[https://img.wattpad.com/ae474b13571c6467db681948a1be13939cde0500/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f5962324e37343574384c53425a773d3d2d313338343539343631362e313738373662663933346666323235333339393133353532323638332e706e67]

Indeed, they are unquestionably fabulous. Nobody could argue otherwise after witnessing the sheer extravagance and glamor that permeates both the dramatic displays of villainy and the triumphant cape-waving of heroes.

As a consequence, citizens take note. Supers are more than just overpowered circus monkeys wrecking skyscrapers, they're fantastical escapes from the mundane routines of life. The delicate balance between a super, their secret identity, and their mundane life is relatable to many groups who call Texas home.

One such group is the thriving drag community, alive and well in 2050 even after decades of pushback and bigotry from small-minded Texans. But a community doesn't come out unchanged after such vitriol. No, they come back stronger, with more glitter, to open places like Baddies as their grounds to congregate.

As a hero, Jay supposes he should dislike a nightclub themed after the villains of Neo Houston, but he can't really bring himself to care. There were actual villains out there to worry about—Jay isn't going to get his panties in a twist over a club which likes to plaster images of Razzmatazz, Alleycat, and Stygian on their walls.

Jay snorts into his Shirley Temple at the phrase panties in a twist. Ironically, it is only his undergarments which remain un-feminized tonight; that's right, Jay is undercover—as a Drag Queen.

The hero sighs, wondering if anyone in the bustling club would notice him dropping a shot of vodka into his drink. It's not like he has anything against drag, but he can't help but feel uncomfortable under the mounds of makeup, scratchy fabric, and fake hair. Worst of all, he's been forced to confront his number one enemy, his true nemesis; high heels. Jay scowls at the set of periwinkle kitten heels, willing them transmorph into his usual boots. But the shoes stubbornly remain as Delta slides into the booth next to Jay.

"Cheer up! You gotta play the part, Quickwit..."

The hero glances at the disguised heroine. She's holding a bright blue mocktail delicately, somewhat dispelling the illusion that she is a man with blond stubble. Then again, Jay can picture Gannet doing the same.

The thought of the villain makes Jay redirect his view to the massive poster of Stygian on the wall. It looks new, and Jay realizes a blue boot is peeking from the corner of the image. Someone must've taken a photo of Stygian battling Quickwit, and cropped the sidekick out. The hero understands; he is not good at glamor. The ugly bow-filled dress he's wearing is a testament to that.

"I just think this is a bad idea, Delta. You're the one who's used to the limelight. You're a model in your free time—I'm just a sidekick."

"It's not fair to the other contestants if a non-drag queen goes on stage! It needs to be authentic."

"I'm going to make a fool of myself..."

"No, hey, you're going to do great, Quickwit! Put some pep in your step, you just need to go talk to some others and try to sniff out if any of them are villains, okay? Once we catch the rat we can leave..."

"Alright...how much longer until I can go backstage?"

"15 minutes. Let's sleuth around while we wait."

Jay stands, downing the rest of his drink briskly. "Alright."

The hero leaves the sanctuary of the bar to wade into the mass of people. He feels everyone's eyes on him as he walks, despite the fact that he knows it's not true. The music is thrumming loudly, making him twitch with distress as the screeching of the speakers vibrates in his ears.

However what really makes him jump is a hand suddenly closing around his wrist. Jay turns around rapidly, eyes wide—it's Gannet, looking equally startled.

"Shit, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

The hero relaxes, fixing a curl of fake blonde hair. "It's fine...hey Gannet."

"Oh, you remembered me!"

Jay creases his brow. "Yes...?"

"Well, we only met that once. I haven't seen you around the foodbank lately. It's Jay, right?"

"Wait—you recognize me!?"

"Yeah well, your disguise is a little flimsy! You're just wearing makeup and a dress, after all."

The hero groans, covering his face. How can Pixamena get away with just changing her hair color, but Jay spending four hours in hair and makeup does nothing to hide his identity!? To add insult to injury, it's "Mr. Literally only wears a domino mask" who figured it out. Is this really how hero disguises work? Is there some stupid law of reality governing that idiotic covers are enough to protect you, provided it's super related?

Gannet laughs, bringing Jay back to reality.. "Is it supposed to be a secret? Don't worry, it's safe with me."

"No I just—I spent way too long squeezing into this dress for it to be that easy to see through."

"Well, you look fantastic, I just have a good memory for faces. Oh, but—"

Gannet's smile turns anxious as he wrings his hands.

"I'm here with some friends. You wanna join us?"

The hero studies the strange expression as he remembers their last encounter at the foodbank. Despite the villain's bubbly and exuberant nature, it seems like Gannet had a hard time making friends. It wouldn't hurt the mission if Jay indulged him a bit, right?

"Sure, I would like that."

With a grin, Gannet leads the dolled-up hero to the table. Immediately, Jay spots two women sipping brightly colored drinks. "Girls, this is Jay, he's from work. Jay, this is Alana and this is Faye."

Of course, Gannet couldn't make normal friends; he's not only brought Pixamena for a girls night out, but also Razzmatazz. Jay swallows a lump as he meets her eyes. She's much less colorful without her clown disguise, but it seems she couldn't help but add a few multicolored beaded bracelets to her frilly hot-pink dress.

"Hi Jay, nice to meet you."

Jay tugs at the hem of his sparkly dress as the villain takes a swig of her Mai Tai, eyes glinting in the dark. Does she recognize him? Is she reading his mind?

He takes a deep breath, trying to repeat Delta's encouraging words in his mind. Luckily, he's pulled away from his anxiety as Faye waves cheerily to get his attention, sipping down what looks like her third piña colada.

"Hiii Jayyy!" She giggles.

"Hey, nice to meet you."

Jay sits at the table, ruffling the irritating fabric of his skirt as he does so.

"So, you're performing tonight?" Gannet asks.

"Yep. Unfortunately."

"Unfortunately?" Faye laughs, "why unfortunately?

"My friend convinced me to try it. I'm not really, um, the performative type."

"Well," Alana purrs, "put some pep in your step, you're going to do great, Jay."

The hero squirms uncomfortably. Fuck. She definitely read his mind. Jay's secret identity has officially been outed to a villain...

He glances nervously at the villainess. She grins, giving Jay a wink. The hero squints his eyes at the gesture. Was that a threat or a reassurance? Nervous butterflies flit about his stomach; he's never been good at nonverbal communication. He can trust Razzmatazz, right? Are they still friends...?

Suddenly, Jay is ripped from his thoughts by the sound of Faye laughing. She drops an alcohol-soaked cherry into her mouth, giggling.

"You look like your corset is about to make you faint. Seriously, you're going to be fine. You couldn't have picked a more supportive crowd."

"I thought you didn't want to come to a club that glamorizes villains," Gannet teases.

"I didn't say that. I said no matter how glamourous a maniac is, you don't plaster him on your walls," Faye huffs, gesturing to the poster of Stygian.

"C'mon, you gotta admit he's cute. I'd hit that."

"Maybe if he had tits," says Alana.

The table laughs as Faye scrunches her nose in disgust.

The magical girl huffs, crossing her arms. "We both know your tastes lean more on the heroic side, Gannet."

"Oh, what's that all about?" Alana grins maliciously.

"Oh no, don't start," Gannet begs.

"C'mon! Tell them about your hero boyfriend!" Faye crows.

Jay feels his cheeks heat. "Hero boyfriend?"

"He's not—we're not—we just hang out sometimes..." Gannet stutters.

"Oh yeah," Faye giggles, " you hang out, give each other presents, go on cute dates, fuc—"

"Woah-oh! Okay, can we move on, please?"

"I'm just saying. He could be your boyfriend, if you wanted. Although, I think you could aim higher. Massasauga is rich, you know."

Jay stares down at his shoes, ignoring the comment about Massasauga. He feels that familiar bittersweet emotion rising when he thinks about where this relationship is heading. As much as the word "boyfriend" makes his heart flutter, it could never happen, right? Is that what Gannet wants?

...is it what Jay wants?

The hero stands abruptly. "Uh, it's been nice meeting y'all. I gotta go start preparing for the show now."

After a round of goodbyes, Jay scuttles away as fast as he can. As he steps into the backstage changing room, he curses his fickle emotions. He should be focusing on his job, not playing he loves me, he loves me not!

Stolen novel; please report.

The hero groans as he finds a chair to sit in, rubbing a heel-chafed ankle.

"Do you need a Band-Aid?" A deep voice rumbles.

Jay looks up to see another drag queen looking down at the hero's torturous heels. The performer is wearing a cowgirl outfit, a long dark braid leading Jay's eyes two paper mache bull horns atop their head. A Taurrage cosplay, at a drag show? How ironic.

"Yeah, thanks."

The performer reaches into a fringed leather pocket, pulling out a pink Band-Aid.

"I also have antacids, pain killers, and mints in here, if you need some."

Jay laughs as covers the small wound. "I feel a little underprepared. I'm not used to going without pockets..."

"That's why you need a purse."

"You know, I did think of that. But I couldn't find the time to find one that matched my outfit..."

"Rookie mistake."

Jay grins, testing out the feel of his shoes now. "Yeah I—"

Suddenly, the hero stumbles in his heels, falling forward. He gasps as his hands reach out, gripping a paper mache horn to keep him upright.

He sighs in relief as his downward trajectory is halted. Only, something is very wrong; that hollow paper horn should've torn off with the force of Jay's fall.

He steps back from the drag queen, clearly noting how the paper falls away to reveal a very real-looking bull horn. And it's just then Jay remembers nobody has ever seen what Taurrage's unshifted form looks like...

He attempts to scramble away, but it seems the villain catches on. The sidekick yelps as the lithe drag queen quickly morphs into a giant Minotaur, the cowgirl outfit somehow perfectly stretching to fit his new massive form. Taurrage lunges at Jay, picking up the hero with ease.

"Let me go—"

The sound of Jay's voice is quickly muffled by the Minotaur's hand.

"Jesus Christ," Taurrage grumbles, "I didn't think I would be found out quick..."

The Minotaur reaches into his pocket, pulling out a phone that looks comically small in his massive hand. He quickly sends a text before putting it back.

The bovine head peers down at Jay, ears flicking. "Don't worry. All our hostages get the southern hospitality they deserve. Just be calm and it'll be over soon."

Without further ado, the Minotaur steps out of the changing room, past the curtains, and onto the stage. The crowd gasps as they realize a villain is in their midst.

The patrons are silent as the microphone is turned on. Taurrage clears his throat awkwardly, clearly not used to being the one who makes the villainous speeches.

"Please stay where you are, um, or else."

Jay sighs as he watches the crowd gawk. He can't fight back now, with so many eyes on him...

He glances out into the crowd, searching for Delta. Seeing that she's missing, Jay is hopeful the heroine has snuck off to quickly pull off her disguise and come to rescue him. But before she has a chance to make her stand, Texas barges through the wall with a "Yeehaw!"

Taurrage huffs as the club's patrons scrabble for shelter, many phone screens lighting up the dark room as they record the villain entering.

"Took you long enough..."

"Yeah well—wait, what are you wearing?!"

"My disguise."

"Your disguise is a cowgirl outfit!? The whole point of this attack is to show Houston what a real man is!"

Taurrage narrows his eyes, stepping off the stage. "Yeah, and I told you I thought it was idiotic to attack these people minding their own business, but you insisted. You need to take my feelings into consideration more. I'm your sidekick, not your henchman."

"Wha—babe?! I do consider your feelings!"

"No you don't!" A party goer yells from under a table.

"You deserve better Taurrage! I'm single!" Another adds.

"Be quiet!" Texas growls, turning to his husband. He takes his hat off, holding it in a rare show of weakness.

"Baby, I'm sorry...I was just excited and I didn't think..."

The Minotaur seems to soften at the apology. "I know. Let's get this done and we can talk more when we get home."

Texas grins. "Alright! Let's do this thang!"

The crowd gasps as he lifts a large karaoke machine over his head, directing it at the stage. Taurrage steps to the side as the machine careens through the air.

Jay expects a wall of ice to catch it, or perhaps for Delta to run out from the shadows and attack Texas. What he doesn't expect is the karaoke machine to start floating mid-air...held aloft by tendrils of black.

Texas yelps, jumping out of the way as the karaoke machine is placed down gently and a fleet of dark shadows explode at his hooves. He looks towards the stage with a gasp as another figure emerges with a flourish.

"Stygian?! What on God's green earth do you think you're doing!?"

The dark villain cackles. He fluffs the pink feather boa on his neck, brushing a dark strand of long hair behind his ear. Jay can't help but marvel at the amazing transformation; if he didn't know those vibrant red eyes so well by now, he might think this was a brand-new villainess.

"Stygian? No, I'm Mistress Midnight [https://img.wattpad.com/8a9aa8a4a98e06ae31988ea779c0753d53fb8897/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4b776a426a73752d584d735932773d3d2d313338343539343631362e313738373662643732313231653162653639343136353334373235302e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

"Stygian? No, I'm Mistress Midnight. And what does it look like I'm doing? I'm protecting my people—I can't risk you damaging this fine establishment after they added such a flattering portrait of me..."

"I love you Stygian! Marry me!" Someone screams from the crowd.

"I love you too, stranger!" Stygian giggles, "in fact, I love you all so much I'm going to allow you to evacuate now..."

Shadows begin to grab flustered patrons, protecting them from the frustrated centaur's swings and kicks as they shuffle citizens out the door in a flood of black.

"Enough! You can't do this! You're a villain, not a hero!" Texas roars.

Stygian flicks a hand, lifting a bound and struggling Delta onto the stage. "Is this villainous enough for you?"

The heroine squeaks as Stygian lifts her chin with a clawed finger, forcing blue eyes to meet burning red. "Where's your sidekick? My collection isn't complete without him."

Delta opens her mouth, releasing a plume of fire. Stygian scream-laughs, dodging out of the way as he flings the heroine at Texas. She lands squarely on his back, immediately clinging on. The centaur begins to buck and panic.

"Eek! Get her off! Get her off!" Texas wails.

"God, I love your style. So much spitfire, Delta!" Stygian crows.

Jay jolts as Taurrage charges at Stygian, the sidekick still entrapped by the Minotaur's massive arm. But Stygian isn't an easy foe to take down, as Jay knows all too well; even with the huge size difference, Stygian nimbly dodges the Minotaur. A black-heeled foot swings into Taurrage's abdomen, sending him flying into a wall of black already waiting to catch him.

Jay yelps as he's dropped by Taurrage, shadows lifting him into the air. Stygian pulls him forward with a giggle.

"Congrats! You're out of the frying pan and into the fire!"

Before Jay has a chance to respond, Delta finally freezes Texas' hooves to the floor, launching a chunk of floor at Stygian as she turns to face the dark villain.

"Let him go!" She screams.

"Make me," Stygian growls.

Delta charges, blasting several sharp-tipped icicles at Stygian. He dodges, catching one of the icicles. He shatters it in his hand, raising the other with a manic smile. The dazed Taurrage is lifted into the air, flung at both Texas and Delta.

With a crashing sound, all three foes are reduced to a groaning pile on the ground, leaving Jay as the last man standing.

Stygian cackles wildly, eyes wide. He sets Jay down, summoning an abandoned cocktail from the bar and sipping it with a grin.

"You're free to go. Count your blessings, civvie."

"Goddamn, what a night..."

"I know! So fun. But they made the mistake of not bringing Quickwit, how do they expect to defeat me while running around like chickens with their heads cut off?"

Jay dusts himself off. "You just pummeled two A-classes and one B-class into the floor without breaking a sweat, you really think one C-class loser would've made a difference?"

The hero jumps as enraged red eyes are directed at him with a snarl. "I'm sorry, did you want mercy or not, civilian? Shut. Your. Mouth."

Jay raises his hands in surrender, feeling a little touched that the villain is so offended on his behalf. Stygian calms with a roll of his eyes, summoning his wings. He begins to strut towards the doors, shadows fluttering behind him.

He launches into the night sky, elegant as always. Jay steps out of the wrecked club, watching Stygian merge with the Houston skyline. The hero pulls off the stupid dress and kicks off the heels, revealing the simple shorts and shirt below. He groans in anger as he attempts to scrub the makeup off his face.

"Fuck, that was too much for one night."

"Need a smoke?"

Jay turns around at the sound of a female voice. It's Alana, leaning against the brick walls of the alleyway. She's out of costume, but has seemingly given up the charade of normie, allowing her eyes and braids to gently swirl with purple-blue hues in the dim lighting.

The hero joins the villain in the alleyway. "I didn't know you smoked."

"It's hemp. It's got CBD, no THC. It helps me stay calm, you want one?"

Jay holds back the lecture about how all CBD products hold trace amounts of THC, and just accepts the offering. He inhales, trying not to think about how uncharacteristic this action would've been for him at the start of the year.

"Are you angry at me?" Jay asks.

"Over what?"

"I failed you. I was trying to help you and I sent you to the last place you needed to be instead..."

Alana grins, braids glowing a soft yellow. "Heroes are fallible, as much as the network would like to deny it. You're at least one of the good ones who can admit it."

"So you're not holding a grudge?"

"If I was holding a grudge you'd hear Scoops giving the scoop that Quickwit is knowingly boinking a villain."

"Oh God, I think that's the first time I've heard someone say it out loud...I'm so fucked."

Alana huffs. "I know, I've seen your brain. Your memories are graphic."

"Jesus Christ Razz! I'm still mad about that, you know. You can't just ask someone for their biggest secret!"

"I know I felt horrible after I just—" Alana takes a drag of her cigarette, sighing out a puff of wispy smoke. "I wanted to feel in control for once. I felt so alone, paranoid that everyone was out to get me..."

Jay turns his gaze upwards, watching a cloud cover the moon. "Gannet showed you what happened to him on the streets, didn't he? You should stick with him, he understands."

An edge enters Alana's eyes. "On the streets? I didn't see anything like that."

"What? I'm talking about when he was homeless. That's what you saw in his memories, right?"

"I didn't know that happened to him, I saw—I saw something different."

"What did you see?"

The villainess clenches her fists. "I don't know if I should tell you, Jay."

"Why not?"

"I can't just tell you his secrets. I don't think he'd want you to know and—and I think it might put you in danger."

Jay's heart begins to race. Put him in danger? What about Gannet's past could put Jay in more danger then he already is as a hero?

"Razz, you've seen in my mind. You know I don't intend to hurt him, so if this is information I can use to help him you need to tell me. I don't care if it's dangerous."

The villainess hugs herself, hair going gray-black. "Are you sure you want to know? This changes everything."

"Yes. Tell me."

"I—I saw his childhood."

"His...childhood? Did he come from a bad home?"

"He came from—from some fucked up facility!"

Jay's heart drops.

"What?"

"They were doing experiments on him, Jay. Horrible experiments, trying—trying to create a new Class-S super! Or something worse..."

"Who did?!"

"The Network," Alana hisses, "he doesn't even know if he escaped or they let him escape."

"That's not tr—"

Jay's words halt in their tracks. It wasn't a lie, was it? He recalls the first time Stygian encountered Razzmatazz; she conjured one of his worst fears, a man in a lab coat trying to inject something with a syringe.

The hero feels himself spiraling. All the stupid excuses he's been making for the Network rattle in his brain. How could he persist in this fallacy, pretending to be some hero, when the people he's working for are worse than any villain?

He jumps as a gentle hand clasps his shoulder. He looks up to see soft brown eyes meeting his gaze.

"Don't blame yourself. You didn't know—the Network is everywhere, telling us in our schools, shows, and daily lives, that they are the ultimate good. They've been trying to brainwash us since we were kids."

Jay covers his face, attempting to slow his panicked breaths, "Stop reading my mind, Razz."

"I didn't need to."

He inhales deeply, feeling his hands shake with the effort of staying calm. "Were they successful?"

"With what?"

"With making him Class-S..."

"Yes."

Dread settles deep in Jay's bones. Gannet isn't just a strong villain. He's on par with Alphaman, the only super who was strong enough to prevent Calamity from wiping Texas off the map...and the Network made him that way, for some reason. The question is why? What plans does the Network have for the man Jay loves?

"I don't know what to do, Razz."

"You're a sidekick, Jay. This is over your head."

"I can't just leave him to whatever fate they have planned. I have to—I have to do something!"

Alana steps back, vibrant hair and eyes glowing in the dark alleyway. "You can't do anything. Not alone, at least."

Without another word, the villainess conjures a pair of sharp claws and jumps onto the wall. She jumps from building to building until she's on the rooftop.

Jay watches her peer down from behind the edge, giving a weary smile. "Good luck, Quickwit."

The hero watches her disappear, mind still spinning as his world shifts on its axis.

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