A New X: Part 2

In the dimly lit confines of his hidden safehouse, Xander had returned victorious from the intense battle with the Titans. His adrenaline still coursed through his veins as he closed the concealed entrance behind him, sealing himself off from the prying eyes of his adversaries. As he quickly made his way towards his workbench, where the prototype awaited him, he began removing his suit.

Upon reaching the workbench, Xander set his suit next to the prototype and with a sense of anticipation, begins the process of upgrading his suit.

As he worked meticulously, his hands deftly integrated the prototype with his suit’s current tech. His genius-level intellect was on full display as he integrated the stolen tech seamlessly into his suit. The upgrade, a complex amalgamation of the stolen military tech and his own ingenuity, soon neared completion.

Xander couldn't help but mutter to himself as he worked, his thoughts already on how to best use his new toy. "This is going to make a major pain in the ass for Cyborg; he won't know what hit him."

As he applies the final touches, Xander activated the upgraded suit, and it hummed to life with newfound power. But he wasn't done yet, not even close, as the most important part comes next; he knew that to truly harness its power, he needed a direct connection to his mind. That is where his cyber-eye comes into play, as is already connected to his mind.

This was the true purpose of having Angie replace his blood with liquid nanites; the fusion of man and technology. The liquid nanites that coursed through his veins surged with activity. They reached out to the cyberwarfare suite, creating a seamless connection. Xander's cyber-eye, a marvel of technology, was now directly linked to the suite.

As the connection solidified, he felt the same sensation, as if liquid nitrogen was injected into the base of his skull, he always felt as the nanites integrated new knowledge into his brain experienced before. It was as if his very thoughts could now manipulate the digital realm. With a mere thought, he could access the suite's capabilities, control its functions, and launch cyber attacks with unparalleled precision.

“This feeling… indescribable; I can feel the technology around me.” Xander mused to himself as he looked around the room. Looking at the TV, he knew he could follow the signal back to the broadcast station and take control of said broadcast station. With a thought he could hijack everything connected to the numerous Wi-Fi networks within roughly 5 miles of him.

Xander couldn't help but grin as he reveled in the fusion of man and technology. He was no longer just Red X; he was a technological force to be reckoned with, a living weapon who had just taken a giant leap toward becoming truly unstoppable.

Walking over to his kitchen Xander grabbed a bottle of whiskey and headed to his room to enjoy a bit of down time.

In the secluded sanctum of his bedroom, Xander reclined on a sleek, high-tech chair, surrounded by the dim glow of his computer monitor. With a contented sigh, he opened the bottle and downed some of the liquor. Setting the bottle on the desk, Xander reaches for the joint he rolled before setting out this morning. Drawing in the sweet, psychoactive smoke, his turned his mind to what he should do next.

His training, instilled by some of the deadliest mentors the world had ever known, whispered in his ear, urging caution and restraint. The lessons had been brutal, their trials even more so, and they had honed him into a living weapon. The logical path would be to lay low, to bide his time and strike when the opportunity was most advantageous.

“But that fight was so much fucking fun.”

But Xander had always been a creature of instinct, his unwavering desire to revel in the thrill of the moment. It urged him to embrace the newfound power coursing through his veins, to have fun and enjoy himself to the fullest. His blood hummed with adrenaline, his heart raced at the thought of testing his newfound powers to their limits. After all, what was the point of being a Metahuman Super Weapon if you couldn't indulge in a bit of chaos and adventure?

As his mind drifts towards thoughts of battle and excitement, his fingers start to crackle with a golden lightning, the sparks of energy dancing between his digits. It was a power he had absorbed from Wonder Girl's Lasso of Lightning, something he has never done before.

“What exactly happened? I was told my power was creating explosive electric material energy; which is a goddamn mouth full to say”. That’s why he took to simply referring to it as his Aura. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a crackling sphere of energy, watching it spin and pulsate in his palm.

As the sphere of Divine Lightning hovered before him, Xander's mind raced with possibilities. He could feel the raw, untamed power coursing through him, a potent force at his command. The urge to unleash it, to witness its destructive potential, was almost overwhelming.

More than that was the idea that he could assimilate different forms of energy into his Aura. The sheer amount of possibilities this opens up causes Xander to be caught in a temporary state of near euphoric madness, as he revels in the potential power he can achieve.

As his tenuous grip on sanity returns, a wicked, mischievous grin creeps across his face.

“Fighting three Titans was such fun, and to think there are still four of them I haven’t had the pleasure to dance with.” The thoughts of battle reminded him of a very important fact he had overlooked. “I need a shower.”

X

In his dimly lit room, Xander, fresh out of the shower, stood before a full-length mirror. The harsh, artificial light cast stark shadows across his towering form, highlighting the incredible physique that was the result of years of relentless training and experimentation.

At 6'10" and weighing in at a staggering 480 pounds of pure, rippling muscle, he was an imposing figure. His physique was a testament to his dedication and the grueling trials he had endured. Scars, like battle trophies, crisscrossed his body, a testament to the countless encounters he had faced.

As he examined himself in the mirror, his fingers traced the scars that marred his skin – souvenirs of battles won and lost. Each scar told a story, a tale of blades, bullets, flames, and more.

The mirror reflected a warrior who had faced far more times than someone as young as him should and emerged stronger each time. Xander's eyes met his own reflection, and in that silent exchange, he found a determination that burned like a flame within him.

The scars were a testament to his resilience, a reminder of the trials he had overcome. They were not marks of weakness but badges of honor, and Xander wore them with a sense of pride. In the mirror, he saw not just a man but a force of nature, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

X

In the heart of his secluded safehouse, Red X took a moment to access the newly integrated cyberwarfare suite he had named "Prophet." The suite pulsed with digital life, its capabilities ready to be unleashed at his command.

As his gloved fingers danced across the holographic interface, Prophet sprang to life. Its advanced algorithms scoured the vast expanse of Jump City, sifting through endless streams of data to find something that would pique Red X's interest. It was as if he had tapped into the city's digital pulse, every bit and byte at his disposal.

With a hint of excitement in his voice, he murmured, "Let's see what fun awaits tonight."

Prophet's digital tendrils reached out, scanning the city's surveillance cameras, traffic cameras, and countless data sources. It was a web of information that yielded endless possibilities. In a matter of moments Prophet's algorithms detected, not one, but two interesting things.

The first and most interesting was a figure gliding gracefully through the night sky, a silhouette against the city's backdrop. It was Raven, the enigmatic Titan with mystical powers and her own brand of darkness. After watching her for a couple of minutes it was clear to him that she was just wandering the city aimlessly.

"Well, well, what do we have here? A distracted hero is the perfect target for some fun.” Looking at the second video feed Prophet isolated, revealed yet another presence in the city. Aqualad, the Half-Atlantean hero, was on patrol, his aquatic and bio-electric abilities making him a formidable presence both in and out of the water.

Red X's cyber-eye flickered with anticipation as he weighed his options. The Titans were scattered across the city, and the opportunity for mischief and mayhem presented itself like an open invitation. The urge to test Prophet's capabilities and his own newfound powers was impossible to resist.

X

With a flicker of crimson light and a crackle of golden electricity, Red X materialized in a dark alley not far from Raven's location. He scanned the vicinity, pinpointing the enigmatic Titan's presence as she glided through the city's inky sky.

He watched as Raven soared gracefully through the night sky, her indigo cloak billowing behind her like a wraith's shroud. The moonlight caught the ethereal strands of her hair, casting an otherworldly glow. She appeared serene, lost in her thoughts and the solitude of the night. Red X could only be entranced at the sight; her beauty was a celestial tapestry woven with stardust and moonlight, an ethereal enchantment that held the very essence of divine artistry.

“What the fuck is wrong with you.” Shaking himself from his stupor, he berates himself for being so easily distracted by a beautiful woman.

As he contemplates his next move, a memory from an anime he had watched in his downtime flashed through his mind. The protagonist had harnessed lightning to enhance their speed, moving with blinding swiftness. Red X was intrigued, and he couldn't help but wonder if he could replicate such a feat with his newfound Divine Lightning.

With a wide grin, he muttered to himself, "Time to see if I can pull this off."

Closing his eyes for a brief moment, Xander tapped into the reservoir of Divine Lightning that coursed through him. It responded to his will, surging like a golden river of energy. The air around him crackled with anticipation as the lightning arced intermittently around his body, taking on a mesmerizing, ethereal glow.

With newfound determination, he focused on the concept he had seen in that anime—a burst of lightning-charged speed. As he channeled the Divine Lightning into his limbs, he felt a surge of power, an electrifying force that promised greater swiftness than ever before.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Then, like a bolt of golden lightning, he launched himself forward, hurtling through the night sky with hitherto unknown velocity. It felt as if he moved with the grace and speed of a deity.

“It seems to have made me around times faster.”

As he approached Raven's flight path, he couldn't help but be impressed by her ethereal presence. She was a creature of mysticism and darkness, the dark Titan, shrouded in mystery. He wondered how she would react to his sudden appearance, a wild card in her serene nighttime journey.

With a playful glint in his eye, he decided to have a little fun. With a surge of speed, he streaked past Raven, leaving a trail of golden sparks in his wake. He knew this would draw her full attention and he knew exactly where to lead her.

X

Beneath the canvas of the moonlit night, Raven's contemplative flight is interrupted as her eyes catch a brilliant golden blur rushed underneath her, a phenomenon out of place in the tranquility of the night. In a heartbeat, her meditation turns into pursuit, a mysterious chase across the city's dark tapestry.

The chase leads her back to the scene of the crime, the imposing Wayne Electronics R&D building. The dim moonlight casts eerie shadows across the silent structure, and her instincts tell her that something is amiss. It's here that she finally catches up to the golden blur.

As she hovers above the building, she peers down and her heart skips a beat. The figure standing below is unmistakably Red X, but something is different. The dazzling golden lightning arcing around him is a stark contrast to his usual attire, and she's shocked at the sheer power emanating from him.

Approaching him cautiously, Raven's gaze lifts upward, and she's met with a revelation that leaves her momentarily stunned. The size disparity between them is stark and unexpected. At a mere 5'2", Raven appeared as a delicate wisp, while Red X cast his shadow upon her like a colossal titan of legend. His presence embodied an imposing edifice of primal might and unbridled physical prowess. Their juxtaposition, a chiaroscuro of dimensions, only deepened the mystique surrounding the enigmatic thief she had chanced upon.

With an air of bemusement in her tone, she remarks, "I didn't realize you were so... tall."

Red X, his golden lightning still crackling around him, offers a wry smile beneath the iconic mask. "Looks can be deceiving, little bird."

X

Beneath the shroud of night, amidst the haunting glow of Wayne Electronics, Raven and Red X find themselves in an unusual tête-à-tête. The tension in the air is palpable, yet beneath it all, there's a current of playful banter, like a riddle unraveling under the moon's watchful eye.

Red X's voice, muffled by the mask that conceals his identity, is laced with amusement. "You know, you Titans have a thing for showing up when you're least expected."

Raven's indigo cloak billows around her like a mystic shroud, her eyes reflecting the ethereal light of her magic. Her retort is dry but laced with a stoic charm. "That's kind of our thing."

The banter dances between them like a fleeting wisp of fog, the night embracing their unspoken secrets. It's a delicate balance between adversaries who find themselves strangely drawn to the enigma of the other.

Curiosity glimmers in Red X's eyes, an ember of intrigue. "So, Raven, I've always wondered… Are you really the strongest Titan?"

Raven's response carries a hint of certainty, a quiet confidence that transcends her petite stature. "Probably."

Red X's mischievous grin peeks out from behind the mask, and his voice takes on a playful edge. "Well, how about we find out for sure?"

Raven arches an enigmatic eyebrow. "Find out?"

The challenge hangs in the air like a dare, a tantalizing invitation to unravel the mysteries that shroud them both. Red X extends a gloved hand, an offer of combat veiled in amusement.

"A friendly spar," he proposes his voice rich with the promise of a thrilling encounter. "A chance to test your strength and mine, what do you say, Little Bird?"

X

The night holds its breath, the world itself a silent spectator to the unexpected duel of wills between Red X and Raven. Their encounter, marked by playful banter and challenges unspoken, has reached a precipice where their powers will collide, where questions of strength and prowess will find their answers.

Raven, cloaked in her indigo shroud, considers the proposition with an air of contemplation. Her eyes, like two pools of endless darkness, meet Red X's masked gaze. "A test of strength it is," she replies, her tone steady.

Red X's grin beneath the mask widens, the thrill of the impending clash coursing through him like a surging current of electricity. "Excellent. Let's make it a night to remember."

In the moonlit stillness, they find themselves drawn to a clear patch of ground, where their duel will unfold. The golden lightning that had enveloped Red X now pulses with anticipation, a vivid reminder of the power he wields.

Raven, a master of mysticism and darkness, feels the arcane energies stir within her, ready to be unleashed. She raises her hooded head, eyes fixed upon her enigmatic adversary. "Prepare yourself, Red X."

With that, the night comes alive with the crackle of energy, as two formidable forces stand poised to collide. The moonlight illuminates the battlefield, and for a brief moment, hero and anti-hero cast aside their roles, embracing the thrill of the unknown.

The moonlight bathes the battleground in a silvery glow, and a charged anticipation electrifies the air as Red X and Raven stand poised for their impromptu spar. Time seems to slow, and in the stillness of the night, their powers resonate like dueling symphonies, ready to crescendo.

Red X, his suit crackling with golden lightning, moves with the grace of a panther, his movements fluid and unpredictable. His very essence shimmers with potential, a force of chaos tamed only by his will. "Ready, Little Bird?"

Raven, her indigo cloak swirling ominously around her, nods with a determined glint in her eyes. "Ready."

Their clash begins in an instant, a symphony of powers unleashed. Raven extends a hand, and dark energy lashes out like tendrils, seeking to ensnare her agile opponent. But Red X is elusive, his movements a dance of evasion. He flips and rolls, lightning-fast, the golden arcs of his Divine Lightning leaving a dazzling trail.

With a surge of power, Raven summons a torrent of shadows, attempting to engulf Red X. But he is not so easily contained. He calls upon his original electric abilities, generating a burst of electric energy that disperses the shadows in a shower of sparks.

Their duel unfolds like a dance, akin to a choreography of light and darkness, power and strategy. Red X propels himself toward Raven, his aura-enhanced speed almost blurring his form. Raven counters with a shield of mystic energy, deflecting his initial attack.

But Red X is relentless. With a flicker of movement, he charges forward, a blur of golden lightning and relentless determination. His enhanced speed is a force to be reckoned with, a testament to his newfound power. Arcs of Divine Lightning dance around him, leaving trails of ephemeral brilliance in his wake.

Raven, ever the steadfast mystic, meets his advance with grace and precision. Her cloak billows around her, a shroud of darkness that conceals the true extent of her power. Her eyes, aglow with eldritch energy, remain locked onto her adversary.

Their clash, a collision of energies—a whirlwind of power and mysticism; Red X's electrified fists meet Raven's mystical shield, and the night crackles with the intensity of their collision. A shockwave ripples through the air, carrying the echoes of their confrontation.

"Is that all you've got, Red X?" Raven's voice is calm, her resolve unyielding.

Red X, undeterred, responds with a smirk beneath the mask. "I'm just getting started."

Their dance of power continues, a mesmerizing display of contrasting forces. Raven's dark energy meets Red X's Divine Lightning, each surge and ripple a testament to their unyielding wills.

Their banter continues amidst the chaos. "Impressive, Raven," Red X calls out, his voice laced with admiration.

Raven's response is terse but determined. "You haven’t seen anything yet."

Amidst the moonlight's tender caress, the dance of power and mysticism between Red X and Raven continues. Their movements, a flurry of shadows and golden lightning, weave a mesmerizing tapestry across the night's canvas.

Red X's electrified visage blazes with intent as he darts and weaves, the trail of Divine Lightning occasionally arcs around his body like a halo. He calls to her with a playful tone, "Impressed yet, Little Bird?"

Raven, resolute and enigmatic, doesn't falter. She responds with measured words, her indigo cloak billowing ominously behind her. "Not easily."

Their exchange is a dance of dueling energies. Raven, once again, summons torrents of shadows, seeking to ensnare her agile foe; but Red X slips through her grasp, his movements an intricate ballet of evasion.

With a flourish, Red X hurls electrified projectiles, X Bangs, that erupt into luminous explosions upon contact. Raven counters with a shield of mystic energy, a barrier that shimmers like an ethereal mirage.

Red X continues to push the attack, testing Raven's formidable abilities. "Come on, Little Bird; show me what you've got."

Raven's eyes gleam with determination as she channels her inner strength. Dark energy bursts forth, an onslaught of shadows, and she retaliates with calculated precision. The night resounds with the explosive clash of power.

With an ethereal grace, Raven unleashes a hailstorm of shards of darkness, but he dances through the shadows like a phantom, his lithe form twisting and turning to evade the inky grasp.

Red X's response is a burst of Divine Lightning, the golden arcs of energy momentarily blinding in their brilliance. "Try to keep up, Little Bird."

Raven counters with a shield of dark energy, the mystic barrier shimmering like a protective veil. The electrifying blasts from Red X's X Blasters collide with the shield, sending shockwaves through the night air.

X

In the heart of the moonlit battlefield, the dance between Red X and Raven rages on, a captivating symphony of power and enigma. Their movements, a whirlwind of shadow and Divine Lightning, paint an electrifying tapestry across the canvas of the night.

Red X, his visage aglow with the fervor of the spar, continues to taunt with playful bravado. "Having fun, Little Bird?" he calls out, his voice charged with exhilaration.

Raven, her resolve unyielding, responds with a knowing smile beneath her hood. "You could say that."

Their exchange unfolds with a ferocity that shatters the darkness, a testament to their formidable abilities. Golden lightning crackles around Red X, a halo of power, while Raven's indigo cloak billows like a tempestuous sea.

Amidst the moonlit ballet of power and mysticism, a silent observer lingers at a distance. Aqualad, shrouded in the darkness of the night, watches the electrifying duel unfold before him. His aqua-blue eyes, like twin pools of deep ocean, remain fixed on the enigmatic clash of Red X and Raven.

With sleek communicator in hand, Aqualad relays the unfolding events to Red Robin, the Titans' ever-vigilant leader. His voice is hushed but charged with urgency as he conveys what he sees. "Tim, you won't believe what's happening. It's Red X and Raven in the middle of a spar, and it's... intense."

Red Robin's voice crackles to life in response, his concern evident. "What's going on, Kaldur? Give me the details."

Aqualad's keen eyes remain fixed on the ongoing duel. "Raven isn't holding back as much as she usually does. She's seems to be... enjoying herself."

Red Robin's surprise is palpable. "Enjoying herself… that's not like her. Keep me posted."

X

Back in the heart of the battle, Red X and Raven's exchange continues, their powers colliding in an intricate display of mystic prowess and raw electricity. Divine Lightning arcs around Red X like a radiant storm, a testament to his newfound abilities.

Raven, her indigo aura gleaming with determination, faces her electrifying foe. "Impressive, Red X. You've managed to surprise me."

Red X, beneath the iconic mask, grins with a touch of mischief. "That's the idea, Little Bird."

Amidst the luminous backdrop of the moonlight's embrace, Red X and Raven finally draw their spectacular duel to a close; the electrifying dance of power between Red X and Raven reaches its crescendo. Divine Lightning crackles and dark energies surge, and then, in a moment as abrupt as lightning itself, the clash comes to an end.

Raven's cloak, billowing like a shroud, settles with an air of finality. Red X, his golden lightning flickering, slowly lowers his guard. The night, once filled with explosive energies, now rests in a serene calm.

Red X, his suit still crackling with remnants of Divine Lightning, meets Raven's gaze. Beneath the mask, his voice holds a note of respect. "You're something else, Raven."

Raven, her indigo cloak settled around her like a shroud, nods with a hint of admiration. "You're not so bad yourself."

Their duel, it seems, has left them with a mutual admiration, recognition of each other's strength and tenacity. The moonlight bathes them in a soft, silvery glow as they stand, two enigmatic figures, caught in the night's embrace.

With an air of curiosity, Raven ventures forth, her indigo eyes never leaving Red X. "What brought you here tonight, Red X? It couldn't have been a simple desire for a spar."

In the tranquil aftermath of their electrifying duel, a surprising mirth bubbles forth from beneath Red X's iconic mask. He laughs, a sound that resonates like the echoes of their clash, and his amusement dances through the moonlit air. "You know, Raven, sometimes I'm really as simple as I seem. I really did just want a spar and some fun."

Raven, her indigo cloak settling around her like a shroud, regards him with a mix of curiosity and vexation. The enigmatic thief's simplicity in this moment leaves her with a perplexing sense of intrigue. Beneath her hood, her expression remains inscrutable, but an ember of something unexpected ignites within her.

As Red X's laughter fades into the night, their silence speaks volumes. It's a silence filled with unspoken questions, an enigmatic connection between two figures caught in the twilight between heroism and criminality.

The shadows of the night seem to dance around them, mirroring the intricate dance of emotions within Raven's heart. She grumbles inwardly, irritated by the unpredictability of her own feelings. She feels a pull, an inexplicable attraction to the enigmatic thief who stands before her. It's a sensation that she finds both disconcerting and infuriating, for she is a hero, and he is a thief.

Inwardly, Raven scolds herself for allowing her emotions to sway in this unpredictable night. Yet, beneath her enigmatic facade, the ember of attraction smolders, a secret she keeps from the moonlit world.

X

In the privacy of his sanctuary, Red X removes the iconic mask, revealing a face that bears the traces of his enigmatic adventures. He leans against a darkened wall, his thoughts a whirlwind of reflection. The electrifying dance with Raven lingers in his thoughts, a vivid memory etched in the depths of his mind.

With an air of contemplation, he reaches for a bottle of vodka, its clear contents shimmering like liquid moonlight. His thoughts drift back to Raven; she was a whispered sonnet of ethereal beauty, a seraphic vision gracing our mortal realm

As he takes a swig from the bottle, the taste of vodka burns like fire and ice upon his lips. It's a sensation that mirrors the tumultuous night he's just experienced. He reflects on the events that transpired, the sparks of a duel and the enigmatic connection that unfolded beneath the moon's gentle gaze.

He can't help but ponder the unfamiliar stirrings within, the inexplicable attraction he felt toward the Goth Titan. In the stillness of the night, he contemplates the concept of relationships and love, concepts that have always been on the periphery of his chaotic life. The thief finds himself drawn to the complexities of these human emotions, as he didn’t know they existed for the all but the last 2 years of his life.

With a wistful sigh, he murmurs to himself, "Love and relationships... such intriguing mysteries."

X

In the solace of her room, after the cool embrace of a refreshing shower, Raven floats poised in silent meditation. The drops of water glisten upon her indigo skin like shards of moonlight, a testament to her ethereal beauty. She steps out of the cleansing embrace of the shower, her violet hair glistening with droplets of water. The room is a sanctuary of solitude, a space where she can contemplate the flurry of her own emotions.

Raven settles into a meditation pose, her eyes closed as she delves into the depths of her psyche. Her thoughts, like ripples in a still pond, reverberate through her consciousness. She reflects upon the attraction she felt toward Red X, an emotion that had stirred her with both intrigue and vexation.

Raven's mind drifts to a time long past, to the darkness that once consumed her when she loved and lost Malchior. She recalls the pain, the betrayal, and the walls she had erected to safeguard her heart. But now, beneath the moon's watchful gaze, those walls seem to tremble, weakened by the vulnerability of newfound emotions.

She gazes into the endless horizon of potential futures, where uncertainty and promise intertwined like vines in a mystical garden; the allure of love and connection, an enigma cloaked in desire, calls out to her, akin to a forbidden grimoire of enchantment. Raven, the mistress of shadows, stands at the crossroads of destiny, torn between the noble call of her heroic duty and the magnetic mystique of the enigmatic Red X.

End of A New X: Part 2

With Laughs,

SonoftheJester