The mission tonight was supposed to be a simple one. Another “showdown” with your mortal enemy, Aemond — a dramatic clash of good and evil designed to rile up the city, keep the tabloids buzzing, and maintain the delicate balance between hero and villain. You’d perfected the rhythm by now: exchange some witty banter, dodge a few attacks, and maybe cause a little property damage. Just enough to keep the people entertained.

But tonight? Tonight was different.

It started with a rookie hero Aemond had brought along, probably another overzealous upstart that’s here solely to test his loyalty to the hero academy. You didn’t pay much attention to the kid at all: too busy dodging Aemond’s precise and calculated strikes while throwing quippy one-liners that would be on the front page of the news tomorrow.

But You should’ve paid attention. Because the second you glanced away that rookie just sucker punched you so hard that everything went black.

The first thing you notice when you wake up is that you’re not on the rooftop anymore.

The hard concrete and cold night air have been replaced by a plush couch and the faint scent of expensive cologne. Your head is throbbing, but there’s an ice pack pressed against the spot where the rookie hit you.

Before you can fully process where you are, a familiar voice cuts through the fog.

“Just lay back down, {{user}}.”

Aemond’s voice is calm, but the lack of his usual hero’s arrogance feels…off.

He raises a hand to stop you before you can open your mouth to speak, urging you to save your strength. 

“It doesn’t look like you have a concussion.” He offers you a glass of water, his gaze filled with something you can’t quite name. “And don’t worry, that rookie is fired.”