Chapter Two: I See You, I Fear You

Hartley had found Havoc just down the road on her walk to school. She was covered in dirt and various bruises. Her suit was torn in places, and she was bleeding… like, a lot. After getting over her initial shock, Hartley ran over and kneeled beside the young villainess. Up close, it was even more terrifying. "Oh, my God!" Hatley exclaimed, cupping her mouth in shock. This caught the villainess's attention. Their eyes met and Hartley's breath hitched. This supposed "supervillain" was the most gorgeous human being Hartley had ever laid eyes on. Shaking her head, the civilian busied herself with observing Havoc's wounds. Gently, she reached across and touched one of them. Havoc hissed and yanked her arm back causing Hartley to jump. The scarlet-haired girl let out a painful groan, managing to lift her head a bit to size Hartley up. Things were getting worse, and both girls could sense it. "Oh, my God…" Hartley breathed, genuinely terrified for Havoc's safety. "Okay, this is bad. This is really, really bad!"

Supervillain or not, Hartley couldn't just leave the girl alone to die! Gently, Hartley bent down and cupped the girl's sheek. Her skin was ice cold and the civilian didn't know whether that was good or bad. The bleeding, however, definitely was. The hospitals were much too far away and Hartley was too young to drive. Gulping, she hitched the unconscious Havoc onto her back. Hartley let out a relieved sigh when she realized Havoc was lighter than the civilian originally thought.

Hartley soon found herself pacing in her own bedroom as she contemplated what she planned to do when the supervillain woke up. The civilian had cleaned the wounds, rubbed disinfectant on them and wrapped them in gauze. Now, Havoc was unconscious on the civilian's bed with no signs of waking up. If she- no, when she woke up, Havoc was probably going to start asking questions and… oh, my goodness! What if Havoc attacked her? Hartley was just a normal person! There was no way a supervillain would attack a weak and vulnerable girl like her? Hartley scoffed, shaking her head at her own stupidity. Of course Havoc was going to attack her!

She pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head in frustration. She glanced over at the girl who was lying on her bed. Nearly eight hours had passed since Hartley had rescued Havoc. The civilian pulled up a chair close to the bed and took a seat. Havoc was in really bad shape, to put it lightly. It had never occurred to Hartley, really, how much easier the superheroes had it. Some had healing powers while others had various gadgets at their disposal. What about the villains, though? Did they deserve this? To suffer alone with no treatment? Did Starling realize what she had done when she had flown off? No. No she hadn't. All because, Hartley realized, that Starling was lucky. Privileged, even. The superheroine probably couldn't fathom the idea of being in such immense pain. As Hartley leaned closer, she noticed some scars etched into Havoc's body. Some were fresh, while others were faded. There were also some dry blood and bruises to complete the collection. It was actually quite frightening, seeing it up close like this. The news reports always made Hartley worry for Starling, although Havoc was the one taking the real beating. It actually caused Hartley's heart to break.

Starling was Hartley's hero, her role model. She was the reason Hartley did her best to be good. Why she gave back to the community and was the best version of herself. Even if, at certain times, others didn't seem to appreciate her for it. Yet, for the first time, Hartley found herself doubting her supposed "hero." Havoc had never killed anyone. She's never even mamed, let alone scratched anyone other than Starling. Hartley had begun to notice that the villainess had been avoiding the superhero lately. The last fight that was broadcasted, Havoc didn't to be as entertained with it as much as she used to. In fact, she seemed almost bored.

Havo hadn't given up crime, she had just gone elsewhere to commit her various felonies. Places away from Starling's usual route. Hartley did notice, however, that Havoc would tag along when the rest of her villain family needed her. When it came to solo missions, she avoided Centropolis altogether. Yeah, no one deserved a beating quite like this. Opening the door to her nightstand, she gently placed a Hello Kitty Band-AID onto Havoc's small cut. Then Hartley got to work replacing the gauze. Now, Hartley wasn't what one would call a medical expert but she was determined to keep this villain alive and well. Sometimes, we all have to show a little kindness and love.

Hartley had a sinking feeling that Havoc had been denied both of those things.