Heroes were supposed to be loved. Villains were supposed to be hated.
That was how stories worked. It was simple and it worked.
"I'm the hero," he whispered. "I'm supposed to win."
Behind him, a presence appeared, a mix of shadow and air that couldn't be seen or felt. Something that had been with him since his awakening.
'You are the hero' the presence said. It had no voice, not really. Just thoughts that appeared in his mind. 'But heroes must overcome challenges. Hadeon Ravana is your trial'
"He's making me look bad."
'Then make him look worse. You have the power. You have the backing. Use them'
"The pressure...."
'Is only the beginning. If that doesn't break him, escalate. Heroes do what's necessary to win'
Adrian nodded slowly. "What's necessary."
'Remember: You are destined to succeed. He is destined to fail. That is how its done'
"The story demands it," Adrian repeated.
He felt better now. The presence always made things clearer. Simpler.
