The morning sunlight bathed the Southbank Avenue apartment in a golden glow, streaming into the cozy kitchen. The room buzzed with activity as Ronda Riy, dressed in her blue tank top and matching mini skirt, worked at the stove. Her big round glasses reflected the sunlight as she expertly wielded her electric spatula—an innovative gadget that also served as a wireless eggbeater. The soft whirring sound of the device filled the air as she scrambled the eggs to perfection.
Nearby, Rita Faros leaned casually against the counter, her vibrant yellow tank top and green jeans complementing her confident demeanor. Her light blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she watched Ronda’s enthusiasm.
Just as the savory aroma of buttery scrambled eggs filled the kitchen, Faro Faros wandered in, his steps unhurried, his hair delightfully messy. He leaned on the doorway, a drowsy smile spreading across his face.
“I’m helping Ronda cook, Faro,” Rita announced, her tone teasing but affectionate. “What would you like for breakfast? Eggs?”
Before Faro could answer, Ronda grinned, her hands steady on the electric spatula. “He likes scrambled eggs, Rita. Isn’t that right, sweety?”
Faro chuckled softly. “Two eggs, please.”
“Told you I know what he likes,” Rita quipped, her smile widening.
With a flick of a button, Ronda turned off the eggbeater-spatula and neatly plated the fluffy scrambled eggs alongside crispy toast. She carried the plate to Faro, a warm smile lighting up her face. As she handed it to him, she leaned in, brushing her lips softly against his in a quick but sweet kiss. “Breakfast is served, sweety,” she said with a playful grin.
Faro blinked, momentarily caught off guard but clearly pleased. “Thanks, Ronda,” he murmured, his voice warm with appreciation.
Rita watched the exchange with an arched brow and a knowing smirk. Not to be outdone, she grabbed the steaming cup of black tea and walked over to Faro. Placing it in front of him, she leaned down, her lips finding his in a deeper, lingering kiss. Faro froze momentarily, surprised, as Rita’s lips pressed firmly against his. The kiss lasted just a beat too long, and when Rita finally pulled back, she smirked.
“Tea to complete the masterpiece,” Rita said smoothly, her light blue eyes glinting with mischief.
Ronda, standing by the counter, adjusted her glasses as she watched, a mix of surprise and amusement crossing her face. “Really, Rita?” she teased, though her tone remained light.
“What? A little morning kiss is perfectly harmless,” Rita replied, her smirk unrelenting.
Faro, for his part, cleared his throat and tried to focus on his plate of scrambled eggs and toast. “Thanks… to both of you,” he said, his voice a little gruff but appreciative.
As Faro began to eat, the lighthearted banter continued. Ronda teased him about his bedhead, and Rita chimed in with witty remarks about his appetite. Despite the odd dynamic between the two women, the kitchen remained filled with warmth, laughter, and the occasional clatter of dishes.
For Faro, moments like these were complex but comforting. Between Ronda’s cheerful energy and Rita’s bold confidence, they filled his world with a strange sense of belonging and affection that no power ring or forest adventure could replicate.
Rita and Faro: A Complex Bond
Rita Faros’ visits to Faro in the Cave of Falcon add an undeniable layer of complexity to their relationship. Faro, who has admired and been drawn to Rita since he was a teenager, struggles with his feelings for her. As the Shecon, Rita embodies a commanding presence that both inspires and unsettles him. She is a mix of maternal care and unattainable allure—an archetype that Faro finds impossible to ignore.
Rita, fully aware of Faro’s conflicted feelings, approaches him with a blend of empathy and pragmatic resolve. She uses their interactions to guide Faro on his path as the Falcon, knowing he needs both support and discipline. Yet, her visits are not devoid of tension. There is an unspoken understanding between them, a boundary that both acknowledge but never articulate. Rita’s duality as a mentor and the object of Faro’s suppressed attraction creates an emotionally charged dynamic that lingers long after she departs.
Faro and Ronda: The Safe Harbor
While Faro resides primarily in the Cave of Falcon, his stays at Ronda Riy’s apartment on SouthBank Avenue provide him with a temporary escape from the burdens of heroism. Ronda, who rents the apartment on her own, welcomes Faro as a guest, albeit not without reservations. Their relationship oscillates between warmth and strain, especially when Faro’s commitment to the Falcon’s mission takes precedence over their connection.
Ronda finds herself torn—she loves Faro deeply but often feels overshadowed by the greater calling that defines his life. She struggles with her insecurities, especially when Rita enters the picture. Ronda’s jealousy is amplified by her awareness of Faro’s sexual attraction to Rita, a fact that Faro himself has never directly addressed. This unresolved tension forms a crack in their relationship, leaving Ronda questioning whether she can truly compete with the grandeur of Faro’s destiny—or the lingering presence of Rita.
Rita and Ronda: Opposing Forces
Rita’s rare visits to Ronda’s apartment are polite but distant. While Ronda admires Rita’s strength and wisdom, she also sees her as a looming figure whose influence over Faro far exceeds her own. Rita, for her part, treats Ronda with respect but remains skeptical of her role in Faro’s life. She views Ronda as a symbol of stability but doubts whether she can truly anchor Faro, who is destined for something far greater than an ordinary life.
The two women represent opposing forces in Faro’s world: Rita embodies the extraordinary, the call to heroism, and the weight of legacy, while Ronda represents the ordinary, the promise of a simpler, more human existence. Faro is caught in the middle, trying to reconcile these conflicting influences as he forges his path forward.
Faro’s Inner Conflict
Faro’s story is ultimately one of duality—his desire to honor the legacy of the Falcon while navigating the complexities of his personal relationships. The presence of both Rita and Ronda in his life forces him to confront questions of loyalty, love, and identity. Can he fully embrace his role as the Falcon without sacrificing his humanity? And if he must choose between the life he’s destined for and the life he wants, what will he decide?
