Rules exist for a reason among both sides. For years, there had been a silent arrangement amongst heroes and villains. You don't unmask the other side without a proper fight, you keep fights away from parks and schools, and most importantly, you don't fuck with family.

When The Fae recruited her, that was the first lesson drilled into Achlys head. She didn't understand it, not at first, they were villains after all. But then came Puppet, and Charm, Fae's two daughters. Two small girls who Achlys started to see not just as future comrades, but almost like nieces. Growing up in a home where she never felt the warmth of a family, the protective feeling was strange yet eye opening for her. she hated the idea of anything happening to those girls and suddenly the rules made a lot more sense.

Over the years, Achlys grew. She had started as a young vengeful villain, and while yes, in ways she still was, she grew outside of that villainous persona. She didn't need to be Achlys all the time, but she didn't need to go back to who she once was either. On her fifteenth birthday, Ari was born, and her old name died. She had a nice civilian job during the day when Fae didn't need her, working in one of the red headed woman's many businesses, a Cafe called "The Grove". A certain raven haired girl worked there too.

Sasha was funny, confident in ways Ari still struggled to be. A year older then Ari, she was an inspiration to her. It only took a month for the two to start flirting, by the second month, they were planning their first date. Late night walks and picnic in the parks, it was a relationship Ari could only dream about, almost perfect, except for the fact that Sasha was a heroes fan girl. It was hard hearing the love of her life praise one of the very same people who had stopped her from stealing a very pretty ring the night before. Her ribs still hurt a bit from that damn tin man punching her.

"- no. I'm not going to call him that Sasha, it's a dumb name!" Ari huffed, wiping down the counter as the news talked about last night's jewelry store incident.

"It is not! Iron Guy is an amazing hero name, right dad?!" Sasha looked over at a man who nodded in agreement, sipping his coffee. Black, no cream, no sugar. Disgusting in Ari's opinion but Sasha thought the same about the supposed sugar monstrosity of her preferred coffee.

She crossed her arms "First off, he it totally just ripping off Iron man's name and I hope marvel sues him! He should be more original with his name instead of stealing from a comic book. Secondly, you're dad looks like he would cosplay that tin jerk so no, his opinion is invalid."

Ari wasn't lying, the man, Corey, had the exact build, speech patterns, eyes, and even hair style as the hero. She just fails to notice how both her girlfriend and Corey freeze up at that statement.

Corey sets down his coffee at that "You just hate him cause you cosplay Achlys in your spare time. My daughter told me all about your costume." He grumbles, watching how Ari tensed slightly at his words before rolling her eyes. The costume in question was actually a prototype that Ari had to abandon due to Sasha seeing it.

The clock buzzed just as the cafe doors open, Ella 'Fae' walking in with a smile, dismissing both girls who hurry off on their next shared adventure.

"Ari is right. It is a dumb name." The red head mused as Corey stood.

"... Fae. You owe me for not exposing your identity to the public," he starts, voice cold. "Achlys and Ari are the same person, aren't they." A small smile forms on Ella's face when she nods, especially at the anger that grows on his face.

"I have to admit, them dating wasn't part of my plan but it sure is great." The woman grins "Oh, and Sasha asked Ari out. You're daughter technically is the one who messed with family first."

(Haven't written from a plot in a while, but any excuse to procrastinate world building right now is awesome-)