Finduilas

You can purchase one alignment merit with 50 regular merits and 20 million influence. The Botler in Ft. Trident will convert regular merits to a-merits and sell you the recipes you purchase with a-merits.

The merit costs of the KC set are as follows:

Acc/Dam: 50 reward merits (not purchasable with alignment merits)
Dam/End: 125 reward merits or one alignment merit
Dam/Rchg: 150 reward merits or one alignment merit
Dam/End/Rchg: 200 reward merits or two alignment merits
KB proc: 125 reward merits or one alignment merit

On the market, the two most expensive recipes in the set tend to be the Dam/End and Dam/End/Rchg. Depending on how much influence and how many reward merits you have, it will often be much more cost effective to convert your reward merits to alignment merits and get the recipes that way.

Are you planning to take Tough? If so, it's extremely easy to cap S/L resistance on an Invul tank.

I use pretty standard slotting, 4 slots of Reactive Armor in TI, UY and Tough--all the resistance pieces so they're slotted to the ED cut-off. Then I throw a Steadfast +Def into RPD. That will give you around 89.5% S/L def. If you're really set on getting that last .5% you can put another slot in RPD, I suppose, but using the Shield Wall +Res as the second slot seems like a huge waste of influence to me.

What 'spot' are you referring to in this context? Because really all we're talking about is raising your non-S/L resists from around 30% to 33%. (or 33% to 36% if you opt for the Cardiac Core Paragon)

I just don't see how 33% is so much better than 30% that it's worth spending all that influence on.

IMO, that's a waste of money on an Invul tank. Invul can cap S/L resistance anyway with the Invul powers (RPD, TI, UY) plus Tough, and an additional 3% to other damage types will have almost no effect on your overall survivability.

I'd advise you to save your influence or give it to another character.

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Chapter 8

Elena paced restlessly for a few minutes after Walter left, both her mind and her heart too confused and uncertain to allow anything else. She finally desisted when Horatio meowed plaintively and butted her leg, forcefully reminding her that he wanted attention. She picked him up and dropped on the couch with a sigh. She found that it did help to have someone warm to hold, but she had to turn her mind firmly away from the thought that there was ‘someone warm’ she could have if she wished.

She pondered Walter’s last words to her; what would it be like to be involved with him now that she knew that he was a superhero? Could she stand waiting and worrying about him when he was off beating up bad guys? Would the peace of mind she might gain from not giving her heart to someone who put himself in danger be worth the pain of losing what they had?

One thing was certain; she still wanted him, and a large part of her was absolutely thrilled that he was so unambiguous about wanting to continue their relationship. She also had a sneaking suspicion that at least some of the reason she found the revelation about him upsetting was that she had been so adamant with Melissa that he was nothing more than he seemed. But when all was said and done, could she trust that he was the man he seemed to be, and trust herself to judge the situation honestly? Elena rubbed her throbbing temples—if only there was a way to be certain; certain of him, certain of herself…

She sat up so suddenly that Horatio jumped down with an indignant ‘meow’. Maybe there was a way…something she had wondered about but hadn’t gotten up the nerve to ask Walter earlier. Elena glanced around, looking for something to put on her feet, discarding the idea of her new shoes in favor of some comfortable slippers she had left nearby earlier. She grabbed her keys and in the next moment was downstairs in front of Walter’s door.

Her initial resolution had gotten her this far, but it took a deep breath to settle the butterflies in her stomach enough for her to actually knock on the door. There was no response at first, and she was trying to decide whether to knock again when she heard Walter’s voice indicating that he had heard her.

He opened the door, and she had the not inconsiderable pleasure of seeing Walter bare-chested, sweatshirt in hand. “My pardon, Elena,” he said, as he let her in and pulled the sweatshirt over his head, “I’m afraid you caught me removing my armor for the night.”

Elena blushed and looked away, her heart beating fast. “That’s…that’s okay,” she told him, her voice coming out more squeaky and breathless than she would have wished. She had suspected as much from the way his clothes fit and how it felt when he held her, but ye gods, the man was built. His chest was muscular and toned; his arms and shoulders heavily muscled, most likely from years of fighting in armor with a heavy mace. She realized she was breathing hard and glanced around the apartment to cover her embarrassment. Besides the living room there was a side room that was obviously his bedroom and the second bedroom which seemed to be filled with exercise equipment. She found that oddly comforting—evidently it required more than magic to stay in such good shape.

He offered her a place to sit down, and from the look on his face she could tell he was very curious about her unexpected visit. She declined the seat, telling him, “I’m just going to stay for a minute, there’s something I forgot to ask you.”

His face fell, but he hid his disappointment quickly, saying brightly, “Of course, Elena, what is it you wish to know?”

“Walter,” she began, “one of the first things Mrs. Goodfield told me about you was that she thought you were responsible for scaring the trolls away from around the tram station. At the time, I thought she was imaging things, but was it you? And when you dropped me here after Rachel was hurt I remember you had some mysterious late-night errand to attend to. The next morning the trolls in the whole northern half of the neighborhood were gone. Did you have something to do with that?”

Walter smiled a little sheepishly and nodded, “Yes, Elena, you are correct on both counts. I could not act openly as Watcher’s Hand for fear of revealing my identity, but I felt that I should do something for the neighborhood and the people who live here. So I visited the local troll leaders as Watcher’s Hand and…persuaded them to stay away from the area around the tram station. I seemed the least I could do.”

He sighed, “After Mrs. Goodfield was attacked by the trolls I was very angry, both because they had injured her so badly and because I felt they had violated our agreement.” He leaned against the back of the couch and folded his arms over his chest, his face somber, “I know it does not reflect well on me that I acted as I did, out of a need for revenge rather than simply seeking out the culprits in the attack as I should have.”

He looked so dejected that Elena couldn’t help herself; she moved closer and squeezed his arm, saying consolingly, “I think you’re being a little hard on yourself, Walter, I’m certainly not going to waste any sympathy on the trolls you sent to jail.” She glanced at him curiously, “But wasn’t it dangerous, taking on all those trolls by yourself?”

Walter flushed, “Not really, Elena. I have been a hero for five years, and trolls present no particular challenge to a hero of my experience. I’ve also found that the villains here have a keen sense of self-preservation and seem to know almost instinctively when they are overmatched. That made it simple to convince the troll leaders to cooperate; they knew I could make life very difficult for them if they did not.”

“Then what happened with Mrs. Goodfield?” Elena asked.

He looked away, “From what I could determine, members of a villain group from another neighborhood had been seen here in Skyway; the trolls saw it as encroachment on their territory and became even more aggressive than usual as a result.” Walter paused for a moment and met her eyes, his face troubled. “Elena…” he began.

He hesitated for so long that Elena prompted, “Yes, Walter?”

“I…I just wondered whether you wished to ask anything else of me,” he said hurriedly, leading Elena to wonder whether that was what he had originally intended to say.

It was Elena’s turn to flush; she had been curious about the trolls, but that was not the most important thing she wanted to ask him. It was now or never, she realized; if she didn’t do it now she might never get up the courage again. “Yes, Walter, I…” she stumbled to a halt and forced herself to start speaking again. “After our date, when you kissed me...you must have known—or guessed—that you could have pushed for more from me, and it might have worked.” She was certain her cheeks were flaming red at this point, but she forged ahead, determined to finish. Elena met Walter’s eyes, “But you didn’t, and I wondered why.”

He had been watching her intently, at her final words he frowned and said, “I…sensed that might be the case, and I must confess I was quite tempted.” He shook his head and laughed ruefully, “I’m sure you’ll think me hopelessly old-fashioned, but it didn’t seem to be right or honorable to press you for such intimacy so soon, especially when I was keeping an important part of my life a secret from you.”

Elena felt a little bubble of happiness growing inside her; she suppressed an urge to giggle. Maybe she was being impetuous, but his answer confirmed something for her and gave her the answer she was seeking. She laid her hands on his chest, leaned close to him and said with a smile, “But Walter, I like hopelessly old-fashioned.”

He stared at her in surprise and growing hope, “Elena, do you mean…”

“I still have mixed feelings about Watcher’s Hand; unlike Melissa I’ve never dreamed of meeting or dating a superhero,” she told him. “But I’ve been waiting a long time to meet someone like you, Walter Halstrom, and I’m damned if I’m going to let Watcher’s Hand scare me away.”

Walter gave a whoop of joy and pulled her close, his eyes alight, “Elena, my dear, do you know how happy you’ve made me?”

“Why, no Walter, I don’t,” she said giving him a wide-eyed look, “perhaps you can show me.”

He chuckled, “It would be my pleasure, Elena.” Their lips met for a lingering kiss, which Elena did indeed feel all the way to her insteps.

A few minutes later she pulled away with a sigh of satisfaction, “Now that’s much better than being mad at you.”

“You’ll get no argument from me on that point,” he said wryly. He held her out at arms length, “By the way, I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but you seem shorter now than you did before.”

“Oh, it’s the slippers,” she told him, holding up a foot for him to inspect, “the other times we were together I was wearing heels.”

The slippers in question were hot pink and fuzzy. One of Walter’s eyebrows rose and he murmured, “I see, how…fetching.”

She glared at him through narrowed eyes, “Are you making fun of my slippers?”

“It’s just that they are rather…bright,” he said pursing his lips on a smile. “But I assure you that I find you beautiful at all times and in all ways, my lady.”

She stared at him, open-mouthed in astonishment, “You…you called me ‘my lady’. You actually called me ‘my lady’! I knew it was just a matter of time!” she said excitedly, her eyes sparkling.

Walter laughed and rolled his eyes, unsure whether to feel embarrassed or amused, “Aye, I suppose it was.”




The man on the roof of the building across from Walter and Elena’s building smiled to himself as he stowed his gear and prepared to depart. Finally, after weeks of keeping Halstrom under surveillance, they had something useful.

It had been a frustrating few weeks; his master was determined to retrieve the item that had been stolen from him, and had caught and punished the thief, but that had gotten them no closer to reclaiming it. They had found the shopkeeper who they were certain had the item in his possession to be surprisingly cautious and difficult to intimidate. The idea of assaulting him in the street was considered and discarded; it would be of little use unless he was carrying the item on his person.

Surveillance had also been challenging, both his shop and his home were strongly warded against all forms of magical scrying. They had been reduced to watching him on the street and through a small gap in the curtains in his apartment that allowed a very limited view of Halstrom’s living room and apartment door. But that had unexpectedly yielded tonight’s results, evidently there was a woman of whom the man was…fond.

The master would be pleased.



Walter sighed in contentment and smiled to himself as he unlocked the front door of his shop. He’d being doing so frequently since Elena had left his apartment last night—he honestly couldn’t remember when he’d been so happy. She had liked the flowers he’d sent last time, perhaps it was time to send some more… He grinned to himself; no, better yet, he could take them to her office since her co-workers seemed so interested in meeting him.

He opened the door, juggling his keys and the mail he had collected on his way in. He was so lost in his thoughts of where he might take Elena out to lunch that it was only when he had reached the workroom that he realized he was not alone.

“Finally!” a voice said in an exasperated tone. “Is this when you always get to work, Watch? It’s ten o’clock!” It was Silver, who was once again occupying his desk chair with her feet on his desk. Tabby smiled and waved in greeting from her perch on a corner of the workroom table.

“Yes, it is,” he growled. “Not that my work schedule should be of concern to you in any case. What are you two even doing here? And Silver…” he added, raising a censorious eyebrow at her booted feet.

She got the message, rolling her eyes as she vacated his chair.

“You were so down last night when you left, Watch,” Tabby explained. “We were worried and wanted to make sure you are all right.”

His voice softened, “Thank you for your concern, Tabby, but I am fine.”

“Fine?” Silver interjected, “That’s not very helpful! What kind of ‘fine’ are you anyway? ‘My girlfriend never wants to see me again’ fine? Or ‘Woo hoo! I got laid last night!’ fine?”

Walter shook his head and appealed to Tabby, “Can’t you do something with her?”

Tabby chuckled and gave him a lopsided smile, “Sorry Watch, I’m kind of curious myself.”

As exasperating as Silver could be, Walter’s mood was such that he found it very difficult to be truly angry at her inquisitiveness. He also knew they both genuinely cared for him and wanted him to be happy.

“If you must know,” Walter said gruffly, “I spoke to Elena last night after she returned home, explained all that I could about being a superhero and apologized for the way in which she learned of it.” Try as he might, he was unable to keep a smile off his face when he added, “In the end, she decided that the fact I am a superhero need not imperil our relationship.”

“Oh, that’s great, Watch!” Tabby cried, coming around the desk to give him a hug while Silver pounded him on the back.

Silver grinned at him, “So, did you…” she asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.

Tabby rolled her eyes, “Leave the man some privacy, Silver!”

Walter snorted, “If you are asking what I think you’re asking, you are truly deluded if you think I am going to discuss it with you.”

“I guess that means, ‘no’,” Silver responded snidely.

“It means, ‘no comment’, and that is the only answer you will be getting from me,” he said firmly. During this conversation, Walter had been idly leafing through the mail he had picked up at the front door without really seeing any of it. Suddenly, a faint but familiar scent caught his attention as he handled the envelopes; curious, he began examining them more closely.

Most were what he would have expected; circulars, bills, letter from clients. One envelope was different, and his blood ran cold upon seeing it. It was a plain white envelope with no return address, or stamp, or postmark; evidently it had been dropped into the mail box by someone other than the mail carrier. The only writing on it was ‘Walter Halstrom’ in block letters. Also notable was the fact that it was slightly thicker than one would expect for an envelope containing only paper.

He began tearing the envelope open with shaking hands, “No…it cannot be!” he whispered imploringly. Walter dimly heard one of the women asking what was wrong, but he had eyes only for the contents of the envelope. It was a plain sheet of paper with a lock of Elena’s hair, her scent still clinging to it, taped roughly to the paper. Under it was written:

THE STATUE FOR THE GIRL

OR SHE DIES

NO COPS OR SHE DIES

CALL 555-7346 AT 2:00 PM TODAY FOR INSTRUCTIONS

Walter slumped back in his chair, fear like a vise around his heart. Someone pulled the paper from his limp fingers while he struggled to come to grips with what had happened. He heard the women exclaiming, then Tabby’s anxious face appeared close to his.

“Watch, what is this about? Who did this? What statue are they talking about?” When he didn’t respond, she said pleadingly, “Don’t check out on us, pal, you have to tell us what’s going on!”

Pulling himself out of the fog he was in, he sat up and put his head in hands. “It’s…it’s the statue I told you both about, the one hidden among the base salvage. I thought it would be more secure there than here in the shop. I…I bought it a few weeks ago from a small-time dealer who turned up dead the next day. Whoever killed him has been after the statue ever since.”

“Why is it so important, Watch? Is it really valuable?” Tabby asked him.

He looked up and met her eyes, “It’s a magical ritual object and extremely powerful. We think that it was originally used to raise the dead. Whoever wants it probably plans to use it for that again.”

“Well, crap,” Silver commented succinctly. “Who are these creeps, anyway, do you know?”

Walter drew in a ragged breath, explaining the situation to his friends was actually helping him regain some semblance of control. “Not for certain, though I suspect it’s the Tsoo.”

“The Tsoo?” Silver asked in surprise. “Those wimps? They must be nuts to kidnap your girlfriend, they’ve gotta know you could take them out without breathing hard.”

Walter scrubbed a hand over his face, “Silver, they’re after Walter Halstrom, not Watcher’s Hand. And even though they’re no real danger to me, they could still kill Elena.”

“Damn, I forgot about that. Sorry, Watch,” she said contritely.

“We’ll get her back, don’t worry,” Tabby said confidently.

“You’ll assist me?” Walter asked, relief flooding through him. “I…I did not like to ask, since it is a personal matter.”

Both women stared at him in astonishment and Tabby snorted indignantly, “So what if it’s personal? That’s all the more reason to help! And besides,” she said with a smile, “you’re not asking us, we’re telling you—we’re helping.”

“Damn straight.” Silver growled.

“Thank you both, I would be exceedingly grateful for your assistance.” Walter pushed his chair away from the desk and began pacing restlessly, “I’m sure we can get her away from those villains, but how do we find her? I would give them the statue in an instant if that was the best way to ensure that she is unharmed, but we dare not trust them to fulfill their end of the bargain. Besides, I want Elena well out of the way before any fighting starts.”

“You have no idea where they might have her?” Silver asked.

“They’re probably somewhere in southwest Steel Canyon,” Walter snorted, “but we can hardly go knocking on doors to inquire.”

“Can’t you, you know,” Silver wiggled her fingers, “just use magic to find her?”

He ran a hand through his hair, his face drawn, “It’s not that simple, Silver. I…I know it can be done, but I have absolutely no experience with that type of magic. I wouldn’t know how to begin.” Suddenly, Walter stopped mid-pace, his eyes widening. He returned to the desk and began frantically leafing through the papers on the desk and in the drawers.

The two women exchanged a glance, and Silver said, “What is it, Watch??”

“There was a woman,” he said breathlessly, without pausing in his search, “a hero, who bought some items from me a few weeks ago. She was a very experienced practitioner, and we had quite an interesting conversation; I recall she said she has made an extensive study of sympathetic magic.”

Silver gave Tabby a baffled look, and just as Tabby was about to explain, Walter cried, “Here, yes!” in a triumphant voice as he held up a single sheet of paper. “She left me her phone number in case I came across any more artifacts that might interest her. Here it is—Charlotte Castere.”

Walter immediately punched in the number and resumed pacing anxiously until it was answered. After a few minutes conversation Walter sagged against the desk, his shoulders slumped with relief as he hung up. “She thinks she can help; she’ll be here in an hour.”

Both women cheered, Silver adding, “That’s great, Watch! But what the hell is sympathetic magic?”

Tabby rolled her eyes, “I’ll explain later, Silver.” Then she tapped one finger on her chin and said thoughtfully, “You know, I think this mission will also call for…Rash. I’m sure a diversion will be in order, and diversions don’t come any bigger than Rash.”

Walter snorted in amusement despite his fear; Tabby was right, their friend Rashemaar Ranger would be a perfect choice to assist them. In addition, he would be extremely eager to help when he learned who was at risk. His confidence bolstered, Walter said, “Thank you, my friends. I know that together we can succeed.”

Tabby took Walter’s arm, “All right Watch; the plan is that we find Elena, get her out safely…”

“And then we make ‘em pay,” Silver said fiercely. She added with a grin, “We’ll work out the details later.”

.

Thanks so much for the wonderful comment!

And as a reward, ta-da! the next chapter.

Okay, it was totally a coincidence, but I truly do appreciate your comment and am very glad you're enjoying the story.

Mauk, I really don't think anyone is saying you're incorrect. As a matter of fact, if you had made a statement in your initial post like the one I bolded above, I don't think you'd be having this disagreement.

If that's true, then he was less than clear in his initial post, and in subsequent posts. I don't think anyone is disputing that what he said (and is saying in most recent post) is correct, but that there was no immediately apparent connection to the question in the OP's original post.

Agreed. I made it to the WL mission both times, but I'm curious about the people who got dropped. Did they just get left behind in KR?

Any idea what we'll be doing tonight? I know Manti is the WST, but I already have it on the two Justice tanks that are high enough to do it.

Trying to figure out who to bring...

Thanks, that's very helpful.

Yep, I'm in exactly the same boat. I have all the pieces on my first account, only one of the three sets on the second account. I'm biding my time and hoping they keep it long enough that I won't have to spend real money on it.

I just hope they give us a little warning before changing to another set of T9 rewards. I might just plunk down the cash if I have no other choice.

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Chapter 7

After seeing the women on their way, Blue Tabby flew up to join her friends and found only Silverslash waiting for her on the roof of a nearby building. Surprised, she asked, “Silver, where’s Watch? He was here just a minute ago.”

Silver gestured to a spot a short distance away from where they were standing, a parking lot near the middle of Peregrine Island where members of the Nemesis Army regularly congregated. They were clearly visible from the street, and although their presence was an irritant to superheroes passing by—and no doubt to the owner of the parking lot—residents and visitors were rarely at risk since the area could be easily avoided. From where she stood she could see Watcher’s Hand taking on a large group of Nems, including two massive Warhulks.

She turned to Silver, one eyebrow raised, “Okay, he doesn’t usually go in for random mayhem, what’s going on? Does he need our help?”

“Oh, I don’t expect so,” Silver snorted, “I think he’s venting.” Before Tabby could inquire further, she went on, “You know those two women you just saved? Well, one of them—the taller, dark-haired one—is his girlfriend. Or maybe I should say Walter’s girlfriend.”

“What?” Tabby choked out in surprise, “Since when does he have a girlfriend?”

Silver shrugged, “I think it’s fairly recent, but she was there today when I stopped by the shop. He seems pretty serious about her.”

“Does she know about this?” she asked, nodding toward the spot where Watcher’s Hand was finishing off the remaining Nems.

“Well, she didn’t know,” Silver told her with a grimace, “it sure looked like she recognized him, that’s why he’s so upset.”

“Oh hell!” Tabby exclaimed, “She looked pretty shaken up when I left, even though she seemed to be okay earlier. I put it down to some sort of delayed reaction to the Jaegers, but I bet it was finding out about Watch.” She shook her head, “That really sucks for both of them.” Tabby glanced over to see her friend’s progress against the hapless Nemesis, “He’s almost done; we still have a few minutes to get to the mission, so let’s go make sure he’s all right.”

She turned as she was about to fly off, saying with a grin, “Oh, and Silver, you so owe me fifty bucks.”

“Damn it, I’d hoped you’d forgotten,” Silver grumbled.

They found him on the roof of another building not too far away. He was standing at the parapet, his arms crossed and face set, looking out over the neighborhood. He undoubtedly heard them arrive, but he did not acknowledge their presence.

Tabby exchanged a nervous glance with Silver before speaking, “Watch, Silver told me what happened. I’m really sorry; I didn’t mean to blow it for you.”

He sighed heavily in response, and leaned against the parapet, “You are surely not to blame, Tabby. You didn’t know and besides, without your intervention the Jaegers would certainly have terrorized them and could have caused them serious injury.” One armored fist struck the edge of the parapet with a loud crunch. “I am such a fool! I knew they were going to be here in PI, but I never considered that we might meet.” Watch left the parapet and began pacing restlessly, “If only I hadn’t reacted when I saw her, she might not have realized…” He shook his head, “No, that would have made it worse when I finally told her the truth.” He sighed again, his face bleak, “What she must think of me!”

“Well offhand, I’d guess she thinks you’re a superhero,” Silver noted dryly.

Her attempt at humor was not appreciated, Watch growled and stalked away to the other side of the roof.

Tabby rolled her eyes and muttered, “Good going, genius!” in an undertone before approaching and addressing him again. “Silver might not have said it in the most diplomatic way, but she’s right, Watch. I’m sure it was hard for her to find out about it like that, but after all, being a superhero is a good thing! I bet she’ll forgive you once the shock wears off.”

“Yeah, unless she’s one of those civilians that hates heroes,” Silver added, “I’ve run into a few of them.”

“She is…not, as far as I can tell,” Watch admitted grudgingly. “We didn’t discuss it in any detail, but she’s shown no particular antipathy toward superheroes.”

“There you go then!” Silver grinned. “And if it’s just that you hadn’t told her, let me talk to her—I can prove that you were planning to since you told me yourself.”

Watch and Tabby exchanged an alarmed look—Silver was well known for her bluntness and questionable social skills. “Thank you for offering, Silver,” Watch said hurriedly, “I’ll try talking to her myself first. I’ll let you know if your…intervention is needed.”

Silver shrugged, “Even If she doesn’t forgive you, it’s not like you have to sleep alone every night. God knows you’ve gotten enough offers over the years—I’ve never understood why you didn’t take advantage of at least some of them.” She chortled, “There was that demon chick just the other night, she was practically fogging up your armor…ow!” Tabby’s elbow impacted heavily against Silver’s ribs and she turned to see the other woman glaring at her.

Silver’s advice received a similar reception from Watch; “I don’t want ‘that demon chick’,” he said fiercely. “I don’t want a woman who insists on giving me her phone number because I’ve rescued her from a purse snatcher, and I absolutely do not want to date another superhero!”

Realizing too late how his statement could be taken, Watch rubbed his eyes and sighed, “My apologies, ladies, I meant no insult. You know I respect you both and greatly value your friendship. It’s just that…being a hero and preparing to be a hero has consumed most of my life. Even my education was never seen as an end in itself but as a means to construct a plausible cover identity.” He shook his head, his eyes bleak, “I’ve found I need more than this—I need a life outside being a hero, and I would very much like Elena to be a part of it.”

He fell silent and turned away. After a moment he said, “Excuse me, I would like to be alone for a time. I will meet you at the mission.” He flew away without another word.

Tabby turned to Silver, hands on her hips, “Could you be any more insensitive? He obviously really cares for this woman and is worried she might not forgive him—you actually think meaningless sex is going to make him feel better?”

“It works for me!” Silver replied defensively.

The other woman snorted derisively, “Yeah, well that’s you. You’ve known him even longer than I have, surely you’ve realized by now that the whole ‘honor and chivalry’ thing isn’t just an image with him—he actually thinks that way! Hell, even my parents trust him, and you know how paranoid they were when I first started the hero gig.”

“It wouldn’t hurt him to loosen up a bit,” Silver grumbled.

Tabby shrugged, “Maybe not, but I don’t think it’s in his nature to act that way, so it’s probably not going to happen at this point.” She glanced sidelong at her friend, “Umm, Silver, are you sure you don’t have a personal reason for wanting him to ‘loosen up a bit’? After all, you guys have been working together for a long time.”

Silver scoffed, “Please, Tabby, I don’t do Boy Scouts.”

“Yeah, I’m sure what’s-her-name the demon tells herself that, too,” Tabby smirked. “Haven’t you noticed that it’s usually the ones who consider themselves bad girls who find our ‘knight in shining armor’ so irresistible?”




Whatever derring-do Walter and his friends had been up to that night couldn’t have taken very long, for when Elena approached her building she noticed that the light in his apartment was on. Her hand shook a little as she unlocked her door and her stomach hurt at the thought of seeing him again…what would he say? What should she say? But as nervous as she was at the prospect of meeting him, it would be even worse if he pretended nothing had happened and waited for her to bring it up.

After giving Horatio his long-delayed dinner, Elena kicked off her shoes and curled up on the couch. She was very tempted to go to bed, pull the covers over her head and wait until the world reordered itself in a less confusing way, as unlikely as that was. Just how was one supposed to react to finding out your boyfriend was a superhero? Throw a party? Cry yourself to sleep? Both seemed…inappropriate, somehow.

There was a brisk knock on the door and Elena’s heart twisted. It had to be Walter, and he had to have been waiting for her to return. Despite her anxiety about seeing him again, she was heartened by the fact that he had obviously not chosen the ‘pretend nothing had happened’ option. It would have been the coward’s way out, and whatever else he was she just couldn’t believe that of him. She opened the door and chuckled ruefully to herself on seeing him. Great, I finally get to see him in jeans. And of course he looks terrific. Besides the jeans, Walter was wearing a Columbia University sweatshirt and a mournful expression.

He nodded, “Elena. I would like to speak to you if it’s not too late.”

She raised one eyebrow, “Too late in what way? Too late at night, or the ‘never darken my doorstep again’ kind of too late?”

He let out a pained chuckle, “I hope neither is true, but as long as you will give me a chance to explain, I can come back tomorrow if that’s more convenient. I didn’t want you to think I was avoiding you or my responsibility in this matter.”

Elena sighed, “Come on in, Walter. I suppose you deserve a hearing.”

“Thank you Elena.” He took a chair across from the couch where Elena had been sitting, and to her surprise Horatio came up to him immediately, rubbing Walter’s legs and jumping on his lap to be petted.

“You…traitor!” Elena exclaimed indignantly, glaring at the cat.

“I’m not sure he deserves to be in the doghouse with me for such a minor infraction,” Walter said mildly, though Elena thought she could detect a hint of humor in his voice.

“I’ll give it some thought,” she answered noncommittally. “So I guess you’re not going to deny that it was you I saw flying around Peregrine with armor and a mace.”

“Ah, no,” he said shortly. “Even if you believed such a denial—and I suspect you would not—I did want you to know about it and I was planning to tell you, Elena.” He met her eyes, his face earnest. “That is why I invited you to my apartment on Saturday, I felt it would be easier to discuss there rather than in some public place.”

Although Elena had assumed that Walter had invited her to his place for another reason—a very common one for why a man would want to be alone with a woman—she had to admit that his explanation was at least plausible. Announcing that he moonlighted as a mace-wielding superhero in a crowded restaurant would be very awkward, to put it mildly.

“Needless to say, Elena,” Walter continued, “it was never my intention that you find out in the way that you did, and I am very sorry for any distress that it caused you. I can understand why you would find it hard to trust me under the circumstances.”

Stop being so bloody understanding, you’re making this harder! she thought in exasperation. In truth she was already struggling against the tug of her heart—to forgive him, to tell him everything was all right—even though she still had deep reservations about the situation and whether she should trust him.

“It…it would be helpful for me to know how you feel about it—my being a superhero. My regard for you has not changed and I hope that you would at least consider continuing our relationship despite it.”

“Oh Walter, I just don’t know how I feel about it, that’s the problem!” Elena exclaimed. “As secrets go, I can certainly think of worse ones, and it makes sense with what I know about you, but I’ve never even thought about what it would be like to date a superhero.”

“Is there anything you’d like to ask me?” he inquired gently. “I will tell you whatever you wish, as long as it doesn’t compromise the identity of another hero.”

“Who are those two women you were with?” Elena asked immediately, the words out of her mouth before she consciously thought about what she wanted to ask.

“Silverslash and Blue Tabby?” He shrugged, “Colleagues…and friends. We’ve been working together for several years. There are a number of other heroes that I collaborate with occasionally, but I work most often with those two.”

Elena couldn’t meet his eyes; Melissa’s offhand comment about the dating habits of superheroes had been eating at her all night. “Is…is that all? Just friends?” she pressed, hating her insecurity even as she did so.

There was a sharp intake of breath from Walter, then silence. He moved to sit next to her on the couch; not too close, but close enough that he could take her hand. “Elena, Tabby is nineteen years old, and I’ve known her since she was fifteen. Silver is a friend—a good friend—but nothing more. Do you really think so little of me that you believe I would pursue you while involved with someone else, or take advantage of someone so much younger than myself?”

The hurt in his voice was unmistakable; ashamed, she murmured, “I didn’t want to think that of you, but Melissa said that superheroes always date other superheroes.”

“Did she?” he sounded amused. “I would suggest then that perhaps that she’s not quite the expert she thinks she is on this subject.” Their eyes met and he added, “But on my honor, Elena, there is no one else.”

She believed him, and not only because it would be so painful to think that he had deceived her. Every instinct in her screamed that he was sincere, and truthful, and honorable, and that she should trust him, and she had felt that way since the first day they met. It was…weird.

She stared at him for a moment before asking, “Walter, why are you the way you are? You’re…different; the way you speak, the way you act and think. At first I assumed it was because you were from Europe and that English isn’t your first language, but it’s not that—or not just that. You blend in well enough most of the time, but sometimes I swear you’re this close to kissing my hand and calling me ‘milady’. It’s almost like you were transported from another time or place…” She stopped suddenly at looked at him in alarm, “Oh my God, were you?”

Walter chuckled, “I don’t believe so.” He hesitated briefly before continuing, “I think the simplest explanation is that I am what I was raised to be, though I’m sure from your perspective my upbringing—and how I came to be Watcher’s Hand—will seem very odd.”

Elena snorted, “Oh, don’t worry about that, Melissa is always telling me a wild story she’s heard about how some superhero got his powers. As long as it doesn’t involve radiation and you’re not from another planet, I should be okay.”

Walter nodded, and after a moment to compose his thoughts, he began his explanation, “I was born somewhere in East Germany and was taken into an orphanage there as an infant. No one seems to know anything of my birth parents, not even their names. When I was a young boy I was adopted by a group of…mystics, I suppose you would call them, the Brotherhood of the Watchful Eye. They worship a little-known but benevolent deity they call ‘The Watcher’.”

Elena’s eyes widened, “Okay, that does qualify as odd, and kind of creepy, too. I’m surprised the orphanage let them take you.”

“Considering the time and the place, it was not so unusual. For the orphanage, it was one less mouth to feed. But in many ways I was fortunate, the Brothers were kindly and never mistreated me, and I’m not certain that the other children at the orphanage could say the same.

“In any case, the Brothers had a very specific purpose in mind for me. They had followed the rise of superpowered villains like Reichsman and Nemesis, and were understandably concerned. So they decided they would create their own warrior for good to help combat them in The Watcher’s name.”

“You?” At Walter’s nod, she asked, “That explains how you became Watcher’s Hand, but why are you so…knightly?”

He snorted in amusement, “The Brothers were well intentioned, but not terribly worldly. They envisioned their warrior as a knight, and that is what I was trained to be. It was only after I left the Brotherhood to attend school that I found that my worldview—and my English—were more than a little out-of-date.”

“You don’t seem very upset by it,” Elena commented.

“There would be little purpose in it,” he responded matter-of-factly. “My speech and patterns of thinking are somewhat…archaic by present day standards, but as you said, I do well enough. What I’ve gained in exchange seems more than worth it to me.”

“Oooh, now we’re getting to the good stuff!” Elena exclaimed, “What kind of cool superhero things can you do? Or do you just fly around and hit things with your mace?”

“I think I should be insulted that you describe my heroic deeds in that way,” Walter said stiffly, though a glance at his face told her he was trying not to laugh. He quirked a smile at her, “Truthfully, that is close to the mark, but the…gifts they bestowed on me enable me to be more effective and do my work in greater safety. Walter cleared his throat, seeming a little nervous, “They chose me in part for my size—they had reason to hope I would be large and strong when I was grown—but also because they recognized that I have some magical ability and that was necessary if I was to make good use of what they could teach me.”

“You…you can do magic?” Elena stared at him in surprise. “I…I suppose I should have guessed that since you work with magical artifacts, but I honestly never considered it. What kind of magic?”

He shrugged, “A few things. I noticed you rubbing your foot earlier. May I see it?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. My shoes are new and they pinch a bit,” Elena told him, but obligingly—and somewhat self-consciously—gave him her foot.

He touched it lightly and a green glow briefly surrounded his hand and then her foot. When the glow disappeared, the blister that was starting to form was gone, and her foot no longer ached. Walter smiled shyly at her while she gaped in astonishment, “I can heal injuries in myself and others, as long as they are not too serious.”

“That’s very…handy,” she replied, knowing even as she said it to be marvel of understatement.

“My armor allows me to fly and is enchanted to provide me with additional strength and endurance as well as protection against most damage,” he added. “There are also concealment spells on my armor and mace. The Brothers developed all of those enchantments, but it now my responsibility to maintain them.”

“Concealment spells?” she asked, eyes widening, “So you can walk around with your armor on?”

“Essentially, yes, Elena,” Walter told her. “Would you like to see?”

“You’re wearing it now?” she asked, starting to feel a little boggled. “Do you wear it all the time?”

“I do try not to sleep in it,” he said dryly, “but most of the time, yes. The spells render it weightless and intangible as well as invisible, so it’s not uncomfortable, and I prefer to be prepared in case of an emergency.”

Walter stood and after taking a moment to assure himself that the curtains were closed, brought his hands together in front of his chest. There was no sound, or smoke, or light, or anything else Elena would have expected when magic was being used, but suddenly the armor was there where it wasn’t before.

Elena got up and touched his arm to convince herself it was no illusion; it felt like…metal. “I have to admit, Walter, that’s pretty impressive,” she told him. “But honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about that fact you were wearing it all the time we were together.” She shivered a little thinking about the times he had held her and she had no idea what was concealed there.

Walter gestured again and the armor disappeared, leaving him attired as he was before. He sat beside her again, saying, “It is important to me that I should be able to protect you if necessary.” He met her eyes, his face pensive, “But I am the same man with or without it, and I am the same man I was this morning when you knew nothing of this.”

There was a lump in Elena’s throat that made it hard to speak, she whispered, “Why did you show me all this, Walter? Aren’t you worried that you’re giving your secrets away?”

He shrugged and said simply, “I trust you Elena. I also hope that being candid about my abilities will make you more comfortable with them.”

Elena chuckled uneasily, “With magic? I don’t know, Walter, I’m pretty far out of my comfort zone here.”

Walter smiled and nodded, “Aye, I am also well accustomed to that feeling.” He sighed and took her hand, her heart beating faster at the warmth of his touch. “I will not press you for an answer tonight, but I trust I have made my feelings clear.” Whether it was because he no longer felt the need to sound ‘normal’, or because he was speaking from the heart, Elena noticed that if anything his speech was becoming more formal and less modern as the night went on.

After a pause he continued, “However, I would be grateful if you would bear two things in mind before you make your decision. This…” he gestured to encompass the two of them and their surroundings, “what you would call normal life, is out of my comfort zone. Being a hero is all I have known; it has been my life, and Walter Halstrom nothing more than a convenient cover identity.” He ran a hand through his hair nervously and said, “But I have found I enjoy being Walter Halstrom, and having a life outside Watcher’s Hand. I…I would very much like you to be part of that life, if you’re willing.”

He stood abruptly and said, “I should go.”

Taken by surprise, Elena murmured “Oh, okay,” and walked him to the door. She put a hand on his arm before he could leave and said, “You mentioned two things I should keep in mind, what was the second?”

He chuckled ruefully, “I am unsure whether it will help my case or not…but you said earlier that that you were not certain how you felt about dating a superhero.” Walter placed his hands on her shoulders and continued, “However, please remember that it would not be just any superhero; it would be me.” He kissed her brow and said softly, “Goodnight, my dear.”

After the door closed behind him, Elena sighed, “Oh, but it does, Walter, you have no idea how much.”

.

The term is "self sufficiency" unless you're deliberately trying to be insulting.

If you're going to tout the team benefits of Maneuvers, I think something needs to be said about the much greater efficiency and effectiveness of Weave. It may not benefit your team directly, but Weave provides more than twice the defense (5.0% base vs. 2.275%) to tankers at a lower endurance cost (.32 EPS vs .39 EPS). I think it's arguable that having a tank that can soft-cap defense is often more beneficial to the team than adding 3% defense to other team members.

In addition, since Weave will put a Ice tank much closer to the soft-cap than Maneuvers, it requires less expenditure on IOs for set bonuses to soft-cap S/L/E/NE. The cost differential won't be significant for many players, but it certainly will be for some.

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Chapter 6

Walter frowned at the computer screen; when his cell phone rang he answered it distractedly without noting the number of the person calling. “Halstrom.”

“Is this Walter Halstrom?” Elena’s voice purred; Walter’s attention was now completely focused on the phone call. “The oh-so-thoughtful man who sent me the beautiful flowers yesterday?”

“The very same, Elena,” he replied, grinning to himself.

“Well, I’m coming to Founder’s Falls for an errand, and since I’ve never seen your shop, I thought I might stop by to thank you in person for the flowers.”

The tone of her voice suggested a kind of ‘thanking’ that he knew he would enjoy, so his response was enthusiastic. ‘I would like that very much Elena,” he said eagerly, “when will you be here?”

“I’m just getting on the tram now, so about fifteen or twenty minutes if that works for you.”

He scanned the room to ascertain whether there was anything visible that would be undesirable or dangerous for her to know about, but saw nothing. “That would be fine; I look forward to seeing you, Elena.”

“See you soon, Walter,” Elena said and rung off.

Twenty minutes later the bell rang and he let Elena in. He was having trouble resisting grinning like a fool, and she looked shy and excited in equal parts at seeing him again after their memorable goodnight kiss a few days before. Deciding that doing what he’d most like to do—kiss her again—was probably not the best initial approach, he took her hand and gave her a brief tour of the shop.

“I’m afraid there’s not much to see,” he said apologetically, “just the front room, the workroom and a couple of storage areas. But it’s enough for my needs.”

They were in the workroom; Walter leaning against the edge of the desk, Elena taking in all the strange objects on the shelves against the walls.

“So some of these things are magical?” she asked curiously. “Are any dangerous?”

“Some of the items here are magical,” he told her with a shrug, “but none are dangerous. I have a few items that could be, but they’re all in secure storage. You can look at anything you like here.”

“I may do that later,” she told him with a smile. She sidled closer to him, “But first, Walter, about those flowers…”

“Did you like them?” he asked a little shyly, reaching up to touch her face.

“I loved them,” she breathed, “but do you have any idea what you’ve set in motion?”

“Evidently not,” he replied with a nervous chuckle, his eyes widening in consternation.

Elena’s eyes glinted with amusement, “Most of the employees at the community center are women, and saying that one of us unexpectedly getting two dozen red roses tends to incite comment is a huge understatement. I’m sure every single person there knew I had the flowers before the deliveryman made it back to the parking lot.”

“Is that a problem, Elena?” Walter asked anxiously, “I am sorry if I should not have sent them to you at work, I thought you would get more of a chance to enjoy them there than at home. It’s just that I…I was thinking of you and wanted you to know it.”

She put her arms around his neck, “Oh, Walter, there’s no need to apologize! It was just about the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me, and I love them, truly. And I’ve been thinking about you since Saturday…constantly.”

The invitation in her eyes was clear; Walter put his hands around her waist and pulled her closer, “So you’ve no need of a…reminder?”

She appeared to ponder this question for a moment, “Need? No, but want?” One finger traced the skin visible in the open collar of his shirt and she smiled, “Definitely yes.”

He grinned in reply, “That can certainly be arranged.” Their lips met and she melted against him with a sigh of pleasure.

When he released her she leaned against him contentedly and said, “The only real problem is that now everyone is simply burning with curiosity about you.”

“So what do you suggest I do, Elena?” he asked. “Avoid them assiduously or brave their scrutiny and boldly show up one day to take you to lunch?”

Elena chuckled, “I’d only recommend the lunch thing if you don’t mind setting off a riot.” She dimpled, “When do you think you could come?”

“Name the day, Elena, and I’ll be there.”

Suddenly, Elena cried, “I can’t believe I almost forgot, but I was going to ask you something else, Walter. I…I know it’s short notice, but my friend Melissa from work—I think I mentioned her—” at Walter’s nod, she continued, “she has some free tickets from a new comedy club that’s opening in Peregrine Island tonight and she wants me to go with her. She says she can get another ticket if you want to go.”

Walter’s heart sank, the last thing he wanted was to have her feel that he was unwilling to spend time with her or meet her friends. He took her hand, “I’m truly sorry, Elena, I would love to go with you—and meet Melissa—but I have a previous commitment tonight that I cannot miss.”

Her face fell, but she smiled, “That’s all right Walter, I understand. Maybe some other time.”

She had looked away so he lifted her chin until their eyes met, “When I said we would get together again soon, I meant it, Elena. As a matter of fact, I was wondering whether you’d like to come over to my apartment on Saturday night, and I’ll make dinner for us. I had originally thought it would be just the two of us, but if you’d like to invite Melissa also…”

Elena’s face lit, “Oh, no, just the two of us sounds perfect,” she assured him, “I’m sure you’ll get a chance to meet Melissa another time.” Suddenly her eyes narrowed, “Wait a minute! Walter, are you telling me that you cook?”

“Umm, yes?” he answered hesitantly, a little taken aback, “I’m no master chef, but I do well enough. Why do you ask?”

She rolled her eyes, “It just figures. Do you iron, too?”

Walter stared at her, aghast. “You mean, clothes?” At her nod, he exclaimed, “Good Lord, no. My dry cleaner deserves as much credit for my appearance as my tailor. And since I suspect you’re going to ask about it as well, I have a cleaning service for my apartment.”

Elena laughed, “Well that’s a relief, I’d hate to have to turn you in to some women’s magazine as a paragon of manly virtue.”

Walter quirked a smile at her, “Please don’t, Elena, that sounds quite painful as well as embarrassing.” At that moment a low chime resounded through the shop and Walter cursed to himself. What terrible timing! Elena could not hear the chime since it was attuned to his ears alone, but it meant that someone had used the portal hidden in a back corner of one of the storage rooms. He was not worried that they were in any danger; if his wards had been breached there would have been a far different and more urgent sound. However, he hoped whichever of his associates had arrived would have the sense to stay out of sight until Elena left.

“So Saturday around 7:00, Elena?” Walter asked.

“That sounds wonderful. I’ll bring some wine.” She sighed and leaned against him. “I suppose I should go and do the errand I’m supposed to be doing instead of canoodling with you.”

“Canoodling?” Walter repeated, his brow furrowed, “I’m afraid I’m not familiar with that word.”

“Oh, it just means…” she made a vague hand gesture, “what we’ve been doing.”

“Talking?” he asked, eyes wide in feigned innocence.

“Very funny,” she snorted. “No, everything else, as I’m sure you’ve guessed.” She pulled away from him and made ready to leave, glancing at him severely, “I’d better leave before you lure me into more canoodling.”

He held his hands up in surrender, “I’ll restrain myself, I promise.”

Elena took his hand and they walked together to the front door. “That’s enough restraint for now,” she said with a smile, sliding her arms around his neck. He took his cue readily enough; he was a little uncomfortable knowing they weren’t alone, but Elena would certainly think it odd if he refused to kiss her goodbye!

A few minutes later he closed the door behind her, and made his way into the workroom to see who had arrived. Walter found a slender woman with short brown hair sitting in his chair with her feet on the desk. She was wearing a skintight outfit of what looked to be metal. It covered her from neck to ankles, but was revealing nonetheless since it clung to her curves as if it had been painted on.

She smirked when he walked in, “Well, well. You are interested in women after all. We were beginning to wonder.”

Walter snorted, “When have I given you cause to think any different?

“Never, admittedly, but we’ve had damn little to go on lately. She doesn’t look familiar in civvies, is she anyone I know?”

‘No, there is no reason you would know her. Not that it’s any of your business, of course, but since I’m certain you will hound me until I tell you, her name is Elena Samuelson and she is a social worker. She lives in my apartment building in Skyway. And Silver,” he added, glaring at her, “get out of my chair.”

“Okay, okay!” she exclaimed, vacating the chair, “you’re a little snappy for a guy who’s finally getting some.”

He rolled his eyes and reclaimed the chair before saying, “I’m not going to dignify that with a response. Is there anything in particular you want?”

“Just wanted to make sure we’re still on for tonight,” Silver responded, perching on the edge of the desk. "And what’s with that note you left about the storage in the generator room?”

“Yes, we’re still on, why wouldn’t we be? I gave up an opportunity to go out with Elena because of it,” he grumbled. “I thought the note was clear enough, I put something in the storage area in the generator room that should not be touched. It’s warded and dangerous, so leave it alone.”

“Anything we should know about?” Silver asked curiously.

He shook his head, “No, just something I picked up that has proved to be much more trouble than it’s worth. So no visitors for now, understood?”

“Yes sir, understood, sir!” she said giving him a mocking salute. She leaned across the desk in front of him, “So this Elena is a civilian, huh? I take it she doesn’t know about...” she made a circling motion with her hand, “us?”

He sighed and scrubbed a hand through his hair, “No, though I want to tell her soon.”

Silver started, “Are you sure that’s a good idea, Watch? I mean, you can’t have been dating her for very long. Are you sure you can trust her?”

Walter looked away for a moment and then met her eyes, “She…means something to me, Silver, though only time will tell how much. I would not have this secret between us. She is a good person; she will not reveal what she knows even if things don’t work out for us.” He snorted and sat back in his chair, “Besides, even if I’m wrong I’m the only one at risk. I’ll make certain you and the others are safe.”

Silver blew out her breath, “Okay, it’s your neck.” Then she closed her eyes for a moment and exclaimed, “Damn it, I’d forgotten about that!” Walter raised an inquiring eyebrow at her and she said sheepishly, “Tabby and I had a bet; I said ‘gay’ and she said ‘straight’. Now I owe her fifty bucks,” she added glumly. “I don’t suppose you’d back me if I tell her I found you kissing a guy…”

Walter gave her a level look of extreme unamusement.

Silver sighed, “Didn’t think so.”




“But Walter?” Melissa asked, wrinkling her nose in distaste. “If this guy is so gorgeous and wonderful, why is he named Walter?”

Elena and her friend were on their way to the club and congenially squabbling about what was by far the most interesting topic of the moment: Elena’s new man.

Elena rolled her eyes, “Melissa, don’t be an idiot! I admit that his name is…not great, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a terrific guy in other ways. Besides, he was born in Europe—Germany I think—so maybe ‘Walter’ isn’t so nerdy-sounding there.”

Her friend looked skeptical. “I suppose. You must admit, though, that’s it’s definitely on the ‘minus’ side of the ledger. Okay then, let’s look at the ‘plus’ side: you say he’s tall, handsome, and buff…”

She looked over at Elena for confirmation, but she was staring at nothing with a small smile on her face. Melissa elbowed her to get her attention and she started, “What? Oh yes, very buff.”

Melissa looked at her friend severely, “Elena, you need to focus here, we’re doing pluses and minuses. Where were we? Oh yes, pluses; you say he owns his own business and seems to have plenty of money that he doesn’t mind spending on you—a very big plus in my book—” she added parenthetically, “dresses well, gentlemanly with good manners…anything else?”

“He has a good sense of humor,” Elena added, “and a kind heart, he was very helpful and considerate when Mrs. Goodfield was hurt.”

“Okay, I’ll allow them,” Melissa said airily. “Any more minuses?”

“Hmm, let me think,” Elena answered. “Well, he has glasses and a beard; I suppose some people might think those are minuses, but I think he looks great anyway. Oh, yes, one other thing, he’s an orphan.”

Melissa stared at her in surprise, “Elena, what are you talking about? Being an orphan is definitely a plus!”

“It is?”

“Oh yes! It means no bitchy mother or trashy relatives that want to borrow money. And no fighting about whose relatives to visit at holidays,” Melissa assured her. Then she shook her head, “You know, you’re right, Elena. Even if you include the glasses and beard, which I agree are marginal, this guy’s pluses far outweigh his minuses.”

Elena smiled triumphantly, “See, I told you!”

Melissa looked at her friend pityingly, “Elena, haven’t you heard the expression, ‘too good to be true’?”

“Of course I have,” Elena retorted, “what does that have to do with Walter?”

Her friend made a face, “Well, let’s just say it seems unlikely that any guy would be so great and his only negative is a nerdy name. And you really don’t know much about him, after all—I mean, he could have a wife and five kids in the Rogue Isles or be the undercover agent of an evil, super-secret organization.”

Elena glared at her, “Melissa, now you are just making things up to irritate me. Why couldn’t he be exactly what he seems to be? And don’t you dare mention that Arachnos agent; I only went out with him once and I didn’t like him nearly as much as I do Walter!”

Melissa raised her eyebrows, eloquently expressing her skepticism, “Whatever you say, Elena. Just be glad you didn’t sleep with him, that would be really awkward if you find out he has some horrible secret.”

She glanced at her friend, who had fallen silent with a pensive look on her face. “Elena, you didn’t sleep with him, did you?” she asked apprehensively.

“No, no, of course not,” Elena said hurriedly. “But I was…tempted. Very tempted,” she added, reddening. She sighed, recognizing the expression on her friend’s face, “He’s a really good kisser, Melissa, really good. It’s been so long since I’ve been with someone I like so much, and then with my insteps and all…”

“Your what?” Melissa asked in confusion.

Elena paused for a moment and waggled one foot, “You know, my insteps.”

Melissa stared at her as if she had gone mad, “Elena, what on earth do your feet have to do with it?”

Elena sighed, “Do you remember The Philadelphia Story?”

Still baffled, Melissa nodded, “The movie? Sure. You’ve only made me watch it five times,” she added, rolling her eyes.

Warming to her subject, Elena explained, “There’s a scene during the party—you know, when Katharine Hepburn is wearing the gorgeous dress with the sequined panels down the front—and she kisses Jimmy Stewart. Do you remember that part?”

“I think so. Unlike you, I don’t have the entire movie memorized,” Melissa noted sarcastically.

Elena ignored the barb, “Anyway, it must have been a really great kiss, because after he kisses her she says, ‘my insteps are melting’. And that’s what it was like when Walter kissed me after our date,” she noted happily.

“Okay, I guess that explains it. Sort of,” Melissa responded, still looking unconvinced. Then she started and glanced back at Elena. “Wait a minute, Katharine Hepburn doesn’t even end up with Jimmy Stewart—she marries Cary Grant!”

Elena scowled at her, “Trust you to remember that!”

Her friend snorted derisively, “It’s kind of the main point of the movie, Elena!”

The two women were so engrossed in their argument that they forgot one of the primary rules for residents of Paragon City, which was to always scan the street ahead for potential hazards in the form of villains, super-powered or otherwise. They rounded a corner without looking, and were stopped short by a half dozen low, barrel-shaped robots just a few yards ahead. Elena gasped, and her hope that they had not noticed the women was immediately dashed when the robots began hissing steam and clanking, advancing on them with their stubby legs. The robots’ intentions were clear as well; each of them extended several lethal-looking arms from the round bodies and pointed them at the women.

Elena froze for a moment, grasping her friend’s arm, then said in a nervous undertone, “Back up, Melissa, maybe they won’t follow.”

Before they could put their plan into action, a body literally fell from the skies and landed lightly between them and the robots. It was a young woman in blue, with, of all things, cat ears and a tail. Oh my God, I think we’ve been rescued by a cat girl, was Elena’s first coherent thought.

The young woman smiled at them from behind her mask, saying, “You might want to back up a bit, ladies, Jaegers explode if they take enough damage.” She extended claws from her hands and began slashing at the robots. Elena fought the urge to giggle hysterically, Of course, what else would she do?

They backed up as she suggested, and since it seemed the immediate danger was over, Elena took the opportunity to get a better look at their rescuer. She was tall with blond hair in a wedge cut and enviably long legs that were accentuated by her costume, a very short blue skirt and a matching corset top. It was a revealing ensemble for street wear, but not at all outrageous for a superhero costume. Elena sighed, the young woman was quite pretty and looked barely old enough to drink; she would have cheerfully hated her if it weren’t for the fact that she was methodically dismantling the Jaegers with no obvious concern for her own safety.

A man’s voice, slightly accented, called out—evidently to the young superhero, “Tabby, do you require any assistance?”

Elena’s heart clenched. A man’s voice, a very familiar voice, and one she was sure had heard just a few hours earlier. Telling herself she was imagining things, she looked up to see two figures hovering above them; a brown-haired woman wearing a costume of gleaming silver, and a man; tall, broad-shouldered with dark wavy hair and close-cropped beard. His costume was metal as well; but also clearly armor and it had a symbol that appeared to be a stylized eye across the chest. He was also carrying a large, wicked-looking mace, a very appropriate accompaniment to the armor. Her heart in her throat, Elena looked away.

The young woman—Tabby—answered him, “Nah, I got it, Watch. Almost done.”

Meanwhile, well over her fright, Melissa was talking excitedly, “Oooh, I recognize them now; they were mentioned a couple of years ago in the “New Capes in Town” feature on Heroes. Remember, I told you to watch that show.” She nodded to Tabby, who was finishing off the last Jaeger, “That’s Blue Tabby, and the other woman is Silver…something, and the man is…Watcher’s Hand!” She nudged her friend, “Now, he’s cute, if you ask me.” The remaining Jaeger had exploded, so Melissa rushed over to thank Blue Tabby personally and get her moment of reflected glory.

Elena finally gathered the courage to raise her eyes to examine the man again. He was wearing a mask and far enough away that she couldn’t be certain that what she suspected was correct, despite the similarities in voice and appearance. She had almost convinced herself that it couldn’t possibly be him when he happened to glance her way and their eyes met and held. The shock of recognition on his part was immediate and unmistakable; his eyes widened and he gasped in surprise—there was no question that he knew who she was and was not happy to see her.

Tears stung her eyes, though in truth she didn’t know whether she should laugh or cry. Her great, perfect guy, that she had defended to her friend just a few minutes before as being nothing more than he seemed… Her sweet, wonderful Walter, who she had to admit she was already more than half in love with, was keeping a big, fat secret from her. Elena glanced up again to see that he was gone, and with him, her remaining composure. She choked back a sob and staggered over to sit on a nearby bench, struggling to regain control over her emotions.

She dimly heard Blue Tabby say, “Ma’am, your friend looks kind of upset; maybe you should make sure she’s all right.”

Melissa hurried back to her side, full of assurances that the danger was over. Elena almost laughed; the incident with those stupid robots seemed so trivial now in comparison to the revelation about Walter. “Its okay, Melissa,” she told her friend, “I’m just a little shaken up. Let’s get to the club—a stiff drink and I’ll be fine.”

Her friend helped her stand and they continued their interrupted journey to the comedy club, Melissa burbling happily, “That was so cool! The robots were scary, of course, but it was great meeting a real superhero, and she was so nice.” After a moment, she added, “I wonder which one that good-looking Watcher’s Hand is involved with—you know superheroes always date other superheroes.”