Previously in Falcon:
I felt my fangs bare as a sign of starting to lose my cool, knowing that I was in a tough situation, and felt my animal kill instincts take over a majority of my body, even though my mind screamed in refusal. I felt the need to transform so strong that I was struggling to fight it...
"Max, don't lose control. I'm your friend, and you know that. Now go outside and come back when you've regained your control." I fought even as she was saying this, letting lose a terrifying growl/screech that sent shivers up everyone's spines. Flash then quickly walked over next to Canary, looking me dead in the eye with Batman not far behind him.
"I'm ok." I looked at Canary and Flash with a disappointment at myself...
I followed Flash out of the room, leaving a very concerned and confused group of teenagers who all had something to say in their silent conversation within their minds.
IN THE TRAINING/BREIFING ROOM WITH THE GROUP OF TEENAGERS…
Batman looked at the group, as they turned to the adults with a look of uncertainty. Batman broke the silence.
"Max has had a very rough life, and given that she is part wolf and falcon, deals with handling her anger without letting the kill instinct of those animals take her over. Therefore, I will expect that you all will still accept her with open arms as a member of this team. She just needs friends who will let her know that they always have her back, no matter what. You all are free to do whatever you wish; we all are going to check on Max." He said as he gestured to himself and the rest of the adults and the teens nodded; each group going their own way.
IN MAX'S ROOM WITH FLASH….
"Here you go, Max. I made a trip up to Watch Tower while you were in Gorilla City; I hope I got enough. If there's anything else you want, I'll go back and get it for you." Flash set her bag down at the foot of her bed and looked at her as she stood stiff, close to tears, still at the entrance of the room.
"Hey, hey now don't cry, what's wrong little falcon?" He said as he walked over to her and watched as she fought the tears that were starting to fall. She turned and punched all her anger through her fist and into the wall. She proceeded to look at her now bloody knuckles.
"Who am I kidding Uncle Flash? I'm obviously not cut out to make this team. I can't even control my problems enough to even try to help these kids and be their friend!" She told him as he put a hand on her shoulder looking straight down at her.
"Max, when was the last time you had a transformation? You and I both know very well what day it is. " She knew what he was getting to and sighed as the tears started to fall harder and she felt herself shudder; he really did remember.
"What's it matter? I should have more control over my emotions without needing to transform them out of me. To answer your question, it's been at least a good 2 weeks. I didn't expect you to remember this day after all these years." He felt his eyes get big as he took her into a hug and she started crying really hard into his chest.
"Max, you need to transform at least once a week. You're 16! Handling your emotions will come with time, and maturity. You think the rest of the teens out there are perfect with their powers? We all have things we need to work on. You expect too much of yourself. And how could I forget the day that my beautiful falcon daughter stepped into my life?" He stroked her hair softly as she calmed down a little. This was exactly why she loved her uncle. She hugged him really tight and went to move out of the hug as she heard the others leave the elevator down the hall.
"Thank you Uncle Flash. The others are coming, and I don't know if I've ever told you this, but I love you." She smiled at him as his eyes grew soft and he smiled at her, patting her shoulder.
"I love you, Maxi" She smiled at his special name for her. Only he and Batman (when they were at Wayne manor) called her that. She heard the affirmative nock on her door, smiling at the thought of it being Batman.
"Come on in, you know you don't have to knock, Bru…Batman." She caught herself, not sure if she could call them by their names yet or not. She heard the doors open as the other adults entered her room. It suddenly felt small with everyone else in there, so she went to sit on her bed to allow room for all the adults to be conferrable. Batman smiled at her and removed his mask as the others followed suit. She knew what this meant and stood up as he enveloped her in a huge hug.
"Bruce I'm sorry I can't control my anger better. You would have thought that by now I could. Are you sure I'm cut out for this team?" I said to his chest as he pulled me out of the hug, immediately reading his facial expression.
"Do you doubt your uncle's authority and decisions?" He asked me as I shook my head. That was his 'fathering' voice Dick and I always got around the manor.
"No. I doubt my ability to make you proud of that decision and authority." I looked at the floor. He sighed and removed my mask, looking me square in the eye.
"Maxi, you have your reasons for why you are angry. Remember why I'm Batman? Well, do you think I got over my anger quickly? Of course not! It will come with time, and this team will support you Max. I promise they will. We do too." He gestured to all of the others behind him as they watched us.
"We are all very proud of you Max. You've come a very long way since you first came to Watch Tower. You will be fine here, and we are so proud of you; in every way. You're a great fighter, you're smart, and not to mention, beautiful. We will always be here for you, ok?" Just as I nodded in response with a smile growing on my face, all the other adults gathered around for a group hug. I felt Flash and Batman near me as Canary and my Aunt were around me as well. I smiled as a tear of joy rolled down my cheek.
"I love you guys." I said quietly as they dispersed. They smiled as a chorus of 'I love you too' hit her ears. Bruce went ahead and hung her helmet on the coat hanger and the 2 women left the room, ready to leave. The 2 men hung around for a second longer, to give her another hug of support and went to leave as well. She was sad they were leaving. Just as Flash was about to step out of her room, he looked back at her.
"I command that you have a transformation tonight. And I won't leave until I hear a promise that you will make time to have one once a week." I smiled at him and nodded my promise; he turned and joined the others down the hall and they entered the elevator together, all silently sending their best wishes to their cherished little daughter they had all helped raise.
After they left, I set to work unpacking. I set my feather on my pillow that was already on my bed. I also took my armor off and set it on top of my dresser, with my sword next to it for easy access. I would have to polish it later.
I quickly set off to freshen up, despite the fact that I was exhausted and really only wanted a hot shower and sleep. I took out all my clothes and set them in drawers and chose the outfit I was wearing earlier just for time sake. After throwing on my clothes I started to un-wrap my badly bruised and bloody knuckles, rubbing them and making sure they were ok to touch, it hurt but it wasn't the worst I'd ever had. I grabbed my brush to brush my hair out and pet my ears to make the fur look better. I took my bangs and set them correctly and made sure it was all somewhat straight. It looked great. My hair was still straight even after all that work; too bad that didn't reflect on my mood much. While I was in front of the mirror, I turned around and wiped all the dried blood off of my wings, wincing a few times, but keeping my composure. I noted a few of the noticeable scars all over my wings and body that I would have to do my best to hide. I smiled and threw my slippers on and headed out the door. I looked around and felt my ear twitch just as Robin fell from the ceiling. I stepped back, getting somewhat caught off guard and looked at him. He laughed, as I felt a slightly amused expression rise onto my face.
"Some things never change. I can't believe how much I've missed that." I told him as he smiled a crooked smile.
"Ready for dinner?" He asked me as I gasped, realizing I hadn't eaten a good meal in days. I was starved!
"Yes...Wait, but haven't you all already eaten?" I looked at him as he smiled at me, smiling his little mischief smile.
"I had us all pitch in to make you your favorite meal as a 'welcome to the team' gesture; I know how much you love your meat." I smiled at him as I grabbed him into a hug that he returned.
"You are the best little brother/best friend anyone could ever ask for; you know that?" He smiled as we broke the hug and he showed me to the elevator to go downstairs.
We reached the downstairs and I quickly changed the smile I had, to an emotionless expression, nervousness overcoming me as memories from earlier flooded my mind. I looked straight ahead at nothing as I felt everyone's gaze travel to my entrance and me. I headed straight to the table without a word, where there was a plate waiting for me. Everyone's gaze in the meantime was following my every move. I sat down and ate quickly, realizing how really hungry I was and finished my meal in record time. After I rinsed off my plate and put it in the sink, I decided to veg-out in my room for a while and eventually head outside to have that much needed transformation. I quietly headed back the hallway I came in from, as I left the sound of conversation, laughter, and TV. But even as I walked out of sight, I couldn't shake the feeling of someone watching me.
I reached my room and headed to my closet quick to change. I grabbed some grey basketball shorts and a black tank top to relax in. As I sat down on my bed to connect my I-Pod to its dock, I noticed a note on my bedside table. It was from Uncle Flash; it read:
Falcon,
I hope everything is to your liking. I tried to get what I could that I thought would make your stay a little better and easier. Don't forget to look in your bed-side table drawer. I left a small gift for you and a few other items I thought you could use and would enjoy having. I love you, Falcon. Remember, Iris and I are always here for you if you need us. I hope everything goes well and you remember to keep positive. Stay great, Maxi.
Love,
Uncle Flash (insert lightning bolt symbol here)
I smiled, taking in his handwriting. He always knew what to say to cheer me up; even when he wasn't there. I noticed some other writing on the back, so I turned it over.
Max,
I hope your stay becomes comfortable. I'll miss seeing you around the Tower, and I'm sure Robin and Alfred will miss your company at the manor. I know I will. Remember all the training all of us have taught you, and be safe! I don't know if you ever remember me saying this, but I love you Maxi; don't forget it!
Love,
Uncle Bruce (the Batman)
I gasped. That was so thoughtful of Batman to write that. I took the note over to the drawer he told me about and set it on the nightstand and opened the drawer. I gasped, again.
There was a picture of Uncle Flash, Batman, and me at watchtower. I was standing right in behind them, obviously laughing at a joke Flash had just said, as Batman was trying not to laugh was regaining his composure, considering they were both smiling, while still in their uniforms. I put that picture right up next to my lamp and I-Pod dock/clock, facing my bed. I remembered the story behind that picture.
*Flashback*
"Uncle Flash, I'm hungry…" I told my Uncle who was walking and holding my hand to guide me to the cafeteria as Batman lead the way. He smiled down at me.
"Well then let's hurry to make sure that food doesn't fly or run away before we get there! We want this little bird to get her food or else she might get mad and eat us instead! Ahhhh!" He said and yelled at the end for emphasis while starting to run away from me, accidentally running into Batman, obviously forgetting he was there momentarily. I started laughing really hard at his fake fear, and the almost accident of the Flash and Batman. I knew he was kidding but I still laughed. Just then, Green Lantern snuck a picture of us and I looked at him as I smiled and we 4 headed to the cafeteria to eat dinner together.
*End Flashback*
I loved that memory. I then looked back down into the drawer and saw a new stuffed animal. I smiled big and held it up to examine it. It was a wolf; and a black one at that! My favorite animal even in my favorite shade, but the best part was that Uncle Flash had Aunt Iris sow in a yellow lightning bolt on the chest and a set of wings on its back with a feather hanging from its ear down the side of its head, just like mine! I hugged it and I put it on the bed next to my dog, looking back down into the drawer to make sure I'd gotten everything, and smiled at the one gift that could never be replaced. A black metal Bat-a-rang sat on the bottom of the drawer looking lonely. I picked it up and lay back on my bed to relax against my pillow. Examining the bat-a-rang, I noticed that Batman had engraved my name onto it. I reminded myself that I would have to thank Uncle Flash and Batman next time I saw them.
I put my I-Pod on shuffle, and enjoyed the sound of The Letter Black coming though the speakers; I had it up loud to drown out my thoughts. The only problem was: songs like that only fueled my thought process. It made me do self-analysis and figure out my problems. This song was newer to me, and was also quickly climbing up into my list of favorites. I tried to just lose myself in the sound of the strummed chords and drum beat. Soon the song came to an end, and another played. It must have been on one of my favorites playlists'; it kept playing songs that I always wanted to listen to. Currently, Fall Out Boy was talking to me about his one night stand. For some odd reason, I couldn't stop laughing to myself; God only knows why, but this song made me think of Kid Flash. I turned it up a little bit louder as my favorite part came up. I started singing along, and decided that I might as well do something productive. I grabbed my sword and unsheathed it. It rang as I pulled it out of its sheath, singing its metallic hello to me. I smiled. This sword and I had a bond: quite literally, it was my sword by blood.
After polishing my sword and armor plates clean, I decided I'd killed enough time. I got up to go have a transformation.
On my way to the Zeta Beam, I got that feeling of being watched again. It made me mad. That was the exact reason I took the back way through the mountain: so that someone wouldn't run into me. I seethed and declared quite loudly:
"Whoever you are, you might as well make yourself known. I already know you're following me. I won't hesitate to attack if I start to feel threatened." Not a moment later, Kid Flash appeared beside me, falling into step with me. Obviously he had something he wanted to talk about. I just kept my gaze straight ahead. I really wasn't interested.
"Well, nice instincts." I rolled my eyes. Great; he was in the mood to make small talk. I just shrugged enough for him to see. I hoped he would get the hint.
He didn't.
"Are you going on a flight?" He asked me, apparently oblivious to my desire to just be left alone.
"Yea…something like that." I started to wonder why he was here in the first place.
"Why are you here?" I glanced over at him as I slowed down. We were at the Zeta Beams. He got a nervous glint in his eyes before giving a quick answer. Obviously he hadn't thought much about this.
"I…got bored being with the others and decided to come make sure our new member was ok….." I cut him off as I heard footsteps approaching. I shushed him with my finger and turned quickly towards the hallway opposite the one I was facing. I quickly went into defensive mode as I went to unsheathe my sword; except that Kid Flash stopped me.
"Relax; gosh, it's just Kaldur." He said as he nodded towards the now in sight team leader. I nodded slightly and took my hand off my sword handle. He was in front of us by now so I stood still and awaited the talk that I knew was coming.
"Hello, Max. I hope you are getting conferrable here." He said as I only nodded in response. He continued.
"Earlier; I want you to know that we do not judge you for your actions. Just like the rest of us, you have things to work on. We see you as a valuable member of our team, and we wish that you would join us for a….movie night, did M'gann call it?" I smiled a small bit at his stumble over the English language.
"I would, but I have some personal business to attend to before anything else. But I will come and discuss that with you all in the group meeting room. I'll follow you." He nodded as Kid Flash took off full speed ahead of us and I followed Kaldur quietly. I continued to seethe. All I wanted was some space and fresh air. I wasn't in the mood to be patient.
When we entered the rec-room, everyone was sitting on one of the furniture pieces, leaving just enough room for 2 more people. That didn't help my mood. I sighed inside and stood away from the group that was now in a fluster over movies, and awaited my turn to speak, or rather, leave and get this transformation over with. Kaldur went to stand in front of the TV to get everyone's attention. They immediately looked up at him as he cleared his throat.
"Max has something to share with you all….Max." He said as I walked over to the edge of the circle of teens, and I talked with an affirmative tone, as if I were talking to Batman on a mission.
"Thank you for the invite to watch movies with you tonight, but I am afraid I will need to decline that offer for right now. There is personal business I must take care of before I do anything else…" I looked right at Robin as I said that part.
"…and I will hopefully join you next time you all invite me." I said simply as Kaldur and the rest of the team nodded and I headed towards the teleport, hearing it behind me as it announced my departure.
I looked out at the beach, up to the full moon, and started walking towards the beach to cool off, dropping my sword by the entrance to grab later on my way back in. I then gathered a breath, and howled as I felt myself change into a part of my true form; a Griffith. I felt my legs lengthen; gaining feeling in my now front clawed feet and back pawed feet, and wagged my tail as I gained feeling there. I felt my beak take shape as I felt my face and body take its proper shape as well. About a minute later I stopped howling, my transformation complete. I stretched out my wings, adjusting them so that they were conferrable against my fur, shook, and took off running towards the water. I ran straight in and doggy paddled around a few minutes, cooling off. After feeling cool, I ran out and shook; it was my favorite pass time in this form. I sat on the warm sand as I looked up at the moon, finally allowing myself to relax. I watched the moon, perplexed for a few minutes, just enjoying the bliss of a blank mind. It didn't come to me very often. There was always too much else to think about. After about 10 minutes, I stood up and stretched, realizing that I had fallen into a laying position. I decided I might as well burn the renewed energy this form always welcomed me with. I located a high rock, and flew up onto it with my wings. I looked out and tried to find a thick wooded area for me to go run around in, and remembered the other side of the mountain fit that description; so that's where I headed.
So this time I decided to put my author's note as a footer; leave reviews! I love hearing feedback from you guys. Let me know what you think! I hope all of you are doing well!