Victor sat at his desk in the lab, staring at the computer screen. This was the moment of truth. For years, he created monsters, seeking to become the true Master Monster Maker. His goals had always been clear, but now, they had exploded beyond his wildest imaginings. As he contemplated what needed to be done, his visage darkened while his skin paled.
What he once believed was a need to protect himself and his family had evolved. He initially saw the monsters as protectors, using psychological fear to intimidate those who would harm them. But the world he lived in now was not as simple as he'd once imagined.
He didn't fear armies, tanks, or human militaries—he had a system powerful enough to overpower any normal human opponent. But this wasn't that kind of world. This world had monsters. Real ones. Some looked like men, others didn't. And they sought to eradicate, subjugate, and destroy anything that stood in their way—including Earth. He saw that during the Chitauri invasion.
He had witnessed beings whose strength ranged from the peak of human potential to those who could level entire cities. Creatures like the Hulk or aliens like Thor—immensely powerful. What could humanity do if such forces were ever let loose again? His old plans were now clearly insufficient. Greater threats were coming. Now that Earth had fought back once, they would send stronger forces. Could the world survive?
When Victor decided to wipe out Hydra—starting with Strucker's stronghold in Sokovia—he knew it would require blood. Physically, he was still a child, but inside, he was a grown man. And still he hesitated. Could he deal with that much death?
His mother had noticed. Victor was more subdued than usual lately. Though a typical introvert, his intense focus on experiments made some think he was anti-social. He didn't lack empathy. He wasn't suffering from a low EQ either. He cared for people, though his elevated manner of speaking often made him seem distant. But now, he was acting truly different—strange, even.
As Victor sat contemplating his decision, everything was ready. All that remained was his command.
His lab door opened.
Guinevere entered quietly. "Victor, mon bebe," she said.
Victor blinked and turned, startled. "Yes, Mother? What is it?"
"What troubles you, Victor?"
"It's nothing, Mother," he replied.
"No," she said softly, crossing the room to him, "I know it's not nothing. You've barely been eating. You're withdrawn. Please, tell me. I can listen. Even if I don't have answers, just saying the words can help."
Victor looked at her, her gentleness and warmth grounding him. Her love had helped him adjust to this new world. Protecting her was one of his chief motivations. Did that mean she deserved to know everything? Or would she judge him for it?
"Mother, I want to talk, but I'm worried," he said, finally.
"What worries you, my darling?"
"I'm afraid that if I tell you what I'm planning... you'll see me as a monster. That all my talk of repentance is hollow. Maybe all I care about is death and destruction. That maybe... You won't want to be my mother anymore."
Guinevere moved to his side, pulled him into a tight hug. Human contact calmed him instantly. She kissed his forehead, sat beside him, and took his hand.
"Mon bebe," she whispered, "you are not a monster. Tell me what's on your heart."
"Ever since I woke in this world," Victor began, "I resolved to commit all my energies and resources to two goals. One: to turn from the reckless pursuit of science for its own sake. No more forbidden knowledge. I wouldn't pursue the avenues of knowledge that nature and nature's God abhored. Two: to protect you and those I love, even Tony. And his wife—she's a good woman."
"Originally, I pursued my research to create Noah—to fix a mistake I made in the past. I wanted him to be family. Yes, a monster, but a good man."
"But then the invasion in New York happened. What I thought was a safe and secure world was an illusion. I realized that one monster wouldn't be enough to protect us. To protect you. To protect humanity. I needed an army."
He looked her in the eyes. "So, I've been experimenting, gathering genetic material. I've created monsters—you've met some. But it's not just about power. Before I can confront the alien threats, I have to deal with human ones."
"There's an organization. Hydra. A remnant of the old world. We thought it was gone—but it's alive, hidden within the institutions meant to protect us. They want chaos and control. We can't afford to let them grow. They grow in chaos, but chaos won't allow Earth to prepare for what is inevitable: invasion!"
He took a breath. "I'm sending a monster force: four Predators, three Xenomorphs. They'll wipe out a major Hydra base. They will kill them all. These monsters, Mother... they love the dark. They love to kill. If I could avoid using them, I would. But they are the best weapons I have. I plan to make more. They are too effective not to."
He looked down. "Does that make me a monster? I'm going to kill over 100 people. And that will be the start. There are two innocents at the base—the Maximoff twins. I plan to save them. But they hate Tony, and they want him dead. I get it. I'd feel the same. But they don't know the whole story. Still, if I can't reason with them... I may have to kill them too."
He trembled slightly. "But Hydra must be stopped. They could strike at any moment. The next New York could happen tomorrow. Earth can't afford another attack. I have to act. SHIELD won't. Tony can't. The Avengers won't. They can't destroy Hydra—not completely. I can. So tell me... Mother, am I a monster?"
Guinevere looked at him with deep, patient love. She took his hand, rubbed his shoulder, her voice warm.
"Mon bebe," she said, "what you want to do is not the work of a monster, but of a hero. Blood is not easy. If I could take that burden from you, I would. You are a man of strong character, haunted by a mistake that cost you everything. I would take that pain from you if I could—but I can't. All I can do is stand beside you."
She continued, "Even your father, Tony, with all his money and tech, can't protect you from this world. But you're creating something new. An army. Not for power, but for protection. The Avengers are scattered, unreliable. But you... You're thinking long-term. You're planning to win for the sake of others."
She spat on the ground. "And if killing those Nazis from Hydra makes you evil, then we should all be as evil. Kill them all."
She straightened. "From now on, I will help you. I don't want to just make your meals and watch from afar. I want to be your strength. I'm not a fighter. I'm not a genius. I'm just a woman who has lived, but I am a human. And I will fight for our race, for our world."
She touched his cheek. "You are not a monster, my son. You are a hero."
Victor looked at her, tears stinging his eyes. He had poured out his soul, expecting condemnation, and instead found unwavering love and moral clarity. His mother understood the truth:
There is a time for peace, and there is a time for war.
And now, for the sake of humanity, it was time for war.