"It all started when the villain first rose to power," the Hero began. The spy sat cross legged on the floor and listened patiently. "We were polar opposites. I was blessed with powers that served good. Him... not so much. He allowed his powers to corrupt him, driving away everyone he loved and leaving him a mess of chaotic energy and angst. So much angst." The Hero sighed affectionately. "Our first duel, as you know, took place at town hall. He was always so fussy about fighting over significant monuments. We were evenly matched, and all we succeeded in doing was destroying the town hall, which was not an outcome either of us benefited from. I remember feeling: so angry at him; so intrigued by him. Never had I met an equal before. It lit a flame in me, one that burns even now. From then on, I entered battles with him seeking only the thrill of seeing how well our powers complemented each other: good and evil; light and dark. It was like we were meant for each other. And he tells me he felt it, too. He even appeared at my window one night to tell me so.

"It was then that we began to formulate our plan. He would give me a public ultimatum, one that looked like sacrifice to my followers. And I would accept his bargain and live with him forever after. "

The spy looked confused. "So... where is he? What happened?" The Hero sighed. "To keep up illusions, my villain continued to raid the odd bank and run the odd country. He does it to protect us. But I think I've truly changed him for the better. At least he isn't ruthlessly slaughtering civilians en masse any more. "

"But... the resistance?! My whole reason for being?! Are you saying it's a lie??!"

The Hero who was no longer a hero smiled sadly. "The resistance was a feeble mimic of my abilities. It was an attempt of the people to band together to take down my villain. But only I am strong enough to defeat him. And I no longer hold any desire to. Perhaps I never did. " Footsteps sounded down the hall and a dark robed figure appeared in the doorway. "Ah, darling!" Exclaimed the Hero, "can you please deal with this intruder? Thank you oh so much. "

The spy turned to the Hero once more as the villain dragged them out of the room. "You were my hero. You were everyone's hero!" The Hero shook their head.

"I want mine. I never was. Perhaps I needed a Villain to rescue me."