>>5334090No longer fighting the goons, you’re fully aware of the two extra heartbeats within your periphery, both of which are hidden right behind either of the nearby trashcans.
“Yeah, you should have let Romulus be the bait– at least he can use his powers right.” A second voice chimes in, this one female. “Maybe it’s for the best if they get him, amirite?” A chorus of laughter follows suit.
“Shut your asses up, both of you! And it’s Tornado <span class="mu-i">MAN!</span> How many times do I have to tell you guys it’s Tornado <span class="mu-i">Man?!”</span> The thug seems really uptight about his codename. “For fuck’s sake, get it right.”
“What’s going on here?” You interrupt "Tornado Man’s" rant.
"Ah. We was-- " Tornado man raises a finger, not quite looking you in the eye. "We was runnin,' of course, from the coppers."
That much was obvious, but hearing the stuff about bait and whatnot tells you he's only giving you a half truth at best.
"Uh, I know I yelled at you before, but we's square now, right lady?" The thug is singing a different tune after having watched you kick the living crap out of those two goons.
"Kelpie." You say curtly, not buying his act.
<span class="mu-i">"You're Kelpie?!"</span> Surprise-- along with a slight layer of fear-- coats his voice. "Sweet shit-- I'm messin' with the wrong mutant here, ain't I?!"
Just from your first impression of this guy alone, you can't tell if he's for real or if this is some sort of act. Regardless, you refuse to let your guard down.
>(2/3) 