Blood was splattered on the ground, the young hero standing there weakly. It broke the villain's heart to see them this way. His heart shattered even more as the young hero spoke. Their voice trembled, almost as badly as their body was from all the trauma they've been put through. "P-please...," they whispered out, falling to their knees. "I can't fail... I don't want this! I NEVER WANTED THIS!"
The villain let out a soft sigh. His footsteps rang throughout the courtyard the fight was held in. He kneeled in front of the trembling hero, taking their face into his hands gently. Their wide and teary eyes looked up to meet his. "Shh, it's alright," the villain said softly. "You've done beautifully, and I'm so proud of you. But that's enough now. It was cruel of them to make you fight me."
His hands moved to pull them in for a tight embrace, his touch far more comforting than the hero expected. "You could never have won. It's not your fault little one."
The villain pulled back, voice calm and gentle as he spoke. His eyes betrayed the fury he held. He was furious, but not at the hero. He was furious at the gods for continually sending kids and teenagers to fight their battles simply because they were scared. The young hero whimpered, giving in as they spoke, still trembling. "I can't go back if I fail... I'm already dead anyways..."
With a single swift action, the villain rose to his feet and had the broken hero in his arms. Rough hands, scarred from years of battle and heartache, supported the hero. "You are not dying here today, young one. The world has so many other wonders for you to behold, and quite frankly," the villain paused, a knowing smirk appearing on their face as he continued. "Who are the gods to decide how you live or die? Become the master of your own fate. Grab it by the reigns and take your place among the other kings and queens."
His steps were light and quick, the young hero listening to every word he said with awe. Eager eyes scanned their surroundings, each sight full of a promise leading to a better tomorrow. Their voice was hopeful as they spoke up. "You mean... I don't have to live in fear? I wouldn't have to be afraid of messing up and facing punishment by the gods?"
The villain chuckled, nodding as he continued to walk to his healer. "That is correct, little one. You catch on quickly, and you are full of potential. I'm sure the others would love to meet you."
This caught the young hero's attention even more. "The others? There are more?"
"Oh yes. The other 'fallen heroes' are here. Most chose to take my offer, and now we are awaiting the final piece to finally take up arms and get our revenge on the gods. They have all grown into their own power individually over the years, excelling far more than they ever would have under the gods guidance."
The young hero blinked, body regaining strength as the villain's touch seemingly healed their body momentarily. Their eyes shone with hope, eager for the life they could possibly lead. Only four words left their mouth, but it was the same four words almost every other fallen hero he had saved asked. His eyes looked down into theirs, an unexplainable emotion in his eyes. "Who are you, exactly?"
"I am the very first hero the gods sent into battle, and their very first creation. But now I am their biggest threat."