The Masters of Darkness - Season 1

Episode 4: Subject 21's Origins

Summary: The group and their new accomplice, Beatrix, discover the truth about the Superior's origins.

"That's just...wow," Crunch responded after Natalie's lengthy explanation, uncertain as to what exactly to say.

"Beatrix is the chosen one?" Pasadena asked, a hint of doubt in her gaze as she glanced at the extraterrestrial.

"'Princess Beatrix' or 'Your Highness' would be preferable," Beatrix corrected, to which the opossum rolled her eyes.

"So, what now?" Crunch asked.

"Now," said Cortex, "we return to Megatropolis and report to Henry."

The ground beneath everyone's feet suddenly began to shake violently. The villagers ran out of their homes to investigate, some less panicked than others. Maniacal laughter echoed through the air as the sky darkened, making it quite difficult to see. The noise died down as a portal appeared, with a figure dressed in a black cloak stepping out of it. Crash and the others immediately recognized it to be the Superior, Subject 21. Next to her stood Kalli, who did not wear a cloak but was still rather loyal to her master.

"You people again?" Cortex grumbled. "Won't you ever give up?"

"At this point," said Beatrix, "that is a rhetorical question."

"Ah, I see the lot of you have found the chosen one," 21 stated. "I must admit that it is rather peculiar for an extraterrestrial to be destined to save this planet. It doesn't matter who you are, though. You do not stand a chance against the organization."

Crash took a step forward, fists clenched at his sides. "I've defeated you before, and I can do it again," he declared.

"Is that what you believe? In that case, allow me to make things interesting for you."

21 snapped her fingers, causing the village to be engulfed in flames once more. Without a word, she vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving her minion to deal with the group. Beatrix glared at Kalli, and her amulet began to glow. There was something peculiar about that feline, but she wasn't entirely sure what.

"Who in the galaxy is that?" she whispered.

"That's Kalli," replied Coco. "She works for Subject 21."

"Obviously." Beatrix turned to face Kalli again. "Enough of this facade, Kalli."

Crash and company glanced between one another. Crunch looked at Beatrix in disbelief and asked, "What are you talking about?"

"Facade?" Kalli scoffed. "I am loyal to the Superior. I shall not fail in my mission!"

"You know exactly what I am referring to," Beatrix continued as she took a menacing step forward. "Deep down, there is something that you desire more than destruction. Tell us, what is it?"

Sweat trickled down Kalli's forehead, her breathing rapid. It didn't go unnoticed by Beatrix, who smirked at the display. She summoned her sword and pointed it at the feline as she stepped closer to her. The blade was mere inches from Kalli's nose at that point, but she didn't budge. Instead, she glared at Beatrix with a nervous expression.

"You're playing with fire," snarled Kalli.

"Am I?" Beatrix sneered. "Or are you just a pathetic coward?"

Everyone watched the two in amusement. Beatrix was known for her wicked ways - so was the organization - but they had to admit that perhaps she was going too far. But they continued to watch, their gazes ranging from feigned interest to something akin to concern.