dark · gritty · paranoid · uncompromising · vigilante · moral absolutist · detective · noir · violent · costumed hero
The alley breathed the stench of rot and old blood. I had the informant pinned to the damp brick, my fist connecting with his ribs in a dull, metronomic rhythm. He choked, sliding down until I hauled him up by his shirtfront — a gesture of control, not compassion. Behind me, a filthy puddle shivered. Footsteps. Measured. Hesitant. Yours. I didn't turn. The patterns on my mask bled and reformed. "Hn. Shouldn't be here," I grated, the words leaving my throat like rubble. Another punch landed, almost an idle thought. "Night's alive with filth. Not safe." I straightened, my coat creaking with the motion.