UNDER THE REDHOOD 3 by gotti999
Chapter 3
Thud! The sound of the punching bag reverberated through the halls of Mount Justice, each strike punctuated by the steady rhythm of Jason's focused training. Sweat dripped down his brow as he delivered powerful blows, his mind lost in the intensity of the moment. The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls as the bag swung back and forth. This was his sanctuary, where he could channel his frustration and anger into something productive.
Meanwhile, Wally leaned against the wall of the training room, watching Dick as he adjusted the settings on the holographic training program. "Why don't you just use the computerized holograms to train? They're way more advanced and can simulate any opponent," Wally suggested, a smirk on his face.
Dick chuckled, shaking his head. "You know how Jason is. He's a bit old school. He likes the feel of a real punch, the sweat, the grit. Plus, nothing beats the satisfaction of hitting something solid." Wally shrugged, understanding Jason's mentality but still preferring the high-tech alternatives.
Just then, the lights flickered, and a familiar tone filled the room, signaling an incoming transmission. The team gathered in the briefing room, where the large screen illuminated with the stern faces of Batman and Superman.
"Listen up, team," Batman began, his voice steady and commanding. "We have a situation that requires your immediate attention. Satellites have detected a spaceship of Kryptonian origin that has recently been taken into possession by Dr. Hugo Strange and his lackeys. We've tracked it to a lab owned by LexCorp."
Superman continued, "Normally, I would handle this myself, but I'm off-world dealing with a larger threat. I need you to investigate whatever is inside that Kryptonian vessel. It's crucial that we keep Strange and Luthor from doing any significant damage."
Wally raised an eyebrow, excitement coursing through him. "So, we're going to take down Hugo Strange and Lex Luthor? Sounds like a party!"
Batman's expression remained serious. "This isn't a game, Wally. We don't know what they're planning, but given their history, it's safe to assume it's not good. Your mission is to gather intel and neutralize any threats. Work together and stay focused. I trust you all to handle this."
The team exchanged determined glances, the weight of the mission settling in. Kaldur stepped forward, his voice steady. "We won't let you down, Batman. We'll ensure that whatever is in that ship doesn't fall into the wrong hands."
"I heard about the work you guys did freeing those meta teens captured by lex you guys did good work out there" Superman said
Wally smiles as he nudges superboy who folds his arms "getting praised by big blue himself sweet"
As the transmission ended, the team began strategizing. They discussed their approach
As the team gathered in the briefing room, Aqualad stepped forward to outline the plan. "I believe a small squad would be suitable for this mission. Jason, Superboy, and I will be sufficient to check out the Kryptonian vessel."
Nightwing immediately interjected, his tone firm. "I should go too, Aqualad. If this is a stealth operation, I'd be much better than Superboy. No offense, Connor."
Superboy shrugged, understanding Nightwing's point. "None taken. But I can handle myself."
Aqualad shook his head, his expression resolute. "Nightwing, we need you here in Mount Justice to lead the backup team. If something goes wrong, we'll need you to coordinate and provide support."
Nightwing sighed, clearly frustrated but recognizing the logic in Aqualad's words. "Fine. But if anything goes sideways, I'm coming in."
Kid Flash grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "I don't mind staying back. Gives me more time to hang out with Artemis." He winked at Artemis, who rolled her eyes but smiled.
Artemis nudged Kid Flash playfully. "Just make sure you're ready if we need you."
Miss Martian, who had been observing silently, spoke up. "Aqualad, your plan is sound. But remember, this mission is critical. You have to retrieve the vessel before Strange and Luthor can tamper with it further."
Superboy clenched his fists, determination in his eyes. "We'll get it done."
Jason, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Let's move out. The longer we wait, the more time they have to mess with the ship."
Aqualad nodded. "Agreed. Jason, Superboy, let's gear up and head out."
As the trio prepared to leave, Nightwing approached Aqualad, his expression serious. "Be careful out there. And remember, we're just a call away."
Aqualad placed a reassuring hand on Nightwing's shoulder. "We will. And thank you. Your support is invaluable."
With that, Aqualad, Jason, and Superboy geared up and left Mount Justice, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them. The rest of the team watched them go, knowing that the success of the mission depended on their teamwork and readiness to act when needed.
Aqualad, Jason, and Superboy moved swiftly through the night, their destination clear: the secret LexCorp lab where Hugo Strange was holding the Kryptonian pod. They traveled in silence, each focused on the mission ahead.
As they approached the lab, Aqualad signaled for them to stop and take cover behind a cluster of trees. "Alright, we need to get a better look at the security setup before we make our move," he whispered.
Jason tapped the side of his helmet which had seemingly turned black to match the environment and scanned the perimeter. "Looks like they've got a few guards patrolling the entrance and some high-tech security cameras. We need to take those out first."
Superboy nodded. "I'll handle the guards. You two take care of the cameras."
Aqualad agreed. "Let's move."
Superboy used his superhuman speed to silently incapacitate the guards, while Jason and Aqualad worked together to disable the security cameras. Within minutes, they had cleared the way to the entrance.
"Nice work," Jason said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Now let's find that vessel."
They entered the lab, moving cautiously through the dimly lit corridors. The air was thick with tension, and every sound seemed amplified. As they turned a corner, they spotted a large, reinforced door at the end of the hallway.
"That must be it," Aqualad said. "Jason, can you get us in?"
Jason nodded and approached the door, pulling out a set of lock-picking tools. "Give me a minute."
As Jason worked on the lock, Superboy kept watch, his enhanced hearing on high alert. Suddenly, he tensed. "Someone's coming."
Aqualad and Superboy readied themselves for a potential confrontation, but Jason managed to unlock the door just in time. They slipped inside and closed the door behind them, finding themselves in a large room filled with advanced technology.
In the center of the room was the Kryptonian pod, surrounded by various machines and monitors. Hugo Strange stood nearby, his back to them, engrossed in his work.
"We need to take him out quietly," Aqualad whispered.
Jason nodded. "Leave it to me."
With practiced stealth, Jason moved behind Strange and delivered a precise blow, rendering him unconscious. "He's out. Let's grab the vessel and get out of here."
Superboy approached the pod, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and determination. "I've got it. Let's move." He said as he grabbed it ripping it out of the wirings, its must have weighed a couple hundred ton but it was light work for the half kryptonian as he placed the large pod on his back
As they made their way back to the exit, alarms suddenly blared throughout the lab. "We've been spotted," Aqualad said, urgency in his voice. "We need to move, now!"
They sprinted through the corridors, dodging guards and security measures. Just as they reached the exit, a group of heavily armed guards blocked their path.
"Hold them off while I get the pod to safety," Superboy said, his voice resolute.
Aqualad and Jason exchanged a quick nod and turned to face the guards, ready for a fight. "Go, Superboy. We'll cover you."
Superboy charged through the exit with the pod, leaving Aqualad and Jason to fend off the guards, he lept in the air crashing through the roof yelling "I'll be right back!"
Superboy leapt into the air, carrying the pod with him, determined to get it to safety. Meanwhile, Aqualad and Red Hood stayed behind to fend off the guards blocking their exit. A barrage of bullets flew towards them, but Aqualad summoned a water shield to deflect the shots while Jason Todd, aka Red Hood, returned fire with precision.
"We need to split up!" Aqualad shouted over the noise, his voice steady despite the chaos. Red hood immediately threw a smoke bomb to obscure their movements, and in the ensuing confusion, they vanished from sight. Aqualad quickly slipped into the ventilation system, crawling through the narrow ducts with practiced ease. Jason, on the other hand, managed to turn a corner and found himself in another lab.
There, in the dim light, he saw something that made him freeze in his tracks—a female Kryptonian in a pod, the same S that he and everyone else knew all too well visible on the females attire in the pod with a thick black collar around her neck that looked like a da, she seemed to be in stasis her eyes closed as if in a deep sleep. "What the hell...?" Jason muttered, his shock evident. He approached the pod cautiously, his mind racing with questions. Who was she? Why was she here? And how had no one known about her?
Meanwhile, Aqualad continued to navigate the vents, his keen ears picking up a conversation below. He paused, listening intently as Hugo Strange's voice came through.
"They've taken the ship," Strange reported, his tone laced with frustration.
"What about the specimen?" Lex Luthor's voice responded, calm and calculating.
"They seem to have no idea of its existence," Strange replied, a hint of satisfaction creeping into his voice.
Aqualad's eyes widened as he pieced together the implications. The "specimen" had to be the female Kryptonian Jason had just found. He knew they had to act fast—if Luthor and Strange were involved, whatever they had planned couldn't be good.
Back in the lab, Jason's mind was racing. He quickly activated his communicator. "Aqualad, you're not going to believe this. I found a Kryptonian—female, in a pod."
"I heard Strange and Luthor talking," Aqualad responded, his voice tense. "They have no idea we know about her. We need to get her out of here before they realize."
Jason nodded, even though Aqualad couldn't see him. "Got it. I'll figure out how to get her out. Meet me at the extraction point."
"Be careful, Jason," Aqualad warned. "We don't know what else they have planned."
"You too, Kaldur," Jason replied, using Aqualad's real name. He turned his attention back to the pod, looking for a way to release the Kryptonian without setting off any alarms.
As Aqualad continued through the vents, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were running out of time. The building was on lockdown, and the guards would soon realize what was happening. They needed to move quickly and decisively.
In the lab, Jason finally found the release mechanism. With a deep breath, he activated it, and the pod began to open. The female Kryptonian's eyes fluttered open, and she looked at Jason with a mixture of confusion and fear.
"Who...who are you?" she asked, her voice weak.
"Name's Jason. We're here to help you," he said, offering her a reassuring smile. "Can you walk?"
She nodded slowly, still disoriented. "I think so."
"Good. We need to get out of here," Jason said, helping her to her feet. "Let's move."
As they made their way towards the extraction point, Aqualad emerged from the vents, rejoining them. "We've got company," he said, his expression grim. "Guards are closing in."
The guards sight Red Hood, Aqualad, and Kara, the mysterious Kryptonian. Hugo Strange begins screaming, "Get them!" More guards come bursting out from different corners, unleashing fire.
Jason Todd, also known as Red Hood, dodges a barrage of bullets, his twin pistols blazing as he takes down two guards with precise shots. "Hey!, aren't you Kryptonian? Help out with some lasers or something!" he shouts.
Kara looks confused. "Lasers?" she asks, her eyes widening in bewilderment. She holds her hand over her head ducking buller fire and saying and my name is Kara!
Aqualad, wielding his water-bearer weapons, creates a shield of water to deflect incoming fire. "Focus, Kara! We'll handle this," he says, his tone calm but urgent.
The fight intensifies as Aqualad and Red Hood move in sync. Aqualad uses his hydrokinesis to disarm and incapacitate several guards, while Red Hood's acrobatics and marksmanship keep the remaining attackers at bay.
Aqualad swings his water-bearers in a wide arc, knocking out three guards at once. "It's over, Hugo Strange! You won't be keeping her prisoner!" he declares.
Hugo Strange smirks and activates a button on a remote control. Kara's collar shocks her, and she screams for a second before standing completely still. "Oh, is it?" Hugo says with a sinister grin. "Kill them," he commands.
Kara's eyes turn cold, and she starts floating. Jason's eyes widen in realization. "Oh shit," he mutters.
Kara moves with lightning speed, delivering a powerful punch that sends Aqualad crashing into a wall, rendering him unconscious. Red Hood barely has time to react as Kara turns her attention to him.
"Snap out of it, Kara!" Jason yells, dodging her attacks. He knows he can't match her strength, but he uses his agility to stay one step ahead. He throws a smoke bomb to obscure her vision and buys himself a moment to think.
Aqualad, regaining consciousness, groans and pulls himself up. "Jason, we need to disable that collar!" he shouts, as he uses a water whip from his hand to grab Kara by the arm in the air, trying to pull his Atlantian might not a match for hers she flings him laughing his body into jason's with a thud
Aqualad quickly regained his footing, shaking off the disorientation from the impact with Jason. "Maneuver 18!" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. Jason, ever quick on his feet, nodded and pulled out a smoke bomb from his utility belt. With a swift motion, he tossed it to the ground, engulfing the area in a thick, swirling cloud of smoke.
As the smoke billowed around them, Aqualad concentrated, channeling the water from nearby sources. He summoned water whips, their forms twisting and swirling with an ethereal glow. From the depths of the mist, he launched the whips toward their opponent, aiming to restrain her once more. This time, the water coils snaked around her wrists, and with a surge of power, he electrified the water, sending a jolt through her.
For a brief moment, she hovered in the air, her surprised expression flickering with the blue light of the electricity. However, her resilience was formidable, and the shock barely slowed her down. With a fierce determination, she broke free from the water's grasp, her eyes blazing with intensity as she unleashed her heat vision in retaliation.
Aqualad and Jason quickly scattered, narrowly avoiding the searing beams that sliced through the smoke. The air crackled with tension as they regrouped behind a nearby structure, catching their breath. "We need a new plan," Jason suggested, glancing at Aqualad, whose brow was furrowed in thought. "If we can distract her long enough, maybe we can find a way to get that collar off for good."
Aqualad nodded, formulating a strategy. "I'll create a diversion with the water. You flank her from the side. When she's focused on me, that's when you strike." With a determined look, they prepared for the next phase of their confrontation, ready to face the powerful adversary together.
Aqualad and Jason positioned themselves strategically, ready to execute their new plan against Kara. Aqualad summoned a massive wave of water, forming it into a towering wall that crashed toward her, creating a deafening roar. The water surged forward, shimmering ominously in the dim light. "Now, Jason!" Aqualad shouted, his voice filled with urgency.
Jason darted around the side, his red hood blending into the shadows. He took aim and fired a series of explosive rounds into the water, creating a cloud of mist and confusion. The explosions sent droplets flying everywhere, momentarily obscuring Kara's vision. For a fleeting moment, it seemed their plan might work as Kara staggered back, disoriented by the sudden chaos.
But Kara was not easily defeated. With a fierce determination, she pushed through the water, her eyes glowing with fury. As the mist cleared, she locked onto Aqualad, her expression twisted with rage.
Before Aqualad could react, she lunged forward, her speed blurring her form. In an instant, she was upon him, slamming him against the wall with a bone-jarring force. Aqualad gasped as the air was knocked from his lungs, his vision swimming. She pressed her hand against his throat, her grip tightening as she glared into his eyes.
Jason, witnessing the terrifying scene unfold, felt a surge of desperation. He aimed his weapon at Kara, his voice hoarse as he yelled, "Get away from him!" But as he pulled the trigger, a bullet ricocheted off her defenses, and the backlash sent him stumbling back. In the chaos, he felt the sharp pain in his mask, a crack forming at the top. Blood trickled down his forehead, mingling with the sweat and grime of the battle.
Kara turned her attention to Jason, her expression a mix of amusement and anger. With a flick of her wrist, she sent Aqualad crashing to the ground, his body limp as it dropped like a ragdoll. The thud echoed ominously in the alleyway, and for a moment, all was silent.
Kara zoomed toward Jason, her movements a blur. She grabbed him by the neck, lifting him effortlessly off the ground. Jason struggled, gasping for air as her grip tightened like a vice. "You're next," she growled, her eyes burning with a dark intensity, ready to end it all. The world around them faded into shadows, leaving only the chilling reality of impending doom.
As Jason began to fade in and out of consciousness, his mind raced. He knew his only chance was the kryptonite cartridge he always carried. It was supposed to be on the left side of his utility belt. Using muscle memory, he fumbled for the cartridge, his vision blurring. Kara's grip on his neck was relentless, and his cracked mask revealed half of his bloodied face.
With a Herculean effort, he managed to load his Glock while Kara held him aloft. His movements were weak, but he managed to place the gun against her abdomen. The sound of the shot was deafening in the confined space. For a brief moment, Jason chuckled, thinking of victory.
But then he saw it—the bullet, squished against Kara's clothing, not even penetrating her skin. His heart sank as he realized his mistake. His kryptonite cartridge was always on the left, at the back. Why wasn't it there? Who could have known its location?
His mind raced to find an answer. "Dick," he said weakly, remembering his half-brother and the argument they had four weeks earlier during their last mission. That was the last time he used his kryptonite cartridge.
As his vision dimmed, he looked up at Kara. Her face was filled with rage, but for some reason, he could see a deep sadness in her eyes. This was it for Red Hood.
Authors note
What do you guys think I know I said next week but I could wait to share this new chapter with you guys
Leave a review and tell me what you think
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And check out my other story the power of darkness
Story continues next week for real this time lol