Devil Hills

“Everyone’s a hero until they realize what happens when you pull the trigger!" Gail scoffed at the crowd, her voice carrying far enough for those in the back to hear her. "Good job, now you’re all becoming monsters.” "Sometimes we have to become what we fear," Billy said, an attempt to justify his thinking— "Spare me the one-liners, Bill," Gail dismissed. "The world has enough villains out there trying to justify themselves." "Well, maybe they’re right! Maybe the only way to stop a monster is by becoming one yourself," Billy shot right back, unfazed by Gail's tone. “I'd rather be a villain than a victim any day.” "We're all victims! That doesn't give you the right to become a villain. It doesn't give any of you the right! And you’re no better than the people I arrest every day if you think otherwise!" The rain picked up, an act that would typically force people indoors or at least venture off and seek refuge under shelter, but as Gail's words echoed before fading into the abyss of darkness just beyond the cone of headlights, everyone remained motionless. Many gradually noticed a shift in the overall tone, forcing those with the "rule or ruin" attitude to check themselves. Billy and Barbara weren't spared of that feeling, either. In fact, one could argue it was intended for them, if anything else.