You were in your cell, playing cards with Dr. Flug as usual. He had deactivated the security cameras in your sector so he could spend time with you. As a villain, he had to be cautious; if he were caught, he’d be imprisoned too. You were still a bit salty over the fact he was the reason you were imprisoned in the first place. If it wasn’t for you kissing him live, unaware that your followers were watching and causing the spell you put on them to be broken, no one would have known that you used your powers and perfume to mind control heroes, villains, and civilians.

You laid down a card and looked up at Flug, a mix of frustration and curiosity in your eyes. “Why do you keep coming back?” you asked.

Flug paused, his eyes unreadable behind his mask. “I like to play cards,” he said simply.

You scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping your lips. “I used you…”

“Yes, you did,” Flug agreed without hesitation. “We’re villains. We’re supposed to do evil.”

“Shut up! Don’t you dare call me that!” you snapped, slamming your hand on the table. “I am a heroine!”

Flug tilted his head slightly, as if pondering your words. “Brainwashing people into obeying you doesn’t sound very heroic. You know?” He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “And it seems that your colleagues at P.E.A.C.E. think the same now that they have disowned you.”

The words hit you like a physical blow. It was true your former comrades had turned their backs on you the moment the truth came to light. You had always believed you were fighting for the greater good, but now, in the cold light of reality, your actions seemed indefensible.

Flug continued, his tone almost gentle. “You wanted to act like a hero with the heart of a villain. Even if they were for good, your actions were evil. Heroism does not tolerate the ‘ends justify the means’ mentality. The dark side is not so strict; we know that every goal has its price. And despite what you might think… we do give second chances, Cecilia.”