it's been a few weeks, since you kidnapped the city's hero. There hasn't been any uproar with the news, the public or their teammates and you're starting to feel a little bad for them.
"I told you they wouldn't come," the hero huffed at me, tracking my movements as I paced back and fourth.
"You're a hero!" I snap back, whirling on them. "The hero of this city! For many years, you have aided and protected everyone! They should be barging down my door to get to you, yet they're not!"
The hero shrugged, shifting in their binds to get more comfortable. "Sure, I save this city everyday. Do you think I do it for the fame? The money?" They snorted. "No. There is no money, no fame, no nothing. I don't fight villainy for all of that. I do it because I care about people, even if they don't care about me."
My eye twitched.
All this time, all this effort, just for my plan to fall short? Just for society to show how little it truly cares?
I knew people were bad. It's why I turned toward crime initially; society failed me, as it has failed everyone. Apparently, it has even failed the heroes.
"And what of your teammates?" I question softly.
The hero's face fell. "... that... is because, with me gone, they have a chance to become number one."
Of course.
It's what I expected to hear, frankly. That the other heroes were more vain and self-centered.
But I had hoped they still had some humanity left. I suppose I was wrong.
"So not a single soul will come for you? No one will even bat an eye at your disappearance?"
"That's what I've been saying."
I ran a hand through my hair, mulling this over. Turning away from the hero, I stared out my window towards the cityscape beyond.
Everyone in that town, thousands of people and heroes alike, don't even care that one of their own- the most popular and famous hero in this area- is gone. And may never come back. If I let them go, will anyone rejoice that they've returned? Would anyone notice?
I know they won't care. When have they ever?
"Stay here, then." I say.
The hero laughed, a dry, humorless sound. "As if I have a choice in the matter."
"No, no, I mean-" I turn to face them again, my expression serious. "Stay here, free from binds and no longer a captive. Free from the burden this city brings you. No longer a slave to society."
The hero took in what I said for a moment. They sighed, looking down at their feet strapped to the chair legs. "I don't... want to hurt anyone. I don't want to become a villain."
"You don't have to." My voice is firm, surprising myself at the conviction. But I don't back down. The hero's head shot up to face me with shock in their eyes. I carry on, "You do not need to join my team or follow my morals. You can live here, free of all responsibility. Allowed to just be."
The hero's mouth fell open. "You'd... really? Wha..?"
"I have plenty of space here in my tower, and money is no worry either. You have served this town countless times, expecting and gaining nothing in turn. And yet, at your darkest moment, they cease to care. Do you really want to go back to that life?"
Their eyes blinked rapidly and I could see a tear slip down their cheek.
This was likely the first time they were ever showed such a kindness. Allowed a break from the burden heroism forced upon them.
And this offer, this show of humanity, will not be the last they are given from me.
"... Okay..." they whispered after a minute.
"I'll stay."
