Beast Woman looked on in awe at Blue Bird's sprawling manner. Even from the sky, she could tell it was an incredible structure. The surroundings were nothing but coats of green emerald trees and dense bushes with a beautiful grass hill encompassing the backdrop of the manor.
The driveway stretched for what seemed like half a mile, slithering and curving like a snake until it reached a massive front yard adorned with bird-shaped bushes and statues. A water fountain was at the center of the circular yard, spewing out water that gleamed like stars. The stone foundation of the yard had triangle-like patterns all pointing toward said fountain and each one had the imagery of a bird taking flight.
As Blue Bird drove the plane closer Beast Woman could make out the marble steps leading up to the front of the manor, splitting half way through until they rejoined at the top of the stairs.
Blue Bird clicked a series of buttons and switches on the plane's central computer. Suddenly, one of the triangle patterns beneath them split open. The screeching of stone against stone reached their ears until it halted with a thud.
Blue Bird carefully flew the plane through the massive opening while Beast Woman looked on in amazement.
Her eyes sparkled as she witnessed the incredible home Blue Bird and his father had. A sudden jolt of happiness and hope shot into her heart as she imagined the wonderful things she could accomplish if she had this level of wealth.
Rugged stone walls surrounded them as they descended into his Bird cave. From below a blinding blue light rose, feeding Beast Woman's wonder until they finally exited the stone hole and came into view of the cave.
Blue lights were drilled into the crevices of the gargantuan cave, illuminating the metal platforms that weaved in and out of the walls like spider webs. Beneath them was a pit with a scarcely visible bottom. As they descended the metal platforms Beast Woman saw Blue Bird's vast collection of weaponry, computers, fighting grounds, baths, and so much more. It was a bunker built for end-of-the-world scenarios.
The plane emitted a smooth sound like a generator constantly operating until it finally reached the bottom, sticking the landing with a clank. The glass shell popped open and Beast Woman was greeted with the wonderful scent of berries and shrubs.
"How does it smell like this in here?" She asked, unable to stop looking around Blue Bird's nest.
"Built-in freshening system, you like it? I can change the smell if you…" Blue Bird saw curiosity guide her eyes. A soft smile was plastered on her lips as she darted from cases filled with different versions of his suit to cases filled with birdrangs.
He didn't quite get the amusement of watching all his old designs but he didn't question it. In truth, Beast Woman didn't care either. To her, it was an experience she could never imagine.
"You look like a little girl at DisneyLand for the first time," he teased, watching her marvelously.
"Huh? I do?" she chuckled, "I've never been so, yeah, sorry," She said, her eyes now fixed on the massive computer screen behind Blue Bird.
Three screens filled the stone wall behind him, the largest was in the middle and two more were on either side. A compact control panel sat just beneath the screen in the middle. Blue Bird clocked his head back, gesturing for her to come close.
"You never been?" He asked, mustering the courage to offer her a trip there. "I could take you if you'd like."
Beast Woman's steps bounced throughout the cave as she approached him. She giggled, lifting her hand over her mouth and tilting her head ever so slightly, all things he noticed.
"After we catch this guy," she said, lifting his hood off his head. She tousled his hair, letting the soft silky strand caress her fingers.
"Ok." Blue Bird said, grabbing her hand and walking her over to the control panel.
"I'd offer you a seat but uh, I only built this station for one person so."
"Guess you didn't plan for everything, huh?" She mocked leaning on the empty gaps of the control panel.
"I'll improve it for next time. Camera?" Blue Bird asked, extending his hand toward her.
Beast Woman placed the zip lock bag in his hand. He took the camera out and removed the memory card. Blue Bird pushed down on a plate in front of him and a rectangular device slid out with multiple holes to insert the chip.
With it, Blue Bird worked his fingers, dancing around each key and button until the footage was displayed on the large screen before them. The other screens displayed the info on the camera, specs, camera details, etc. Beast Woman didn't quite understand them. Still, she noted one of the screens was set to facial recognition and voice scanning that cross-referenced a government data bank of citizens all over the country.
Beast Woman was impressed with it all and couldn't help but wonder how he got his hands on such valuable databases, "How did you get that?"
"I'm smart as fuuck. A bit of poking around here and there and boom! Ready to watch the video?"
Beast Woman nodded and together they watched. As the video played, Blue Bird got to work. He couldn't scan the bodyguard's faces, but he did get the leader's identity, Mark Fenton. A criminal record popped up on a little window.
Murder, Burglary, homicide, and a list of other horrible crimes unfolded. He didn't bother scanning the victim's face as they already knew who he was. Blue Bird and Beast Woman watched as Mask executed his sloppy work and then executed the two Marks. Nothing was left and Beast Woman averted her eyes in shame. Blue Bird didn't.
"That tech he's using isn't from any known technology company, but look at his staff."
Blue Bird zoomed into it, clearing up the footage's poor quality.
"Urathium. So our suspect is rich? Could he have stolen it from somewhere?" Beast Woman noted crossing her arms.
"I'm betting on rich. At least we know we only have to look through a percentage of the population"
"Yeah, that helps a lot." She said sarcastically.
"Better than what anyone else has."
"Speaking of which," she said, spinning his chair towards her, "How about you check on the other heroes? The mayor's son just died so I'm sure everyone else is on the case"
"What do you mean, 'I'? Aren't we solving this together?"
"We are," she smiled, "But I'm gonna go ask the mayor questions about his son. I wanna see if he tells me anything about what his son was up to before he got kidnapped"
"Smart," he told her, standing from his chair. "I'll see you later then?"
"Sure," she told him, patting the hard metal plate on his shoulder. "Hide the footage."
Beast Woman began walking away from him. Blue Bird turned to look at the footage and then back towards her. It's been a year now since they met at a bank robbery.
Both showed up around the same time of the incident and together they took out a large group of gunmen before teaming up against Shell Shocker. It was a struggle but together they managed to apprehend the villain.
He remembered the second time they ran into each other, it was a cold night with little to no stars visible in the sky. Bright lights erected from the streets below as the duo sat jaded on the ledge of the U.S. Bank Tower. Crime was sparse that night, leaving the two of them to bond over film and music.
The view from the top of the tower was magnificent. Like a sea of bright yellow lights flowing in and out of twists and turns all to congregate in a beautiful stream.
Beast Woman rested her head on his shoulder and rambled on and on about things she liked. He couldn't remember everything she said, much to his displeasure, but he remembered the important parts. He remembered the weight of her head on his shoulder. How her eyes followed the traffic. How her hair drifted down her back. It was longer then, more beautiful.
She loved ice cream. Her favorite food was coconut shrimp. Her favorite drink is apple juice. The feeling he felt back then crept up to him again. When he looked at her his heart fluttered with desire. It ached. Sitting on the ledge he wanted to grab her by her arms and kiss her. He wondered how her lips would have felt. Soft? Moist? How would her skin feel pressed up against his? All thoughts he wishes he had an answer to.
Blue Bird turned to face his computer, racking his brain with both his fists repeatedly. God Damn it, Henry, he told himself, You can flirt with any woman you want but can't ask her out on a date?
"Blue Bird," Beast woman called out from behind. Blue Bird snapped straight wondering if he'd spoken out loud. He abhorred turning to face her.
Beast Woman pointed to the top of the cave, "I don't exactly feel like climbing all that, please say you have an elevator or something."
Blue Bird giggled, "Yea, five actually right over-"
"Well hello there," Henry's father spoke, walking past the glass doors of the elevator. They slid and closed with a whoosh and a click. He was unchanged since the morning. Beard still gruff and dirty. Clothes still stained, though with a few new entries.
He grabbed her hand and bowed"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Beast Woman,"
"Roy Stone…" She uttered, eyes and mouth gaping wide. "Wait, how are you two in the… what the hell…"
"Aha," Roy laughed with a hand over his head, tilting his body back, "Well you see, he's my-"
Blue Bird's yell echoed through the cave. He ran up to them, hands stretch out in a frenzy, "Ok, ok buddy you need to uh, you need to go,"
"What? You're kicking me out? I helped build this place. You ought to be more grateful."
"Wait, I'm so lost, what's going on?"
"Well, you see, Beast Woman,"
"DUDE! TO. MUCH!"
"What?" Roy shrugged as his son began pulling him away, "Nothing wrong with her knowing you're my son," He whispered to him as they made it inches away from the elevator.
"Yea, uh, Hero 101, SECRET IDENTITIES!"
Beast Woman was left standing, observing the banter between the world-famous scientist and her friend.
"Just get in the elevator Dad," Blue Bird Hissed.
Roy sighed. He shook his head and crawled into the elevator. Blue Bird felt at ease finally, but his dad was an interesting man. Unpredictable. Just as the elevator doors were about to swoosh close he yelled, "He's my son!" Click.
Blue Bird snapped his head, mouth wide open behind his mask.
Beast woman blocked her gaping mouth with her hands, darting between father and son. "Wait, if he's your father, then that means you're… HENRY STONE!"
"Oh, fuck me," he said slapping his head, "Yea, you weren't supposed to know that yet."
"Oh my God, It all makes sense now!" She yelped, bouncing toward him.
"That's so cool, Henry!"
"Oh wow, you adjusted quickly," He mumbled, still annoyed at his father. Blue Bird knew he must have been laughing to himself right now.
"You know, if I knew today was gonna be this interesting, I would have gotten up with a bit more step this morning."
Blue Bird briefly turned away, recollecting himself, "So uh, who are you?"
Beast Woman's body froze at the sudden drop of the question. It hadn't occurred to her that as a courtesy she too would have to share her identity.
"Oh well, I'm a nobody so you won't know who I am exactly,"
"I don't care. I want to know."
They held a gaze, both anxious but for totally different reasons. Beast Woman had never shown anyone her true identity, only two people knew of it and now it was about to be three.
Blue Bird, however, was nervous. He always wondered what she looked like beneath her mask. He could already see most of her face but he never quite got the whole image. It was a wonder to him, something he yearned to know about. He could figure it out himself if he wanted. He already knew who Tempest and All-Star Blue were. But something in him held him back from researching her, like a rope tied strongly around his heart.
Mustering up the courage, Beast Woman removed the black mask from her face saying, "Tada! What do you think?"
Blue Bird reached for her pink cheeks. They were round and soft like butter. Her face came together like a beautiful art piece worked on for a decade. Out there, when they worked together, she seemed ferocious. Like a tiger. But now that he has a clear look at her true self, he thought her cat. A mischievous one at that.
Blue Bird removed his mask. His chin was soft and his jaw sharp. His cheekbones were hard like stone but they came together strangely. Soft. Beast Woman looked at him like a curious cat. Unknowingly, her hand was already caressing his face. Henry pressed his cheek onto her hand and for a moment they lingered.
Whoosh, "So what y'all doing?" Roy said, leaning against the elevator doors.
They both pulled away swiftly. "DAD! Holy SHIT!"
"Wow, that's a foul mouth. I'm your father boy."
"Yea I know, sorry, but come on…"
Beast Woman slapped her mask back on, cheeks red and heart fluttering.
"Come now, you guys have a job to do and fonduing isn't gonna help with that."
Blue Bird struggled chaining down the surge of anger that burst from his belly. "DAD! In a minute!"
"Meet you upstairs," Roy laughed.
Blue Bird turned back to his friend. Her eyes, squinted and filled with amusement, followed the elevator as it flew up. "Funny man, your father. I guess I now know where you get it from. Where you get everything from."
"Yea," he nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. His eyes trailed off as did his mind. still lingering on a single thought, "You never told me your name."
"Emma Fires"
"You have a pretty name, Emma," Blue Bird smiled. His teeth were white as marble and his lips stretched like an adorable little puppy looking for a belly rub. Emma couldn't help but smile back.
"Thank you," her voice chirped like a symphony of Meadowlarks swirling around him.
Together the duo entered the elevator, teasing and joking with one another about the discovery of their identities.
The elevator didn't stop at the top of the front yard like Beast Woman thought it would, but rather a tunnel stretching a few dozen yards. The tunnel was carefully chiseled like a Greek statue, smoother than the rest of the cave Blue Bird works in. It was Beast Woman's signal that they were heading toward his manner, and right she was.
The duo stepped on a glowing round pad on the floor. After two seconds, it lifted them up a small tunnel. Just before their heads collided with the metal ceiling, it parted, introducing Beast Woman to an empty storage room made of simple white wallpaper.
"Welcome to Jurassic Park."
"Shut up," she laughed as he pushed open the door to a world unknown to her.
Light poured into her eyes. The ceiling soared high above her, easily two or three times her height. The walls were of ancient Roman decor, beautiful marble walls framed with smooth wooden trim stretched around the house. Chandeliers hanging on the ceiling painted the house in a golden brown haze while the tinted windows morphed the outside light to match the hazel appearance of the home.
The furniture was of smoothed oak wood, each with intricate flower designs. The red carpet floor felt as if she were walking down a runway with the eyes of an unseen audience trailing her, begging for her attention. Time felt ancient and endless as they walked down the never-ending hallway.
Her words were caught in aw letting only a small gasp escape her lips.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"Before you go, I wanna give you something. I think it'll be useful to you in case you run into trouble."
Blue Bird pushed open yet another door, one far larger than the one before. Beast Woman followed him inside, watching as they entered a large laboratory. Sizzling and bubbling echoed through the robotic walls of the lab. White smoke drifted out from the small holes in the glass bottles while all sorts of chemicals flew in and out of different tubes and stations.
A calming blue light shone at the four tables at the center of the room. Robotic arms and AI supercomputers were dim and quiet except for a subtle hum. A faint scent of ash quietly loomed in the air as Blue Bird walked her toward the back of the lab.
Two small closet doors accompanied by a dim white light lurked in the back. From it, Blue Bird revealed a brand new suit for her.
"Tada, what do you think?"
The suit was still skin-tight leather, though with a few notable upgrades. Urathium plating coated her legs and forearms. The steel was painted a slick black to match the Urathium claw extensions and the tip of the suit's gloves. A utility belt was snatched around the suit's waist, presumably filled with explosives, gas bombs, and other items. At the wrist were strange ring-like objects embedded with glass that gave off a faint blue glow of energy she's yet to understand.
"It's nice," She fainted a smile.
"Just nice?" He asked, a hint of disappointment slipping in his voice.
"Well, I don't wanna receive donations, you know?"
Blue Bird was taken aback. Charity work was the last impression he wanted to give off.
"I didn't mean for it to come off that way, I'm sorry."
"What? no," she corrected, "That isn't what I meant. Look, I just… don't want… damn, I don't know how to say this."
"Say what?"
"I would rather get stuff on my own account. I'll take it if I do you a favor that earns me this suit. But for now, I'm good."
Blue Bird nodded. He still wondered what was so hard about taking a gift from a friend, but he didn't protest. Her reasoning is enough. "Ok, but we've been working together for quite some time now, so can you at least take these?" he asked as he unclipped the ring bracelets off the suit.
"Henry…"
"Please? I worked hard on it, plus you're servicing me right now, right? You're gonna talk to the mayor."
Beast Woman shook her head in defeat, taking the bracelets, "What are they?"
"Pulse blasters. Think of them as a super strong push."
"'Super strong push' brilliant," she chuckled.
She slapped the rings on her wrists and examined them. Blue Bird looked on hoping for a positive reaction, instead, something else came to him.
Blue Bird's earpiece began ringing as a faint familiar voice tried breaking through the static. Gunshots sounded off and found their way into Blue Bird's ears, terrorizing him.
"HENRY!" A voice cried out in his ear. His father.
Beast Woman and Blue Bird looked at each other, eyes wide and mouths opened. Blue Bird pulled his mask over his jaw and slapped his hood over his head as the two bolted out of the room and into the long hallway of the manor.
His fingers twitched into a ball, and sweat dripped from his scalp as the hairs in his arms stood firm as needles. His breathing ran ahead of him fast and uncontrolled- as Beast Woman did, running just ahead of him. Their legs kicked themselves off the carpeted ground with blinding speeds, like predators, Blue Bird, a bird of prey swooping down, and Beast Woman, a fox chasing a rabbit down a small hill of thorns and bushes.
The two made a sharp turn, following the dark echoes of gunshots and the cutting of air as bullets flew across the house.
Everything was too fast. Too sudden for Blue Bird to wrap his head around.
Then an explosion.
Fire and heat ate away at him. A loud boom burst in his ears as a wave with the force of Tempest himself forced both him and Best Woman to go flying like rag dolls. It was hot, his suit barely protecting him from the blast and scorching heat.
It was far too strong, too big, fear chewed away at him, and soon his safety became the least of his priorities. His father, what became of him? And Beast Woman, her suit was only leather, the fire would cook her alive if not then the blast would tear her to shreds first. His vision began fading. His body began to fail him. His mind was slipping. Everything was slipping. He fought hard to move, to get up, but soon he too faded. The ringing stopped. The scent of powder and ash dissipated into the air until all that was left was the deadening sound of silence.