Part 44

It took me a full half second to realize just what the man, who I recognized as the Protectorate Hero 'Assault' was implying.

I promptly went red as his costume, as my mind raced on how to correct the mistake.

Luckily, Taylor was not quite as stunned. Exclaiming, "We're not like that!" with an urgency that sent a full brace of burning knives right through my ego.

She didn't have to say itthatfast.

The black and green costumed woman promptly elbowed the man in the side, "Don't mind this dimwit. Hello, it's nice to meet you," she smiled in an expression of long suffering amusement, before continuing with her introduction; "You might recognize us. I'm Battery. The court jester here is Assault."

The male hero gave a look of false hurt, "Puppy..."

"It's an honor," I replied, happy to dodge the 'couples' subject. "I'm afraid we haven't really finalized our names yet. This wasn't exactly our planned debut," I smiled sheepishly, waving a hand over my costume, or rather lack there off.

Inwardly, I was surprised I wasn't gushing like a fool. Maybe after downing a nightmare like Oni-Lee, heroes didn't seem quite so larger then life? Or maybe I was just relieved that my fears seemed to be averted. Either way I didn'tseemto be acting like an idiot, so I was more then happy enough with that.

"I hope we can work well together in the future," Taylor added in quickly, repeating her earlier line to the police officer. "I'm... sorry we didn't really make it in time to help much."

"Hey, I'm not complaining," Aassult replied hands up in silent apology for his earlier joke. "Nice to see a couple more guys on our side. Jumping in like that shows you've got the conviction to be a hero," he added praisingly.

"That said," Battery cut in with a mildly disapproving look to her face. "Diving headfirst unprepared is a good way to get hurt, or worse," she cautioned. "Have you put any thought into joining the Wards?"

"We've talked a little about it," I stated, not mentioning that by 'little' I meant 'a short discussion on how to avoid joining after nearly blowing my cover'. "Right now, I think we're still mostly looking over our options," I glanced over at Taylor.

She nodded.

"Give it some thought," Battery stressed, a sympathetic look to her face. "I understand things seem pretty scary right now, and you don't want to close any doors, but sooner or later the gangswillcome for you, in one way or another."

Assault nodded, "You dodged the bullet this time, but trust me. Sooner or later? You will run into someone you can't handle all on your lonesome," he cautioned in a seriousness that seemed off place for him.

Then he smirked in an impish manner, "That said! No pressure! You seem to be off to a good start, and it's not like we're about topress-gangyou or anything, just because you've got powers," he had the slightest knowing smirk to his face as he looked over at his... wife? Girlfriend? They sort of had that vibe, but I didn't remember if there was an officially announced relationship between them.

She shot him a disapproving look at that, before facing us again. "Just remember that The Protectorate is here for you if someone shows up and gets pushy."

Taylor seemed to slack slightly in relief, it was subtle, but I didn't doubt that the veteran heroes picked up on it.

Still I didn't blame her one wit. I mean the good cop bad cop byplay was pretty obvious, even if the 'bad' cop in this case was just more like the 'concerned and warning' cop. That didn't make it any less effective a tactic to be grilled under. It was relieving to be done with it.

"Right!" Assault declared. "Now that you've heard the sales pitch. How about you let us know what you know did happen here?" he asked waving a hand around.

And like that my comfort level went right back to hell again.