Chapter 11: Confrontations

As much as Megamind didn't want their time to end, he knew he had errands to run. And unlike last time when Minion caught him out on his façade, this time, he actually did have an errand to run.

The darkness of the night became thicker as he drove across the vacant hills on the outskirts of the city, the bright metro lights still visible in the horizon. Megamind had a photographic memory, he only needed to be shown once where his old s-hool house was hidden and then he would remember its location perfectly, as long as it had not been moved by a man with super human powers. This was a possibility Megamind considered, since Music Man, aka Metro Man, had his cover blown. The man would most likely reposition his hideout. But not tonight it seemed. Tonight Megamind was in luck.

Pulling to a dusty halt outside the old run down school house, Megamind made his way down the dimly lit corridor to the steel clad door, again finding that the stronghold was left unlocked. Pushing the door open Megamind peered into the warm lit room filled with memories of his childhood, that feeling of nostalgia returning once more.

Smiling to himself Megamind was oblivious to the shadow moving behind him until a voice woke him up from his stupor, "Oh come on, don't you ever knock?"

A slight startle as he turned to face the still white- robed Music Man with his hobo styled beard, "And how often did you knock whenever you burst into my secret lairs?" Megamind posed.

"Good point." Music Man replied.

Before Megamind could explain his presence, Music Man cut him off, hands held high in the defensive, "Look if you are here to give me a earful about not showing up yesterday, I told you clearly, I am retired. And I meant it."

Megamind shook his head, eyes wide and sincere, "You think that… no, I am not here because of that. I get why you quit."

"You do?"

"Well, yeah. The job isn't the easiest in the world. I've had it one day and I am ready to throw in the teewal."

"The what?"

"Give up."

"Oh."

Realising Megamind had not visited him for the purpose of a lecture, Music Man decided to pose the important question, "So why are you here?"

Megamind took the moment to sit himself on the empty couch, Music Man joining him on the adjacent seat. This was a sign it was going to be a long conversation.

"Ok hypothetically," Megamind began, "say there is this fantastic genius farmer." Music Man rolled his eyes but Megamind didn't seem to notice, talking almost to himself as he continued. "And he has to protect this… plant."

Megamind peered over at Music Man, who was giving him curious looks, but nodded acknowledging he was still on track with the hypothetical question. "But, there are these animals threatening the plant if the farmer doesn't do what they tell him to do."

"Ah ha…" Music Man retorted letting Megamind finish his question, "What should the farmer do?"

"Well…" Music Man began rubbing his chin, "Really the farmer has two options. He can either do what the animals say, or he doesn't. But in making the choice, the farmer has to consider the consequences his actions will have on his whole farm, not just the one plant. Because as the farmer he has duties to the farm, to protect it."

"But I…" Megamind replied, catching his words, "But the farmer… he doesn't care about the other plants as much as he cares about this one."

Music Man looked down at the troubled blue alien, the distress and worry on his face clear as a picture. "What does the plant think about this?" He asked. This time Megamind absently spoke without even considering his words, his head was definitely not in the right place. "I haven't had the courage to ask Roxanne yet… I mean… argh!" burying his blue head in his hands.

Music Man tried holding back a laugh, only letting a small component of it slip through as he spoke, "Relax little buddy, I kind of knew what you were talking about. You may be a genius, but you're not the best at hiding secrets."

Megamind knew that was his biggest flaw, it was the reason most of his secret evil lairs didn't remain secret for long.

"Look this hero gig, its not easy. Criminals threatened me all the time. You threatened me all the time." Megamind shifted his eyes to meet Music Man's, those wise brown eyes holding such wisdom, "But remember, a true hero does what need to be done, even if he is afraid."

Megamind shot up, suddenly feeling invigorated, "You're right. Thank you, you talented musician." Music Man smiled at Megamind's accolade, but it quickly disappeared as the blue alien continued his repartee, "I won't let no big shot corporate she-witch scare me. I'll do what needs to be done and I will…"

"Wait, what did you say?" Music Man interrupted. Megamind just looked at the stricken bulky man with confusion with a did I say something wrong expression.

Music Man stammered, "Did a lady in a big corporate building order you to do something?"

Megamind was shocked, "How did you know that?" eyes narrowing in suspicion. Music man was now in a fluster, "Listen Megamind…" Megamind listened intently, the ex-hero hardly ever used his real name in conversation unless what he was saying was serious, "whatever she told you to do. Don't do it. Whatever she said, do the opposite."

"Why? And why are you acting so…"

"Just trust me!" He yelled, "That is how she gets you. You only need to do one thing and…" Music Man cut himself off, almost like he was hiding something, something that was making his face cringe with disgust.

After that, Music Man withdrew into himself. He refused to discuss any further details except that he kept repeating his warning to Megamind over and over. It became so desperate and repetitive Megamind decided to take his leave.

Maybe there was some truth to the she-witch's words about having Music Man in her pocket he pondered. The man seemed terrified of the subject. But what could possibly scare the strongest man on earth? A question that almost terrified Megamind since he had spent his whole life trying to find its answer.

The ride home was now more unpleasant than when he left. The meeting with Music Man had left him with more unanswered question than he had anticipated. Yet he decided to remember the important words he had been told over the past day…

Maybe you never won as a villain because you were always meant to be a hero….

You just gotta make the choice…

A true hero does what need to be done, even if he is afraid…

And now, he decided to himself, gripping the steering wheel of the invisible car and lowering his eyebrows over his determined eyes, "I will choose my destiny!"

Irony always had a sense of humor, because in uttering those words to himself Megamind's eyes focused on the suspicious movements of three men in black approaching the outside of the Metro City bank. As the car was in invisible mode, Megamind had no trouble pulling right next to the three men and gaining the element of surprise as he jumped out the car, his de-fuser gun in hand.

"What do you three think you are up to!" He yelled startling the three men. All of them glared at Megamind until one spoke up, "You can't do anything blue man! We are here from orders of The Boss, and she will be upset if we don't get our job done."

Megamind cringed knowing exactly who they were referring to. "Well you can tell your Boss that I'm not afraid of her. Now beat it before I shrink you into little ice cubes for my drink!"

Without a hint of hesitation the three men took to the street fleeing the scene, when finally out of shooting range one yelled back, "You will be sorry!"

Author's Notes

Hey readers! Not too long now, this chapter is the beginning of a lead up to a showdown. The next few should be filled with some drama and excitement. Cant wait to have these out as soon as I can. As always, please review and let me know what you think!