ABANDONED HIGH RISE – 1st FLOOR – NIGHT
Moonlight slices through shattered windows. Suddenly, abandoned crates marked with foreign companies are stacked haphazardly, and shadows stretch long across the crumbling floor. Five predators gather, each dangerous in their own way.
El Uno chuckled, his grin sharp beneath the low light. He extended one arm, wrapped his fingers around a steel beam, and crushed it in his grasp—metal groaning, snapping like bone.
"Everything is in place. All you need to do is wait. He leaned forward, his face fierce under the moonlight, "Red Hood is mine."
Across from him, Gorgon, in a tailored obsidian suit and mirrored shades, shrugged with infuriating calm.
"Daredevil and I have prior business. That leaves Hammerhead to you two."
Esmerelda Lobo flashed her canines in a grin too wide while her brother Carlos cracked his knuckles, nodding at the lineup.
Are you sure he'll come? He's been quiet for weeks and asked Carlos.
Elektra, cloaked in black, stepped into view like the blade she often became. Her voice was controlled fire.
"The Intel we fed to Hammerhead—plus the breadcrumbs—will lead them here." She paused, a calculating glint in her somber eyes. "Red Hood must be off the board before the shipment arrives."
That turned heads. Even Gorgon's stance tightened at the mention of The Hand and Black Sky.
El Uno, grinning wider, said, "Payday at last."
The Lobo siblings smiled savagely. Their brother's resurrection drew near, and vengeance was like a clock slowly ticking toward midnight.
Gorgon tilted his head his head. "Jeremy York. The CEO. Red Hood's known ally. Isn't he another target?
"Jeremy York is mine. Focus on the Hood. Declared Elektra in a sharpened tone
A stare passed between Gorgon and Elektra—two blades assessing one another.
"And his allies? The girl with precognition, the red energy wielder, the pyrokinetic mutant? He pauses, "Red Hood's been demonstrating elemental control."
Silence.
None spoke as they all took in the intel. Before long, Elektra broke the silence.
"They'll be occupied elsewhere."
Gorgon's posture shifted, "She's a precog, then. Strong enough to see what we planned.
"No plan survives contact with fate. That's why we bring an army."
"Three contingents of Hand soldiers." He added, head nodding, agreeing with her assessment.
"Let them soften the targets first."
El Uno laughed, his voice carrying across the abandoned, dilapidated ruin where they waited.
"And when they fall… we strike."
"Hammerhead dies fast. No repeat of last time." Said Esmerelda.
"Understood." agreed Carlos
"Let us know when it's time to feast Gorgon."
"Daredevil's mine." reiterated Gorgon, his voice somber.
"It is settled. I'll shadow Jeremy York and his operations. When they fall, the Black Sky will rise."
One by one, they melted into the night.
————
"I'll be sure to update the system," Cole said, sidestepping a small herd of technicians who nearly collided with him in the hallway.
"Why not teleport?" Astrid asked, eyebrow raised. "Or use those rings everyone keeps whispering about?"
"I don't want to avoid what I built just because it's annoying," he replied honestly.
Astrid sighed, unimpressed. "That's not a real answer."
Cole smiled. He genuinely enjoyed her annoyance—it practically bled off her, and she couldn't do anything about it.
"You're popular around here," the big man grumbled, taking the lead after their bio-contacts synced with the facility's system.
"Newsflash: he's the CEO," Astrid muttered.
Hammerhead side-eyed the young telepath, muttered something inaudible, and moved on. He was engrossed in evaluating his current weapon of choice—the Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun.
The man was inhumanly wide, with a build like a compact car. When someone like that walks your way, you either move or get moved
He and Astrid exchanged a brief conversation. She inquired about his encounter with the X-Men and shared insights from her premonitions, revealing unique information about him.
The elevator doors slid open smoothly, revealing a group of technicians and operatives inside. Cole and another man, whose eyes resemble his own, stepped onto the floor.
Two women, one blonde and one brunette, stared at him openly, awe evident in their expressions. Their credentials flashed in his vision, which he dismissed with a thought. He stepped aside, gesturing for the group to exit, a warm smile on his face.
Astrid snorted behind him, but he paid her no mind.
"Mr. York," the two women said in unison.
Cole extended his hand, shaking both women's hands equally.
"Pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for all you do," he said with a quip.
"It's our pleasure, Mr. York. I was wondering—"
"Move along," Astrid interjected exasperatedly.
Cole's smile tightened as he glanced over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing at Astrid, a pinprick of red glowing in the center of his pupils.
Turning back to the two young women, his smile returned. The woman glanced at Astrid, likely attempting to access her credentials.
His hand reached out and grabbed Lance's forearm.
"Hey…cuz?"
"How are you doing?"
"I'm swell. The other five got assigned to my group. I guess that was your call?" Lance asked, visibly awkward under the attention and disheartened that more people would know he was related to the CEO.
"Look, nepotism," Astrid remarked.
Lance's eyes shot over to her. "That's a lie; I'm working—"
"Ignore her, Lance. If you need anything, let me know. We didn't have much time to talk, but hit me up sometime or just come to the penthouse," Cole offered before walking away.
He was interested in his cousin and also his wayward uncle.
"Hey, Jeremy!" Lance shouted, catching the elevator before it closed.
Cole looked at him expectantly.
"Please, no favors. Let me work my way up. My name has always held me back, and I honestly want a fair shake. I know you understand, but please let me work."
Astrid and Hammerhead both shook their heads at the young man. Cole regarded him before responding.
"We're family, regardless of the circumstances. Because of Sebastian Baptiste York, you're a York, not your pathetic father. Remember that," he sighed, Jeremy's vestiges swirling in his gut. "No handouts. See you at the top, man."
Astrid had taken to staring at the side of his head; he ignored her, and Hammerhead continued to lead.
He had tasked Reese with handling and signing whatever needed to be done. Empowering her to the position was simple; the young replicator had a knack for organization and subtlety.
It was time for him to return to the streets.
Cole stepped from the elevators and made his way outside. He waved off his security details and motioned toward his two companions.
"Extracurricular activities," was his response to their questioning gazes. Plus, he had two sidekicks; what more did he need?
The three smiled and returned to their ready location on the ground floor. If anyone thought to attack his base again, they would be in for a rude awakening.
They donned the extra-extraordinary tuxedos, each equipped with a Kara-Kesh and their preferred sidearm. Most chose the Lawgiver, which was gaining a reputation in the field. The bio-locks were additional features that made him swallow the steep costs.
He primarily allowed his operatives and technicians to choose their kits, except for specialized teams like the supernatural one his cousin was part of. They trained with the former mystic at the recently purchased and secured brownstone.
"That device on their hand—can I have one as well? I feel it will work alongside my gifts," Astrid asked.
Her passive mind-reading wasn't a bad thing; it happened. He couldn't expect her to stop being cautious.
"Let's find a suitable car first," Cole responded.
He squinted at the fleet of cars and other vehicles at his disposal.
This was his first trek into the sub-garage hidden beneath the visible one.
He scanned over them. His Tumbler-Batmobile was identical to the one used in the Dark Knight movie—a potent armored vehicle.
He had used it once during the night he was investigating a known Tombstone drug house; he had also killed the man's brother. He smiled, wondering how the albino brute took the news; he supposed he would find out soon enough.
Hammerhead had drifted off toward the Abrams Tank, his eyes wide.
He ran his hand across the sleek armored material, promising to take it for a spin soon.
He reluctantly detoured from the batch of armored cars, ignoring the Abrams tank in his collection.
The motorcycles resonated with his first persona, which was a foundational one.
He needed something less conspicuous than a 2023 McLaren 720S or Aston Martin DB12; those were Anne's cars. A tinge of sadness built in his stomach, but he pushed it aside.
"Girlfriend?" Astrid asked, raising her hands in defense as he turned toward her.
"You need more training on not broadcasting; I can help."
"You will," he stated.
Anne knew what she was doing, and he would wait for her call if she needed help. His promise was still there, and admittedly, he would probably do it for free if she asked. But they all had their origins; whatever hers were, it was entirely up to her.
He passed a few and stopped at one he remembered. The Redbird? Wasn't this Robin's bike?
He briefly peered into the system and confirmed that it was one of Robin's, specifically Tim Drake's, from the animated series.
He stopped before the bike, shrugged, hopped on, and started it up. It purred beneath him.
"Do we pick one, or…" Astrid asked, watching him admire the bike.
He hopped off and made his way to a cadre of SUVs.
Name: Cole Stephens
Known Name: Jeremy York
Alias- Red Hood
Race: Updating
Physique: Updating…
Alignment: -Neutral
System-Bank: $9,945,234
Minion(s) Bullseye—Contracted
Astrid Bloom-Contract
Joseph Lorenzi(Hammerhead)-Contracted
Lance Xu York- Contracted
Anne Weying—Contracted
Kevin Lourdes-Contracted
Legal—Contracted
Angelica "Angel" Jones—Contracted
Dr. Mishomoto-Contracted
Kaecilius- Red Lantern-Holder
Morlocks-Coerced 15%/100%
Leech-Protected
Annalee-Corerced 66%/100%
A.T.C Soldiers- Coerced 82%/100%
Laura Boggan-Contracted
Astrid Bloom-Contracted
Persona(s)Jason Peter Todd- Red Hood 103%|100%
Daniel Kilgore- Priest - Haunt 50%|50%
Kurt Kilgore- Special Agent - Haunt 50%|50%
Baran Flinders- Mammoth 51%|100%
Attributes
Intelligence: +Moderate Tier 10
Strength: Exceptional Tier 2 -> Extraordinary Tier 1
Speed: Moderate Tier 10->13
Durability: +Exceptional Tier 1->3
Energy Projection: +Moderate Tier 10->15—> Exceptional Tier 1
Fighting Skills: Advanced -> Exceptional Tier 4
Gear-Inventory
Red Hood Symbiosis Costume
Mammoth Costume
Roy Mustang Gloves
Atrocious Lantern Ring
Jokers Crowbar
Batman Utility Belt
Clark Kent's Glasses
Clark Kent Cape
Scarecrow Gear
Cloak of Destiny
Amulet Of Anubis
Orichalcum Knives
Nth-Promethium Katana
Dual Pistols [9mm rounds]
Dual Modified| Sniper Mod|M1911 [.45]
Dead shot Wrist Gauntlets
Captain Cold's Gun.
Fear Toxin
Smoke Grenade
Pocket Explosives
High Powered Taser
Ace of Winchesters
Kinetic Hammer
Penguin Umbrella
Super-bike
Nautilus Vll
Blue Beetle Bug
Tumbler Batmobile
Star Trek Comm badge
Desiccated Hand
Smith & Wesson Model 500.
.44 Magnum Model 629.
The Glacier Stone
Abilities
X-Gene: Host mutant factor has awakened.
Thermokinesis, Fear Inducement, Superhuman Strength. [Unexposed]Terrigenesis
Unique physiology: The Host's mutant abilities, alongside your latent human nature and the new ghost-like powers, have caused the Host to develop a unique physiology.
[+1] Holder of the Hero-Villain System.
[+10] Criminology: Deception. Stealth. Infiltration. Demolition. Enhanced Investigation.
—>[+9] Occultism: The Host is knowledgeable about various mystical concepts due to his training with the All-Caste and formal training as a Catholic priest. Force Multiplier-Amulet of Anubis
[+9] Superhuman Senses: The Host has supernatural senses, which allow them to see, hear, smell, taste, and feel better than the average species member.
[+19] Superhuman strength-Class 50: The corrupted energies of the Lazarus pit flow through your unique physiology. Your extraordinary strength grants blow that can deliver devastating damage and are known to shake the Earth.
—> Raging Strength: Berserker, this ability is throttled by the Host's Rage—the potential to lose yourself in the haze of battle. The longer you fight, the more significantly your strength grows.
—> Super-Leaping: The Host can make extraordinary leaps in the air thanks to his strength.
——>Superhuman Stamina: When fighting, the Host appears almost untiring, a force of nature that does not stop until defeated.
——>Superhuman Durability: While not invulnerable, the Host is still challenging to injure.
[+12] Skilled marksman, assassin, and expert tactician, Gadgetry
[+9] Martial Artists: Dim Mak Expert, Rain Taijutsu Specialist.
——> [+10] Mechanical Aptitude: An acute understanding of and utilization of high-tech equipment, robot engineering, and advanced weaponry.
[+2] Bio-engineering: Chemistry
[+8] Business Management: A.T.C., Wayne Enterprises, Lexcorp, Iceberg Lounge.
[+4] Computer Operations: Computer Hacking.
——>[+9] Ectokinesis: The user can create, shape, and manipulate energy unique to spirits and ghosts.
——> [+8] Astral Projection Portal: By manipulating Ectoplasm energies, The Host can project his consciousness, manifest onto the astral Plane, and create portals. However, the Host can only use the astral Plane to port to places the Host haunts.
——> [+14] Thermokinesis: The ability to manipulate and control the motion of molecules, slowing them down or speeding them up, thus changing temperature in the surrounding area with the power of the Host mind. It is an ability on a broader spectrum than simply being pyrokinesis or Cryokinesis. By its nature, this Mutant ability can be affected and altered by other attributes and abilities. This is considered a mutant ability.
[+5] Pyrokinesis: Create and control fire, manipulate heat in your immediate vicinity with your mind.
Force Multiplier: Roy Mustang Glove
——>Heat Vision: The ability to release massive amounts of thermal energy stored within the body through the eyes in focused beams of heat.
[+9] Cryokinesis is the ability to control and manipulate frost, Ice, snow, and cold temperatures.
Force Multiplier: The Glacial Stone-Inactive
——> Cold Vision is the power to emit beams of freezing energy from one's eyes, opposite to Heat Vision.
—> [+10] Transformation: Originally, when Daniel and Kurt's ghost merge, Daniel's body becomes covered in ectoplasm that gives him various superhuman abilities; because of the unique nature of the Host, this transformation involves all personas, significantly increasing Haunt's parameters.
Red Hood Armor Symbiosis: The joining of your ectoplasm|Bio-Electricity and Haunts armor Amplifies Host parameters to an undefined amount.
Red Hood Cowl: Heightened Mental Resistance.
[0] Claws: Haunt has razor-sharp claws on each finger that can easily decapitate enemies.
[0] Metamorphosis: You can manipulate your ectoplasm to create tentacles, cobwebs, spikes, blades, and other appendages.
Adhesion: Haunt can stick on walls.
[+7] Inhuman Optimal Healing Factor: Granted by the system and augmented by Chi and Ectoplasmic energies, you can heal from extreme mental or bodily trauma in minutes.
Red Lantern Mantle: The first Lantern has been chosen; the Host now bears the responsibility of holding the Mantle of the Red Lantern Corps.
The First Ring- Atrocious: You wield the first Red Lantern Ring ever created. The boundless Rage of Atrocious fuels your powers. Furthermore, unlike the more scientific Green Lantern Ring, the Red Lantern Ring uses vast amounts of magic in its construction.
A Red Lantern's ring is one of the most potent weapons in the known Universe. Red Lantern's ring can affect and use fundamental forces of the known Universe, including electromagnetic energies such as gravity, radiation, heat, light, and powerful blasts of concussive force.
The ring can also create fields of power formed from a red energy spectrum. However, such use is limited by the user's skill, knowledge, and imagination.
—>[+16] Rage Suppression: Said to be a rarity among Red lanterns, holders of this power need not the baptism of the blood ocean. You can control all the Red Lantern ring's degrees of intensity; lanterns under you have limited access to your passive suppression.
—>Rage Empowerment: Your new mutant ability, Raging Strength, synergies with your plasmoid blood. Under the influence of the Ring[Activated], Rage itself becomes your strength.
—>[+9] Chi Manipulation: Host's mastery of martial arts and hidden innate parameters have unlocked one of the most sought-after abilities in the Universe. You can wield and manipulate the natural forces of life and control your steadily growing Bio-electrical energy.
—> [+3] Augmentation: The Host Chi can enhance physical and supernatural parameters and significantly boost healing and recovery time.
[+6] Fear Inducement: Your presence has shown itself as a fragment of fear. The physical manifestation of your presence takes the form of an incorporeal bat-like thing. The target of your inducement perception may be altered, causing them to have waking nightmarish dreams pulling taut on their deepest fears. Your presence can now affect the waking and spiritual domain, causing the Host to become ominous, dark, foreboding, or even monstrous. This is considered a mutant ability.