time."
Atom Eve, who had been hovering nearby creating complex molecular structures, glanced over with a smirk. "Don't drag me into Rex's ego-boosting exercises."
"It's not ego if you can back it up," Rex retorted, flipping another charged object between his fingers. "Besides, not all of us can rearrange matter with our minds. Some of us have to work with what we've got."
Eve rolled her eyes and returned to her practice, pink energy flowing from her fingertips as she constructed increasingly intricate patterns in the air.
Across the room, Monster Girl was studying scientific readouts with intense concentration.
"You know guys, these energy signatures are off the charts," she muttered, scrolling through data on a tablet. "The Viltrumite integration has changed everything. Our normal response protocols are basically useless."
"Adaptation is necessary for survival," came a calm, measured voice from behind her. Monster Girl turned to see Roberta approaching.
No longer confined to her robotic avatar, the newly embodied genius moved with an almost hypnotic grace, as if still marveling at the sensation of flesh and blood after decades trapped in a tank.
Her new form resembled Eve - the genetic template was unmistakable - but with subtle differences: darker auburn hair, more defined features, a slightly taller frame.
She carried herself with a scientist's precision, each movement deliberate and economical.
"Still weird seeing you like this," Monster Girl admitted, gesturing vaguely at Roberta's human form. "I mean, good weird. But weird."
"The neurological adjustment period has been... challenging," Roberta acknowledged, brushing a strand of hair from her face, "Physical sensations are overwhelming after decades of filtered input."
Nearby, Dupli-Kate had split into three copies, each running different training simulations. The original Kate noticed Roberta and called out, "Hey, Robot - sorry, Roberta - how's the new body treating you? Figured out all the fun parts yet?"
"If by 'fun parts' you're referring to sensory pleasures, I'm still exploring various foods, though if you meant any other forms, then no," Roberta replied with clinical detachment. "Though I fail to see how that's relevant to our training session."
"Still got that personality, I see," one of the Kate duplicates remarked with a laugh.
Rex paused his training to stare at Roberta. "Still can't get used to it. One minute you're a robot skull on wheels, next you're... well, hot."
"Your eloquence remains unmatched, Rex," Roberta replied dryly, not bothering to look up from the console she was now operating. "Perhaps you could direct your attention to improving your aim rather than my appearance."
"My aim is perfect," Rex snapped, charging a small metal ball and flicking it at a distant target. It exploded with pinpoint accuracy. "See?"
"Impressive," came a deep, resonant voice from the entrance. "Though precision without purpose is merely spectacle."
The entire room froze. Standing in the doorway was Thragg, Grand Regent of the Viltrum Empire, his imposing frame nearly filling the entrance.
His crimson cape draped regally from his shoulders, his mustache perfectly groomed as always.
Despite the month that had passed since Earth's integration, his presence still commanded immediate, instinctive fear.
"Grand Regent," Mark acknowledged, standing quickly, immediately taking a more formal tone. "We weren't expecting you."
"Clearly," Thragg replied, his gaze sweeping the room with analytical precision. "I came to check on your progress, Mark.
Your training sessions with General Kregg have shown improvement, but I understand you've been spending significant time with your... friends."
The way he said "friends" carried neither warmth nor disdain - merely observation.
"Yeah, well, they're my team," Mark said, a hint of defensiveness in his tone, immediately the formality slipping away, still not used to attempting it.
"One of your teams," Thragg corrected. "Your Viltrumite heritage demands broader allegiances."
Monster Girl stepped forward, "Mark's allowed to have a life outside Viltrumite stuff, you know."
Thragg regarded her with mild interest. "Amanda, isn't it? The one whose powers reverse her aging process. A fascinating biological paradox."
Monster Girl blinked, surprised that the Grand Regent knew her real name. "Uh, yeah. That's me. Not used to hearing my actual name from... well, anyone really."
"I make it a point to know all powered individuals under my protection," Thragg stated matter-of-factly. "Particularly those with unique abilities."
The three Kates merged back into one as she approached cautiously. "So what brings the Grand Regent himself to our humble headquarters? Surely you've got bigger things to worry about than a training session."
Thragg's attention shifted to Roberta, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I came to assess Mark's progress, but I find myself intrigued by other developments as well. You must be the one formerly known as Robot. Your transformation is... unexpected."
Roberta inclined her head respectfully, fighting to keep her expression neutral despite the rush of excitement she felt under his scrutiny. "Grand Regent. An honor to meet you in my true form."
"True form is a relative concept to some," Thragg observed, clearly hinting at her method of obtaining her body. "Though I understand the desire to escape one's limitations. The method of your transformation is particularly interesting."
His gaze lingered on her a moment longer than necessary, as if detecting something unusual that he couldn't quite identify. Roberta felt her heart rate increase and silently cursed her new body's physiological responses.
"Eve assisted me," she explained, gesturing toward Atom Eve. "Her molecular manipulation abilities provided the genetic template for this body."
"A generous act," Thragg noted, turning his attention to Eve. "Compassion is a quality I've observed frequently in you, Samantha Eve Wilkins."
Eve shifted uncomfortably under his gaze.
Though Roberta's warnings about Viltrumite attitudes toward genetic "imperfections" had worried her initially, Thragg had shown her nothing but respect over the past month.
"It seemed like the right thing to do," she said simply. "Roberta deserved a chance at a normal life."
"Normal is subjective," Thragg replied. "But freedom from physical limitations is universally valued. The soul transfer, however - that falls outside conventional science. Even Viltrumite understanding."
Roberta tensed slightly. "The process involved specialized artifacts and techniques I researched extensively. The theoretical framework was sound, though admittedly experimental."
"And yet successful," Thragg noted. "Perhaps you might provide details of this process for our archives. Viltrumites value knowledge, particularly that which expands our understanding of consciousness."
"Of course, Grand Regent," Roberta agreed, her mind racing with the implications of his interest. "I'd be honored to contribute to the Viltrumite knowledge base."
Thragg nodded, then turned his attention to Dupli-Kate and Rex, his expression cooling noticeably. "The duplicator and the explosives manipulator. I've reviewed your files extensively."
"Something wrong with our files?" Rex challenged, though his voice lacked its usual bravado.
"Loyalty is a cornerstone of Viltrumite values," Thragg stated flatly. "Those who betray their comrades demonstrate a fundamental character flaw that cannot be overlooked."
Rex stiffened. "What are you talking about?"
"Your infidelity with Katherine Cha while committed to Samantha Eve Wilkins," Thragg said, his tone matter-of-fact. "A betrayal of trust between teammates that weakened your collective effectiveness."
Kate's face flushed with anger and embarrassment. "That's none of your business!"
"All matters concerning Earth's powered individuals are my business," Thragg corrected her, his voice remaining calm but carrying an undercurrent of authority that made Kate take an involuntary step back. "Particularly those who associate with Mark Grayson."
"You can't just come in here and judge our personal lives," Kate protested, though her duplicates remained unformed - a sign of her nervousness.
"I do not judge your personal lives," Thragg clarified. "I assess factors that impact operational efficiency. Betrayal between teammates introduces variables that compromise mission integrity."
Eve couldn't suppress a small, satisfied smile at seeing Rex and Kate squirm under Thragg's disapproval.
The Grand Regent had just articulated what no one else had been willing to say directly - that their betrayal had real consequences beyond just her hurt feelings.
Rex's hands began to glow slightly, a nervous habit when he felt threatened. "Look, what happened between me, Eve, and Kate was complicated-"
"Betrayal is never complicated," Thragg interrupted. "It is a simple failure of character."
"With all due respect, Grand Regent," Rex said, struggling to keep his voice steady, "you can't just walk in here and start criticizing relationships you know nothing about."
Thragg's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. "I can, and I have. However, my purpose here is not to dwell on past failures but to ensure future successes.
Earth's integration requires powered individuals who understand the importance of loyalty and discipline."
"So what, you're here to give us relationship advice?" Kate asked, her tone bordering on insolent despite her obvious fear.
"I am here to evaluate the team dynamics surrounding Mark," Thragg replied coldly. "What I've observed is concerning. Betrayal of trust indicates a fundamental weakness that could manifest in combat situations."
"That's not fair," Rex protested. "What happened between us has nothing to do with how we perform in the field."
"Everything has to do with performance in the field," Thragg countered. "Character flaws do not remain compartmentalized. They bleed into all aspects of behavior."
The tension in the room was palpable. Rex looked like he wanted to argue further but was visibly restraining himself, aware of the potential consequences of antagonizing the Grand Regent.
Mark cleared his throat. "So, uh, you came to check on my training?"
"Partially," Thragg acknowledged, shifting his attention back to Mark with what almost looked like relief. "Your progress has been adequate, though your time management requires improvement."
"We've been working on some pretty complex scenarios," Mark explained, gesturing toward the training area. "Combining our powers in new ways."
"Show me," Thragg commanded, folding his arms across his chest.
Mark glanced at Eve, who nodded and moved to his side. "We've been practicing synchronized attacks," she explained. "I create structures that Mark can use for tactical advantage."
"Demonstrate," Thragg ordered.
Eve's hands glowed with pink energy as she created a series of platforms and barriers throughout the training area.
Mark launched himself into the air, using the structures as springboards to change direction rapidly while maintaining momentum.
As holographic targets appeared, Eve would create ramps or deflection surfaces that Mark could use to redirect his trajectory for maximum impact.
Thragg watched with analytical precision, his expression unchanging. When they finished, he gave a single nod. "Acceptable coordination. Though your reaction time could be improved by 0.7 seconds with proper anticipation, Eve."
"We're still working out the timing," Eve admitted, floating down beside Mark.
"Your molecular manipulation abilities are impressive," Thragg noted. "Few in the universe demonstrate such fine control over matter."
Eve blinked, surprised by the compliment. "Thank you, Grand Regent."
"You've been helping Mark with humanitarian projects as well," Thragg continued. "Using your powers for more than combat."
"How did you know that?" Eve asked.
"I, again, monitor all significant powered activity on Earth," Thragg stated as if it were obvious. "Your efforts to improve agricultural yields in drought-affected regions have been noted."
"It seemed like a better use of our abilities than just punching bad guys," Mark explained. "Eve can literally create food from thin air."
"A worthwhile endeavor," Thragg conceded, his tone softening slightly. "The integration benefits from such initiatives. However, your combat training remains essential."
Eve had noticed this pattern over the past month - Thragg's apparent approval of her and Mark working together, followed by suggestions that they train together, eat together, plan together.
It was transparent matchmaking from the most unlikely source imaginable.
"We've been training," Mark assured him. "Eve's been helping me improve my aerial maneuvers."
"Good," Thragg nodded. "Your aerial combat capabilities require refinement. Perhaps tomorrow you both might join me at the Castle for specialized instruction."
"Both of us?" Eve questioned. "I'm not sure how much help I'd be with Viltrumite combat techniques."
"Your presence would provide practical application scenarios," Thragg explained. "Mark must learn to coordinate with powered allies of varying capabilities. Your molecular manipulation offers unique opportunities."
Another transparent excuse to push them together, Eve thought, though she found herself not entirely opposed to the idea.
"Sure, I guess we could do that," she agreed, glancing at Mark.
"Great," Mark said, with forced enthusiasm. "Looking forward to it."
Thragg turned his attention back to Monster Girl, who had been quietly observing the exchange. "Amanda, I have something for you."
Monster Girl looked startled. "For me?"
"Your condition has been of interest to our medical division," Thragg explained. "The reverse aging effect of your transformation presents unique challenges that our scientists found... stimulating to address."
"You've been studying my powers?" Monster Girl asked, unsure whether to be flattered or concerned.
"We study all significant metahuman abilities," Thragg confirmed. "Yours particularly, as the cellular regression mechanism has parallels to certain Viltrumite regenerative processes."
He reached into a compartment in his uniform and withdrew a small, disc-shaped device with a softly glowing blue center.
"Viltrumite medical technology," he explained, "repurposed for your specific condition."
The room fell silent as Monster Girl stared at the device with cautious hope. "What does it do?"
"It accelerates cellular regeneration and aging," Thragg explained. "Originally designed to heal wounds rapidly, I had it modified to stimulate controlled aging.
One hour of use should equate to approximately one year of physical maturation. Though, perhaps it will be even faster, it is best you see for yourself."
Monster Girl's eyes widened. "You mean... I could look my actual age?"
"Precisely," Thragg confirmed. "The process is painless - perhaps even pleasant. The sensation has been described as similar to a mild euphoria."
"Why would you do this for me?" Monster Girl asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Your condition is a waste of potential," Thragg stated pragmatically. "Your abilities would be more effectively utilized without the psychological burden of appearing as a child and the fear of remaining in your form for too long."
"But there has to be a catch," Monster Girl insisted. "Nothing's free, especially from you guys." She immediately bit the inside of her cheek at that last comment, fearing that she was rude.
"The 'catch,' as you put it, is simply that your increased effectiveness serves Earth's security, which aligns with Viltrumite interests," Thragg replied. "Additionally, the device provides valuable data on human-Viltrumite technology interfaces."
"So I'm a guinea pig?" Monster Girl asked, though her eyes never left the device.
"A research partner," Thragg corrected. "The technology is safe. It has been thoroughly tested on cellular samples from your previous medical examinations."
"You had access to my medical files?" Monster Girl asked, though she seemed more resigned than outraged.
"All metahuman medical data was transferred to Viltrumite archives during the integration," Thragg stated matter-of-factly. "Standard protocol."
Monster Girl reached for the device with trembling hands. "How does it work?"
"Place it against your sternum," Thragg instructed. "The controls are intuitive - think of it as a dial you can mentally adjust. Begin with minimal settings to acclimate to the sensation."
With only a moment's hesitation, Monster Girl placed the device against her chest. It adhered gently to her skin, the blue glow pulsing in rhythm with her heartbeat. Almost immediately, her expression changed to one of wonder.
"Oh," she breathed. "That feels... weird. But good. Kind of like being in a hot tub, but from the inside."
"The sensation is normal," Thragg assured her. "Your cellular structure is accelerating its natural processes."
Before their eyes, subtle changes began to manifest. Monster Girl's features matured slightly, her height increasing by perhaps half an inch. The process was gradual but unmistakable.
"I can feel it working," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I can actually feel myself getting older."
"Remarkable," Roberta murmured, studying the device with obvious scientific interest. "The cellular acceleration is perfectly controlled - no signs of degradation or cancer risk."
"Viltrumite medical technology surpasses human understanding by several centuries," Thragg stated without pride, merely as fact. "This is a relatively simple application."
After a few minutes, Monster Girl deactivated the device, but the changes remained. She looked perhaps a year older - still young, but noticeably different.
"This is..." Monster Girl struggled to find words, her fingers tracing her sightly changed features. "Thank you. I don't know how to-"
"Your gratitude is unnecessary," Thragg interrupted. "Your abilities are an asset to Earth's defense. This merely optimizes your effectiveness."
"Still," Monster Girl insisted, "thank you, Grand Regent. This means more than you could know."
Thragg regarded her for a moment, then did something unexpected. He reached out and briefly ruffled her hair - a gesture so incongruously gentle from the imposing Viltrumite that everyone in the room seemed to freeze.
"Use it wisely," he said, his deep voice slightly softer than before. "Rapid aging has its own consequences. I recommend no more than one year per day to allow your mind to adjust to the physical changes."
The simple, instinctive gesture triggered something in Thragg - a memory so ancient he had almost forgotten it existed.
---------------------------
Flashback:
Thragg had been born the most gifted Viltrumite in history.
From birth, he had been identified as the one destined to be the strongest of their race.
His parents - faces he could no longer recall with clarity after seeing them fewer than a dozen times before their deaths in battle - had surrendered him to the state for training.
The General of that era had overseen his development personally, a regimen of constant combat and strategy that left no room for weakness or affection.
Thragg had never known a gentle touch until Emperor Argall visited the training facility.
"So this is the prodigy," Argall had said, studying the young Viltrumite with keen interest.
Thragg had stood at attention, as he had been taught, showing neither fear nor pride. "Emperor."
Argall had smiled - a genuine expression rarely seen on Viltrumite faces. "At ease, young one. Tell me, what do you think of our empire?"
The question had confused Thragg. No one had ever asked for his opinion before. "It is... strong, Emperor."
"Strong, yes. But is strength enough? What should strength serve, Thragg?"
Again, confusion. "Victory, Emperor."
"And what should victory serve?" Argall had pressed.
Thragg had no answer. The concept that victory might serve something greater had never been presented to him.
Argall had nodded, as if the silence was answer enough. "Something to consider, perhaps." Then, before departing, he had reached out and ruffled Thragg's hair - a casual gesture of affection that had left the young Viltrumite stunned.
It was the first time he had experienced warmth that wasn't another's blood on his skin.
Thragg wasn't naive. Even then, he had understood that Argall sought to secure his loyalty. But that didn't mean the kindness was false.
The Emperor had seen something in him worth nurturing, not just as a weapon but as a person.
In the years that followed, Argall had become the closest thing to a father Thragg had ever known - in the limited, distant way Viltrumites understood such relationships.
When Argall was assassinated, something in Thragg had hardened permanently. The rage had consumed him, driving him to maintain the purity and strength of the Viltrumite race at all costs.
Until his memories of his human life returned - a brief existence, but one filled with warmth and emotion that had somehow affected him more deeply than thousands of years of cold discipline.
-------------------------
Thragg withdrew his hand from Monster Girl's head, his expression unreadable as he pushed the memory aside.
"So, uh, not to sound ungrateful or anything," Rex ventured, breaking the awkward silence, "but are we all getting cool Viltrumite tech, or is this a special case?"
Thragg's gaze shifted to Rex, the momentary softness vanishing entirely. "Viltrumite technology is distributed based on need and strategic value. Monster Girl's condition presented a specific problem with a specific solution."
"Right, right," Rex backpedaled quickly. "Just asking."
"I have a question, if I may," Roberta interjected, her scientific curiosity evidently overriding her caution.
"The cellular acceleration technology - does it have applications for other biological processes? Healing wounds you've already not, but is there perhaps applications for extension of lifespan?"
"It does," Thragg confirmed. "Though human cellular structures typically cannot withstand extended manipulation without degradation.
Your new body, however, with its enhanced molecular stability courtesy of Eve's genetic contribution, might prove more resilient to such applications."
"Fascinating," Roberta murmured, her eyes betraying more interest than she likely intended to show. "I would be very interested in studying this technology further."
"Perhaps that can be arranged," Thragg replied, studying her with renewed interest. "Your background in robotics and now your unique perspective as a transferred consciousness make you... uniquely qualified for certain research initiatives."
Eve noticed the exchange with a slight frown.
There was something in Roberta's manner - a barely concealed eagerness - that reminded her of their conversation about Viltrumite attitudes toward genetic "defects."
Had Roberta been right about the potential danger, or was she manipulating the situation for her own purposes?
"Mark," Thragg said, turning his attention back to the young half-Viltrumite. "I expect you at the Castle tomorrow like every previous time at 06:00 hours. We will begin with aerial combat maneuvers in the upper atmosphere."
"Upper atmosphere?" Mark repeated. "Like, near space?"
"Precisely," Thragg confirmed. "Viltrumites must be proficient in all environments. Eve, your presence would be... beneficial to his training. Your molecular manipulation can create unique combat scenarios that will challenge his adaptability."
Eve nodded, "I'll be there."
"Good," Thragg said with a nod of approval. "Your coordination shows promise. With proper development, you could become a formidable unit."
"We're just friends," Mark blurted out, then immediately looked embarrassed.
Thragg raised an eyebrow. "I was referring to your combat effectiveness, but your clarification is... informative."
Eve felt her cheeks warm as Rex snickered behind her.
"Whatever their relationship status," Roberta interjected smoothly, "their power synergy is indeed remarkable.
Mark's raw strength combined with Eve's precision creates possibilities neither could achieve alone."
"Precisely," Thragg agreed. "Effective partnerships maximize individual potential. This principle applies across all domains."
His emphasis on the word "all" was subtle but unmistakable, causing Mark to shift uncomfortably.
"Before I depart," Thragg continued, "I should note that the Teen Team's operational parameters will need adjustment in light of the new global security framework.
As Earth's integration progresses, coordinated response protocols become essential."
"You mean you want to control how we operate," Kate translated, her arms crossed defensively.
"I mean that fragmented, uncoordinated superhuman activity is inefficient and potentially counterproductive," Thragg corrected. "The Guardians of the Globe have already implemented the new protocols successfully."
"The Guardians have Anissa breathing down their necks," Rex pointed out. "We've been operating independently."
"An oversight that will be corrected," Thragg stated. "Expect a Viltrumite liaison to be assigned to your team within the week."
"Wait, we're getting our own babysitter?" Rex protested. "That's not-"
"Not a babysitter," Thragg interrupted. "A coordinator to ensure your activities align with global security priorities. Consider it an upgrade in your operational status. Only teams deemed significant receive such attention."
He delivered this last part as if it were a compliment, though the underlying message was clear: the Teen Team was now firmly under Viltrumite supervision.
"I must depart," Thragg announced abruptly. "Mark, Eve remember - tomorrow, 06:00. Amanda, use the device judiciously. The rest of you..." His gaze swept over the others,
"Continue your training. Earth's security depends on the effectiveness of its powered individuals."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode from the room, his cape billowing behind him.
As the door closed, Rex let out a long, shaky breath. "Jesus. I thought he was going to vaporize me on the spot."
"He doesn't vaporize people," Eve said, rolling her eyes. "He's just... intense."
"Intense?" Kate scoffed, still clearly rattled. "He's terrifying. And what was that about loyalty? Like he has any right to judge us."
"He's the Grand Regent of the Viltrum Empire," Roberta pointed out, her eyes still fixed on the door where Thragg had exited. "Judging is literally his function."
"Well, his 'function' can stay out of my personal life," Kate muttered, though not loudly enough that it might carry beyond the room.
Monster Girl was still touching her face, marveling at the subtle changes. "He gave me a way to be myself again," she said quietly. "Whatever else he is, he didn't have to do that."
"Don't be naive," Rex warned. "Everything these guys do has an angle. They're not giving out gifts from the goodness of their hearts."
"Maybe not," Monster Girl conceded. "But does it matter? This device could change my life. For the first time in years, I have a chance to actually look my age."
Mark looked thoughtful. "He's different than I expected. From what my dad told me about Viltrumites... they're not usually this accommodating."
"Perhaps Earth has changed him," Roberta suggested, her voice carefully neutral despite the theories racing through her mind. "Or perhaps he's always been more complex than anyone realized."
"Or perhaps it's all an act to get us to lower our guard," Rex countered. "Let's not forget these are the same guys who were planning to conquer Earth before they decided on this whole 'integration' thing."
"Either way," Eve said pragmatically, "we're stuck with them. And if Thragg wants to give us helpful technology and training, I say we take advantage of it while staying alert."
"Spoken like someone who's on the Grand Regent's good side," Kate remarked with a hint of bitterness. "Some of us apparently don't meet his high moral standards."
Eve's expression hardened. "Maybe you should have thought about standards before sleeping with my boyfriend."
"Ex-boyfriend," Rex corrected automatically, then winced as both women glared at him. "Sorry, not helping."
"This is exactly the kind of internal conflict Thragg was referring to," Roberta observed clinically. "Personal grievances compromising team cohesion."
"Thanks for the analysis, Robot," Kate snapped. "Glad to see getting a hot body didn't give you any actual human empathy."
"Enough!" Mark intervened, stepping between them. "This is exactly what Thragg wants - us divided and at each other's throats. Whatever his game is, we need to stay united."
Though as he said the words, he immediately felt regret, not really understanding why. He was right wasn't he? The Viltrumites didn't truly care about them. Thragg didn't care about him.
Yet remembering the subtle moments of care he's been beginning to notice, made the words feel like ash in his mouth.
"Mark's right," Monster Girl agreed, still examining her slightly more mature features in a reflective panel. "We can use what the Viltrumites offer without buying into their agenda. But we have to work together."
Though internally to her, the words felt more hollow. Her mind still focused on finally being able to live her life again, and the warm gesture he gave her, as he ruffled her hair.
As the others continued discussing the unexpected visit, Roberta turned away to hide the calculating look in her eyes.
Thragg's interest in her transformation had been evident, if carefully concealed. The soul transfer - a concept beyond conventional Viltrumite science - had clearly intrigued him.
It was a connection, however small. A starting point.
-------------------
Outside the Teen Team headquarters, Thragg soared upward, accelerating to speeds that would have torn the atmosphere had he not carefully modulated his ascent.
The interaction with the young heroes had been productive - particularly his assessment of Mark's companions and the gift to Monster Girl, which would cement her loyalty far more effectively than any threat could have.
But the unexpected memory of Argall had disturbed him more than he cared to admit. The past was irrelevant; only the future of the Viltrumite race mattered now.
Yet as he flew toward his mountain fortress, Thragg found himself wondering what Argall would think of his current path. Would the Emperor truly approve of his methods? Of his goals?
For the first time in centuries, Thragg allowed himself to consider that question without immediately dismissing it as weakness.
Perhaps that, more than anything, was the true measure of how much he had changed by remembering being human.
-----------------------
(Author note: Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
Do tell me how you found the little backstory given to Thragg.
Well, I hope the characters felt in character, and I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)