For Emma, keeping up with the masked man was proving difficult. Every time she arrived at the scene where he had acted, it was already too late, or he simply escaped using smoke bombs. She wanted to stop, to give up the search, but something inside her told her to keep going.
The nights followed the same pattern: he either killed everyone involved or ran away. However, her luck changed when, during an ambush, she managed to catch sight of him on a rooftop. Without thinking too much, she used her powers to immobilize him.
"Shit!" the masked man growled when he realized he couldn't move.
"Good to see you again," she whispered. "We have things to talk about," she said seriously.
"Not the best time!" he exclaimed, irritated. "Let me go!"
"No. Only after you answer a few questions," she said, arms crossed. "Who are you?"
"I'm the Red Hood," he replied grudgingly. "And if you don't let me go now, innocent women are going to be sold."
That caught her off guard. Her expression changed, but still keeping her powers on him, she approached the edge of the building and looked down, noticing wealthy people arriving.
"You're a hero…" she whispered.
"I prefer the term 'anti-hero'," he replied.
She stopped using her powers on him and quickly joined him at the edge, watching more men slowly arrive.
"It's about to start…" she murmured.
"Let me help," she said, looking at him. "This place is clearly well protected."
"This isn't a mutant issue, so why get involved, White Queen?" he stepped closer. "Why do you want to help?"
She turned her back and hugged herself.
"A companion… or rather, a friend, would do that. Help those in need, whether mutant or human," she said, glancing over her shoulder. "He was a hero."
"Tsk," he crossed his arms. "Alright. I know your abilities, so I know you won't get in the way."
She turned back to him, frowning.
"You know my abilities?" she placed a hand on her hip. "Explain."
"I studied the place," he ignored her question. "The girls are in the back of the warehouse, which obviously means it's the area with the most guards," he informed. "I'll go in first, so I need you to protect the girls."
"Why not go in together?"
"Because if someone sees us, they'll sound the alarm and move the girls," he replied. "If I'm spotted and they try to take them, I know you'll act immediately," he explained. "In a way, you make my job easier."
..............
New York
"I'm sorry, Captain. This was the closest base I could find on short notice," he said, showing the place.
"It's fine. I like rooftops," he replied. "But did it have to be Fisk's?"
(For those who watched the 90s Spider-Man series… it's literally the place where Fisk stayed. The top of the Empire State Building. And for those who haven't seen it, the full series is on Disney Plus and it's really good. PS: it's my second favorite series. The first is The Spectacular Spider-Man.)
"Yes. Better in your hands than Black Cat's," T'Challa said.
"And the tech?" he asked.
"Shuri integrated an AI connected to the entire place," he replied. "Karen, are you there?"
"Always, sir."
"Incredible," the Captain whispered. "I don't know how to thank you," he looked at him.
"No need," he crossed his arms. "I haven't exactly been acting like a hero lately," he muttered. "My biggest mistake was joining that group…"
"Group? What are you talking about?" he asked, frowning.
"Forget it, Cap," he smiled. "Karen, from now on, help the Captain with everything he needs."
"Understood."
"Your operations center will be the office. Of course, we made a few adjustments," he explained. "And we placed a communicator in your mask so you can speak with Karen."
.........
Japan
Emma was impressed by Red Hood's stealth skills, having taken out several guards. From the ceiling rails, she watched his fighting moves — they seemed strangely familiar, yet confusing, as he shifted between different styles. She frowned when she saw a man approaching him from behind. She was about to act, but stopped when she saw Red Hood leap backward, knocking the enemy out.
She was surprised. That wasn't normal.
"It's like he has a sixth sense…" she whispered. "Who is this guy?"
He looked up, and she understood that was her cue. She descended silently and approached.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Always," she replied.
He broke the door, and the two entered. She used her powers to disarm the guards while he freed the girls.
"Shit! Alert the others!" one of the guards yelled.
"I can't move…" another one replied.
The guards began shouting, and she decided to unleash psychic blasts, leaving some unconscious… others dead.
"Damn," he said in surprise. "Didn't see that coming." He looked at her. "You're a firecracker, babe."
"I know," she smiled. "Now let's help the girls."
They did it quickly, but Red Hood suddenly stopped and looked toward the entrance, prompting her to mimic him.
"What the hell…" she frowned. "Quick, sound the alarm!" she yelled angrily. "They're trying to take the gi—"
She couldn't finish. A blade pierced her forehead. Emma looked at Red Hood, who only sighed.
"The police are already on the way," he informed. "So I need you to hide while we handle the rest," he said to the girls.
"O-okay," one of them replied.
"Is this all of you?" he asked.
"Y-yes," a blonde one answered, scared.
They both stood up, and as they turned around, they found guards pointing guns at them.
"Don't move," one of the guards said. "Or die."
"That's tempting…" Red Hood replied. "But death doesn't scare me."
He lunged, and the guards fired, but the bullets were deflected. The White Queen had used her powers.
"Next time, warn me before doing that," she complained, joining the fight.
"I knew you'd react fast," he replied, kicking two more guards.
"It's like he already trusts me," she thought, dodging a few strikes.
.......
New York
The Captain was in the office, in civilian clothes, while Karen displayed images of the Black Cat.
"She's been to prison, not to mention she's worked with Hammerhead and Kingpin," Karen informed. "And she once teamed up with Electro to try and expose Spider-Man's identity."
Karen showed footage of everything she mentioned.
"Anything else?" he asked.
"Several villains call her a bitch and say she's untrustworthy."
He rubbed the bridge of his nose. Black Cat would definitely be a headache.
"How did Spider-Man deal with her?" he muttered to himself.
"According to the Daily Bugle, they were lovers," Karen displayed pictures of the two kissing.
"I already knew that, but thanks anyway, Karen," he sighed. "Are there any combat videos of her?"
"There are few available online."
"Show me."
"Of course, Captain."
The AI displayed three videos — the only ones available.
"Play the middle one."
Karen complied.
"She's flexible…" he murmured, watching. "And fast."
.......
Japan
From the top of a building, she watched the police escorting the girls out and handcuffing some of the guests and guards. She glanced at Red Hood, who seemed ready to leave.
"I have questions," she said.
"If it's about your future, you're talking to the wrong person," he replied, walking away.
She frowned and glared at him.
"I'm serious," she growled. "Who are you?"
"I told you: I'm the Red Hood," he crossed his arms.
"No. That's not what I'm talking about," she stepped closer, swaying her hips. "I want to know who's behind the mask."
"Just a ghost."
She gave a cynical smile. She noticed him reaching for one of the pouches on his belt. She had to be ready — she wouldn't fall for the same trick twice.
"That's not the answer I want to hear."
"It's the only one you'll get," he retorted.
He moved his hand quickly, but fell face down, and a smoke bomb rolled from his belt.
"I-I can't move…" he whispered.
Emma smiled and flipped him onto his back.
"Mental paralysis," she said. "I can induce mental or physical paralysis. This time, physical. Still think I'm a firecracker?" she asked with a smile.
"Are you going to tell me who you are or not?"
"I can't move, so… it's inevitable," he grumbled. "Go on, take off the mask."
She smiled, carefully removed the mask, and set it aside. Then she looked at him… and sat down on the floor, shocked.
"Looks like you've seen a ghost."
"Peter…" she whispered, frowning. "What the fuck is going on?"