"This is worth it. This is worth it," Tigress cringed, reiterating to herself, slightly frowning staring down the dark, open manhole.
She did her best not to gag at the horrendous and revolting fumes rising out. It was almost enough for her to reconsider doing this. But, she's felt worse, and her desire was stronger. Swallowing a gulp of fresh air, savoring a bit of it, checked around, making sure no one was around and jumped in.
SPLOSH!
She landed in the dirty river and was grateful her costume was water-resistance; otherwise, she'd scream. It didn't stop her from feeling the sludgy current wash between her legs, ignoring that she reached behind her and gripped the flashlight attached to her belt and turned it on—a mild shinning trail of light in the dark tunnel.
"Okay," she whispered, walking slowly, taking in every detail, crack, and bits of trash, "the swears. The swears. April did say it worked best. If you don't want to be seen."
April had told her such information a few times; Artemis found it somewhat relatable and humorous. Then again, she understood why and it made perfect sense to start here. In the swears of east-central Metropolis, you were reportedly seen fleeing the scene in this direction. Artemis took two lefts to three rights and found nothing but mold, wrappers, and critters. Her nose began numbing from pungent vapors; waving them away only worsened them. Managing to keep her meal and anything else down, Artemis continued further.
Minutes turned to an hour that turned into two, then four. Eventually, she found herself climbing out a manhole mile into the city and oddly just about a mile from LexCorps. The massive skyscraper stood tall like a beacon in the center. Her eyes narrow at the smooth creamed building as the sorbet skies of sunset coated with its warming hues. Something itched in Artemis, the news reported, she recounted, your sudden attack on the building. Casualties were, mild but many were wounded, some with severe injuries that managed to be stabilized. The rest were just minor and soft injuries, regardless, the search went on, and when it was reported Lex was injured(the man knew how to twist sympathy), the news blew up. He had sustained three broken ribs, dislocated wrist, a nearly ruptured liver, and other minor injuries. And to add, he had a concussion for two weeks that set him in a coma, but he managed to come out of it. Artemis remained focused on that, burning her desire more and sickening her stomach. By all accounts from records and reports, you wouldn't hurt a fly; most of your power was used for defense and healing.
The only time it reversed was due to a threat. Still, you wouldn't have delivered too much damage. At best, you'd stun the other or knock them unconscious, pulling your punches like most with super-strength. Even when you'd spare and train with Conner a few times, or Cassie, Wonder Woman too at times, it showed. Your stats were high, but you preferred to utilize your other abilities instead of strength. It was cementing your mindset. It was no wonder Artemis felt an uneasiness about it all, and she knew she wasn't the only one.
She couldn't figure out what flipped your switch to suddenly attack places sporadically, damaging and...possibly even worse. What did Lex have to do with it? If he had something to do with, then that only meant others did too; if that was the case, why? Who pulled the strings?
Queen Bee's pheromone control enthrall you? Could that even work? Considering what you are.
Mental control? Magic? There where an array of speculations, any one of them could do it.
If, as Artemis dug deeper, they did, why? What purpose and how could they get to you? Everything was under wraps when it came to you and April. No one knew, outside herself, the league and you and April. The movement was tight and silent as the shadows. Outings were kept at a minimum, especially for you. So how did they, if they did, catch the wind?
These questions had answers; she knew it. Turning away from LexCrops building, Artemis rushes into the alley melting into the shadows. More questions rose, could Lex or the others be behind your disappearance?
No, they couldn't, she thought, reaching a high fence and flipping over it, landing with ease on the other side continued her way. If they did take you, then you surely would have appeared by now. Meaning someone else assisted.
She began narrowing down possibilities; those with methods, skills, and resources could, and there was just a little handful who could. Particularly one whose presence seemed absence frequent than usual. A particular bird.
Find a fire scape; she scaled it, reaching the roof with little ease. Artemis stood there for a moment gazing at the horizon, the sun was nearly set as shade covered her and the city behind her. Something about it set a bit in her stomach that she couldn't shake, which connected to her previous questions. The feeling washed over her, as it pained her that it might... might be true. A part of her believed it wouldn't. She couldn't take action on it yet; she needed evidence first. But what she truly needed was you.
Locate you and go from there. She just had to find you first, wherever you may be.
"So you don't know where you're at," Cassandra grunted, asking you, treading carefully, while blocking one of your strikes aimed for her throat.
You didn't respond, not even giving the nod. You answered her question already, and you weren't any further as she didn't answer yours on her whereabouts and prolonged absence. Filled with rushing rage, you changed the terrain when she came and instantly initiated the sparing. You didn't bow respectfully as taught or welcome her; you threw the first strike. Cassandra's training reacted immediately, and she blocked your forceful kick that slid her back a few feet. She was stunned for a moment at the strength; it quickly faded when you charged her and aimed a deadlier strike aimed at her jugular; sliding her left foot back, she leaned back avoiding it, and locked your outstretched wrist in her hand while the other rose above you and struck down between your shoulder blades.
Without your durability, the force stunned and knocked you to the ground instantly. You couldn't move from the swift attack, angering you further as you tried to move.
Cassandra remained calm standing over you; her eyes threw out the bit of tenderness that rose and remained firm. You were throwing a tantrum; she clearly saw it. It was understandable but utterly ridiculous if you had been raised as she was...then she tightly doubted you'd act this way. Disappointment wrinkled on her face, only to melt away slowly, knowing you didn't understand why and what this was all for and the reason for her absence. Vandal informed to expect this, yet...it detests her.
Patience.
Vandal's voice quietly echoed in her mind, pushing aside priggish thoughts on you. So far, Cassandra had been patient; it was slowly melting. She took a moment, drawing in a calming breath and releasing it, formulating her words, and kneeled next to you. Silence filled the open area, if birds were present they surely pierce this thickness between you and her. As you quietly snarled, Cassandra closed her eyes and took a meditative pose.
Raising a hand above you, she rested it tenderly between your shoulder blades, "Forgive me," she said with sincere softness, masking the tightness in her voice.
She waited for your reaction and allowed silence to continue. It broke from the small anguish cries slipping from you, growing louder with each second. Till it covered the open area. Cassandra lightly stroked your back, patting it as well, and waited.
"I should have been here," she continued, reciting the words Vandal instructed, "I shouldn't have left you alone. No matter the reason." Your body stopped trembling, good, she kept going, "You're lonely. Isolated. Confused. Nearly broken and in need of companionship. Trust. Truth. I denied you all of it and for that, I am truly sorry."
Your cries stopped and your ears listened. Taking in every word she said, easing the anger and pain.
Silence once again came. Quickly living when you spoke, calmly, "Forgive me too, I did not mean to try and to..."you pause from the guilt and shrink. Splinter would truly be disappointed in you.
"No." Cassandra answered, surprising you, "Never apologize for how you felt nor the skill used. I should have known better. You did nothing wrong."
You weren't sure what came over you, this strange lightness rose in your chest, and warmth spread through you yet knotted within you. You shouldn't feel a smile spread over you, it should wrinkle away in shame. But, the smile Cassandra gave you when your eyes lifted to her, gave you permission and you smiled.
"I..I suppose,"you slightly laugh, finally able to move, sit up carefully with her help. "I do appreciate your apology. Thank you."
Cassandra gave a slight nod, "Of course. It's only natural and fair. I want our bond to remain strong." She set a hand on your shoulder, "And to do that, again I shouldn't have left you. Though I had my reasons, that's secrecy and I shouldn't keep it from you."
You try to protest, "No. It is okay. I understa-"
She stopped you, shaking her head while standing up, "No. No more lies." She held out a hand for you, which you take and stand up next to her, "If you will allow it, I'd like to show why."
You were hesitant for a moment, wanting to refuse but seeing the sincerity in her eyes you push the feeling aside and agree. "Of course. I trust you."
Cassandra's smile broadens, "Good."