"You hesitated. You always hesitate. Why?" Hero stared down at the Villain pinned under their blade.
"You're imagining things." Villian huffed.
"You could have killed me a few minutes ago and you didn't. You clearly don't want to fight me, so why are you?"
"As if I'd tell you anything." Villian took advantage of Hero's lowered guard to get out of the hold and get away, leaving Hero with just as many questions and no answers.
~
The next time Hero saw Villain they fell to their knees a few minutes into the fight, clutching their side.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Stay out of it." Villain winced as they pushed themself up. "Stop standing there and fight me."
"I'm not going to fight someone who can barely stand."
"I'm fine."
"No, you're not."
"Fight me."
"No."
"You have to."
"Why?" Hero asked, desperate for a real answer this time. "Why do you insist on fighting me when you're injured? Why are you forcing yourself to attack me?"
"Because I don't have a choice!" Villain shouted, clenching their fist. Their eyes widened slightly when they realized their accidental confession. "Shit."
"What do you mean? Why don't you have a choice?"
Villain glared. "Why do you care?"
"Because I want to help you."
They laughed. It was sad and empty. "Yeah, right. You just want me to let my guard down so you can lock me up."
Hero took a careful few steps towards their enemy. They're not sure if they should be calling them that anymore. "I swear I just want to help. Please. Let me help."
"You heroes are so desperate to help everyone. Have you ever considered there are things you have no place helping with? Or do you just not care as long as you get the credit?"
"No, I-"
"Save it. You can't help me." with that Villain ran from another unfinished fight, aware of the consequences but not caring as long as it ended this conversation.
~
Villain let out a breath as they stepped into their home (If they could even call it that) but quickly tensed when they heard a voice from the doorway.
"You're back early. Again. You better tell me it's because you won this time." Supervillain did not look impressed.
"...No. They got away." Villian muttered, eyes downcast.
"You've been losing a lot lately." Supervillain stepped around behind them. "I thought yesterday's training would have helped strengthen your resolve." they placed their hands on Villian's shoulders and leaned in. "Maybe you need another round. Or perhaps it's time to start training your little brother instead."
Villian felt themself tense even more. "No. Leave him alone. I'll do it."
Supervillain smiled. "I knew I raised a smart kid."