A Villain's Hero

Chapter 26 - Rowan

He knew what he had to do. No, knew wasn't the right word. Rowan had two choices and he had no idea which one was right. What he did know was that he had little time to decide. Matteo, or rather Citadel, wanted to meet, and from what he heard on the cameras, he wanted answers. Rowan had those, but sharing them was more than personal. Although he somehow trusted Matteo, he was used to being on his own. Life had taught him not to trust anyone, and habits were hard to break.

He drummed his fingers nervously on the table as his eyes fell on his suit draped over the chair. As Rowan he could flirt and sit behind a computer, but as Revenger he could deliver justice. Maybe Cecil was right, maybe he was meant to be an anti-hero.

His nervousness was increasing.

He didn't have much to choose from. He could wait and see if they found them, he could go after them himself, or there was one more option. But that would mean he'd have to confide in Matteo, and not only that - he'd have to tell him his biggest secret.

Time was running out and he had to make a decision.

It wasn't just revenge for his parents anymore. He hated to admit it, but it was true. He avoided feelings, but could one live without feeling anything?

His eyes fell on his suit again, and instead of looking away, this time he stood up and reached for it. He had an important meeting and he couldn't be late.

Surprisingly, he was the first one to reach the roof of the Trade Tower.

Citadel was probably on his way, and Revenger had no idea if he should expect only him, or if Vague would be hiding somewhere in the shadows again. Her ability was admirable, but Revenger, while still unable to fully control the ability inherited from his mother, was a human bat, and thanks to the sound waves he was able to find her.

"You came," came a sudden voice from behind him. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't hear his footsteps. It was a clear sign that he wasn't in the right emotional frame of mind, not like he usually was when facing his arch-enemy, and it made him doubt whether he should have come at all.

"You called," he replied, turning to face him, appearing calm on the surface.

"They escaped," the hero informed him. Revenger could see the way his jaw was clenched and his stance was too upright.

"I know," he assured him. "I heard."

Though Citadel wore a mask over his face, Revenger could clearly see the unease in him. An injustice was being done, and he couldn't just stand by. A trait Revenger had always admired in him.

"We need your help." It was hard to believe those words came from his mouth.

"I can't help you," he assured him, turning his back on him again. He didn't think he had anything to worry about, not when the hero needed something from him. Besides, the view of the city from this height was strangely soothing.

"You can give me some answers." Citadel wasn't giving up. It was obvious from the tone of his voice that he was determined, but he wasn't going to push it. He was proceeding like a man trying not to scare off a deer.

This time Revenger didn't respond. He had no idea what to do. On the one hand he wanted to help him, the soft spot for his blue eyes made him want to do anything for him, but on the other hand he had a higher purpose. Something he'd been training for all his life.

"You said you didn't want to be a villain." His words played into his hands. It was now or never. Either Matteo would finally give him a reason to completely disregard people, or someone would finally see him for who he was. Either way, he needed this change in his life or else it would never stop being complicated.