A Villain's Hero

Chapter 41 - Matteo

They couldn't have a moment of peace. Matteo had hoped they'd have at least a day to gather information and regenerate, but the villains weren't resting, and neither were they.

The word 'emergency' flashed brightly on his phone screen, and a call reassured him that they needed to get back to the city urgently. There was one problem, however.

"Absolutely not." That was exactly the answer he'd expected from Rowan, but he hoped they could avoid it.

"Rowan..." He didn't have time to say more before the villain interrupted, "Ciara and Max have no chance of getting back to the city in time. You need me." Matteo knew it was true, but he also realised what it meant for their team. The moment Revenger appeared at their side, the questions would come. And not just from the Legion.

"You won't be able to take this back," Matteo warned him.

Rowan nodded, his face serious. "I've had time to think about it." Before Matteo could answer him, he continued, "We don't have much time. People are in danger." Matteo didn't need a reminder.

"Fine, start the plane, I'll find Sawyer." His mind automatically switched to hero mode, as he couldn't afford to be distracted. Not when the people of Goldby City were in danger.

"I'm on it." Even though Matteo turned to leave, Rowan grabbed his elbow and turned him back to face him, planting a kiss on his lips. Not only was he obeying his orders, but the gesture reassured him that everything would be all right. It was exactly what Matteo needed, and Rowan was obviously paying enough attention to know that.

As soon as he was free again, he nodded and turned to continue on his way. He had to change and he had to find Sawyer. It couldn't wait any longer.

"We have a problem," he said as soon as he entered the room and saw Sawyer lifting weights in his workout clothes. "You might want to take a quick shower and put on a suit."

"What happened?" The sidekick stood up in alarm and turned his full attention to Matteo.

But Matteo knew that explaining the situation would only delay them, so he replied: "I'll explain everything on the plane. Get ready."

Sawyer nodded and they left the gym together. The two made their way wordlessly to their temporary rooms and Matteo didn't hesitate to change into Citadel.

When he returned to the living room, Revenger was already there, waiting for him in all his glory. Well, almost all glory, since the hood he wore on his head was off and the mask didn't cover his entire face. "I take it you found him," he said, and Matteo discovered that he had switched off his voice changer as well.

"He'll be down in a second," he assured him.

Revenger nodded and stepped closer. "I've checked the weather. Looks like we're in for even more trouble than we expected. It's been raining all night in the city. The roads are slippery. If people panic even more, we may have to deal with accidents," he informed him of the situation.

Matteo frowned, but knowing that the Legion was already on the scene, he said confidently: "The agents will take care of minor accidents."

"What about the other heroes?" Revenger asked, and Matteo wasn't sure if he was asking out of concern or curiosity.

The blond shook his head. "They won't be able to join. Right now we're all the Legion has." The organisation had far more agents than superheroes, and most of them were on a mission. Besides, it wasn't a job people did for long, and no one was surprised when a hero decided to lead a normal life after twenty years of this dangerous work. Max was an exception.

"I never thought I'd hear that sentence." Revenger sounded amused.

"Don't let it get to your ego," Citadel warned him, though he himself was aware of the irony of the former villain now having to save the city.