Day 16 – Superheroes

"Are you a superhero too?" The little boy glanced up at Nate, distrust and awe warring on his features as he took in the tight black suit and the mask he was wearing.

Nate sighed and lowered his bow, careful to not lose sight of Megan while he was talking to the kid. She was climbing steadily up the façade of the tall skyscraper on the opposite side of the street, finding grips and handholds where no normal person would have stood a chance. Her leopard-print leotard was easy to make out against the cool grey concrete. Not for the first time, he wished she'd settle for a less conspicuous outfit.

But, whenever he'd brought up the topic, she'd been adamant. "People need to know it's Panthera herself come to save them, not some faceless stranger. They're far more likely to cooperate once they recognize me. Besides," she'd grinned, "it makes it easier to identify our opponents. Once they start shooting at me, I know they must be the bad guys."

"Well, are you?" Clearly, the boy hadn't given up. "I know her." He indicated Megan with a tilt of his head. "But I've never seen you on TV."

That's because the Black Archer prefers to work out of the limelight. Nate sighed. It had been the main reason why he'd held off joining WoF for so long. The Wardens of Ferelden had a tendency to show up in the media as heroic saviours. Theirs were household names, their special powers familiar to every child: Panthera; The Spirit Healer; Duster Girl. Wherever they showed up in their signature outfits and masks, people breathed easier, knowing someone was protecting them.

Of course, their real selves remained hidden from the public eye. Few would suspect that the vapid young socialite Megan Cousland turned into silent, deadly Panthera every night. Fewer still would ever make a connection between the quiet young paediatrician from the suburbs and the powerful Spirit Healer in his flamboyant feathered robes. Their secret identities were as safe as they could be. Still, Nate had enjoyed working alone. But the General had been patient and persuasive, and had eventually convinced him that working together was their only chance to defeat their powerful foe.

"So, you know Panthera." He smiled down at the kid, still evading the question.

"Everyone knows her." The boy rolled his eyes. "And I think he-" He pointed over at Carver who was standing guard at the door, sword raised, ready to defend the civilians should the enemy try to outflank them. "He must be Claymore. I recognize the breastplate and the red cape."

"Yes, that's him." Nate nodded gravely.

"Who are you then?" Gods, the little guy was persistent.

Nate sighed and gave up. "They call me the Black Archer."

The kid shrugged, clearly unimpressed. "Never heard of you. What can you do?"

"What do you think?" He kept his eyes glued on Megan. She was nearly all the way up, clinging to the sheer surface and managing to look stunning in the process, no doubt aware of the cameras following her every move.

He just hoped none of the footage would leak before her mission was successfully over. The Archdemon's minions had swarmed most of Orzammar Imports' office complex, including the building he was in, already mostly liberated thanks to WoF's quick and decisive action. The other side had taken the CEO, Bhelen Aeducan, and most of the executive board hostage, though. Megan was on her way to his office up on the 30th floor right now, by a rather unusual route.

She was close to the penthouse now, moving as stealthily as the large cat she was named for. He'd watched her in action dozens of times now, and he knew the element of surprise was vital. When the right moment came, she would pounce, and her unsuspecting victim wouldn't stand a chance.

There was a tiny movement at a window on the floor below her, and Nate didn't waste any time. Notching an arrow, he aimed for a mere heartbeat and let it go, not bothering to check if it had found its mark before following it up with three more. Over on the other side, a frantic commotion told him his attack had been successful, but he feared for Megan's safety. The others knew she was on her way now.

He needn't have worried, though. Her slim silhouette had already disappeared inside the building. He waited, careful to keep his shoulders relaxed. Getting tense would be bad, considering he might be called on to shoot again at any moment. About two minutes later, the transmitter in his ear buzzed quietly.

"Panthera?" Nate knew better than to sound worried, not with the boy listening in, his eyes as wide as saucers.

"Perimeter secured." There was a hint of relief in her voice, but it was so faint he doubted anyone but he could hear it.

Carver nodded almost imperceptibly when he signalled a quick "she's okay" at him. The boy wandered off to bother someone else, clearly disappointed with Nate's attitude.

"Well done." The General's unmistakable gruff tones sounded in his ear. "Stay at your stations, everyone, until I give the all clear. The Berserker is dealing with the stragglers in your building, Archer. I repeat, stay put. You too, Claymore."

"Understood, sir." Nate rolled his eyes at Carver. He'd have much preferred to help with the clean-up. But one didn't argue with the General.

"Hey there." Megan's voice, warm and seductive, over their private line. "You okay?"

"Fine. Everything went according to plan." He flinched at how stiff he sounded. It was getting harder and harder to keep things impersonal while on the job.

"Good." Megan was positively purring. "Bodes well for some other plans I have for tonight."

Nathaniel shifted in his seat. The thought of just how close and personal he would get with Carver and Megan as soon as they were debriefed had already sent a tingle down his spine. Another thing the public doesn't know about. He exchanged a knowing glance with the other man. And they certainly won't hear it from me.