A New X: Part 1

The first rays of dawn broke through the heavy storm clouds that had engulfed Jump City the previous night. Inside Titans Tower, the atmosphere was tense, filled with anticipation and concern. The normally vibrant and bustling headquarters of the Teen Titans felt somber, as the team gathered in the common area, their expressions etched with worry.

Tim Drake, known to the world as Red Robin, sat at the central computer console, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he reviewed the security footage from the night before, a ritual he performed every morning. His eyes were fixed on the large monitor displaying the time stamped images of Titans Tower's interior.

As the footage played, Tim expected the same the he saw other morning, nothing other that his friends getting up to use the bathroom or get a snack and whoever was on patrol returning. This morning however, would be different. His eyes widened as the video reached a specific section of the footage, his heart dropping to his stomach as he saw a thief in the vault they store dangerous items in. Furthering his distress, he watches as the thief enters the passcode for the case holding the Red X suit. Tim snatches up his communicator and send out the signal for an emergency meeting.

"Guys, we've got a problem," Tim called out, drawing the attention of the Titans who had sleepily gathered in the room.

Starfire, her fiery hair contrasting with darkness of the pre-dawn hours, was the first to respond. "What is it, Tim?"

"The Red X suit," Tim said, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "It's gone."

A collective gasp swept through the room, and Starfire's eyes welled up with sorrow. The memory of the original Robin’s temporary betrayal, when he had taken up the Red X mantle, was something she still hasn’t fully forgiven Dick for. She had thought they had put that chapter behind them, but here is a poignant reminder of that dark time.

Raven's eyes darkened, her empathic ability reacting to the emotions of her teammates. Much like herself the other original Titans are feeling a mix of several emotions; anger, sadness, betrayal, and hate for Slade amongst others.

Kaldur and Cassie, though not a part of the team back then, were instead mainly feeling worry and sympathy for their friends.

Cyborg clenched his metallic fist, his cybernetic eye scanning the security footage again. "That suit is too dangerous to be out there in the wrong hands."

Beast Boy was lounging on the couch appearing casual, but his green eyes reflected his anxiety. Without his usual jovial tone he speaks next. "We can't let history repeat itself; we barely managed to take down the second Red X. We need to find it, ASAP."

Starfire, her resolve hardening, wiped away a tear that had begun to form. "We will retrieve the suit, and ensure it does not cause harm to others, like it did before."

Tim nodded in agreement, his attention returning to the footage. "I've been reviewing the security footage from last night. It's clear that the thief knew he was being recorded. He bypassed every single security measure we have and he even somehow managed to get his hands on the passcode for the case holding the suit. There is no way that if he could do all of that, yet miss the camera facing his objective. "

The thought that he knew one of their passcodes shook the Titans. Starfire, determination burning in her eyes, proclaimed. "We must begin our search immediately. We cannot allow this threat to persist."

As the Titans began to mobilize, their sense of purpose renewed, Tim couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The thief's calculated actions, the allowing himself to be captured on camera, it all raised more questions and provided no answers. It was clear that this adversary was no ordinary criminal.

X

The hunt for the stolen Red X suit had begun, and the Titans knew that they needed to find it before it whoever took it is able to ignite a new wave of chaos in Jump City. The Titans wasted no time, quickly organizing themselves into teams to search for any trace of the stolen Red X suit or the thief who stole it. They knew the consequences of failure were too great, and the thief's bold move demanded a swift response.

As Beast Boy and Aqualad set off for the abandoned marinas and private docks, Aqualad couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration. He had heard of the Red X incident with Dick Grayson, and now it seemed history was repeating itself.

Beast Boy, his typically jovial demeanor replaced by determination, glanced at Aqualad. "We'll find that suit, man. No one messes with the Titans and gets away with it."

Aqualad nodded, his aqua-blue eyes scanning the abandoned structures for any signs of the thief. "Agreed. We must be vigilant."

Starfire soared into the sky, her fiery contrails marking her path as she scoured the mountains and forests surrounding Jump City. Her heart ached at the thought of the Red X suit resurfacing, a painful reminder of past betrayal. She hoped they would find it before it could cause more harm.

Raven, her indigo cloak swirling, focused her dark magic to extend her senses, searching for any trace of the thief's presence. Her empathic abilities allowed her to feel the emotions of those around her, but this time, she was honing in on something different—.an echo of a strange energy, something unlike anything has come across.

Tim Drake, ever the vigilant detective, remained in the tower's command center, monitoring the city's surveillance systems. He analyzed every frame of footage of the surrounding area from the night before, determined to uncover any clues about the thief who had deliberately exposed himself to the camera.

Cyborg and Wonder Girl, an imposing duo, ventured into the city's underbelly, interrogating known criminals and informants, trying to gather any leads on the whereabouts of the stolen Red X suit. Cyborg's cybernetic enhancements and large frame combined with Wonder Girl's powerful and intimidating presence alone was often enough to persuade even the most hardened of criminals.

As each team went about their respective tasks, they couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. The Red X suit had the potential to unleash chaos in Jump City once more, and they were determined to prevent that from happening.

X

Meanwhile, in the shadows, Xander, now known as Red X, watched their efforts with amusement. He had allowed himself to be seen on camera, setting the stage for an intricate game of cat and mouse. His cyber-eye analyzed the Titans' every movement, allowing him pick them apart for any weaknesses.

His thoughts raced as he contemplated his next move. The Titans were formidable opponents, and they were closing in on him. But he had the suit, and with it, he felt invincible. The thrill of the chase, the clash of heroes and anti-hero, it all excited him in a way nothing else did.

"Let the hunt begin," Red X whispered to himself, a wicked grin hidden beneath the mask.

X

The early morning darkness draped over Jump City like a heavy shroud, concealing the activities of its inhabitants. High above, the Titans continued their relentless search for the stolen Red X suit, unaware that their elusive adversary was on the move once more.

Red X, now fully clad his upgraded and redesigned Red X suit, moved with precision and grace through the city's labyrinthine streets. His destination was the second part of his plan: the Jump City branch of Wayne Electronics’ R&D Department, a hidden gem of technological innovation known to harbor some of the world's most cutting-edge prototypes.

The thief's cybernetic eye had analyzed the data he'd gathered, with the help of Gramps and a few other contacts, on this specific location. He knew that the prototype he sought—a cyberwarfare system designed for the military—was tucked away in a highly secure chamber deep within the facility.

As Red X approached the entrance, he couldn't help but admire the imposing security measures. Wayne Security, a subsidiary of Wayne Enterprises, was renowned for its advanced systems. He knew that even the slightest misstep would alert the Titans to his presence.

With cautious precision, Red X infiltrated the facility, avoiding security cameras and laser alarms with finesse. His enhanced cyber-eye helped him navigate the complex network of defenses, analyzing the best pathway to the room that guarded the prototype. His heart raced as he approached the chamber.

"Once I get my hands on that cyberwarfare system," he thought, "I'll upgrade my suit and cyber-eye with the latest tech. The Titans won't stand a chance."

X

But fate had a different plan.

X

Inside the chamber, a security guard who had been assigned to watch over the prototype had chosen it as the perfect place for a nap. Slouched in a chair, the guard could have never imagined the repercussion of this nap.

As Red X silently entered the room, he spotted the sleeping guard, a lazy grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Looks like someone didn't take their job seriously."

However, as he approached the prototype, the guard's eyes fluttered open, and panic washed over him. In his disoriented state, he reached for the alarm button, his finger trembling as he pressed it.

The room erupted with a blaring siren, red lights flashing, and the chamber's steel doors sealing shut with a resounding thud. Red X cursed under his breath as he realized the guard had triggered a lockdown.

Outside the chamber, the facility's security systems activated, sending a distress signal to Wayne Security's central monitoring station. Red X knew he was running out of time. The Titans would be on their way, and he couldn't afford to be caught.

As the seconds ticked away, Red X couldn't help but wonder if he had underestimated the capabilities of Wayne Security. This heist had now become a high-stakes game, one he was determined to win, even as the odds were shifting against him.

In the dimly lit chamber, tension hung heavy in the air as the blaring siren continued to wail, echoing through the reinforced walls of Wayne Electronics R&D. Red X knew that he couldn't afford to be captured, not when he was so close to acquiring the cyberwarfare system that would upgrade his suit and cyber-eye.

The guard, still trembling with fear, fumbled for his gun, his hand quivering as he attempted to draw his weapon in an attempt to defend himself. Red X analyzed the situation in an instant, calculating the risks and benefits of his next move.

With a swift and silent motion, Red X created a sword out of his Aura, in the form of a Jian; the sword is comprised of solid energy and is electric blue in color. The guard's eyes widened in terror as he beheld the glowing weapon, before he could utter a word, Red X struck, a swift and precise motion, and the guard's life was extinguished in an instant, the room plunged into a chilling silence.

Now, with the guard out of the equation, he turned his attention to the locked-down chamber. The cyberwarfare system he sought lay beyond a formidable vault door, surrounded by layers of security measures that had been activated in response to the alarm.

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His Aura sword crackled with energy as he shifted his focus to the task at hand. He took out a trio of X Bombs from his utility belt, golf ball-sized explosives, and infused them with his explosive Aura. Each one hummed with potential destruction.

Positioning the X Bombs strategically, Red X carefully set their timers and backed away. As he retreated to a safe distance, the explosives emitted an eerie, electric glow, signaling their impending detonation.

The sudden sound of several pairs of heavy boots rushing towards the chamber drew Red X’s attention. Knowing that fighting several guards had a good chance of slowing him down long enough for the Titans to arrive, he opted for different path.

Aiming the X Blaster on his left palm at the ceiling of the hallway, Red X unleashes a power beam of crimson energy. The resulting explosion causes the roof of the hallway to cave in, blocking the guard’s access to the chamber.

With a deafening series of blasts, the vault door and surrounding security measures were torn asunder, sending sparks and shrapnel flying in all directions. Smoke and dust filled the chamber, causing Red X to return his attention the vault.

He knew that the Titans would only be spurred on by the explosions, and the element of surprise was now gone. Time was of the essence. With an agile leap over the destroyed door he landed in the vault and navigated through the smoky chaos, swiftly moving toward the prized prototype.

As he secured the prototype within his grasp, Red X couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. He had risked it all, and for the moment, despite a set back it had paid off. With the stolen technology, he would enhance his suit and cyber-eye, making him an even more formidable adversary.

Using a modified version of the suit’s teleportation system, he sent the prototype back to the safehouse. He opted to escape the old fashion way, as it is far more fun.

The acrid smoke from the exploded security measures billowed out of the building, shrouding the area in a haze of confusion. Red X, having completed his task, moved swiftly through the wreckage-strewn courtyard, his boots making no sound on the shattered glass and debris.

Just as he was about to reach a shadowy alleyway, a strong, and confident feminine voice pierced eerie silence that follows disaster. "Hold it right there, asshole!"

Red X's eye narrowed as he turned to face the source of the voice. Emerging from the smoke and wreckage, two formidable figures stepped forward, their presence radiating authority and power.

Cyborg, with his cybernetic enhancements gleaming in the dim light, and Wonder Girl, her Amazonian strength evident in her powerful stride, had tracked the thief to this very spot.

Cyborg's mechanical eye locked onto Red X, his voice a low growl through his metallic vocal cords. "You're not getting away with that tech."

Red X's lips curled into a wicked grin beneath the mask. He had anticipated that the Titans would catch up to him sooner or later, and now, with two of their members before him, his excitement surged.

"Well, well, well," Red X purred with a hint of amusement. "Looks like I've got some really good dance partners. Unfortunately for you, I’ve teleported the prototype back to my place, so you’re shit out of luck on that front."

Cyborg and Wonder Girl exchanged glances, realizing that their chance of retrieving the stolen tech had just slipped through their fingers. But their primary objective remained clear – to apprehend the elusive thief before he could escape.

Red X assumed a defensive stance, the glowing Aura sword materializing in his hand once again. "So, who's first?"

Cyborg's mechanical fingers flexed into fists, and his cannon arm hummed with energy. "You're in for a fight, X."

Red X's lips curled into a confident grin beneath the mask as he assessed his opponents. Wonder Girl, her strength evident in even the simplest of movements, her exquisite, taut and toned muscles rippled with her every move, clenched her fists and prepared to fight.

"You're not walking away from this," Wonder Girl declared, her voice carrying the weight of her determination.

Wonder Girl, her determination unyielding, lunged at Red X with a lightning-fast strike. Her immense strength and speed made her a formidable adversary, and Red X knew that taking a direct hit from her could be devastating, and potentially life-ending.

As Wonder Girl launched her assault, Red X displayed his agility and superior reaction times. He dodged and weaved, avoiding her blows at the last possible second with a grace that belied his massive physique. Her attacks created shockwaves of force, shattering the ground where they landed, but Red X remained elusive.

As the two trade blows with one another Cyborg, who has informed the other Titans of the situation waits on the sideline, looking for the right time to make a move; that time came when Red X unleashes a blast electricity that explodes on contact with Wonder Girl.

As she is blasted back, he rushes Red X from behind. Hearing the sound of the metallic footsteps approaching him, Red X spins around and lashes out with his sword. Cyborg lift his left arm, forming a sonic shield, and blocks the attack; as the blades starts destroying the shield he transforms his right arm into a sonic and blast Red X in the chest. The blast sends him flying backwards.

He corrects himself in the air with a flip, and as he does he fires a bolt of electric Aura at Cyborg. Not only was he electrocuted but the sheer force the bolt hit him with sent him rocketing into a nearby store. Using the rocket boosters in his feet, Cyborg reengages Red X.

Cyborg, posed a different challenge compared to Wonder Girl. While physically stronger than Red X, the thief had a significant advantage in speed and reflexes. Red X darted around the courtyard, keeping Cyborg off balance and evading his powerful strikes. Their battle was a dance of agility against brute force, each trying to outmaneuver the other.

X

The clash between the Titans and Red X continued; a whirlwind of combat skill and strategy. The courtyard echoed with the sounds of their skirmish – the swiftness of Red X's movements, the hum of Cyborg's mechanical enhancements, and the thunderous blows of Wonder Girl.

Red X knew that this battle was far from over. With every evasion and counterattack, he reveled in the thrill of facing two formidable Titans in combat, proving himself as the cunning and elusive adversary he had become.

Red X's exceptional combat skills were a testament to his rigorous training, vast experience, and genius-level intelligence. These attributes granted him a remarkable ability that bordered on combat precognition. As he faced off against his opponents, his mind raced with predictions of their potential moves, giving him an uncanny advantage in the heat of battle.

His keen observational skills allowed him to analyze his adversaries' fighting styles swiftly. With each exchange, every strike and defensive maneuver, Red X absorbed their techniques like a relentless sponge. It was more than just learning their moves; it was about understanding the essence of their combat artistry. This leads to finding your opponents weaknesses and knowing how to exploit them to the fullest.

As Red X continued to engage Wonder Girl and Cyborg, his mind worked tirelessly to dissect their fighting styles. He anticipated their actions before they even made a move, as if he had unlocked the secrets of their intentions. His superior speed and reflexes allowed him to fend off the two Titans. It was a dance of calculation and anticipation, a deadly game of wits.

With each passing moment, Red X's understanding of their fighting techniques deepened. He saw the chinks in their armor, the flaws in their form, and the vulnerabilities that others might overlook. It was as if he had dissected their very essence, leaving them exposed to his tactical brilliance.

The battle continued to unfold with stunning precision. Red X's movements were a symphony of calculated strikes and evasive maneuvers, a testament to his mastery of combat. With his combat precognition and analytical genius, he was becoming a force to be reckoned with.

As the battle raged on, Red X knew that his ability to predict and exploit his opponents' weaknesses would be the key to victory. With every move, he inched closer to outmaneuvering Wonder Girl and Cyborg, proving that his intelligence was as deadly as his physical prowess.

In the midst of the heated confrontation between Red X and the pair of heroes, a blaze of emerald energy suddenly pierced the smoky haze. Starfire, with her vibrant red hair aflame, descended from the sky with graceful precision. Her arrival injected a new element into the battle, shifting the balance of power.

As Starfire touched down with a resounding impact, her presence infused the battleground with newfound energy. The air crackled with anticipation as she joined the fray.

Starfire's luminous green eyes locked onto Red X as she landed with a resounding thud. "We will not allow you to escape, new Red X!" she declared with unwavering determination.

Wonder Girl, her fists still crackling with Amazonian strength, turned to face the Tamaranean warrior. "Starfire! You're just in time."

Red X, with his aura-infused sword in hand, remained poised and ready for the continued confrontation. "Three against one now, huh? This just got interesting."

Starfire's expression was one of unwavering determination. "We will not allow you to get away with your actions, Red X."

With a graceful yet determined movement, she unleashed a powerful starbolt, a coruscating blast of green energy, which hurtled toward Red X. The thief was easily able to predict the path of the attack, and he agilely sidestepped it, narrowly avoiding the searing blast.

Cyborg, encouraged by the arrival of Starfire, unleashed a barrage of energy blasts from his cannon arm, creating a dazzling display of firepower. Red X nimbly evaded the projectiles, his agility and combat prowess allowing him to dart between each incoming blast.

The battle begins to reach a fevered pitch, with each participant demonstrating their unique abilities and strategies. Starfire's aerial maneuvers and starbolts added a new layer of complexity to the skirmish. Her blazing attacks and agile evasions kept Red X on his toes.

Wonder Girl continued to press her assault, her fists swinging with incredible force. Each strike sent shockwaves through the ground, but Red X was to anticipate her movements and counter her blows with incredible finesse. Dodging the blows he could and deflecting the rest with his sword.

Even as he dodged Wonder Girls attacks, he was firing blasts from his X blaster and launching powerful bolts of explosive electricity at the other two Titans.

Red X recognized that the odds were shifting against him. The combination of Starfire's aerial superiority, Wonder Girl's raw strength, and Cyborg’s guerilla attacks has shifted the flow of the battle rather quickly. He needed to regroup and reassess his strategy.

With a burst of speed and a well-timed X bomb, Red X disengaged from the immediate melee, creating some distance between himself and the Titans. He rapidly calculated the situation, and he knew that he needed to end the fight quickly.

Starfire, Wonder Girl, and Cyborg exchanged determined glances, their collective resolve stronger than ever. They were a force to be reckoned with, and they were united in their pursuit of justice.

Red X, his mask concealing his emotions, weighed his options. The battle was far from over, and he knew that this clash of heroes and anti-hero had only just begun.

X

As the fierce battle raged on, Red X found himself locked in a desperate struggle against Wonder Girl's relentless assault. Her unyielding determination was matched only by her incredible physical strength, and she managed to catch his right wrist with her Lasso of Lightning.

The Lasso crackled with electricity as it ensnared Red X, and for a moment, he felt the searing power surge through him. The lightning's energy coursed through his veins, temporarily incapacitating him and sending sparks flying from his body.

However, Red X's Aura quickly came into play. It started to absorb and assimilate the new source of energy, the very Lightning of Zeus, converting the Lasso of Lightning's formidable power into a part of his own energy. As the lightning coursed through him, he felt a transformation taking place within.

With a wicked smirk behind the mask, Red X harnessed the Divine Lightning that now flowed through him. The energy surged within him, a potent force at his command. He raised his arm, charged with Divine Lightning, and unleashed a devastating blast that sent Cyborg reeling.

The Titans watched in awe as Red X's newfound powers manifested before their eyes. The Divine Lightning crackled around him, a formidable weapon that he wielded with newfound confidence.

Taking advantage of Wonder Girl’s temporary lapse in focus, Red X yanks the lasso with all of his strength, resulting in Wonder Girl being pulled towards him at tremendous speed. Timing his actions, Red X delivers a crushing uppercut to her jaw, sending her flying into the air.

As Red X prepared to face Starfire, he noticed the approach of rest of the Titans in the distance. The odds were stacking against him, and he had no desire to test his mettle against all seven Titans simultaneously.

With a swift and calculated movement, Red X activated the teleportation function of his suit. In a blinding flash of crimson light he vanished from the battleground, leaving behind only the echoes of his audacious escape.

The Titans, now fully assembled, stared at the spot where Red X had stood just moments ago. They knew that the battle was far from over, and their elusive adversary had once again slipped through their grasp.

X

Back at Titans Tower, the team had regrouped, and a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. Cyborg, Wonder Girl, and Starfire stood before their fellow Titans, ready to debrief them on their first encounter with the new Red X.

Tim Drake, Red Robin, leaned forward in his seat, his fingers drumming restlessly on the table. "Tell us everything.”

Victor, as Cyborg went by at home, his cybernetic body gleaming in the rising sun, began, "Alright, guys, we need to talk about what happened out there."

Wonder Girl, her posture still reflecting the intensity of the battle, nodded in agreement. "Red X is no pushover. We underestimated him. It turns out he isn’t a regular thief after all, he is also a Metahuman"

Starfire's fiery hair crackled with residual energy as she added, "Indeed. He has abilities we did not anticipate."

Cyborg took the lead in detailing their findings. "First off, Red X has the ability to create some form of electricity that has explosive qualities. It's unlike anything we've seen before. Not only does it electrocute and explode, when the bolt hit me it felt like being punched by Star."

Wonder Girl chimed in, her expression grave. "His combat skills are on a whole different level, fighting him almost felt like fighting Deathstroke. It was as if he could predict our every move. We could barely land a hit on him."

"He also possesses rather high physical stats. He's almost able to match Victor in strength and was much faster than all of us."

Shaking her head Wonder Girl let out an exasperated sigh, she tells the others the most shocking revelation. "And the most disturbing part is – Red X somehow absorbed the Lightning from my Lasso of Lightning. He's now seems to be able to freely create the Lightning of Lord Zeus. If that’s true he is now immune to all forms of lightning weaker than that of the Lightning of Zeus, and he's gained the ability to create Divine Lightning."

Aqualad's brow furrowed as he processed the information. "This new Red X sounds far more dangerous than we initially thought. We need to tread extra cautiously and come up with a strategy."

Robin, ever the strategist, stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "We can't underestimate him. If he's absorbed the Lasso's power, it means he can not only adapt to energy attacks, but make that energy his own. We need to be smart about this; he is shaping up to be the most difficult foe we’ve faced in a long time."

Raven, her indigo cloak billowing, added, "We have to find out more about him – his motives, his weaknesses. See if any of the other heroes have any information on him. We can't let him continue to stay one step ahead of us."

As the Titans contemplated their next move, it was clear that Red X had become a formidable adversary. They were determined to unravel the mysteries surrounding this enigmatic figure and bring him to justice. The battle was far from over, and the Titans were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in their quest to stop Red X and retrieve their stolen tech.

X

As the night draped itself over Jump City, painting everything in shades of obsidian, Raven found solace in the inky embrace of the sky. Unable to sleep for the past few nights, her restless mind was plagued by unsettling dreams that clawed at her sanity. She couldn't shake the feeling that these were more than mere nightmares – they were a haunting premonition.

Her pale, grayish-skinned form soared above the city, the dark cloak of her indigo robe trailing behind her like a shadow. Her piercing amethyst eyes scanned the sprawling metropolis below, searching for answers that eluded her waking hours.

"This isn't right," Raven whispered to herself, her voice carrying a note of unease. "These dreams... they feel too real, too connected."

Her thoughts drifted to her father, Trigon, the malevolent demon who had haunted her existence for so long. The nightmares seemed to be a cruel reminder of the darkness that had once consumed her. Though she defeated prophesy and overturned he fate with the help of her friends, she feared that Trigon's malevolence was not so easily banished from her life.

As she glided above the city's skyline, the cool night air brushing against her skin, Raven couldn't escape the gnawing sense of foreboding that had gripped her. The nightmares were a puzzle she needed to solve, a shadowy enigma that taunted her every waking moment. But she couldn’t overlook the threat of this new Red X just to look into what is probably nothing in the first place.

With each pass through the night sky, Raven hoped to find some semblance of clarity, a sign that would lead her to the source of her tormenting dreams. Her powers of perception and intuition were unparalleled, and she was determined to uncover the truth lurking in the shadows.

The night held its secrets close, but Raven's unwavering determination burned brighter than any darkness. As she continued her late-night flight, she vowed to confront whatever malevolent force was at play, even if it meant facing the demons of her past.

End of A New X: Part 1

With Laughs,

SonoftheJester