The bearded man walked through the last surviving tunnel, his boots echoing against the stone. The air was damp, heavy with silence. Inside his mind, Steve spoke.
"Lucifer blew most of these tunnels to hell," the bearded man muttered. "You got that right, old man," Steve replied.
The bearded man chuckled. "You existed before me. So who's the real old man?" Steve laughed. "Age doesn't make the old man it's the attitude."
"Then your attitude makes you look twelve." The Bearded Man said. "Damn, old man. You didn't have to do me like that." Steve replied.
The bearded man smiled. "Getting soft on me, Steve?" "No. But you're right. We're getting old." "Yeah," the bearded man said quietly. "We are, old friend."
Steve's voice softened. "You think it's time soon?" The bearded man sighed, still walking. "I don't know. And I wouldn't want to know."
"Same here," Steve said. "I'd rather be surprised." The bearded man nodded. "Best way to go."
Steve paused. "You think Thomas and the gang can do it?" "I hope they do." "Me too."
They walked in silence. Then a familiar screech. The raven landed nearby, wings flapping. "Oh, you're back," the bearded man said. "Caw caw! Thomas made it safe! Caw caw!" "And the others?"
"Caw caw! They all send their wishes!" "Good. Want some bread?" "Caw caw! Yes!" The raven perched on his shoulder. Together, they walked toward his quarters.
Then music. A faint radio playing classical notes in the distance. The bearded man froze. "You hear that?" Steve asked.
"Yeah," he whispered. "I do." "This isn't good."
Boom.
An explosion rocked the tunnel. The bearded man was thrown to the ground.
Boom. Boom.
More detonations. The tunnel shook violently.
He scrambled to his feet, channeling Steve's supernatural speed. He ran dodging falling debris, leaping over fire, heart pounding. The tunnel collapsed behind him.
He reached the exit just as a final explosion obliterated the last of the underground tunnel. Dust and smoke filled the air. He coughed, staggered, and stood.
"Old man," Steve said. "We've got company." The bearded man turned. There, under the moonlight, stood the Lord of Seduction beautiful, dangerous, and smiling like a secret.