One week later, Detention Master hosted a special villain gala at his estate. The velvet curtains parted to reveal two glass exhibits adorned with display screens and info panels. Within each tube was a 14-year-old school boy, standing perfectly straight with a stoic expression. The lean dark haired boy was labeled as "The Hero Formerly Known as Lumberjack." The info screens showed him as he previously was, a rugged, bearded ax-wielding vigilante clad in flannel. The screens showed highlights of his transformation, his regression to a young teen, his humiliating time in the spanking chamber, testimonials of how glad he was to now be subjected to proper authority. The other glass case similarly contained the blond haired Ethan "The Hero Formerly Known as Blue Boxer."
The crowd of gathered villains buzzed with excitement, oogling the display, reading the info and commenting on the completely complacent, stoic looking youngsters behind the glass. Cackling scientists, mustache-twirling masterminds, and even a few demonic deans mingled and observed, sipping from stemmed flasks and snacking on fancy hor d'ourves.
“Behold,” Detention Master announced. “Two of Grit City’s most uncontrollable vigilantes… subjugated by my exclusive obedience curriculum. These men were once thorns in our side. Rebellious. Defiant. Dangerous. But with just a short time of my proprietary disciplinary therapy—uniform reinforcement, identity recalibration, spanking therapy, and a healthy dose of structure—they now crave only rules. My rules. Well, boys, do you have anything that you'd like to say to our audience.”
Ethan raised his hand meekly.
“Yes, Mr. Keller?” Detention Master asked, turning.
“I—I’d just like to say I’m really grateful for this opportunity, sir,” Ethan said, cheeks flushing slightly. “I’ve never stood still this long in my life, and it feels… good.”
The crowd chuckled approvingly.
Jack followed suit. “And I finally understand the value of order, sir. If you have any extra homework, sir, I'd be happy to work on it while on exhibit.”
Laughter rippled through the auditorium. A few villains actually cheered.
"That won't be necessary, Jack, but thank you for being so industrious. Tell me, boys, does it bother you to be on display for all of these crooks and rogues--people who you've previously battled and bested time and time again?"
Ethan and Jack shook their heads and said in unision, "No sir." Ethan chimed in, "If being on display is what you want for us, then it's good to be here."
Detention Master gestured toward the boys as though presenting fine art. “These punified vigilanties now wake at 6 a.m. sharp. They recite the Honor Code every morning. They’ve even begun tattling on one another for minor infractions, hoping for corrective praise. Craving my direction and approval.”
He let that hang in the air, basking in the astonished murmurs.
One villain in the audience, The Mad Magician spoke up with curious delight. “Are these effects will be permanent?”
Detention Master smiled slyly. “Oh, they already are. The longer they behave, the less they want to misbehave. Why fight, when you can earn a gold star?”
He turned to the boys. “Boys, would either of you like to tell the audience why you admire your new lifestyle?”
Ethan blurted out: “Because rules make everything clearer! I don’t have to be in charge. I like being told what to do now. It’s easier!”
Jack added, “And I’ve never felt more… calm. I thought being tough meant swinging an axe. But now I know toughness is being the first to volunteer for trash duty!”
Applause. This time thunderous. One villain wiped away a tear of joy.
Detention Master turned back to the crowd and raised his arms.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you… the future of hero control. With enough routine, regression, and recognition, even the fiercest freedom-fighters can be reduced to loyal little learners.”
Mad Magician scoffed, "You talk big, but we've all been bested by these two buffoons one time too many."
Detention Master smiled, "Perhaps a little demonstration is in order. Would you like to see just how deeply my young charges have sunk into my control?"