Virgil, Patton, Logan, and Janus all drove back in Virgil’s car. Usually, Patton would have just teleported them back, but they couldn’t just leave Vee’s car. (Then again, why didn’t they just teleport in the first place?) Roman and Remus flew back themselves.

Logan drove, since it was a bit obvious that Virgil was in no state to.

He and Patton lay asleep in the back, while Logan and Janus sat in the front. 

“You did good.” Logan murmured. 

“I didn’t get the bomb.” Janus crossed his arms anxiously.

“You tried to, and that’s what matters.” Logan nodded firmly. “This isn’t over. They’ve only added another element to the playing field.” 

“A dangerous element.” Janus muttered, looking out the window. “A bomb specifically requested by the Dragon Witch can’t be good.”

Why would his mother need a bomb? She was powerful, she didn’t need a bomb. 

“Janus,” Logan spoke up, “we need to talk when we get back. All six of us.”

Janus rose a brow, looking back over at Logan. “Should I be nervous?”

“No,” Logan shook his head, “you should be excited.”

---

They woke Virgil and Patton up when they got to the base. 

Now, all of them were in the living room. Janus was sitting on the couch, while all the heroes stood in a semi circle around him. 

It was a bit intimidating, considering the fact that all of them were in their suits. They looked like a real superhero team. They were, so that made sense.

“We’ve been thinking.” Logan began. “Usually, we would wait a few months to do this, but we like you. So--”

“Do you wanna join the League of Heroes?!” Roman blurted out, grinning brightly at him. Logan shot him an annoyed look. 

“What?” Janus’ eyes widened, though they couldn’t see it through his mask. “Really?”

“Yes, really!” Patton giggled. “We can already tell, you’ll be a great addition to the team! You’ve already helped us so much!” 

“Me joining the league? That’s--wow.” Janus nodded, feigning surprise. “Can I?”

“Well, we wouldn’t have asked if you couldn’t.” Virgil snorted, though Janus could see that he was eager to know what Janus’ reply would be.

“We can do so many things together!” Remus clapped. “We can try gross foods, and play pranks, and watch movies, and--!”

“So?” Logan interrupted Remus. “What do you think?”

What did Janus think?

“I would love to!” He nodded. “Is that alright?”

Patton squealed, rushed over, and took Janus up in a big hug. A large grin broke out on both of the twins’ faces, while Logan and Virgil’s smiles were a bit more subdued.

Janus thought this was too easy.

---

The League of Heroes hosted a press conference the next day.

“I hate going to these.” Remus groaned to Janus while they were waiting for the rest of the League to put on their suits. The two of them were in the living room, sitting on the couch. “It’s always so boring! They ask us lame questions, and then twist our answers to fit whatever narrative they want!” He rolled his eyes.

“That’s usually how the media works.” Janus snorted. It was true. He had seen many articles twisting the things his mother said. 

“Still! One time, I said that I was hungry and wanted the questions to end so we could get lunch.” He sat up a little straighter. “And the media was saying that I was avoiding questions! Like, what?! Most of the questions weren’t even directed at me!”

"Yikes." Janus winced.

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget the name of that reporter. Susan Wojcicki, my greatest nemesis.” He scowled, shaking his fist at the air. 

“Are you talking about that reporter again?” Roman asked, walking into the room in his suit. 

“Yes!” Remus spat, he turned to Janus, eyes dark. “That wasn’t even the last time she twisted something I said. Sometimes, she just blatantly lies about it! Look--look!” He pulled out his phone, quickly pulling up an article. 

He showed it to Janus, who squinted at it. “‘The Duke Hates Morality!’?” He read out. 

“It’s an entire article that makes up things I said!” Remus shouted. He looked back at the article, before reading an excerpt. “‘The Duke opened up to me about his true feelings regarding each of his teammates. ‘Morality is so fake’ He says, ‘the guy is so toxic behind closed doors.’” 

"What?!" Janus laughed.

“That never even happened!” Remus exclaimed, rage being the only emotion on his face.

“Reporters will say anything to get readers, it seems.” Roman snickered. “Maybe she thought you wouldn’t see it?”

“Oh, trust me, she knew I would see it.” Remus hissed threateningly. “That’s why she’s my arch-nemesis.” 

“You’re delusional.” Logan said blankly as he entered the room with Virgil and Patton at each of his sides. “Are we all ready?” 

“Do I have to go to this one?” Remus whined, standing up and wrapping his arms around Logan’s shoulders. “None of the questions will be for me, anyway!”

“Yes, you have to go.” Logan shoved Remus off of him. “All of us need to be present for the announcement of a new member. If you don’t go, it’ll be perceived as you not liking Janus.”

“But that’s preposterous!” Remus stomped his foot like a child. “I adore Janny!” He pointed at Janus, who snorted. 

“They don’t know that.” Logan shook his head. 

“It won’t be too long, Rem.” Patton reassured him, walking over and ruffling his hair. Remus frowned, but leaned into the touch. “We can go get burgers after!”

Remus perked up a bit, but kept a tight frown on his face. “...I like burgers.” He mumbled.

“I know you do, bud.” Patton smiled, removing his hand from Remus’ hair. 

“You are a child.” Janus said, earning a squawk from The Duke.

“Patton, if you would.” Logan held his hand out, and Patton took it. 

Morality extended his other hand to Virgil, who yawned as he took it. Logan and Virgil extended their hands to each of the twins, who then both offered Janus a hand. 

They were all there in the blink of an eye.

Janus looked around, seeing that they were in an empty press conference room. 

“The room doesn’t open for another ten minutes.” Logan informed them. “Janus, go stand behind the curtain. Roman insisted we make your entrance as dramatic as possible.”

“Not true.” Roman rolled his eyes. “It could’ve been way more dramatic. I didn’t even break out the glitter!”

“We’ll call you out when we need you.” Patton gave him a pair of thumbs up. 

“Don’t die in the span of a minute, or anything.” Virgil snorted.

Janus gave them a nod, before walking behind the curtain. 

After looking around to make sure that no one was watching him, he pulled out his phone. He felt a grin spread across his face as he pulled up his mother’s number.

I think you’ll want to watch the news today.
I hear a rather important broadcast is on.

He almost felt giddy. This was it! Only a matter of time before he would be stabbing the heroes in the back and claiming the city at his mother’s side. Finally! He would be recognized as more than just ‘The Dragon Witch’s kid.’ He’ll be known as Janus, the one who fooled the League of Heroes.

Someone tapped his shoulder.

Janus spun, hastily putting his phone away.

It was a boy. He couldn’t have been older than twelve. In his hands was a piece of paper.

“Hey there.” Janus gave an awkward wave. “How’d you get back here?”

The boy fidgeted anxiously for a moment, staring at Janus with a helpless expression on his face. He hesitated for a moment, before his lips began moving.

I am deaf. He mouthed. 

Janus felt a prick of sadness. The poor kid couldn’t even read his lips, what with the mask he wore. Janus sighed, before his hands began moving.

I’m sorry. I was asking how you got back here. He signed. 

The kid absolutely lit up, a grin spreading across his face. He handed the paper he was holding to Janus, before excitedly signing.

You're Deceit, right?

Janus nodded, before looking down at the paper in his hands.

It was a picture drawn in marker. He gasped as he saw the intricate detail poured into the drawing.

It was a drawing of Janus, his mask on the face of the character. His body, though, was what really took Janus’ breath away. 

He looked to be in the middle of shifting, his left hand looking like a hook, with one leg matching the design. An electric, golden light drew the line between where he was shifted, and where he was normal.

The kid’s hands began moving. Do you like it? He asked. 

Janus nodded eagerly, and the grin on the kid’s face widened. He gingerly placed the drawing on a nearby table, before signing, You’re really good at art! 

The kid clapped, before signing again. Thank you! I’m your biggest fan! His frown became a bit nervous again. Do you think you could sign it?

He held out a pen.

Janus took it gladly, scribbling his signature as nicely as he could onto the drawing. He glanced at the kid, who looked like he could faint from excitement. What’s your name? He signed.

The kid spelled it out. E-M-I-L-E. 

Janus nodded, writing down an extra message. To Emile, one of the coolest kids in the world! He wrote, before handing the drawing back. 

The kid’s blue eyes widened, and Janus thought he would burst into tears for a moment. Thank you! He signed emphatically. You’re my favorite hero!

Janus felt a strangely warm feeling blossom in his chest. I am? 

Yes! The kid nodded. Your powers are cool! They are like something in a movie! 

Janus hesitated. The others have cool powers too. 

The boy frowned, before a determined expression lit up on his face. You are like a spy! 

Janus glanced down at the kid’s James Bond shirt. Ah. 

You like spies? He asked.

The kid nodded, the determined expression on his face never wavering. Spies are cool, because they can be a good guy, or a bad guy. He told Janus. I like when they’re good guys, though. Spies are the best! 

Janus chuckled. I don’t think I’m like a good guy spy.

Emile shook his head. Yes, you are! He insisted. You sneak in and take out the bad guys secretly. I heard about what you did when you fought the Sea Witch and Scar! You went undercover! That’s what a spy does!

Janus supposed that made sense. Still, he had hardly done anything extraordinary. The others have done more. 

I don’t care! The kid stomped the ground. You’re my favorite! You’re the coolest hero ever! 

Janus was about to reply, before someone else came running up to them. 

It was a man with a camera hung around his neck. When he layed eyes on Emile, his tense posture slumped. 

The man gently placed a hand on Emile’s shoulder. The kid turned to him, shoving his drawing in the man’s face. 

The man read Janus’ writing, glanced at the ‘hero,’ and ruffled the boy’s hair. Please don’t run off again. He signed shakily. You gave me a heart attack. 

Sorry. Emile looked down, ashamed. The man, Janus assumed was Emile’s father, smiled and ruffled his hair again.

“Cute kid.” Janus commented. “Can’t say I’m sure why he’s back here, though.”

“I’m really sorry.” The man apologized, holding his hand out for a handshake. “That’s my son. His name’s Emile.”

“I know.” Janus nodded, shaking his hand. “He told me.” 

The man furrowed his brow, looking at his son. 

Emile grinned. He understands me! 

The man’s eyes widened, and he glanced back at Janus. “You…?” He pointed at his son, trailing off. 

Janus nodded again. “Care to answer my question?”

“Oh!” The man laughed a bit nervously. “I’m Douglas Picani, a reporter for Therapy.” He introduced himself.

Janus tilted his head. “Therapy?” He asked.

“It’s a magazine company.” Douglas explained. “The one with the little cartoons?”

Janus nodded. He knew that one. “Doesn’t explain what you’re doing back here, though. I thought the conference didn’t start for another minute?”

“Well, that’s a funny story.” He scratched the back of his head. “My boss wanted me to find out why the League was holding this press conference, she wanted an inside scoop. So I figured, the best way to get an inside scoop is to break in.” He shrugged weakly. “Emile came just in case you were here--and voila! Here you are!” 

“Here I am.” Janus agreed. “He’s a good kid.” He told Douglas, looking at Emile, who was practically drooling over Janus’ autograph. “I won’t report this, but don’t break in again, please.” Janus told him. “That’s not really a good influence, is it?”

Douglas deflated. "No, it isn't."

Emile’s head snapped up. Can we take a photo? He pointed to his father’s camera. 

His father frowned anxiously. I don’t know if Deceit would like--

“I’m fine with it.” Janus interjected before Douglas could finish signing. “It’s no big deal. I get the feeling my picture will be everywhere after today.”

Douglas smiled thankfully, before reaching for his camera. 

Janus rested a hand in Emile’s hair, placing the other on his hip. Emile grinned brightly at the camera, holding up his signed drawing. 

There was a flash, and Janus blinked at how bright it was. 

“Thank you.” Douglas told Janus. “You can’t even begin to imagine how much this means to him.” 

Emile wrapped his arms around Janus tightly, causing him to laugh a bit. Emile pulled away, before taking his father’s hand and disappearing into another room.

Cute.

Janus smiled, before he remembered himself. 

Now was no time to be getting all mushy over some random kid. He was about to put on the biggest performance of his life.

Fooling the heroes was one thing, but fooling an entire sea of reporters, whose jobs were to pick apart lies? That was a whole different story. One small slip up, and the whole city would know of his true intentions. 

He heard the doors to the press conference room open, and the chatter of people as they found their seats. Janus felt a prick of nervousness. This was it.

He could already hear them asking questions.

“Paranoia, is it true that you’re in love with The Prince?”

“Logic, are you really as smart as you say you are?”

“Morality, what do you have to say about the drama regarding you and The Duke?” 

Janus stifled a laugh at the annoyed growl Remus released. 

After a moment, someone must have made some gesture to silence the crowd, because they all fell into hushed silence. 

“I’m sure you’re wondering why we’ve called you all out here.” Logan said, his voice loud and commanding. “After all, it’s not every day that the League of Heroes arranges a press conference, especially on such short notice.”

There were murmurs of agreement.

“Well!” Roman spoke up, clapping his hands together. “This is no normal press conference, my friends! This is an announcement!” He heard Roman stand up. “We have a new member!”

“He needs no introduction!” Remus laughed, and Janus wondered if this was rehearsed. “Come on out!”

That was his cue.

Janus stepped out from behind the curtain.

There was a moment of silence, then suddenly there was a wave of questions coming from all directions.

“How long has Deceit been a member of the League?”

“Who suggested that Deceit join the League first?”

“Why the rush in adding Deceit to the League?” 

“A few hours, The Prince, because we like him.” Virgil answered promptly. He turned his mic away. “Sit here.” He gestured to the seat in between him and Remus. 

Janus sat down.

“One at a time, please.” Logan said to the crowd, and Janus watched as reporters raised their hands. Logan hummed, before pointing to a woman in the front. 

“Dahlia Knight, from the Morning News.” She introduced herself shortly. “In light of the recent attacks on the city by villains such as the Sea Witch, Scar, and The Vanquisher--” Roman frowned. “--did you feel the need to recruit a new hero in order to have a greater chance of defeating them in combat?”

“No, that’s not it at all.” Patton spoke up, shaking his head. “We recruited Deceit because we liked him, plain and simple.” 

“I doubt a situation would arise where we felt that we absolutely needed another hero.” Remus shrugged. “There were five of us, now there’s six. I would be scared if I was a villain.” 

Janus held back a scoff.

“You, with the orange tie.” Logan pointed to a man in the back. 

“Nathaniel Richmond, Vine Daily.” He introduced himself. “Deceit’s debut into the hero world was less than a month ago. Do you really think that he has enough experience to be a member of the League?”

“Deceit earned his spot on the League, just like the rest of us.” Logan answered, eyes narrowing at the man. “He’s proved himself, that’s all the verification we need that he’s experienced enough. Next question.” 

“The nerve of that guy.” Remus grumbled, just too low for the mic to pick up.

"You, with the braided hair."

“Tahaylia Johnson, The People’s News.” She introduced herself. “With Scar and Ursula teaming up, do you feel that the Dragon Witch is planning something big?” 

“I’m sorry,” Janus spoke up. “This press conference is about how I joined the League, yes? Do you think we could keep the questions focused on the topic?” 

Deflection, his favorite skill. Janus didn’t need the heroes thinking too much about the Scar and Ursula incident. 

Remus grinned at him, something vaguely proud in his eyes. 

"You, with the dirty blond hair."

“Douglas Picani, Therapy.” Janus snapped to attention. There Douglas was, Emile seated beside him. “Deceit, why did you agree to join the League of Heroes?” 

Janus stiffened. This was the first question that was directly addressed to him. The crowd all looked at him expectantly, as well as the heroes. It seems they, too, didn’t know the answer to that question.

Think, Janus, think!

He obviously couldn’t tell them that he was simply following orders given to him by the Dragon Witch. Why hadn’t he thought this far ahead?!

“The League of Heroes…” He murmured, stalling for a bit of time whilst he thought of an excuse. “The League, these people...” he glanced at all of them, panicked eyes searching their expressions for what they wanted him to say. 

That was proving to be difficult, with the masks. 

"Yes?" Douglas prompted.

“They’re like a family.” Was what came out of his mouth.

Okay. Wow. That wasn’t what he was planning to say. 

“They’re all so comfortable with each other, so honest and open.” He continued, surprising himself with the warmth in his voice. “I wanted to be a part of that too.”  He looked back at the crowd. “When they offered me the spot on the League, it felt like being adopted, in a way.” 

“Aww, kiddo...” Patton cooed, overjoyed. 

Douglas nodded, smiling a bit. “I see.” 

Virgil and Remus didn’t say anything, but Remus rested an arm on Janus’ chair, and Virgil shifted a bit closer to Janus. 

Janus felt a small smile form on his face, before he quickly furrowed his brow and turned that smile to dust. 

What was happening to him?

A/N:

I'm so sorry for the amount of italics in this chapter 😀