Shadowflame

Alright, so let me set the scene: I've been playing nice. Not exactly pulling my punches, but more like... easing into things. You know, keeping it light—throwing some quips, dodging, weaving, just having fun with it. But then there's this guy. Bane. The guy's built like a brick wall, and as far as I can tell, the only thing harder than his muscles is his attitude.

I land with a thud—no fancy swoops or hero landings. Just the sound of my boots hitting the dirt, followed by a small tremor in the earth like the ground is trying to decide if it's gonna keep supporting me or not. My wings fold back into me, smooth and swift, like I'm closing a book after a bad chapter. And yeah, it's time to get serious.

I'm not gonna lie, I've been holding back. I mean, when you've got powers like mine—Amazonian strength, fire, a whole lot of attitude—it's easy to get carried away. I've had moments where I've let loose. Like that one time I knocked Black Adam's jaw into the next zip code. That was fun. But Wonder Woman had warned me, "Don't unleash the full fury unless you absolutely have to." Yeah, okay, I get it. But Bane? He's made the mistake of thinking I'm just some guy with cool wings and fire. He's wrong.

I exhale, letting out a breath like I'm deflating a balloon. The air shimmers around me, like I'm starting to glow from the inside out. The energy surges through me, and I feel it—power, heat, rage—everything I've been holding back coming to the surface.

Bane steps forward. He's big, imposing, like a mountain that's come to life. His fists are clenched, his body tense, like he's about to throw a punch that could shatter concrete. But I can already tell—he's about to learn the hard way that he's in over his head.

"You want to dance, big guy?" I ask, my voice smooth, like I'm trying to make small talk at a party. "You've picked the wrong guy to underestimate."

I don't even wait for him to respond. Instead, I focus, channeling everything I've got into a burst of power. The ground cracks beneath me, like the earth itself is bowing to my will. The air heats up, and I can feel Bane faltering for just a split second. It's like he's finally realizing that he might be in a little over his head.

I'm not running this time. Nope. This is the moment. As Bane charges, I let him come to me, but this time, I'm not dodging. I'm standing my ground.

He swings for my head—probably thinks he's going to land a knockout punch, right? Except I catch his fist. With both hands. Like it's a beachball. His eyes widen, like he just realized his punch isn't landing anywhere near where he wanted it.

"You're strong," I say, my voice dripping with mock admiration. "But I'm stronger."

And then—oh man, this is the good part—I twist his wrist, and snap. The crack of it sounds like a twig breaking underfoot. Bane's huge body slams into the ground with a thud that I'm pretty sure made the trees shake.

For a moment, I stand there, watching him struggle to push himself up, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His mask is cracked, his shirt torn, and honestly, I'm pretty sure I could cook marshmallows over the heat radiating off of him right now. But I don't make any jokes. This isn't funny anymore. Bane's probably wondering how in the heck I'm standing here, untouched, while he's face-first in the dirt.

From his comms, I hear Nyssa's voice. She sounds… concerned? Shocked? Maybe a little worried? "What are you doing, Bane? Finish him!"

Oh, now she's worried? Too late, lady.

I give Bane a smirk—one that, if looks could kill, would probably have killed him three times over. "Don't worry, big guy. I'm just getting started."

I let out a breath, pushing all the energy inside me to the surface. The flames around me flicker, spiking higher, hotter. This time, it's not about holding back. I'm letting all of it out.

Bane slowly stands, his movements stiff, like he's trying to shake off a punch that rattled his insides. His mask's cracked, his breath heavy. And when he looks at me, it's not the same. There's a flicker of realization in his eyes, like he's finally connecting the dots. Like, oh crap, I might not make it out of this one.

"Who are you?" Bane growls, his voice more gravel than anything else. "What are you?"

I smile. It's a grin that says, you've finally asked the right question. "I'm your worst nightmare, big guy," I say, the heat around me rising. "And you just made the mistake of thinking you could take me down."

The ground beneath me cracks again, this time with a shockwave of fiery energy. Bane gets knocked back a good ten feet, slamming into a tree with a crunch that makes me wince just a little—if only because I'm pretty sure that tree isn't going to walk away from that.

For a second, there's silence. The trees sway. The air smells like burnt wood and ozone. And then, just when I think Bane's done for, he stands again—slower this time, but still standing.

His mask is cracked, there's blood dripping down his face, and I can't help but notice that he looks a little... shaken? Good. He should be.

And then he mutters something that's barely audible over the commotion.

"Who... are you?" he rasps again, his voice desperate.

I roll my shoulders, the fire around me flaring up one last time. "Who am I?" I repeat, leaning in like I'm about to spill all the juicy details of my autobiography. "Buddy, I'm the guy who's gonna wipe that smug look off your face, and you'll thank me for it later."

Then, without another word, I leap into the air, closing the distance between us faster than he can blink.

It's game on. Bane's about to find out exactly what happens when you mess with someone who doesn't play by the rules. And trust me, he won't forget it. If he's lucky, he might survive long enough to tell the tale. But I'm not gonna hold back anymore. Not now. Not with him.

And let's be real, it's about to get way worse for him before it gets better.

—

Inside her hideout, Nyssa al Ghul sat still, her eyes locked onto the live feed of the unfolding chaos. The usual calm and control she carried in any situation had cracked. Her hands gripped the armrests of her chair so tightly her knuckles were white, and a cold, calculating fury simmered in her gaze. The room, dimly lit by the glow of multiple monitors, seemed to close in on her as she watched Bane falling under the weight of the boy's ruthless assault.

No... no, this can't be happening.

The boy, glowing with fire and a dangerous aura, tore through Bane like he was made of paper. Each punch made the ground shudder, every strike more brutal than the last. Bane was a force to be reckoned with, a man who had once broken Batman. But this... this was something else entirely. Nyssa's mind raced, trying to find a solution to what was rapidly spiraling out of control. Her fingers twitched as she fought to hold her composure.

"What went wrong?" she muttered under her breath, as if the question would somehow summon an answer.

The door to the hideout creaked open, and Yousuf stepped inside, his expression grim as he took in the scene. He didn't need to look twice to know the gravity of the situation. Without a word, he walked toward her side, his voice low and steady. "Lady Nyssa."

She didn't respond immediately, still watching the screen where Bane was now sprawled on the ground, struggling to move. The boy's fiery form loomed over him, ready to strike again. Nyssa's jaw clenched, a cold fury brewing within her.

"Not now, Yousuf," she snapped, though she could feel the tension coiling in her chest. "We're already dealing with this... situation."

Yousuf's gaze flicked between the screen and his sister, his brow furrowing slightly as he took in her strained demeanor. "I understand," he said, his voice careful, measured. "But we've got a bigger problem."

She didn't look away from the feed, though she was beginning to feel the weight of his words. "What do you mean?"

"They've breached the eastern and western entrances," Yousuf said, his voice grim. "More intruders. Just as you predicted. Shadowflame's the distraction—perfect timing. But... there's something else." He hesitated, then added, "Your sister, Talia... she's coming in from another route."

At the mention of Talia, Nyssa's body went rigid. The name hit her like a slap to the face. Betrayal. Her own flesh and blood. The one who had betrayed their father to the Justice League, now slipping through their defenses like a ghost in the shadows.

Her grip tightened on the edge of the table until her nails dug into the wood. Talia. Of course. She was using the chaos to make her move. Nyssa had expected this, but in the shock of seeing Bane's defeat, it had slipped her mind.

"Talia," she muttered, her voice low and deadly. "Of course. How could I forget her?" She leaned forward, eyes narrowing, her tone colder than before. "She thinks she can slip past me unnoticed... just like that."

Yousuf nodded, his face grim. "She's slipping through while we're distracted. We need to stop her before she gets what she's after."

A shiver ran down Nyssa's spine at the thought. Her sister's betrayal was still a fresh wound, and the sting of it was hard to shake. But right now, family drama was the last thing she could afford to focus on. Talia wasn't the immediate threat—there was something else, something much bigger in play.

She exhaled slowly, trying to ground herself. Her mind clicked into place, the sharp precision of a strategist taking over. "Send in the reinforcements," she commanded, her voice a blade of ice. "Bronze Tiger and December Graystone. Get them moving to the eastern entrance now. And send more soldiers to intercept the others. We'll handle Talia when we can, but she won't be able to do anything if we don't regain control of this situation."

Yousuf gave a quick nod, but before he could leave, Nyssa's voice stopped him. She turned her head slightly, her gaze hard and unflinching. "And Yousuf... don't let Talia get away. If she's making a play for the League... we cannot afford another mistake."

Yousuf hesitated for just a moment before nodding firmly. "I'll make sure she doesn't get far. Don't worry, Lady Nyssa."

Without another word, he turned and left, the sound of his footsteps fading as he sprinted off to carry out her orders. Nyssa remained seated, her gaze still fixed on the screen where Bane was slowly trying to rise. The boy's fiery presence loomed like an unstoppable force, and Nyssa couldn't help but feel a growing unease in her chest.

Focus, Nyssa, she told herself. The job isn't done yet.

Her thoughts snapped back to the situation at hand. Bane, the great Bane, had been utterly humbled by this boy, and now, she had to pick up the pieces before it all crumbled. The reinforcements were on their way, but she knew that this wasn't going to be easy. Bronze Tiger and December Graystone were her best operatives, but against an unknown quantity like this, it might not be enough. Still, she had no choice. She had to act quickly and decisively.

Minutes dragged by in silence, broken only by the soft hum of the monitors. The soldier's voice crackled through the intercom, reporting in. "Lady Nyssa, Bronze Tiger and December Graystone are en route. They'll be at the eastern and western entrances in two minutes. Ready to move in."

She exhaled a sharp breath, her jaw clenching. "Good. Keep them moving. Reinforce both positions. We need to hold them off, no matter what. And don't let up on those intruders. We'll need every soldier we have."

The tension in her chest refused to ease. Talia was slipping through her fingers again. Her sister's actions were unpredictable, dangerous. But the boy... that boy was an immediate threat. His power was unlike anything Nyssa had anticipated, and if left unchecked, he could destroy everything she had worked for.

She stared at the screen again, watching the Kryptonian approach Bane for the final blow. She could see the destruction in his wake, the trail of devastation he was leaving. This wasn't just a simple battle—it was a turning point.

She leaned back in her chair, the cold determination settling in her chest like ice. "Let's see how you handle this, boy," she muttered. "I'm done playing nice."

She had sent for the best. But if they didn't get their act together quickly, the situation would fall apart—and she couldn't afford that. Not now. Not with everything on the line.

—

Sirius Black's boots clattered softly on the cold concrete floor of the hideout as he led his team through the maze of dark, winding corridors. His senses were sharp, eyes flicking from shadow to shadow, his hand resting on his wand, though he knew he wouldn't use it unless he had to. The team was ready. They were always ready.

He glanced over his shoulder at the young heroes trailing him. Robin, as ever, was leading the charge with an air of cocky confidence, the faintest smirk playing at the corner of his mouth as he effortlessly navigated the labyrinthine hideout. Aqualad, the calm and steady force, stayed close behind, his trident at the ready, his eyes scanning every corner with the precision of a seasoned warrior. Kid Flash, hands in his pockets, kept up with the pace by sheer reflex, flashing a grin that could brighten the darkest of rooms. Speedy, at the rear, shot sarcastic glances at every flicker of movement, clearly eager for the inevitable fight.

"Stay tight," Sirius muttered, voice low but commanding. "This isn't going to be a walk in the park. We need to move fast and hit hard."

Robin's grin widened as he gave Sirius a mock salute. "What, you mean this isn't a field trip, old man? I thought you promised me snacks."

Sirius rolled his eyes but didn't respond. They all knew the stakes. Nyssa al Ghul, Talia's betrayal, and the ongoing chaos with the League—they couldn't afford to waste any time.

Kid Flash, ever the chatterbox, gave a thumbs-up while not even breaking a sweat. "No snacks, huh? Fine. I guess I'll settle for taking down some bad guys." He zoomed ahead, his blur of yellow speeding around the corner. "Catch me if you can!"

"Focus, Wally," Aqualad said, his deep voice cutting through the flurry of energy. "We can't afford distractions. Stay sharp."

Wally's face shifted from playful to focused in an instant. "You're right, Kaldur. No time for jokes. Let's go!"

The team picked up the pace, their movements synchronized. The mission was simple: infiltrate the hideout, stop Nyssa's machinations, and figure out what Talia was planning. But nothing ever went according to plan, especially not when you were up against the League of Assassins.

And sure enough, as they rounded a corner, the sound of boots echoed through the hallway, followed by the unmistakable clink of weapons being drawn.

"We've got company," Sirius muttered, his fingers tightening around the handle of his wand.

Robin, already in position, crouched low and peered around the corner, scanning the corridor. "More of Nyssa's men. I count at least a dozen," he whispered, eyes calculating.

"We'll have to fight our way through," Sirius said, his tone sharp. "And stay in formation. No splitting up."

Aqualad nodded, adjusting his grip on his trident. "Agreed. We move in formation, we take them out fast. No time for mistakes."

Before anyone could say anything else, the first of Nyssa's soldiers appeared, stepping into the hallway. He was tall, covered in black tactical gear, and armed to the teeth. But it was the man behind him who caught their attention—December Graystone, Nyssa's enforcer.

Graystone's cold eyes flicked over the group, his lips curling into a sneer. "Ah, the little heroes have arrived." His voice was low, almost bored. "Did you really think you could waltz in here and stop Nyssa's plans?"

Sirius took a step forward, his expression unreadable. "We didn't come to chat, Graystone. We came to stop your boss."

Robin's grin was unmistakable. "And we'll start with you."

With a sudden motion, Robin sprang forward, a blur of movement as he launched himself at one of the nearby guards. His combat style was quick, fluid, and precise, a whirlwind of kicks, flips, and punches. The guard never even saw it coming.

Aqualad's movements were more measured but no less deadly. He thrust his trident forward with deadly accuracy, striking down another soldier in a single fluid motion. "I hope you have more than this," he said, his voice calm but laced with challenge. "I expected more from Nyssa's elite."

Kid Flash, already bored, zipped forward with a grin plastered on his face. "Well, if you guys want to take the slow route, I'll just—" He vanished in a blur, reappearing behind several soldiers, delivering lightning-fast punches that sent them sprawling.

Speedy, meanwhile, had his bow ready, firing arrows with precision that would have made even Green Arrow proud. The arrows struck their marks, disabling enemies left and right. "Not exactly my first rodeo, Graystone," he quipped. "I've done worse before breakfast."

Graystone, however, was no slouch. He reacted almost instantly, lunging toward Sirius with the speed of a snake striking its prey. His blade was drawn, a glint of cold steel in the dim light. Sirius met the attack head-on, stepping into the strike and blocking the blow with a twist of his wrist, his wand gleaming in the low light.

"Well, well," Sirius said, eyes narrowing as they locked. "Still think you can take me down?"

Graystone's eyes glinted with menace. "I'll enjoy breaking you."

The two collided with brutal force, Graystone's strike heavy and precise, while Sirius used his agility and magic to counter every move, his wand flicking through the air in a series of quick spells that held Graystone off for a moment. "Not today," Sirius snarled as he forced Graystone back, the enforcer's strength barely matching his own.

But before they could continue their standoff, the sound of more boots approaching echoed from the corridor. "More of them?" Robin said with a slight grin. "Seriously, do you guys even try to keep up with us?"

Aqualad's expression was hard as stone. "Stay alert. We're not out of this yet."

Sirius flicked his wand again, sending a blast of magic straight at one of the approaching soldiers, knocking him off his feet. "Don't get cocky, kid. There's always more where they came from."

Wally zipped around, grabbing an enemy by the collar and tossing him into a group of his comrades, laughing as they all crashed in a pile. "I'm just getting started!"

"Focus, Wally," Speedy grumbled, his arrows already nocking another set. "We need to get to the main room and stop Nyssa, not just play catch with her minions."

Sirius glanced around at the team, seeing the fire in each of their eyes. They were ready. They always were. "We get through this together, and then we find out what Nyssa is really after."

Robin smirked as he cracked his knuckles. "I'm with you, Sirius. Let's finish this."

With a final roar, Graystone charged again, his eyes burning with fury, but this time, he wasn't facing one opponent—he was facing a team. And in that moment, he realized just how dangerous the Young Justice team truly was.

Sirius took a deep breath, steadying himself as he prepared for the next wave. He had no doubt they'd win this fight. The question was, how much chaos could Nyssa's hideout take before it crumbled under the weight of their fury?

—

The air in the hideout felt thick with anticipation, a sense of something dark brewing beneath the surface. Talia al Ghul moved with the quiet confidence of a woman who had spent a lifetime navigating the shadows. Her team followed in her wake, their steps as deliberate as her own, each of them knowing the stakes were high.

Talia's voice was low, but firm as she addressed her team, the edges of her words cutting through the silence. "We are close now," she murmured, her gaze sweeping over them. "Stay alert. Nyssa's men are everywhere, and this mission will not be easy."

Supergirl, her blonde hair tucked behind her ears in a messy yet purposeful way, grinned in that cocky, yet endearing manner of someone who knew she was going to enjoy every second of the coming fight. "I'll take care of anything that gets in our way," she said, her voice brimming with confidence, her hand clenching into a fist that cracked with the sound of power.

Starfire hovered next to her, her radiant form glowing in the dim light of the corridor, her eyes burning with a fierce determination. Her voice was warm yet resolute, "Let us show them the strength of Tamaran."

Behind them, Galatea, a mirror image of Supergirl with a colder, more calculating presence, flexed her fingers as her lips curled into a tight, emotionless smile. "If anyone needs me to finish the job, let me know," she said with a tone that suggested she wouldn't hesitate to use her immense strength.

Raven, standing silently, exuded an aura of quiet power. Her dark eyes narrowed as she whispered to herself, "Something feels off. But I'll be ready." Her hands hovered, gathering dark energy from the ether.

Donna Troy, a striking figure in her Amazonian strength, was at Talia's side, her eyes flashing with quiet ferocity. "If they think they can stop us," she said, her tone steely, "they're about to learn just how wrong they are."

Talia gave a sharp nod, her eyes scanning the shadows ahead. "Stay focused. We move now."

They pressed forward, their footsteps synchronized, but before they could take another step, the sound of shifting boots echoed through the narrow corridor ahead. Talia held up her hand, signaling her team to halt. The sound of their enemies grew louder—like a predator circling its prey—and as the figures emerged from the shadows, there was no mistaking the danger that lay before them.

Leading the pack was none other than Bronze Tiger.

His broad chest and toned arms were unmistakable, and his presence was commanding. His eyes locked onto Talia with the precision of a hawk, a deadly smile playing at the corner of his lips. "Talia," his voice was low, almost a purr, but the threat beneath it was palpable. "I didn't expect to see you here. I assume you've come to stop Nyssa?"

Talia's eyes glittered with a knowing calculation, her lips curling into a smile that didn't reach her cold eyes. "You always were predictable, Bronze Tiger," she said softly, her words slicing the air. "Step aside, or I will have to show you why I'm the one who always gets what she wants."

Supergirl stepped forward, her stance brimming with confidence, "Talia's being too nice. You don't want to test me, trust me." She cracked her knuckles, her tone playful yet edged with something far more dangerous. "I'll break you before you even blink."

Starfire's eyes flared, her hands glowing with fiery energy as she floated effortlessly above the ground. "I believe we would all prefer a quicker resolution," she said, her voice smooth like molten lava, her powers crackling with anticipation. "You will not win this fight."

Galatea, her cold eyes never leaving Bronze Tiger, took a slow, deliberate step forward. "I'll make this simple: step aside, or I'll break every bone in your body," she said in a flat, emotionless tone, her fists flexing in anticipation of the violence to come.

Raven, her eyes flickering with the power of the dark arts, spoke softly, her voice like a distant whisper, "I sense the weight of the shadows here... and they're closing in."

Bronze Tiger's grin widened as he stepped forward, his posture fluid and poised for battle. "You think you can intimidate me?" He laughed, the sound dark and menacing. "I've defeated warriors stronger than you."

Talia's voice was barely above a whisper but filled with deadly promise. "You've never faced anyone like me," she said, before taking a single step forward. "And you never will again."

The battle erupted in a blur of motion.

Supergirl, in a blur of speed, was the first to engage, rocketing forward with the force of a hurricane. Her punch landed with a resounding crash, sending one of Nyssa's soldiers flying across the room. A few more tried to rush her, but her fists shattered through their ranks effortlessly. "Come on, boys! Is that all you've got?" she taunted with a cocky smirk, her eyes glowing with the confidence only a Kryptonian could have.

Starfire unleashed a volley of starbolts, the green energy streaking through the air with deadly accuracy. Each bolt hit its target with surgical precision, disintegrating her enemies before they even had a chance to react. She floated with grace, her form a deadly whirlwind of power and finesse. "How sad it is to waste such potential," she said softly, almost mournfully.

Galatea, with her power fully unleashed, waded through the enemy ranks, her blows devastating and final. She sent a soldier sprawling with a punch that could have shattered concrete, her eyes scanning the battlefield for more to strike. "Weaklings," she muttered under her breath, her smile cruel and cold.

Raven's dark magic flared to life as tendrils of shadow snaked out, incapacitating soldiers with frightening ease. Her voice was calm as ever, though the power she summoned made her presence feel like a storm waiting to break. "Leave them to me," she said, her fingers moving through the air, weaving dark spells. "They'll be nothing but puppets for the dark arts."

Donna Troy's voice was filled with authority as she crashed into the front lines, her fists moving like thunder. Each blow she struck was brutal, breaking bones and sending soldiers flying. "I'll show you why we're called Amazons," she growled, her eyes fierce with the strength of her lineage.

But as the chaos unfolded around them, Talia's attention was focused solely on Bronze Tiger. She moved like a shadow, swift and deadly, her blade flashing in the dim light as she closed the distance between them. "You've gotten slower," she taunted, her voice cutting through the noise of the battle. She aimed a strike toward his ribs, but Bronze Tiger was ready, parrying with a swift elbow that connected with her side.

Talia's smile remained cold, though, as she sidestepped, using his momentum against him to launch herself at his chest. "Predictable," she hissed, before her blade struck toward his throat. Bronze Tiger dodged, but the movement was a hair too slow, and Talia's blade grazed his skin.

"I've learned a lot since we last fought," he grunted, his voice heavy with determination. "You haven't." He retaliated with a series of blindingly fast strikes, each move a testament to his years of training.

Talia danced around him, her movements a blend of grace and lethal intent, and for a moment, it was clear they were both evenly matched—each one a mirror of the other's skill. "We'll see if you've really learned anything at all," she whispered, her blade flashing once again.

And so, the clash between them continued, their fates entwined in a battle of wills as the rest of the team took care of Nyssa's soldiers. But even as the skirmish raged on, it was clear that this fight—this battle between Bronze Tiger and Talia al Ghul—was far from over.

—

The air stinks of scorched wood and the sharp tang of ozone—the kind of smell that tells you something just got cooked, and it wasn't a steak. Beneath it all is the faint but unmistakable scent of blood, and yeah, that's probably my doing too. Not that I care. Right now, all I can focus on is the mountain of muscle and bad decisions crumpled at my feet.

Bane.

The man who once snapped Batman like a glowstick is now wheezing through his broken mask, each breath sounding like a trash compactor trying to crush an air horn. His hulking body lies twisted, his once-imposing presence reduced to a pathetic heap of regret and very poor life choices.

"Told you not to underestimate me," I say, mostly to myself. Bane groans in response, the universal bad-guy sound for, You're so right, and I hate it.

Before I can savor the moment, a sharp voice crackles in my earpiece, dripping with sarcasm and command.

"Impressive," Nyssa says. "You've thoroughly beaten my watchdog. I hope you enjoyed it because now, Shadowflame, you face me."

Oh, goodie. Round two.

I straighten up, shaking off the heat that still burns in my veins, and turn toward the voice. Nyssa al Ghul steps out of the haze of smoke like she owns the place—which, knowing her, she probably does.

She's dressed in the kind of armor that looks like it came with a million-dollar price tag. Sleek, black, and highlighted with crimson streaks, the suit hums faintly, pulsing with an eerie green glow at the joints and chest. It's intimidating, but in that over-the-top, I'm compensating for something way.

"Ah, Nyssa," I say, flexing my fingers as flames lick at my knuckles. "Your family always did love an entrance."

She tilts her head, fixing me with that cold, calculating stare that could make even Batman second-guess his life choices. "You talk too much," she says, her tone calm but razor-sharp. "And you mistake bravado for strength. That will be your downfall."

Her armored hand raises, and a compartment on her wrist slides open to reveal twin barrels glowing with charged energy. "Engaging target: Shadowflame," she says clinically. "Outcome: inevitable."

The twin beams fire without warning, cutting through the air like green lightning. I barely manage to twist out of the way, the heat of the blast grazing my side. The ground behind me erupts in a spray of dirt and rock, leaving a smoking crater where I'd just been standing.

"Jeez, Nyssa," I call, circling her. "Ever heard of a warning shot? Or, I don't know, a conversation? Maybe an evil monologue? You're really rushing this whole 'destroy the hero' thing."

She pivots smoothly, the servos in her suit humming as she tracks my movements. "You'll forgive me if I skip the theatrics," she says. "Unlike you, I have a schedule to keep."

"Oh, don't let me keep you," I say, letting flames creep up my arms. "But you're gonna regret skipping the foreplay."

She's on me in a flash, her thrusters roaring as she lunges forward. Her armored fist swings in a blur, aiming straight for my chest. I brace myself, flames flaring into a shield that catches the blow just in time. The impact sends shockwaves rippling through the ground, and I skid back a good ten feet before I can steady myself.

"Nice punch," I admit, shaking out my arms. "Bet that'd scare the crap out of most people. Lucky for you, I'm not most people."

Nyssa doesn't rise to the bait. She's already moving again, faster than before, her suit's thrusters propelling her forward. This time, I meet her head-on, catching her fist mid-swing. My flames surge, heating the metal of her gauntlet until it glows red-hot.

"Fun fact," I say, grinning as she struggles to pull her arm free. "I'm not Kryptonian. So unless you've got a can of Raid for demigods, this? Just feels like a spa treatment."

Her eyes narrow, but her face stays composed. "Is that so?" she says coolly. "Then let's see how you handle this."

Her other arm shoots up, the barrel on her wrist glowing dangerously bright. I twist her first arm, yanking her off balance, and slam her into the ground before she can fire. The earth cracks beneath her, but she's already rolling back to her feet with a level of grace that should be illegal.

"You're persistent," I say, letting flames curl brighter around my fists. "I'll give you that. But you're outmatched, Nyssa. Call it quits before you get burned—literally."

Instead of answering, she lets out a low chuckle. "Oh, Shadowflame," she says, her visor retracting to reveal a smug smirk. "You really think this is about winning?"

Cue ominous foreshadowing.

I sense it before I hear it—a low hum growing louder by the second. I glance up, and there it is: a League of Assassins aircraft hovering above us, its weapons locked on me.

"Ah," I say, nodding slowly. "So this is the part where you cheat."

She shrugs, that smirk never wavering. "It's called strategy. You should try it sometime."

"Checkmate?" I guess.

"Checkmate," she confirms, looking unbearably pleased with herself.

I let out a long sigh, rolling my shoulders as flames roar back to life around me. "Nyssa," I say, shaking my head, "this isn't chess. This is dodgeball. And guess what? You just handed me the ball."

Before she can respond, I launch myself into the air, wings of fire unfurling behind me. The aircraft's weapons track me, but they're not fast enough. Time to show Nyssa—and her fancy toys—why you don't mess with the guy who literally plays with fire.

---

Hey fellow fanfic enthusiasts!

I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Whether you loved it, hated it, or have some constructive criticism, your feedback is super important to me. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message with your thoughts. Can't wait to hear from you!

If you're passionate about fanfiction and love discussing stories, characters, and plot twists, then you're in the right place! I've created a Discord server dedicated to diving deep into the world of fanfiction, especially my own stories. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or just someone who enjoys a good tale, I welcome you to join us for lively discussions, feedback sessions, and maybe even some sneak peeks into upcoming chapters, along with artwork related to the stories. Let's nerd out together over our favorite fandoms and explore the endless possibilities of storytelling!

Click the link below to join the conversation:

https://discord.com/invite/HHHwRsB6wd

Can't wait to see you there!

If you appreciate my work and want to support me, consider buying me a cup of coffee. Your support helps me keep writing and bringing more stories to you. You can do so via PayPal here:

https://www.paypal.me/VikrantUtekar007

Or through my Buy Me a Coffee page:

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vikired001s

Thank you for your support!