Phoenix in The Marvel

The lab still felt warmer than usual. The energy inside the egg had vanished in an instant, but the strange sensation left behind seemed to hang in the air.

Tony blinked and looked at the tiny creature in front of him.

The creature, a fuzzy ball of fluff spread among the broken eggshells, seemed to be trying to regain some composure. Its delicate body trembled slightly, moving hesitantly like a newborn creature.

But the most interesting thing was... its feathers.

Were they really glowing?

Tony narrowed his eyes. To be sure, he raised his hand to block the light.

No... it's not a reflection.

This thing... is giving off light directly.

Tony took a deep breath.

"Jarvis, get this on tape. I think we're witnessing the birth of a species previously undiscovered by the scientific world."

"Recording initiated, sir."

Tony moved a little closer and put his finger to his chin. The tiny creature was still trying to regain consciousness.

"And what are you?" he murmured.

Jarvis replied with his usual mechanical calm.

"There are no exact matches in the current database in terms of plumage structure, color combination, and general biological characteristics. However..."

Tony rolled his eyes. There was always a 'however'.

"Go on, Jarvis."

"I would say the plumage structure is similar to some exotic bird species. But the temperature readings are anomalous. This little creature does not match any known bird species in terms of body temperature."

Tony pursed his lips and nodded.

"I should have guessed that, Jarvis. Look at those feathers, glowing like a light bulb. And can you take its body temperature?"

"According to current measurements, the body temperature is about 52 degrees Celsius. Only with direct contact will it be possible to get an accurate reading."

"52?" muttered Tony, raising his eyebrows. "As far as I know, no bird can maintain a temperature that high."

For a moment he considered touching the creature's tiny fur. But if its body was really that hot...

Maybe he should have been more careful.

"So, what do you think this thing eats?" he said, turning to Jarvis.

"It's an unknown species, sir, so there's nothing definitive about its eating habits, but assuming it's biologically similar to birds, it could have a diet of insects, seeds or small rodents."

Tony raised his eyebrows. "Small rodents? You mean this little thing could eat meat?"

"Some species of birds are carnivorous, especially birds of prey. But it will take several food tests to determine the exact diet of this species."

Tony looked again at the strange little creature in front of him.

Was it carnivorous or herbivorous?

Perhaps one of the most important clues to what this creature was would be to understand what it ate.

But for now... they needed to gather more data on that.

"All right, Jarvis. Let's find out something before this thing starves to death. But what do we have for now?"

"The available ingredients include birdseed, some protein supplements, and various vegetables. But..."

Tony rolled his eyes. "But?"

"If this creature is truly exotic, we need to find a food that won't harm its metabolism. Feeding it random food could be risky."

Tony took a deep breath and stood silently for a moment in the middle of the lab, his hands on his hips.

Blinking, Tony looked at the small, gleaming creature in front of him. It was a newborn, but it was already annoying in its quirks.

The little bird lay sprawled among the broken eggshells. At first it seemed lazy, but now... it did something strange.

It opened its little beak.

And... it took a big chunk out of the eggshell in front of it.

Crispy!

Tony's eyes got wide.

"Wait, what are you doing?!"

The little bird took another bite without missing a beat.

Jarvis immediately analyzed it.

"Sir, if I'm not mistaken... the newborn is eating its own eggshell."

"Yes, Jarvis, I saw it with my own eyes. But is that normal?"

"No such behavior in known bird species, sir, but some reptiles do eat their shells. To provide extra minerals for the digestive system."

Tony frowned. "But this isn't a lizard, is it? Or a dragon?"

Jarvis' voice echoed. "We don't have enough data to say for sure, sir."

Meanwhile, the small creature seemed to be chewing the shell with relish. A slight crunching sound came from its little beak.

"Okay, okay. Let me take a look at this," Tony said as he reached out to take a small piece of the shell.

But...just as Tony put his fingers on the shell...

The little bird's eyes suddenly narrowed.

And... BIP! It made a tiny but terrifying attempt at a bite!

Tony pulled his hand away at the last moment.

"HEY! Little brat, this hand is very valuable!" the little creature looked at Tony seriously, then... went back to eating the shell.

Tony froze for a moment. He didn't like feeling threatened by a bird.

"Jarvis, you saw it, didn't you? It just attacked me!"

"Yes, sir. And I think it sent a clear message: You are not to touch its egg."

Tony narrowed his eyes and wagged his finger at the little bird.

"Okay, little one, eat the shell, but remember - if you grow up to be a giant monster, I will remember you."

The little bird gave him an indifferent look and continued to eat its shell with a crunching sound.

Tony took a deep breath and raised his hands.

"All right, you win. But seriously... this is getting ridiculous."

Jarvis' voice echoed. "If the vessel is so valuable, wouldn't you consider taking it in for a little analysis, sir?"

Tony rolled his eyes. "Jarvis, I tried, but this thing tried to take my hand instead of giving me an official 'thank you.'"

Jarvis was silent for a moment. "Then let it eat. Maybe it's a biologically necessary process."

Tony sighed deeply and looked at the furry little monster. "It's amazing. Both annoying and mysterious. It's acting like a hundred percent Stark property."

The little bird gave Tony a quick look, then resumed eating with gusto.

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