The Temptation
Hiddenville
After long hours of talking and catching up, Max and Sam were now walking back from Splatburger, the air between them light but with an underlying tension Sam could feel building. She knew she needed to take the next step in her plan.
"Hey," she started, glancing at Max. "What if we did something fun? Like old times?"
Max chuckled. "You mean 'fun' like when we rewired Metroburg Elementary's vending machines to give out free candy for a week?"
"Exactly! Except… bigger." Sam stopped walking and faced him. "You know, you've been following all these 'hero rules' lately. Don't you miss just doing what you want? No restrictions, no Z-Force breathing down your neck?"
Max scratched the back of his head. "I mean… sure, sometimes. But I like where I am now."
Sam sighed, giving him a knowing look. "Okay. But if you ever want a little chaos back in your life… you know where to find me." She winked before heading off down the street.
Max watched her go, a flicker of something deep in his chest—nostalgia? Longing? Doubt?
He shook it off and started toward home.
As he walked, memories of their past schemes surfaced. The mischievous victories, the thrill of outsmarting authority—all of it had been exhilarating. But that was behind him now. He had a new path, a better one. Right?
Yet, deep down, an unease lingered. Maybe Sam was right. Maybe he did miss a little chaos.
But he never noticed Sam making a satisfied smirk cross her face. She needed to keep him close—needed to keep her plan in motion.
Max Thunderman still had a place in the world of villains. He just needed to remember it.
As she continued walking home, Sam felt a subtle vibration on her wrist. Lowering her gaze, she turned her wrist to see the screen. The initials on the message were unmistakable—DM.
Dark Mayhem.
She hesitated for a moment before tapping the screen, revealing a short, urgent message:
"Status?"
Sam quickly turned off the screen, her lips pressing into a thin line. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Max was long gone before exhaling, her fingers tightening around her wrist. She couldn't afford distractions now. With one last look at the darkened screen, she steeled herself and continued walking, her mind already spinning with the next phase of her plan.