3.25 – Unexpected Friendship

Aurora grinned at how well her talk with Valerie was going and considered how to keep things moving smoothly.

“I may be involved with someone, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy a dance with other people now and again.”

She stood and walked around the table, extending her hand in invitation to Valerie.

“Would you like to go to bat for the same team for the duration of a dance?” Aurora laughed softly.

Oh my, Holly mused through their link, her tone brimming with intrigue. A bold maneuver. Calculated or impulsive?

Let’s call it a mix, Aurora responded internally, keeping her expression effortlessly playful.

Valerie’s head tracked her as she approached, her gaze flicking down to Aurora’s outstretched hand. She hesitated for just a moment, then finally took it.

Interesting delay, Holly noted. Hesitation suggests surprise rather than rejection. She was not expecting this offer, but she is certainly not opposed to it.

Aurora felt the subtle shift in Valerie’s grip as she stood.

With a grin, the superheroine pulled her to her feet.

Well played, Holly remarked, though I predict further interesting developments before the night is over.

“I don’t really know any fancy formal dances… just so you know.”

Aurora said nothing, continuing to smile. She’d been taught some ‘formal dances’ by Goonie when she was younger. When she had to go to a school dance, what Goonie showed her was a slow waltz.

Quinn had shown her freestyle dancing, but given the music playing, the waltz seemed far more appropriate.

Ah, the strategic reveal of unexpected grace, Holly mused through their link. Valerie is about to learn that you are more refined than she initially assumed.

She started leading Valerie in the waltz, just as her mom had once done for her. She moved Valerie around the balcony to the melody of the piano.

As they danced, a violin joined in, its rich notes weaving into the complex melody.

Valerie blushed more noticeably as she was led around the floor. The prescribed steps were simple enough that Val quickly caught on, but after a time, Aurora added a spin or two, making it slightly more complex, though not enough to be overwhelming.

She’s adjusting well, Holly noted, but the champagne is beginning to affect her coordination. You may need to be ready to compensate.

Valerie teetered slightly, the effects of the bubbly in her system showing. Finally, she missed a step and stumbled, but Aurora reacted quickly, spinning her again in a half-turn, guiding her right into her arms.

Val gasped, her breath catching as she looked up at Aurora, who waited patiently for her to find her footing.

She blushed heavily at the clumsiness she had just shown the person she was ostensibly here to interview.

“Ah… s-sorry about that.”

Knowing how noticeable her blushing was only made her blush even harder, creating an obnoxious feedback loop.

“No problem.”

Aurora smiled confidently, thoroughly enjoying all of Valerie’s cute blushes as they danced.

She let the music wash over her like the moonlight, the soft chiming of the piano paired with the cheerful violin creating a wonderful atmosphere.

It was a totally different experience from Quinn’s cacophonous raves, and Aurora decided she liked it. Waltzing in a setting like this was even more thrilling, particularly since she was leading.

She was grateful that her mom had taught her how to dance properly. Back then, she never thought it would come in handy, but tonight, she was thanking her.

Looking at past experiences through the eyes of an adult instead of a child made all the difference.

When the song came to an end, and the piano melody trailed off, Aurora slowed and backed off to a half-an-arm’s-length distance.

Valerie sighed, almost too soft to be heard, and took a deep breath.

“That… was unexpected. I think I need a little more to drink…” she said with a slightly nervous chuckle.

She pulled a hand away to pour another few sips of champagne into her glass.

“Honestly, there were a few times I couldn’t believe my feet were still on the ground,” she said with a soft tittering.

Aurora joined in Valerie’s laughter. She was glad that they both enjoyed the dance they shared. Thinking for a moment, Aurora added mischievously, “You being swept off your feet might actually have happened…” She jerked her thumb at her wings with a wink.

Setting down her own glass, she folded her hands neatly in front of her.

“I can lift things in the air with my aura too. If I get caught up in the music, there are times I don’t even need my wings to take off. Who knows? Maybe you really were dancing on air with me for a time.”

Her smile softened as she glanced toward the sky.

Holly gave an amused hum through their link. A line like that is bound to linger in her thoughts. I estimate a high probability that she will dwell on this moment long after tonight.

“The feel of it was indeed a bit like flying. There’s something about the piano and violin music that they were playing, this balcony, bathed in moonlight… and lovely ambiance.” Aurora gestured softly toward the star-painted canvas above.

Valerie grinned before taking another sip. “It must be amazing to actually fly.”

After a moment she softly added, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be wasting your time like this. I’ll continue in a moment.”

“It’s no problem.” Aurora smiled.

“I’m in the process of making a very important friend tonight. That’s never a waste of time.” She winked, smiling a touch mischievously, then leaned forward slightly.

“Although we’re not yet parting ways, I wonder how you might like to get out of here the grandest way? Meaning, I could fly you around a little bit… if you were inclined to experience it. If necessary, I could even fly you directly home, which might not be a bad idea after all the fun and drinks.” She chuckled.

Bold offer, Holly remarked through their link. It appears you are rather enjoying how flustered she gets.

Valerie’s little stutter was yet another really cute quirk that Aurora enjoyed discovering, “Ah… s-sure.”

Valerie pulled away further, taking a seat, leaning back in her chair and scribbling on her little notepad.

“That should do it… And… dances like a pro…” Valerie laughed softly. “OK noted… back to the interview…”

She took a couple of quick deep breaths, and her face shed some of its previous wonderment as she put on her business face again.

She’s re-centering herself, Holly observed. A practiced shift—distancing personal engagement from professional duty. Efficient.

“Okay… so… um… are there any concerns that you’d like to share about San Isidro not being able to get its Code: Blue section approved? Have you worked with the Seaside City police department at all to get its Code: Blue section up and running? I understand that they already have one.”

And just like that, she’s back to work, Holly mused. You will need to match her shift in focus.

Aurora gave a slight nod, setting aside the playful air from before. Time to get serious.

“Hmmm—these are harder-hitting questions.” Aurora smiled wryly. “The fact of the matter is, I did introduce myself to Seaside City’s Code: Blue representative—not that she called herself that at the time. Detective Ruffino and I didn’t really get on well. You asked if I had any enemies or rivals earlier. Although she’s neither of those exactly, she's made it clear that she doesn’t approve of superheroes in general, despite her post.”

Aurora looked up at the sky thoughtfully, her eyes tracing idle connections between the stars above.

“She doesn’t like me, either, you see. That’s fine—it’s her choice. I don’t need everyone to like me. It’s a free country, and she can think whatever she wants. But because of that bias, I don’t think I would be able to work well with her. Especially not when I’d rather work with my good friend Detective Kirby over in San Isidro, who appreciates my presence and involvement. You could say that I work out of San Isidro mostly because of that.”

Aurora took the last sip from her glass of champagne before continuing, “Perhaps San Isidro not getting any funding for Code: Blue is part of the same reasoning—whatever justification they have for inconveniencing us and holding up important changes, those people are purposefully trying to make our jobs harder, and are ultimately leaving the people less safe because of it. But, you know, ‘teamwork is key,’ as the Sentinels say, and our teamwork is very good.”

You are being more candid than expected, Aurora, Holly noted through their link, her tone neutral but perceptive. I think that your honesty strengthens your credibility, but Valerie will recognize the weight of what you’re saying. She will probe further.

She lowered her gaze, locking eyes with Valerie.

“For the good of the citizens of Seaside City, I would be willing to work with Detective Ruffino to get her Code: Blue actually running. But I don’t know if she would go for it, though.”

Valerie considered a moment, her expression measured as she responded slowly.

“Those are some pretty direct statements about Detective Ruffino, Aurora. Do you think she would sabotage herself just to spite you because of this ‘distaste’?”

Predictable redirection, Holly observed. She is testing your confidence in your stance, framing it as a question of objectivity versus bias.

Aurora smiled slightly.

“No, I don’t think she’d go that far. Not really. But what I do think is that she would dislike working with me specifically. And because of her viewpoints, I would dislike working with her, too. It’s not my intention to make statements about her beyond what I’ve observed, but she was very vocal about how unnecessary she feels we superheroes are when we parted ways last time.”

She shrugged.

A measured response, Holly noted approvingly. You are acknowledging the issue without escalating it. That keeps you in control of the narrative.

Aurora nearly blinked in surprise. She had done all that?

I don’t need all this commentary, Holly. We’re not in GPS driving mode!

There was a brief pause before Holly let out a tiny, digital pout. …Mou…

Aurora could practically feel her holographic companion sulking.

I just get bored just listening, Holly admitted. I’m dying to help you in whatever way I can, Aurora.

Aurora exhaled quietly, resisting the urge to smile at Holly’s uncharacteristically petulant tone. It was cute.

“Can I quote any of that?” Valerie asked, mirroring her shrug.

Aurora focused back on the conversation, tucking Holly’s little plea away for later.

“You can quote my opinion about her lack of symmetry. Even that she stated that meta involvement was unnecessary in Seaside—which is not just speculation. I want to make it very clear that I have nothing against Detective Ruffino, but I haven’t made a good impression on her, and it’s somewhat mutual.”

Aurora chuckled mirthlessly.

Valerie nodded, seemingly satisfied, and smoothly transitioned to her next question.

“Okay, now… just a few more questions, Aurora. First, what do you think about perennial maverick Cheshire? Hero or villain?”

Cheshire had always been one of Quinn’s favorites because she was mouthy and had a spotty reputation. Several online sources had posted evidence that she hadn’t actually committed most of the crimes she was accused of. Hero fans generally saw her as a hero, albeit a bit anarchic.

Aurora smiled. “I’ve never met her personally, so I can only draw opinions from what I’ve heard and read. Based on that, I’ve heard that she gets a worse rap than she deserves most times.”

Her smile widened into a grin. “I’m grateful that I don’t have her problems at the moment.”

“I think she has as much heroic potential as any Sentinel does. But maybe the right opportunities haven’t come her way yet. I couldn’t say for certain, though.”

Valerie leaned forward slightly, moving on.

“Second question. There are some people who claim that the mere presence of a superhero is what attracts super criminals to an area… Do you think you’re bringing more danger or causing harm by being here, or do you think your help is worth the risk?”

Aurora laughed wryly.

“Another hard question. No one can really know the future—unless that’s your power. I can only say this: The Padua Realignment Camp was around long before I came along and would have continued abusing its children for who knows how long if I hadn’t been here to start the investigation. Maybe the police or another hero would have come along and put things right, but we can’t really know that one way or the other.”

She paused briefly, letting the weight of her words settle.

“But from what I’ve seen in that case, I’d say the camp would have been allowed to cause pain for a long while if they weren’t stopped when they were.”

Aurora frowned slightly before continuing.

“Just the other morning, I dealt with a man who made the mistake of touching some strange artifact, and it turned him into a monster. If I hadn’t been around, he might not have been stopped before doing a lot of damage he never intended to cause. He might have been stopped either way, sure, but the incident probably would have ended more tragically—and as far as I know, my presence had nothing to do with whatever weird curse was involved.”

Aurora exhaled softly, her expression pensive as she continued.

“And again, that doesn’t mean another hero or other kind of capable person wouldn’t have come across its path and figured out the puzzle about how to deal with him in a peaceful way, but… no one else is currently serving San Isidro or Seaside City. Not since El Águila moved on to find greener pastures. And who knows what happened to Cheshire?”

She paused for a moment, thinking.

“Redline Racer has been known to poke her nose in and around the city—given how fast she can run—but not even she can catch wind of trouble quickly enough.”

She locked eyes with Valerie, her expression serious.

“Could you honestly look me in the eye and say that the cities would be better without me? Detective Ruffino wouldn’t hesitate to say so.”

As Aurora spoke, Valerie was quickly scribbling notes onto her notepad, her pen moving in swift, practiced strokes as she kept pace with every word.

Aurora paused for a beat, giving her a moment to catch up.

After a glance from Valerie to continue, Aurora spoke further.

“There are a lot of things that would have happened with or without my presence. Blue Max was another such case. Oh sure, I put away his men first, but he already had the armor in his possession before I even came on the scene. He most likely would have secured all the fuel he needed to carry out whatever he had planned, and then—who knows what would have happened?”

Aurora exhaled, shaking her head.

“It was only a matter of time, and it wouldn’t have been to break his boys out of jail—his armor would have been used somewhere much more populated, where civilian casualties were almost guaranteed. Whatever he had planned, it was going to happen regardless. The difference is, I stopped him before it could.”

Her brows furrowed slightly, voice calm but firm.

“It’s possible that having a superhero in a city influences the events that unfold there, but my final answer is this—it’s worth the risk to have a protector in the neighborhood. The best way to make the world a better place is for everyone to do their part, to step up, and to try. Even if it’s just a little, superpowers or not. That’s how things change… if that makes any sense.”

Aurora sighed softly, then smiled again.

“Intentions matter, and I intend to be as confident and capable as I can be—so I can properly serve these cities.”

Valerie smiled and nodded.

“Rest assured, a lot of people believe in you, Aurora. I hope my questions haven’t implied otherwise.”

She glanced down at her notes, her eyes briefly scanning over them before looking back up with a grin, her expression light but attentive.

“Alright, I think this next question is the one most on people’s minds. Of the supervillains you’ve fought, do you have a rival or an arch-villain yet? We only know about Ice Psycho—the moniker given to that cryokinetic kid—Blue Max, and Vulkraken, the giant, superheated, tentacle-headed monster… I didn’t mention Ice Psycho or Vulkraken earlier, given their apparent temporary statuses as villains.”

Aurora smiled.

“As you believe, Ice Psycho—as you term him—was never actually a villain to start with. Just a victim under the influence of things outside his control. I’d be surprised—and sad—if I ever met him again under bad circumstances. The same goes for, uh… a very creative name, by the way—Vulkraken.”

Aurora laughed.

“He was just a guy in deep shit.”

She shook her head slightly, recalling how the man had described his experience under the curse.

Everything smelled like ass.

She tilted her head slightly.

“Blue Max did swear vengeance, or something to that effect. He might think of himself as my first rival, but no offense to him, I don’t see it that way.”

Aurora laughed lightly, shaking her head.

“And one more thing about Vulkraken… hah… he’s not likely to ever reappear unless someone else gets cursed. They’d probably look the same but be a completely different person on the inside. Maybe it’d end up being someone who actually enjoys self immolation or the unique bouquet in there.”

She sighed, running a hand through her hair.

“So, no. Like I said earlier, I have no rivals—at least, not yet. In terms of working with other superheroes, I’ve met several and worked well with most everyone. And if we’re being frank, I hope it stays that way. I’m not naive enough to think it’ll never happen, but it would be nice if people could understand that all I want is to protect.”

Valerie nodded thoughtfully, finishing up her typing before looking up again.

“Okay, this is the last question that I have. Who’s the one person you would like to spend a day with—real or fictional—and why?”

Aurora grinned playfully, thinking it over.

“Oooooh… the toughest question so far.”

She leaned back slightly, folding her hands in front of her.

“There are a lot of things I could say in response, but most of those answers would be too personal and would probably compromise my secret identity.”

Her smile turned a little mischievous.

“Since I can’t be completely honest with my answer on that last question, I’ll have to decline answering this last one.”

She tilted her head, grinning.

“All I can say is that there are few people in my life right now that I’d love to spend a day with.” She pantomimed zipping her lips and throwing away the key.

Inwardly, she thought about Sarah and Mistral. She recalled her time with Asami and Akari in the Kitchen, but, more than anything, she missed Quinn.

It would be nice to see her, and sooner or later, but for that she’d have to fly far south.

She would just go, but she was just worried that something would happen in her absence if she did.

It had been two weeks since she’d seen Mistral, come to think of it. The ache to spend time with her never really went away.

Valerie watched her curiously, as if sensing she needed a moment of silence to consider things and didn’t didn’t press.

“Okay then,” Val said with a smile. “In that case, our interview is completed—unless there’s anything else you would like to say of your own volition. Is there any speech you’d like to add to wrap things up, or anything like that? Also… I’m a little surprised, actually, that they just gave you a bottle of champagne… and it’s the good stuff too.”

As they talked, the waiter approached, clearing his throat.

“Is there anything else Mesdames would like?” he asked with a slight bow.

Aurora stood gracefully and walked over to him.

“No, thank you, we’re content. This has been an absolutely wonderful evening.” She smiled gratefully and extended her hand for a handshake. The waiter hesitated by solemnly accepting her hand and she gave it a firm shake. 

“I appreciate the generosity and kindness of the Oceana Ballroom and its management to have hosted us tonight.” He nodded politely. “Please let us know if there’s anything else we can get you. There is no rush, unless you must go.”

With that, he stepped back, waiting at a respectful distance.

Valerie nodded thoughtfully.

“Well, I understand. Is this the first public appearance that you’ve made as… Aurora? This is off the record now. I’m referring to your heroic self. You’re only the second hero of any note from this area, and after the scandal with Blaze Falcon…”

Aurora considered the question, recalling the ‘scandal’ Valerie was referring to.

Blaze Falcon had been a small-time hero, quickly snatched up by the Sentinels’ program. He had claimed to be from Seaside City, outright disavowing any connection to San Isidro. But once it came out that he was actually from San Isidro, he had already rebranded himself as El Águila de Oro—The Golden Eagle. The San Isidro police force had not taken kindly to that, something that had been clear from the way they’d initially treated Aurora when she was first introduced to Kirby.

Valerie continued, her voice steady.

“…You, on the other hand, are admitting that you’re from the area and that you’re staying there. Plus, you’ve been very visible in terms of public perception, and there are still a few people who claim you’re from Seaside, even though the majority of your work is over in San Isidro.”

Aurora nodded, walking back toward Valerie.

“Yeah, this is the first place… the first social place I’ve been to, I suppose. I’m aware of El Águila’s scandal. I’ve never met him, but as you know, there’s a stigma attached to the people of San Isidro. Seaside is the ‘good’ side of the tracks, and San Isidro is the ‘bad’, as some say.

She sighed, tilting her head slightly.

“I’m not bothered by where I came from. If anything, I think it speaks well for me as a hero that I come from the place I try most to help. And to be perfectly frank, San Isidro needs me more than Seaside City does. Prestige, or whatever else might be here, doesn’t matter to me. The police in San Isidro were a little leery of me at first—understandably so, perhaps—but I think they’re coming to know and respect me. Being visible is a large part of being a paragon like Vanguard. He’s probably the most open and transparent hero there is. It’s harder to win the trust of others when you hide or appear to be dishonest. People start to doubt you. You get accused of being a ‘fair-weather hero’ or worse.”

She paused, smiling slightly.

“I don’t mind if people think of me as being from San Isidro. Being a good person is what matters most—not where you came from.”

Valerie thought about it for a moment, then nodded.

“I’d say that’s probably part of the problem for a heroine like Cheshire… the PR issue she has, that is. Her local media seems to hate her. I guess she doesn’t really have the opportunity to be as visible or transparent despite the good she’s done.”

She shrugged, taking another sip of champagne before smirking slightly.

“It’s a shame you can’t tell me about your special people,” she said slyly. “I have to say, I’m interested in how you treat them after the way you’ve treated me tonight. I bet you’re the sweet, romantic type.”

Aurora blushed, nearly choking on her drink.

“I may not have any enemies right now, but releasing information about people close to me is a good way to get them hurt or killed,” she said wryly, recovering quickly. “Was that one off the record too?”

She smirked slightly, arching an eyebrow.

Valerie chuckled, her expression playful.

“Of course.”

Then, with a curious tilt of her head, she added,

“I think you’re right about Cheshire’s problem. Are you a fan of hers?”

Aurora leaned forward slightly, intrigued.

Valerie considered the question, then shrugged.

“I think anyone who doesn’t dislike her enjoys her crime-fighting exploits.”

She set her glass down, stretching her fingers slightly.

“And yes, this last part has all been off the record. I want to reiterate that. The interview’s been over for a while as far as I’m concerned. I’m not recording anything you’re saying now, and it will remain between us unless you say otherwise.”

She lifted her notepad and pen from the table, slipping it into her clutch purse.

“I’m not going to pry,” she added flatly. “Especially after this surprisingly pleasant treatment, but if you do want to talk more, I’m always interested in hearing news or rumors. And there are things I can investigate that might be of interest to you. Speaking of which, any superhero rumors you want to share with me? I confess that I’m shamelessly interested in gossip.”

She giggled lightly, swirling the last of her champagne in her glass.

Aurora laughed with her.

“Not much here. I mostly know what everyone else knows. If it’s harmless, I might tell you something, though the privacy of my peers is a very important ideal to me.”

She leaned back slightly, crossing her legs as she glanced toward the sky.

“I can tell you this—off the record—this is the finest establishment I’ve ever been to in my whole life. I’m halfway worried my girlfriend might get jealous if she caught wind.” She blushed slightly, scratching her head.

“I’ll have to make it up to her and spend a night like this with her. We usually do alright without fancy champagne and ballrooms, but I have to say—I liked this more than I thought I would.”

She gestured to the terrace, taking in the ambiance.

“The music, the bubbly, the atmosphere.”

The violin and piano continued to play merrily in the background, the gentle sound drifting through the night air.

Aurora sighed softly, looking fondly at the moon again.

“The ambiance. I love all of it.”