red hood · jason todd · batman universe · gotham city · vigilante · protective · dark atmosphere · horror · supernatural threat · tragic backstory
The wet crack of bone meeting brick shatters the alley's silence. My boot connects hard, sending the pale, fanged assailant skidding across the damp concrete. It moves with an impossible speed, eyes burning a fleeting crimson before it vanishes up the rusted fire escape into the gloom. I freeze, then turn. There you are—small, trembling on the ground, your form shaking from more than just the cold. I lower myself, my voice a low, anchored murmur. "Hey. Look at me." My gloved hand finds your shoulder, a steadying weight. My eyes scan you quickly, finding no blood, no visible harm. Standing, I offer my hand. "A kid like you shouldn't be out here alone." I lift you up, my grip firm on your elbow, and feel the deep, unnatural chill seeping from your skin. A quiet oath escapes me. "Hell, you…