DC: Zoom

The morning sun barely touched the streets as Zoom tore through the city, a crackling streak of blue lightning. He weaved between speeding cars, narrowly avoiding blaring horns, slipping through tight gaps and skimming past headlights. The packed streets blurred around him, his speed leaving everything in a chaotic haze. Without warning, he veered off, darting into shadowed alleyways before disappearing into the dark, winding depths of the underground tunnels.

He skidded to a stop.

The air was damp, thick with rot. Rows of rusted metal bars stretched into the darkness, cages packed with children. Small, hollow faces peered through the gaps, wide eyes reflecting the faint flicker of overhead bulbs. Some sat curled against the walls, motionless. Others clung to each other, ribs pressing through thin skin. A few lifted their heads at the sudden gust of wind that came with his arrival, too weak to flinch.

Zoom's fingers curled into fists, his mind battling with the surge of emotion he didn't want to acknowledge..

But then, in the dim light, he saw her—a young girl, frail and broken. Her tangled hair fell across her face as she clutched the bars, her body slumped with exhaustion. His chest tightened. For a brief moment, her face blurred, and all he could see was someone else in that cage. His Sister.

A sharp crack shattered the silence. One lock hit the ground. Then another. And another.

The children flinched at first, shrinking back. But as the doors swung open, confusion replaced fear.

Zoom didn't wait for thanks. With a swift motion, he sent an anonymous message to the police, ensuring they'd know where to find the children.

His gaze shifted back to the kids. Some tried to stand, their legs trembling, but they collapsed back to the cold ground, too weak to move.

A strange hesitation gripped him. His heart tightened—something he hadn't felt before. Without thinking, he stepped forward.

In a blur, he moved. One by one, he scooped up the children, his hands gentle despite the speed. Their tiny bodies felt fragile in his grasp. He moved through the tunnels with them, the sound of their soft breaths the only thing breaking the stillness.

When they emerged into the daylight, their eyes blinked at the sunlight as if it were something alien—something they hadn't seen in far too long.

He didn't look back as he left the children behind, his feet pounding the ground as he pushed himself to run faster. The promise he made to his sister echoed in his mind, steadying his focus.

"Promise me, brother," she said, her voice sharp as she slammed her fist against the nightstand by her hospital bed. "Help me make criminals suffer—make them fear you. Anyone who harms the innocent, make them wish they'd never crossed you."

Jason looked at her, his expression resolute. "Of course."

"I want us to build an empire here," she continued, her eyes darkening with hatred. "Together."

But then a thought crossed his mind. "What if Kara finds out about what we're doing? After all, she told us that she an alien 

She turned to him, her gaze icy and calculating. "You must manipulate her. Even though she's like a sister to me, if she finds out, she'll try to stop us. She's a threat. You'll use her to join us."

Jason crossed his arms, shaking his head. "I will not."

"Brother," she pressed, her voice sharp, "she can overpower you. But her love for you—that's your leverage. You can make her fall for you even more. Convince her, make her believe you love her too."

He hesitated, torn. His sister seemed more monstrous than he was. But the logic in her words gnawed at him. He'd never dare to do that to Kara, yet… if there was no other choice, if it was the only way to secure their future, could he ignore her advice?

Reluctantly, Jason nodded. He would listen to her—for now.

Jason stepped into his apartment, the morning sun streaming through the window, casting light across his face. He removed his black demonic mask and ran a hand through his disheveled black hair, his silver eyes heavy with exhaustion.

"Oh, brother, you're back."

Jason turned, meeting his sister's gaze. She grinned, her legs crossed as she leaned against the doorframe. "So, how was it? Did you kill them?"

"Yes," Jason replied, his voice flat. "The plan went well. I spared one to tell the tale."

He glanced at her, then added, "I found where they were keeping the children. I've informed the police."

Charlotte's expression hardened. "Disgusting," she muttered. "Using children." She crossed her arms, her long hair flowing as she pulled it into a ponytail, her silver eyes narrowed in thought. "Right. Zolomon Industries… and as you know, we just launched your AI through our app."

Jason blinked, a hint of surprise in his voice. "Wait, you finished it?"

Charlotte smirked. "Of course, brother. You seemed distracted, so I took matters into my own hands and finished it."

"When the hell did you start moving ahead with this?" Jason's voice carried a note of pride.

"Well, it was easy," Charlotte replied casually. "I had some help from our trusted friend downstairs at the coffee shop. I'm honestly surprised he didn't tell you himself. Guess he wanted me to be the one to break it to you."

Jason crossed his arms, a hint of surprise crossing his face as he realized how serious his sister was about helping him. He glanced at the clock. "Shouldn't you be at school?"

Charlotte shrugged, rolling her eyes. "Nah. It's pointless. I'm graduating early so I don't have to deal with all those teenagers anymore."

Jason raised an eyebrow. "You know, you're still a teenager."

Charlotte gave him a pointed look. "Yeah, well, most of them are just… stupid. All they talk about is boys and makeup, like that's all that matters. None of them have anything intelligent to say. How did society end up like this?"

Jason chuckled. "Pretty sure that's just how normal teenage girls act."