When Does a Rival Become a Villain?

Years ago, I was arguing with my dad about something I can't even remember now. I told him, "I don't think everything is black or white. Sometimes there's grey."

He stared at me, pointed his finger and said, "Everything's black and white."

I disagreed with him then. Years later, I created Lord Grey and Lord Black.

Make of that what you will.

Grey and Black have history, competing interests, and very different ideas about where one man's ground ends and the other's begins. Neither is bothered that the other doesn't like him. Neither has ever been in the habit of backing down. Which becomes a problem the day they both decide they have every right to stand on the same ground.

At what point does that make one of them the villain?

I'm certainly not going to tell you.

The Kalos Chronicles doesn't lack for villains. Some will do terrible things for reasons you may understand more than you'd like. Others will have you changing your mind more than once.

And one of them is truly, spectacularly despicable.

I can't wait for you to meet him.

But for now, take another look at Lord Black. The black suit, the fire, the imposing chair and, yes, the panthers aren't exactly helping his case. Put Lord Grey beside him, though, and the decision gets considerably more interesting.

Pick your people. Defend them when you probably shouldn't. Get furious with them when they disappoint you. Occasionally wonder why you're still rooting for them.

And if you think the men are bad, wait until you meet the women.

So go ahead. Choose between Grey and Black.

Just don't get too attached to your answer. You may need all ten books to decide whether you chose wisely.