A Change of Heart

Everyone knew of the villain who'd declared himself my personal nemesis, nearly strangling me with squid-like tentacles, during the chaos of that (failed) ultimate uprising against the heroes of our city. Evidently, a monster I'd punched was his uncle. Months passed since his last sighting.

But today, when he rescued a school bus of children from a spiteful snake and a rampaging giant, I saw him in a new light. Once the innocents were safe, that pair of villains turned on him, while most heroes stayed on the sidelines letting the baddies battle each other.

That didn't sit right. Despite our unsavory past, he'd just conducted a public act of heroism. We should be supporting, not watching him suffer.

I remembered how a reputable hero once stepped in to extend a hand of generosity to me. She wasn't aware of my questionable backstory, but willingly took a chance on a new face... who longed to prove himself worthy and reset the trajectory of his life.

Hence, I didn't hesitate to do the same. There was surprise in his eyes when I came alongside him, delivered a powerful electric blast to free him from their grasp. Confused, he tried to thank me, but I assured him it was a true hero's duty. "And may I ask: was this merely a lapse in judgement... or would you consider becoming a hero too?"

"Ha, there'd be no welcomes for me."

"On the contrary, I would like to offer you a position on my team. Probationary, if you need to feel it out. Unless of course, if you're currently embroiled in a sinister scheme, and can't be interrupted?"

Eyes bugged out of his head, hearing a hero talk that way. "Y-your demise was my only, um-"

"So, should I take that as a 'yes'?"