Heroic Measures (continued)

Taking another step, Walter realized that he was holding his breath. His eyes darted over the enormous form of the behemoth, watching for even the slightest hint of movement. He saw none and moved a little closer. Forcing himself to breathe, he regretted it instantly. Although he would have thought it impossible, the odor emanating from the fallen giant surpassed that of the stench of the sodden garbage around him.

Across the alleyway, Osprey fluttered closer to the ground, but still kept her distance. She looked toward Walter questioningly, but he could only shrug. He was as surprised as she was by this sudden turn of events.

Walter continued until he was near enough to touch the creature. He did not actually do so, and it was all he could do not to gag every time he took a breath.

In the dim lighting of the alleyway, it took him several moments to be certain that whatever little motion he saw coming from the downed behemoth was the slow movement of its torso as it breathed. Whatever had taken it down had left it alive. Walter found himself slightly relieved by that. To have killed it simply for smashing bricks, and creating a public nuisance with its thunderous bellows, would have been a shame. Although the potential had been there for greater damage, as far as he knew no one had been that seriously injured.

Walter stared down at the unconscious creature. Osprey touched down lightly beside him. Her face wore a broad grin.

“You did, Walter!”

Walter looked at her, perplexed. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a flurry a new sounds.

At first, he thought the giant creature might have recovered. A collection of familiar voices eased his concern immediately. Iron-Clad landed with a loud metallic thud next to him. He was followed by Red and Random.

“You did this?”

Even muffled through the steel helmet, Iron-Clad’s voice sounded impressed. Red’s clapped him across the shoulder, just hard enough that Walter almost stumbled. Walter turned to glare at the red-clad hero when realization of what they were saying dawned.