“Have you heard what’s on the news?” Tsubasa exasperated, “Another villain is dead, and there’s even talk of a so-called vigilante that’s doing it. We can not allow this ideology to flourish.”

Zella held back a scream. She understood what Tsubasa was saying, and she had the utmost authority of Strara, but it wasn’t right. How could Zella convince her it wasn’t what they should be focusing on. “A warehouse has been raided of medical supplies, and not too long after a hero was found brutally murdered. By the very man who was just found killed. I don’t condone this course of justice, but I think we have more important duties. Like finding the robbers accomplices. If villains are on the rise again our focus should be on the protection of the citizens not this–”

Tsu held up a hand, “You don’t understand Zella. If we allow this course of action to go unpunished, the ancient way of killing our enemies will return. The Erisian government agreed it was immoral with the agreement of a majority of society. If this view were to falter our whole society will get turned upside down and we’ll be back where we were over a hundred years ago. Not to mention, we will be just as bad as them.”

Zella’s hand balled into a fist, shaking in frustration. Her face grew hot as she bit back her words. “As you wish, I will delegate a task force to hunt this Vigilante.”

“Great,” Tsubasa smiled, “You understand. Now please get on with the hunt, I will inform the public.”

Tsubasa left the room, off to yet another press conference. Zella slumped over the nearest chair holding back a well of tears. All of those people who could be saved if she just sent someone out to… There’s a thought. If she sent everyone on the mission to hunt Vigilante, but she looked for the culprits of the most recent crimes, she could in fact save people, the way she knew to be right. She called up Elvin, “I need you to meet me at the warehouse in one hour.”

Zella sent out the rest of the day’s tasks to the appropriate hero sects before meeting Elvin. Who stood shivering in the cold despite his warm cloak. The warehouse was already fixed and operating as normal. The detectives found nothing regarding the thieves, but she had a theory. Each warehouse targeted recently housed medical or biomechanic supplies. The closest warehouse was a biomed facility. It wasn’t usually patrolled since it was so close to the Academy, which had many more security functions than anywhere else in Strara. If she was right, it would be the next target.  

Elvin perched atop a tall building, shivering as he searched for any suspicious activity. “You owe me a drink after this. I don’t get paid for un-sanctioned missions.”

“Yeah, yeah. Whatever you want. If I’m right I’ll even let you choose the place.”

“Ooo,” Elvin licked his lips, “then villains villains, please do come.”

Zella rolled her eyes as she peeked from behind an alley. She made sure to dress like a normal citizen, but any villain who knew anything would immediately recognise her face. She was the number 3 hero in Strara after all. Somehow that dunce Elvin found himself as number 7. How he ever made it on the rankings was unknown to her. That fool may once have been number 3 himself but suddenly became lazy. Something she could never understand. 

“I see movement,” Elvin said. She could hear the smile in his voice as he continued, “looks like I’m choosing dinner tonight.”

A group of supposed villains broke through the security and the warehouse wall. “Are we going to stop them?”

“No, let’s follow them. I want to know where they are going.”

The group ran with levitating crates trailing quickly behind them. Zella loosely followed behind being sure to not get caught. Elvin made his way to another tall building, using his zooming vision to track them. “Zella, you’re not going to believe this.”

Zella stood over a hidden entrance. “I think I already know,” she gulped as she opened the trap door, “They fled, beneath the surface.” 

Elvin met Zella at the entrance of the stairwell leading underground. “Well, are we following?”

Zella began her descent, “Let’s go.”

They made their way down, trying to be as quiet as possible as to not alert anyone. They stopped as they heard faint whispers.

“Another successful mission. You think I can earn more…” the voice faded as the group continued on. 

They hadn’t heard anything else until they made it all the way down. To the underground facilities not used for over 100 years. Energy wasn’t even supplied there anymore so anyone who chose to go down there, let alone live there, did so at their own risk. It used to be part of the hero patrol route but after decades of no movement, no one bothered anymore. 

It was impressive. So much so that the usual unimpressed and bored Elvin let out a quiet “wow”. There were lights, breathable air, and the shuffles of people going about their business. The group they were following were nowhere in sight. But Zella held a breath as she thought, is this a society of villains living underneath our surface?

“Hey Zella,” Elvin smirked, “I think I know where I want that drink.” He pointed across the large expanse of the underground city to a building at the top level connected to the surface. “I think the Delicacy Bistro will provide me with more than enough entertainment. I may even pay for our drinks.” 

Elvin was about to head off when Zella grabbed his arm. “Wait, we’re gonna be recognized.” 

“Hmm, good point.” Elvin looked around and found a store. “Looks like we need disguises.”

Zella had never felt like a villain before, but now, in this underground city with oddly edgy clothes and makeup, she did. Elvin somehow fit right in, and was strangely talented with makeup and style. It made no sense since his hero outfit was incredibly bland. But now he actually looked good? She shook her head and focused on the task at hand. Get through the city without being recognised. 

It actually wasn’t that hard. Elvin even managed small talk with the locals. He hasn’t been on the news in years so many forgot he existed until the yearly rankings were announced. Plus, he looked very different in his disguise. He also seemed oddly charismatic. Zella couldn’t help but tremble anytime someone approached them. This was no normal city from the start, with the added belief they were all villains she couldn’t help but shudder. How could there be so many?

They approached the entrance to the Delicacy Bistro. Which was painted with some odd abstract art, almost as if done by children. There was even an image of what looked like a family with the classic sun drawn in the corner. 

Elvin knocked on the door, and not too long after a tall slender woman answered the door. She had dark hair pulled back into a bun and six long braids that each ended in a diamond accessory. That amount of hair was honestly impressive. “How may I help you?” Her voice was a lot softer than Zella expected. But her hands were littered with cuts. If it weren’t for the scary villain environment she would guess she was the chef.

“A table for two, if you’re open.”

The woman looked over her shoulder before opening the door, “Right this way.”

They were brought up a long staircase and sat in what must’ve been the building above ground. It was peaceful and cozy. Only a few other customers were in the building. 

Another woman with two space buns with pigtails coming from them also ending in diamond jewels approached their table. “Hello, and welcome to the Delicacy Bistro. My name is Misty and I’ll be taking care of you today. Please let me know if there is anything you need.” She blinked adamantly twice and then winked before walking away. Curious…

Elvin ordered for them and as Misty approached with their drinks he asked, “So why are we sitting above ground, kind of odd considering the entrance.”

Misty laughed at the question, “Oh so silly, you really know how to crack a joke. I don’t know what you mean but this is our only seating area. Sorry if it’s not up to your standards.”

“Oh, not at all,” Elvin put up his hands, “this place is wonderful. A great change of pace from the city.”

Zella noticed it, but only for a moment. Misty’s eyes narrowed for a moment before returning to what had to be a fake smile. Something was completely off with this place. 

“Great!” She set down their drinks, “You know you both seem familiar, but I’m sure we haven’t met… Are you perhaps celebrities?”

Elvin laughed, “You are too kind, but no. Maybe I should be, with looks like these I could take over the media don’t you think?”

Misty chuckled, “You certainly are a looker sir. I’d watch any show you star in in a heartbeat. Be sure to remember me when you’re famous.”

“Of course m’lady.” 

Misty headed back behind the counter to serve drinks to other customers. “Ova dear,” she called and the other woman appeared from the stairwell again, “Table 5 should be served next.”

Ova was holding a tray in her hands and approached Elvin and Zella’s table, “Already finished.”

“Oh, amazing work darling,” Misty’s voice seemed to sing as she talked to Ova. It was almost too sweet to be a villain. 

“Thank you,” Elvin said as his food was placed in front of him. Zella had to admit, the food was delicious. But she did hesitate for a moment, thinking of the possibility of poison. 

As Ova cleared their table she slipped a card to them. It said, “Next time ask for the VIP suite. The drinks are much better,” followed by a winking face. 

Elvin actually paid their bill, and they left through the surface exit. “Hmm, how odd. I’m actually curious enough to pay next time too.”

“Well then,” Zella said, “We should return as soon as possible.” Her watch lit up, “What is it Webs?”

“We have another problem,” His voice sounded strained, which wasn’t an easy thing to make him do. “Another hero has been killed. But this time the cause of death was poison.”

Zella and Elvin quickly made their way to the scene. There were no warehouses nearby, just houses. This hero was on patrol in the area, but now she lay mangled, broken, and cut by what seemed to be thousands of deep cuts. If Zella hadn’t known who she was prior, it would’ve been difficult to identify her. She was such a sweet soul, now killed. What was even sadder was the torture. If she died of poison, Zella could only hope that the other wounds came after. 

Webs shook his head, “What kind of person does this?”

“Someone that needs to be brought to justice.”