Love is a risky business
After sending the annoying Judge French away Rebecca and her guests got back to their evening. They played a few hands of rummy which was about the only card game Rebecca was skilled at. Warren was slightly better at games like poker or blackjack. Barb didn't fair too well in any card game. So everyone was about even.
"That's rummy!" Rebecca exclaimed happily as she set down a diamond royal flush wining the game.
Warren and Barb both looked slightly upset but it quickly vanished as it had come. Warren snatched up the cards and slipped a rubber band around them. Then he slid them back into the rowan coffee table.
"That was an excellent game indeed, Becky. Lady Luck loved you tonight that much is for sure!"
Rebecca blushed slightly and smiled. "Yes, it was an enjoyable evening. However, I think it's time to call it a night. It's almost 11:30 and we all need our beauty sleep. So how are we doing this? I've only got one guest room. So where you gonna sleep, Warren?"
"I totally don't mind sleeping on the couch. Just give me a big fluffy pillow and a warm blanket. I can fall asleep anywhere and on anything. Besides your mom needs that big comfy bed more then I do."
"Well, if you're sure, Warren. I don't want to give you any problems."
"Darling, if he said he's cool with the couch it's alright. I need to get some sleep myself," Barb said with a yawn. Rubbing her tired blue eyes everyone knew it was time to sleep. So everyone went to their own place to sleep. Soon everyone was dreaming happy thoughts as Rebecca's birds sang them to see with their lovely lullabies
Rebecca was having a slightly harder time falling snoozing. She knew she ought to be out on patrol, yet she didn't want to ditch Warren while he was visiting. Therefore she hoped just for one night things would be alright with her. She knew all too well what her mom's former mentor, the original Batman, Bruce Wayne, always claimed one night always made the difference. Nevertheless even Terry and Terra got the occasional night off. So why shouldn't she? Hell, she bet even Superman took a night off once and awhile!
With that ending the war within her she finally fell asleep. Her dreams however were anything but peaceful. In her mind the intensity of the dreams were so realistic and harsh that she couldn't even tell she was dreaming till she woke up drenched in a cold sweat.
Breathing hard she tried to recall why the dreams had been so harsh along with bloodcurdling. The first part of the dream she finally recalled was that of her grandfather. It was one of the few memories she had of him. It had been her fourth birthday and he'd gotten her a very special gift, one she had never gotten rid of even now. Like her mom's teddy bear he'd given her own. What made it special was he'd actually made himself and had dressed in a judge's robe. She'd named the teddy bear Lady Justice and never could fall asleep without the bear, which she in fact was clutching in her right arm at the moment.
Looking at the teddy bear she hugged it close. Even though she was twenty-seven years old nothing comforted her more then this teddy. It calmed her down enough to recount what the terrifying component of the dream had been.
It had been the gunshot she'd heard as she'd been in his lap. That of course hadn't happened in real life; nevertheless she had and always would until the end of time hated guns. Rebecca didn't approve of guns at all, which is one the reasons she used green tech to battle as Sparrow Hawk. Like with Bruce she knew guns were deadly to even those who wield them. Her biggest fear she had had since childhood was that someone in her family would be shot with a gun. Either by some crazy lawbreaker or even worse by their own hand in an accidentally manner. Another reason she had her mom lock up her gun in a safe lockbox. She wasn't taking the chance of anyone getting shot since bullets hurt everyone.
Hugging the teddy bear tightly she thought more of what her dreams were trying to tell her. There'd been some dark figures in the background. Could that possibly be a new enemy she had to fight as Sparrow Hawk? Or was she just making a big deal out of nothing? Crime at the moment was at a bit of a low point, and it really seemed the only guy grinding her nerves raw was Darien French. But what could he possibly do that was dangerous? He'd just have to take the hint sooner or later that she wasn't into him, even if she had to get slightly violent with him.
"I've got to stop going on like this. I'll drive myself crazy if I stop to analyze every single dream I've ever had. Mom thinks I'm in danger because of a dream! Things are just normal! I just need some hot chocolate and I'll be back to sleep in no time," she muttered quietly as she got out of her big comfy queen sized bed. Going to the kitchen she got a pitcher of hot chocolate from the fridge and poured herself a glass.
She sighed in heavenly bliss as she drank the delicious along with tantalizing drink. Kendra would get a special treat for making this. Rebecca wasn't a coffee drinker unlike most adults. Coffee just made her sick and caused vomiting just from the smell alone. So she wasn't about to have it in her house. She preferred this over that nasty stuff any day.
As she went back to her bedroom she saw that Warren was asleep on her couch. He looked alright and he didn't seem to be in any discomforted. Still she wished she had had a second guest room. Creeping silently across the vast living room she gently kissed Warren's forehead and smiled. Then she went back to bed and soon returned to happy dreams.
Under normal circumstances Rebecca was very much an early bird. Every now and then being up before even the sun even graced the heavens. Even hero duty didn't seem to stop her internal clock. However, she slept way late that day. Not getting up till 8:00! Yawning she then turned and looked out her bedroom window at the warm sunlight bathing in her lilac room.
"Wow! I really slept in! Wow! Better get dressed before Warren comes in, I so don't want him to see me in my pajamas!" Making sure the door was locked she took a quick shower and got dressed. She then went to the kitchen were her mom and Warren were already eating breakfast.
"Hey, honey. How are you doing today? Did you sleep okay?" inquired her mom sweetly as she slid her serving dish full of breakfast food. There were eggs, sausages, toast, pancakes, and muffins with fresh orange juice. It was extraordinarily flavorsome.
"You're a good cook, Mom. Even though it's not as goods as Warren's meal last night was, I'm afraid. That was a work of culinary art masterpiece. Still it's nice to know you at least know how to make a delicious breakfast."
"Thanks, sweetheart," Barb replied as she took a bite of her own toast. Wiping her lips she gazed back in her daughter's eyes and kindly asked her "Now how did you sleep last night?"
"Other then a single nightmare I'm fine."
"You had a nightmare, Becky? I'm sorry to hear that. Do you remember what it was about?"
"Just normal fears and it's just a dream. You can't always assume that a dream means something. Every now and then it's just random thoughts bouncing around like marbles in your mind. Therefore you really shouldn't worry too much about me, Warren. I'll be fine! So what's the game plan for today?"
"Whatever you want us to do today. I'm open to any suggestions, Becky!"
"Well, Warren, I don't want too not included my Mom. It's her visit too see me as well. And I don't want anyone to feel neglected at all."
"Well, honey, we did spend a lot of time together yesterday. So I don't mind if you and Warren would just like to hang out today. I just want you to be happy and safe. So if you wish to spend the day with Warren by yourself that fine by me. I don't mind being on my own for a couple of hours. Really it's alright, sweetheart."
Rebecca looked at her mom with an uneasy expression. It wasn't that she didn't mind that her mom said it was alright for her to go out today with Warren. Still it wasn't everyday her mom came all the way from Gotham to see her in her own city. This was an extremely rare visit. Rebecca gazed into her mom's blue eyes, the same ones she'd inherited.
It had for ever and a day made her extremely elated to know she was best put "Her Mother's Daughter" It went far beyond looking like a black skinned version of her. There was just so much more too it. Just how much she was like her mom had always made her proud in addition to happy. Nowadays these feelings had become more prominent and wanting her mother to be proud of her for her own mission. She wanted to make her mom, the former Batgirl, to be proud and happy that she had taken up the mantel of a hero, by being Sparrow Hawk. She desperately really wanted to live up to her mom's reputation, and make her proud. Which she secretly felt at times her mom wasn't happy that she did moonlighting hero work.
"You sure you'll be alright, just sticking around the penthouse today by yourself, Mom? I mean you came all the way from Gotham just to see me. And I do want to spend time with both of you very much. It's not everyday people come to see me and I just want to make everyone happy."
"Don't be concerned, Rebecca. I'll be all right. I may be not being getting any younger; nevertheless, I'm still kicking a lot of ass. I'm not that decrepit or frail yet. So you two go have some fun and I'll just hang out here. Alright?"
"Alright, if you're sure! C'mon, Warren. There's this new boutique that sells green clothing I've wanted to check out for awhile. We could definitely find you some new shirts and jeans there! C'mon!"
"Uh, Becky? Green ain't my color you know. I'm more in love with such colors like red and black. It looks best on me."
"Green clothing isn't green literally, Warren. It just means it's recycled and eco-friendly fabrics. I mean this is Eco-City and everything is green one way or another in this city. So let's get going!" she exclaimed excitedly as she snatched her keys and blew her mom a kiss.
"Have fun, darling. I'll be awaiting your return. Is there anything you need me to do whilst you're out today?"
"Just have fun here, Mom, or call Kendra and she'll take care of you. Nevertheless we've got to get going or we'll miss the grand opening of Ivy's Boutique! Come on! I want some new skirts!" and with a holler and a whoop Rebecca and Warren were out the door.
The drive too the new store in the mall was very pleasant. Mainly by the fact that Warren was very impressed with Rebecca's hover Porsche. It was so super cool and very fast.
"How does a judge afford a car like this? I mean even I don't own a car this good," he remarked impressively as he leaned back and got a massage from his seat. She smiled happily and turned down the radio.
"I'm glad you like my Porsche, Warren. I need to take in for a tune-up soon actually. But yes, I know it's a very impressive car. It wasn't unproblematic to acquire, in fact it was actually more of a gift to me when I first moved here."
"Really? This amazing car was a gift to you? From whom exactly might I ask? Care to elaborate on that score?"
"When I first took the job of being a judge in Eco-City the founders of this city, Mr. Colin and his wife Lacey Planet, were dealing with a lot of unexpected issues. They might have lost everything if I hadn't helped them out. In view of the fact, that I've done so much for this city, they pretty much designed and built this super car for me as a thank you. A little kindness goes a long way. So what do you drive? Not that a normal gas car would be welcomed here. Only eco-friendly transportations are allowed in this city. So if you drive a gas guzzler I'm sorry but it wouldn't be allowed."
Warren just laughed with glee and smiled at her. "I don't really drive a car too much. I'm more of a public transport person. Though I do own a moped and it's green since it runs on electricity. So yeah I do my part to help the Earth we live on."
"That's good to know. Ah! Here we are! C'mon! I'm totally buying you a new outfit." As the pair got out of the car and dashed into the green boutique unaware that they're being spied on.
At the same time as Rebecca and Warren began to shop the mysterious Ven was keeping close watch on them. He could see plainly for himself that the female was extremely attractive to the eye, furthermore that with her brain power she was obviously exceedingly desirable. He in addition saw for himself that she seemed to be incredibly cheerful with this gentleman she was with. He knew his employer wanted that man dead and that he really wanted the woman for himself. Snapping a few pictures with his golden Rolex wristwatch he disappeared around a rack of wearable art fashion that had been inspired by graffiti.
Ven ducked away just in time as the young redhead pulled out a vivid lavender and gold outfit from the wearable artwork rack. Holding it up against her body she then gazed at her almost boyfriend. He actually seemed to be take pleasure in the store and she hope he buy at least one outfit. After all, in view of the fact, that this was the grand opening of this particular boutique, it meant that every sale in this store went to charity to help both mankind and the earth itself. Therefore he had to buy at least a t-shirt if he wanted to contribute to the cause.
"So, what do you think, Warren?" she asked as she held up the outfit. "Should I buy this short dress, or should I just buy a new blouse to go with that short skirt my mom bought for my birthday? And are you even gonna try on a single outfit?"
"Personally, Becky? If you want my honest opinion I think you ought to just buy a new blouse. You've already got an outfit for the awards dinner. So I say a more casual top would be good for your off days. And I would like to try some of this wearable artwork myself."
"Alright, if that settle the matter let's go look. You say red is your color? Then how about this?" holding out a brilliant crimson shirt with just a touch of gold here and there. "I think it would go great with your body type, Warren. Did you know this store has a whole section dedicated to the challenge show on that old show, "Project Runway"? It's at the back of the store. So let's see if we can find something to wear from that part of the store."
They spent two and half hours at the boutique and finally left each with a brand new shirt and for Rebecca she also got some nice sweaters for her parents. Laughing gaily and skipping happily the young couple went to the bagel shop for some lunch. Both of them order turkey sandwich bagels and just laughed.
"You seem to really be enjoying my city, Warren. I really hope all this green and bright light along with fresh air isn't too overwhelming for a dark city full of pollution person such as you."
"It's a beautiful city, Becky. I find it very warm and loving. It nice change of pace then the fast pace and darkness. Here the life is slower and the people are much friendlier. What's more you barely have crime here, and yet your city still has good law enforcement and then there's Sparrow Hawk. She's one feisty and cool dame in my opinion."
"You know, Warren," she started to say but stop herself. Instead she started to fiddle with her napkin and not want to finish her train of thought. He looked at her curiously and eagerly hoping she would finish her sentence but she didn't.
"Is there something bugging you, Becky? You can tell me anything, you know. I mean I came all the way from Gotham City just to spend time with you. So care to tell me what's on your mind?"
Taking a deep breathe she started to speak then an undesirable sound was heard that shattered any chance at finishing their conversation. Outside the bagel shop was the sound of barrage of bullets. And it was a sound that ran as cold as the winter woods in Rebecca's veins. She glanced outside to see what the commotion was and just heard the rapid gunfire. Thankfully Warren was distracted enough that she managed to slip out of sight. Punching a button on her watch she signaled for her glider. Locking the woman's restroom she slipped into her costume and out the window. Her ride was waiting for her and she then flew to the gunfight.
People were screaming in terror and were doing their best to hide from three shooters. She quickly observed that the criminals endangering her city weren't a gang she knew. For one thing they didn't look they're from around these parts. Maybe South American from their skin tones, although she knew no South American citizens resided in the city at the current time. They had guns she'd never seen before either. Still she knew she had to stop them.
Pressing some buttons she unleashed a barrage of energy spheres at them. Luckily this knocked their guns out of their hands. Before they'd even realize what was going on she fired more energy spheres to destroy them. She then leapt off her glider and K.O. one of the men.
"Take that you douchebag! I won't have you or anyone else shed more blood and taints our fertile and natural soil! So do you want to dance the sweet tango of battle with me? Or should we just skip straight too the part where you go to jail? Guns ain't allowed in this city!"
One of the still standing men took off his dark shades and smiled at her wickedly. "So this is the mighty Sparrow Hawk? The protector of Eco-City? Well I'm glad to make your acquaintance. It will be so nice to kill you now that we've at least said hello."
Sparrow Hawk smiled and gave a laugh which surprised the man she was facing. "What's so funny, lady? I hardly think a woman is gonna beat me in a fist fight. Where I'm from if you don't learn to fight by the age of three you're dead. So I don't see how you a delicate flower gonna kick my ass."
"That doesn't mean bull to me, sir. Just because you may've a degree in something still doesn't make you an expert. I mean just for example a person can study medicine, doesn't mean they'll be a good physician. Furthermore an oversized ego and a lot of arrogances is one thing that makes a hell of a lot of difference. And just so you know just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I'm helpless! It's the year 2040 for crying out loud! So now drop your gun and let's do this sportsman like. Just skill against skill, or are you afraid to lose to a girl?"
Ven glared at the masked woman with a bit of anger. No-one called him a coward or insulted him without being punished. So he threw his handgun away and then got ready to fight. However, before he could even throw his first punch Sparrow Hawk did a flip and kicked him hard in the back of his head. He didn't even have time recover as she broke his stance and flung him over her shoulder.
He didn't like that at all and tried to get back up and landed a blow on her. Nevertheless whoever this wild dame was she wasn't lying when she said she knew how to fight and battle with the big boys. The bystanders watched in terror as she and he went another round. He threw a right hook but she her agility was very pronounced as she did a number of backflips.
"You tired yet? I'm goin' easy on you. Or you too afraid to strike a lady?" she teased him. Despite the fact that Sparrow Hawk was teasing she still wasn't getting to cocky. She was prepared for him to fight dirty and she was hoping that no-one else got hurt. She could see young children hiding near their mommies and she wasn't about to have a child's death on her conscience.
"Well, I'll do something I don't do often, Sparrow Hawk," Ven said as he just missed hitting her in her left breast. Sparrow Hawk dodged quickly but he did manage to hit her in her shoulder by his wild punch. She winced in pain for a moment, nearly loosing her balance in the process. However, she quickly recovered and readied a solar energy rope as she neared him.
"What's that? And what the hell is your name by the way?"
"Well, my ravishing young lady, I'll admit I've never faced a woman in battle who was an equal to me. And as for my name? I'll think I'll tell you that at a later time. Now if you don't mind I've got to get out of here for awhile."
"Listen here, pal. You're not leaving unless it's in handcuffs! Therefore I think you better just let me tie you up. I'm in no doubt if you surrender willingly they'll go easy on you in court," she stated as she got ready to release her energy whip.
"You won't catch me till it's too late I'm afraid. You can have my comrades if you desire someone. But we shall meet again!" he laughed dramatically at the same time as she let lose her rope. However, at the precise moment she let loose her rope her culprit disappeared in a dark green haze. So her rope just napped nothing but air.
"Damn it!" she cursed under her breath when the smoke cleared. Still she used her rope quickly to tie up the remaining thugs. Once that was done she made sure everyone else was okay and that the guns were destroyed. Feeling satisfied that she had at least caught some of the bad guys she waited only long enough till the police arrived. Once they'd showed up she was able to slip away inconspicuously and get back to Warren.
"Warren! Warren! Are you alright? I was so scared when those men started to fire their guns! You okay?" she exclaimed as she ran into his arms.
"I'm fine, Becky. It's a good thing Sparrow Hawk showed up or many of these people would've been hurt or even killed. They cops actually seem happy that they've got a hero watching over them. Kinda like how your grandfather was friends with the original Batman. It's nice to know this place has a guardian angel watching over them."
Rebecca blushed for a quick second and looked away so he wouldn't see it. She was proud in the fact that Warren admired her and her alter ego. And that he also said the police seemed comfortable with her fighting crime in their city like how he grandfather Jim Gordon had worked with Bruce. It was a very special though unintended compliment.
Rebecca then gazed at the leader of the police. One other thing she liked about Eco-City it was not just a perfect balances between man and nature. It was also full of strong and powerful women. Men didn't run the city nearly as much as the women did. So of course the chief of police was a woman.
"Hey! Lena! Lena! You okay today?" she called out to the beautiful young woman in the teal and lavender uniform. The Asian woman head snapped around till she found the source of the voice.
"Rebecca! How are you doing? Don't tell me you were part of the victims today! If you had been killed I wouldn't have one of my best friends to go out to Sunday's brunch!" called the long haired beauty. She and Rebecca hugged tightly and smiled at each other.
"Oh, Lena it was scary. I and Warren here were just enjoying a meal when the gunfire started. I was so scared, I mean didn't we just pass stricter gun laws? That no-one is supposed to even have them to begin with?"
"I know, Rebecca. I mean I just issued the rest of my officers their new green in addition to safe machinery, the latest creations from Eco-Inc. I don't want anyone to shoot a bullet in our city. It wouldn't be good at all. Inventing armaments is one of the major things I wish we could uninvent them!" Lena replied agitatedly and then noticed Warren.
Warren was completely baffled as to who this woman was. Rebecca realized quickly she should introduce them.
"Warren, I'd like you to meet Chief of the Eco-City Police Force, Lena Kohaku. She's one of my closes friends. I'm the best judge in the city and she's the best cop in the city. We get together with Kendra to have fun sometimes."
"Nice to meet you, Lena. My, you look like you're a water nymph or something with how beautiful you are."
Lena merely laughed at the compliment happily. "Thanks, for the kind words, Warren. But I'm engaged already. Me and my fiancé Seth Knight are quite happy and can't wait to get married in March. So yeah I'm taken!"
"Well, I'm taken too. Becky and I are involved at the moment. But I always try to give one compliment a day. It's my good deed for the day. So I hope you and the rest of your men can put an end to these maniacs rampage!"
"I'm going to my damm best to do that, Warren. Rebecca?"
"Yes, Lena?"
"You still owe me lunch, and I'll do my best to bring these people to you so you can judge them properly. And you still gonna marry me right?"
"Of course I will, Lena. And yes I promise to take you and Kendra out for lunch sometime soon."
"Great. I hope Sparrow Hawk stops by the station as well. I want her input on these thugs. Well, see you guys later! Ciao!" Lena whistled loudly and the rest of the cops fell in line and left to return to their station.
"Come on, we need to get back to your penthouse and talk to your mom, Becky."
"Yes, and let's hope no-one else gets put in danger by those jackasses!" with that the pair left in Rebecca's Porsche and hoped that not everyday wasn't gonna be like this while they're visiting.
