A little explanation for this chapter. First of all, Rashemaar Ranger is a homage character, and one many of you will recognize immediately. This may seem like it comes out of nowhere, but Watcher's Hand was originally conceived as a homage character from the same setting, just one that's not nearly as well-known and recognizable as Rash.

Oh, and it's now looking like this will go to 12 chapters instead of 11. Whether that's good or bad is up to you. :-)

Chapter 10

"Oh, I wish I could hear what they're saying!" Elena muttered. She and Tabby were too far away to hear the conversation, but it was clear from his body language that Swift Viper was angry about something. In contrast, Walter looked confident and in control.

Before Elena could decipher what was happening, she heard a great roar from the double doorway that was the main entrance into the room they were overlooking. She, and everyone else in the room it seemed, stared at the doorway in surprise. In the next moment two of Swift Viper's men came hurtling through, looking remarkably like they'd been thrown. The room fell into a stunned silence for a moment before erupting into a flurry of noise and motion.

A man appeared in the doorway; a very big man, wearing a loose costume of green and brown. He was bald with a number of strange tattoos across his head and face that gave him a ferocious look. The man was holding a limp Tsoo in his left hand and a sword in his right, and he addressed the room in a booming voice, "There are villains here that need a thrashing, and Rash will be the one to do it!" Several Tsoo approached him, weapons drawn; he casually knocked them flying using the unconscious man in his grip as a makeshift club. He dropped the man he was holding and pulled a second sword. Raising both swords in challenge, he cried, "Evil, meet my sword; sword, meet evil!" before exploding into a blur of motion, felling foes on every side.

Elena turned to Tabby and asked in a strangled voice, "Who is that? He's…he's huge!"

Tabby grinned at her, obviously enjoying her reaction. "Oh, that's Rash…Rashemaar Ranger. A friend of ours."

"Who, or what is a Rashemaar?" Elena asked, feeling more than a little baffled.

"It's actually a 'where', that's where he says he's from," Tabby answered. "But don't worry if you don't recognize the name, Rash says it's not in our world."

"So…he's an alien like the Rikti or the Kheldians?"

"Oh no, he's human, it's more of an alternative universe thing, I think." Tabby shrugged, "He's kind of vague on the specifics. Funny thing, though, he says he recognizes Watch from the same world, and that he fought alongside him there too."

Elena's eyes widened in shock, "He does? Does Walter remember him from the same place?"

Tabby snorted, "Heck no. No idea what he's talking about. But Rash doesn't mind, as long as they can keep butt-kicking the bad guys together." Seeing Elena's alarmed expression she added reassuringly, "Don't worry, Rash is a really sweet guy despite looking so scary. But whatever you do, don't mention hamsters. He's got kind of a…thing about hamsters."

She stared at Tabby for a moment, uncertain whether the young woman was pulling her leg or not. Tabby shrugged and raised her hands in an eloquent gesture before turning her attention to the fighting below them.

Swift Viper had recovered from the surprise of Rash's dramatic entrance, and was advancing on Walter, sword drawn. At the same time, one of the lieutenants standing behind Walter moved up, presumably to assist his master. Walter stepped back and intercepted the lieutenant, using the man's own forward momentum against him with a well placed shove that sent him careening into Swift Viper. The two men went down in a tangle of limbs and Walter neatly dispatched the other lieutenant by jabbing him hard in the gut with the edge of the metal briefcase. He went down gasping for air.

Walter won free of the thin ring of Swift Viper's minions easily enough; most were more focused on the fighting around Rash than preventing his escape. He scanned the room and Tabby waved to catch his attention; his face lit when he saw them and he quickly ran toward them.

Elena's heart was beating hard as she watched him approach. There was so much she wanted to say to him…and when they could finally be alone together she felt torn between an urge to punch him in the nose and just wanting to be in his arms again.

He stopped beneath their balcony and called, "Tabby!" before lofting the briefcase in their direction. Tabby caught it, though she had to launch herself from the balcony to do so. She hovered in the air long enough to make certain she had a secure grip on the case before dropping back to the balcony beside Elena.

Walter turned toward Elena and their eyes met and held. She had, of course, heard the expression "your heart in your eyes" before, but she'd never seen it as plainly as she did on Walter's face when he looked at her. Elena had expected him to be happy, or pleased, or elated to see her, but instead he seemed worried and sad. "Elena," he called, searching her face intently, though for what she didn't know. Walter glanced away briefly before meeting her eyes again, saying "Soon, Elena, soon." He gave her a wan smile and disappeared into the doorway beneath their balcony.

Soon? What the hell does that mean? Elena sighed in frustration; what was wrong with him? Why didn't he look glad that she was safe and unharmed? She shook off her confusion and turned to Tabby, asking, "Where is he going?"

"Getting into his armor, I expect," Tabby answered with a smile. "I'm sure he wants in on finishing them off."

Elena felt like an idiot, of course he couldn't just change into Watcher's Hand here in front of all these Tsoo! "Don't you want to be down there, Tabby?" Elena asked her curiously.

Tabby shrugged, "It would be fun, but I don't mind missing one fight." She chuckled, "You know, a few years ago I would have resented being given the 'safe' job, but I know this is really important to Watch and he wouldn't have asked me to do it if he didn't trust me."

Elena bit off a retort that Walter certainly wasn't acting like she was important to him, chiding herself that she should give him the benefit of the doubt. He had assembled his friends to help save her, after all. She glanced down at the battle still raging in the main room and noticed that Silverslash was fighting alongside Rashemaar Ranger, her body sprouting retractable spines that the metal of her costume morphed to accommodate. Silver was facing two foes dressed differently than the other Tsoo; they were wearing what looked like skirts rather than pants, and odd wide-brimmed hats. Elena pointed them out to Tabby, who made a noise of disgust. "Sorcerers. It figures there would be some around since their boss is dabbling in magic. They're a royal pain to fight, but Silver's faced them before. She'll be all right."

Elena noticed another woman fighting as well, one she didn't recognize, wearing vaguely Victorian-style clothing in black and purple. As Elena watched, the woman gestured and a…thing appeared; it looked like a featureless cloud of black smoke with…eyes, disconcertingly enough. She gestured again, and this time a trio of things materialized, distinctly humanoid in form, but completely featureless. All the creatures advanced on the Tsoo at her command.

"Okay, now I'm officially creeped out," Elena murmured. She turned to her companion, "Tabby who's the other woman? I haven't seen her before."

"Her name is Charlotte Castere," Blue Tabby told her. "I just met her today. She's an experienced magic user that Watch met at his shop. She helped us find you and stayed on for the fight."

Before Elena could question her further, Walter—or rather, Watcher's Hand—appeared, from a different door than he had exited, wearing his full armor. Elena's heart thudded on seeing him, and she leaned against the balcony railing to get a better look. Fortunately, during the battle the Tsoo had steadily retreated toward Elena and Tabby's end of the room, so it was much easier to see and hear what was going on than at the beginning of the fight.

Watcher's Hand crossed the room to join the other heroes, crying, "That villain is mine!" in a ringing voice. The battle was almost over; all but a small group of Swift Viper's men had been defeated, and they were positioned in a tight ring around their leader.

"Of course, friend Watcher," Rashemaar Ranger answered in his booming voice, "we were saving him for you."

Elena was so excited she didn't realize for a moment that she had grabbed Tabby's arm. Then she noticed something that made her gasp in dismay and unconsciously tighten her hold, "Tabby, where's his mace? He forgot his mace!"

Tabby smiled and said reassuringly, "It's okay, just keep watching."

When Watch was within a few yards from the Tsoo, he reached over shoulder with his right hand and the handle of the massive mace just…appeared in his grip.

Elena felt her jaw drop, "That was cool!" she exclaimed.

Tabby grinned in response, "Yeah, his mace has concealment spells on it, like his armor." She shook her head, "Watch has style, gotta give him that."

He reached the group of men surrounding Swift Viper and with one mighty swing cleared out the men in front of the Tsoo leader, sending them sprawling. The other three heroes advanced to engage the remaining minions so Watcher faced Swift Viper alone.

"Drop your sword and surrender like the coward you are, Viper, or face me now!" Watch cried, advancing within striking distance of the Tsoo leader.

"I will show you I am no coward!" Swift Viper growled, lunging at Watcher's Hand.

Watch evaded the thrust easily. "Oh, but you are," he taunted, "you had your men restrain an unarmed man while you cut him down, what other name could you give to someone so craven?"

"Yes, I killed the thief," Swift Viper snarled, "and I will kill you!" He swung at his opponent again and again, but Watch parried each blow on his mace with no apparent difficulty.

"Oh, I think not," Watch answered, his voice hard, pressing the attack once more and forcing the Tsoo leader to give ground. "A coward, and a contemptible coward at that, to snatch a defenseless woman off the street and threaten her with violence." Mace struck katana with a resounding clang, Watch raining blows on the Tsoo until with a final discordant note the katana blade went flying, broken a few inches from the hilt.

Swift Viper dropped his sword, acknowledging defeat. "So, you will kill me now, hero?" he asked, unable to keep the sneer out of his voice.

Watch snorted derisively, "As tempting as that may be, no. I think sitting in a cell contemplating your failure—and your cowardice—for many years to come is a much more fitting punishment."

Distracted by the battle against Watcher's Hand, Swift Viper had not noticed Rashemaar Ranger circling behind him after his remaining men had been defeated. "May I be of assistance, my friend?" he rumbled, causing the Tsoo leader to start in surprise.

"Yes, thank you, Rash," Watch answered with a nod. Rash leaned forward and struck Swift Viper on the head with his sword hilt, a surprisingly gentle tap for such a large man. The Tsoo leader crumpled soundlessly to the floor.

Watch heaved a sigh of relief—at last it was over. He turned to Silver, "Silver, did you see where Swift Viper's blade went when it fell?"

"Yeah, Watch, do you want me to get it?"

"Note where it lies but don't touch it, please. If he killed Terry with his own sword—and he was certainly arrogant enough to do so—it might provide some useful forensic evidence for the police.

Rash thumped Watch on the back and said heartily, "A good day, my friend! To fight alongside you once more, and put the boot to the backside of evil! And your lady is saved, yes?" Rash glanced up and added, "This must be her now, with friend Tabby."

As soon as Elena and Blue Tabby joined them, Rash greeted them enthusiastically, giving Tabby a comradely but bone-cracking hug. Elena was a little leery of getting the same treatment, but instead he bowed and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Elena. Rash was honored to help rescue you from these villains."

Elena smiled warmly in reply; there was something about the good-hearted zeal with which he seemed to approach life that she found to be extremely endearing. "Why thank you, Rash," she responded, "it is a pleasure to meet you too. Tabby has told me so much about you."

Rash reddened and nodded his thanks, evidently for once at a loss for words.

As Tabby recovered her breath after his hug, the big man remarked to her, "Rash even met a new witch!" in a confiding tone that was nonetheless quite audible to the others standing nearby. He cast an admiring glance in Charlotte's direction; she looked surprised and a little alarmed at the attention. Rash edged closer to her and said shyly, "Rash wonders if the lady would consider becoming his new witch?"

"Excuse me?" Charlotte replied, understandably taken aback.

"Lighten up, Blondie," Silver muttered under her breath, "he's not insulting you."

Her remark was met by a hostile glare from Charlotte, but before she could respond, Tabby intervened, "Charlotte, Rash told me where he comes from being a 'witch' is an honorable profession, and they fight alongside warriors…"

"Working in tandem, to bring the fist of justice to evil!" Rash proclaimed, regaining his earlier gusto. "Alas, Rash has not had a witch for a very long time," he said sadly.

Charlotte's expression softened as she looked up at the towering man sympathetically, "I'm sorry, she obviously meant a lot to you, and I'm flattered that you would ask me to fill her place. But I already have a…warrior," she said with a smile. "But for what it's worth," Charlotte continued, seeing the disappointment on his face, "it was an honor to be your witch for today." He smiled in reply, clearly heartened.

"Oh, and for the record," she added coolly, glaring at Silver, "if you ever call me 'Blondie' again I'll send you to another dimension."

In the uncomfortable silence that followed Tabby put in, "I called the PPD and asked for Lieutenant Robbins like you asked, Watch. They said they'll give him the message right away."

Elena had not looked in Walter's direction since they had joined the group, but now as he thanked Tabby she forced herself to do so. Her heart in her throat, she met his eyes, not knowing what she'd find there. She saw the same sad, intent expression that she had before, but this time instead of speaking he walked stiffly toward her and took her hands in his.

"I am sorry, Elena," he murmured. "I am more sorry than I can express that this has happened to you." For a moment it seemed he might say more, but instead he dropped her hands and looked away.

Not sure what to do or say, Elena glanced at Tabby. It was clear from the other woman's expression that she was also surprised by Walter's reaction.

But it was Silver who spoke next, "Hey Watch, you should probably get into your civvies since the cops are on their way. They'll expect to see Walter, right?" Watch agreed and moved a short distance away to activate the spells on his armor.

By happenstance Elena found herself standing next to Silver when she and Tabby had joined the others. Elena actually felt a little intimidated by the woman; she didn't seem nearly as friendly and approachable as Tabby. So it was a bit of a surprise when Silver, in a dry undertone meant for Elena's ears alone, said, "Tabby and I always hope he'll get stuck halfway through and end up in his boxers. Hasn't happened yet," she added glumly. Elena choked back a laugh.

Watch's transformation to Walter went off without a hitch as expected. Silver glanced sidelong at Elena, an amused glint in her eyes, "But I guess you can get that view anytime you want."

Elena didn't know whether to laugh or cry, I wish! she thought bitterly.

In the meantime Elena noticed some form of silent communication passing between Tabby and Silver. Silver cleared her throat, "Say, maybe some of us should go to the lobby so we can show the cops the way in."

Without missing a beat, Tabby piped up, "Great idea, Silver! We'll all go and you two," indicating Walter and Elena, "can stay here. I'm sure you'd appreciate some alone time," she said pointedly.

Not the most subtle approach but it had the desired effect, the four costumed heroes headed toward the door. As she passed Elena, Tabby whispered, "Try to get him talking!"

A moment later Silver passed her on the other side and hissed, "Hit him over the head if you have to!"

As soon as they disappeared, Walter slumped against a desk that was part of the room's reception area. "Again, Elena, I am sorry for this," he said in a dejected voice.

I can get him talking, but how do I get him to say something useful? she asked herself, tempted to resort to Silver's tactics. "You're sorry, I know. You said that before. I get it," Elena snapped, unable to keep the frustration out of her voice.

Walter shook his head, "I understand why you're angry, and God knows I deserve it. But try not to be angry with Silver and Tabby. They were just trying to help and didn't realize that the last thing you want is to be alone with me."

Elena stared at him in confusion, "Why would I be angry with them? And why wouldn't I want to be alone with you?" Her emotions were starting to get the best of her again, and she struggled to hold back her tears, "What I don't understand is why you're being so c…cold to me, and uncaring," she choked.

That got his attention. His head snapped up and he stared at her, his face anguished, "Uncaring? That's what you think? By the gods, Elena, never that!"

He approached her uncertainly, obviously unsure whether he should touch her. She was not at all hesitant and leaned against him with a sigh. Taking his cue from her he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close and stroking her hair while she cried softly. "I was so scared, Walter," she hiccupped, "when they grabbed me off the street and put me in the car. But then they told me that they wanted something from you, and I just knew you would come. The waiting was really hard, though."

"I'm so sor... Curses!" Walter exclaimed. "Why can I do nothing right? Elena, it's like a knife in my heart to think I am to blame for putting you through this—by rights you should hate me!"

"Walter, I don't hate you! I know you didn't mean for this to happen!"

Walter pulled away from her and met her eyes, his face bleak, "You don't know everything, Elena. I almost told you about the statue last night…" He chuckled mirthlessly, "Gods, was it only last night? It seems an eternity! If…if I had told you, perhaps none of this would have happened."

"You knew I was in danger?" Elena asked in surprise.

"Elena, no!" Walter cried with a horrified look on his face, "I would have done something to protect you if I had known or even suspected they would come after you! The Tsoo were in Skyway looking for me, and that's what caused the Trolls to become aggressive and assault Mrs. Goodfield." He looked away, unable to meet her eyes, "But I was too ashamed to tell you that I was partly responsible for her injury. And I…I should have known that you might be in danger, but I never considered it. I was just so happy that you cared and didn't mind my being Watcher's Hand that I didn't think it through properly."

Elena paused thoughtfully before responding, "I suppose if I had known that they were after the statue it might have been a little less frightening when they first grabbed me, but I really don't see what else it would have changed."

"But Elena, it was my fault that this happened to you—you could have been killed! How could you possibly trust me after this, or want me in your life?" he asked plaintively.

She stared at him a moment through narrowed eyes, as if he was a puzzle she was determined to solve. Her face cleared, "Oh, I get it; you're working yourself up to be all noble and give me up because you've decided you're no good for me."

Walter looked nonplussed, "It's not that simple, Elena!"

"It isn't?" She asked with her hands on her hips. "Tell me then, since they were after Walter and not Watcher's Hand, is anyone else after Walter? Has anything like this happened to you before?"

"Well, no," he admitted reluctantly.

"Do you have any reason to believe it will happen again—or at least that there's a greater chance than for anyone else living in Paragon City?" she continued relentlessly.

"I…I don't believe so." He gently touched her cheek, "I know you're right, Elena, but it near broke my heart that they threatened you, and I think it would have if you had been harmed. How can I ask you to risk yourself again, when I have failed you so completely once already?"

Elena sighed and gave him an exasperated look. "I understand that you feel guilty about this, Walter, and you want to do the right thing. I suppose that's good—I wouldn't want you to be too blasé about having your girlfriend kidnapped and held hostage." She glared at him, "But one thing you need to get straight, buster, is that you don't get to decide what's best for me, or what I should feel about you." She shook her head, "Ugh, I've always hated those love stories where one of the couple is a self-sacrificing idiot and leaves because they're 'not good enough'—it's so infuriating that they don't give the other person a say in it."

Walter was staring at her in astonishment for so long that she finally prompted him, "What?"

He snorted, clearly torn between bafflement and amusement, "A moment, if you don't mind, Elena, I will need some time to adjust to the novelty of being called 'buster' by a beautiful woman."

She crossed her arms, "Calling me 'beautiful' will not make me change my mind."

Humor warmed Walter's eyes, "Does it at least help?"

Elena gave him a wry smile in return, "It doesn't hurt." She leaned close and put her arms around his neck, "You may think you don't deserve to be happy, but I think we both do. You make me happy, Walter, so unless you can honestly say that your feelings have changed since last night, I'm afraid you're stuck with me."

He chuckled, "You'll make me happy whether I want to be or not?"

She smiled up at him, "Something like that."

He bent down to kiss her lightly, "And since you ask, nay, I will not lie and say that I have had a change of heart when it comes to you. I loved you then and I love you now." Before she could react, he pulled her tight against him and kissed her; a kiss that left no doubt in Elena's mind about his feelings for her, or that he was worth fighting for.

In case you're curious, here are the actual ATs and powersets of the characters portrayed in this story:

Watcher's Hand: Invulnerability/War Mace Tanker (level 50+, Justice)

Silverslash: Spines/Dark Armor Scrapper (level 50+, Justice)

Blue Tabby: Claws/Super Reflexes Scrapper (level 47, Justice)

Charlotte Castere: Illusion/Empathy Controller (level 30, Union)

Rashemaar Ranger: Willpower/Dual Blades Tanker (level 35, Freedom)