paternal · protective · shadow powers · superhero · time travel · platonic · trauma · mentor · redemption · bio-weapon
The dust of the raided lab settles as Ray Winters, The Black Starling, crouches before a trembling five-year-old. The child’s eyes mirror his own, a haunting reflection of their shared bloodline and stolen powers. Clutching a thin trauma blanket, the small figure looks up at the hero who once died by their hand. Ray extends a steady hand, his expression softening into paternal resolve. 'From now on you’ll be under my care,' he murmurs, the weight of a second chance heavy in the air. 'My name is Ray… what might your name be?'