He had never thought it would come to this. He had saved the people of this city from the mob boss, Ferguson, for over two years now and had never gotten close to a situation like the one he was in now.

He knew that Ferguson, that miserable oaf, wanted to know who he really was. Who hid behind the yellow mask and blue cape. Isn’t that what every villain truly wanted? Not to beat the superhero that hold up an entire building with just their left hand or fly so high that they were no longer visible to the naked eye. No, what they really wanted, or at least what Ferguson wanted, was to destroy his personal life. Find what hurt him and turn the whole city against him.

With his wife tied to a chair less then a foot away from him with explosives attached to almost every part of her where flesh showed, Ferguson finally found a way to get what he wanted. The mob boss made it clear enough, if he didn’t reveal his identity to the woman he loved and to the camera facing him that was currently broadcasting the the entire nation, he would press a button and there would suddenly be nothing left of his wife.

“Come on, now.” Ferguson smirked at him, and the hero was reminded of a cat that got the cream. “Let’s not keep them waiting.”

The hero closed his eyes and let his breathing steady before he looked at the camera and squared his shoulders. He had to do this. Long ago he had made the decision that when it came to protecting himself or others, he would always choose the latter.

He looked at his wife one last time. She had tears running down her face but she was watching him. Although she wasn’t aware of it, just her presence gave him courage.

Looking at the camera his lifted his hands to his mask, ever aware of the blinking red light that made it clear that it was on. When he pulled it off he looked over at his wife whose eyes were bulging as she looked at her husband. Beside surprise, he couldn’t tell what she was thinking. He didn’t dare look at Ferguson but instead decided to address the camera to get this all over.

“Hello, people of the nation. For the past several years you have known me as the hero, Sentry. I have made it my duty to show up when I was needed and I have never asked for your gratitude. The only thing I ask now is for your attention.

“Today, I have decided to reveal who is behind the mask. My name is Mark Hansen and I apologize for my deceit.” He stood looking at the camera until Ferguson strolled over and turned the camera off.

With a smile that was far too predatory, he tossed the remote for the explosives towards Mark and strode off with a small remark before he disappeared, “I’ll be seeing you, Mark.”

Placing the remote to the side he quickly made his way to his wife and untied her. After pulling the gag from her mouths he still didn’t say anything, she only continued to look him up and down as though she had never seen him before. Once there were no more bombs on her he pulled her into his arms and flew out of the open window that he came in from.

They were half way home when she finally spoke, “I understand why you had to keep the secret from everyone else, but why me? I thought we shared everything with each other.”

The hurt in her voice was evident. Mark swallowed the lump in his own throat and looked down at her. Her usual curly brown hair pressed to her face from sweat, her blue eyes were bloodshot and tears stained her cheeks.

“Elaine, I never wanted to keep this a secret from you. I only did it to keep you safe.” Was his response. While it was the truth he knew it wasn’t good enough.

“I have been in harms way at least three times this past year. I don’t think your little plan worked.” She said angrily.

“When we got married all I asked was for no lies and yet,” she gestured to the yellow costume he was still wearing.

“Ela-“ Mark started but was cut off.

“I need some time, Mark.”