Chapter 16: Hunting killgrave
Ash sat in his lab with a huge grin. Today, he was starting something exciting—a book he'd loved from his old life: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It was a classic, the beginning of a magical world that had enchanted millions. In this universe, though, no one had heard of Harry Potter, and Ash figured that if no one else was going to bring it to life, he would.
"Alright, Zoe," Ash said, ready to go. "I'm going to tell you the story, and you turn it into a full book."
"Understood, Ash. I'm ready," Zoe replied calmly.
Ash took a deep breath and began explaining everything he remembered about the story. He talked about Harry's life with the Dursleys, his journey to Hogwarts, and all the people he met there. He described each character, Hogwarts itself, and the magical spells, creatures, and moments that filled the story.
After he finished, Ash sat back in his chair, feeling satisfied. He thought it might take Zoe a while to turn his words into a complete book. "So, Zoe, any idea how long—"
"Book completed, Ash," Zoe interrupted.
Ash's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, what? Already?"
"Yes," Zoe confirmed. "Would you like to read it?"
Without waiting, Ash pulled up the document on his screen and started reading. Each word felt right. The story, the characters, even the tiny details—all of it was there. Zoe had made it even better, crafting a story that felt richer and more detailed. Ash couldn't help but grin as he scrolled through the pages.
"This is perfect, Zoe," he said, thrilled. "Send it to some publishing companies. Let's get this book out there!"
"Yes, Ash. Sending the manuscript to all major publishers now," Zoe replied.
With that done, Ash sat back, feeling a thrill run through him. Now all he had to do was wait for the publishers' replies.
Later, Ash was passing time, chatting casually with Zoe about the publishing process, when she suddenly interrupted. "Ash, I've just found new information. Jessica Jones is on her way to a hotel where Killgrave is meeting with his associates. It's likely they'll encounter each other tonight."
Ash straightened, a thought hitting him like a bolt. "Wait, why am I just sitting around, waiting for Killgrave to make a move? I should go after him now, before anything happens."
"Locating Killgrave's current position," Zoe replied smoothly. After a moment, she continued, "He's at a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. He's accompanied by several guards and a group of hostages, mostly women of various ages. It appears he's preparing to sell them."
Ash clenched his fists, anger flooding through him. "I can't believe I didn't go after him sooner."
He activated his suit, and within seconds, Zoe had teleported him outside the warehouse. The area was dark and silent, with the faint hum of activity coming from inside the building. Ash could hear muffled voices and the steady pacing of guards.
Without wasting a second, Ash took a step forward and kicked open the main door. The heavy door crashed into the room with a loud bang, sending a shockwave through everyone inside. Guards and captives alike turned to face him, eyes wide with shock.
A group of armed guards exchanged panicked looks. "Is that… the new vigilante?" one of them muttered, his voice laced with fear. "How did he find us?"
Killgrave, standing toward the back of the warehouse, seemed only mildly surprised, raising an eyebrow. "Quit muttering and take him down!" he barked, his voice cold and commanding.
Though they were clearly shaken, the guards obeyed, raising their guns and opening fire. Ash stood calmly as the bullets clinked and bounced off his suit, dropping harmlessly to the floor.
One of the guards glanced around, his expression turning desperate. "What is this guy made of? He's not even flinching!"
Another guard's hands shook as he kept firing. "Just keep shooting! Something's gotta work!"
Ash sighed, watching their panicked attempts. "Are you done yet?" he asked, sounding almost bored.
Without warning, he moved, his speed blinding. He dodged one man's swing, grabbed his arm, and twisted it, disarming him with a swift kick to the gut. Another guard tried to rush him from behind, but Ash sidestepped and sent him sprawling with a solid punch to the chest.
A third guard charged, swinging a metal rod. Ash caught it mid-swing, yanked it free, and tossed it aside, then struck the guard down with a quick jab to the jaw. In just a few moments, all the guards were on the ground, groaning in pain.
Ash glanced around, checking to make sure no one was left standing. Then he turned his attention to Killgrave, who stood motionless, staring back at him.
Killgrave's smirk returned, and he called out in a smooth voice, "You're strong, but you shouldn't have come here. Now you'll regret it. You'll do exactly as I say."
Ash felt something tugging at his mind, but it slipped away, completely ineffective. Zoe's voice sounded in his ear, "Mental control detected. The suit's protections have canceled it."
Ash grinned, taking a step forward. "What's wrong, Killgrave? Your little mind tricks aren't working?"
Killgrave's smug look faded, replaced by a hint of fear. He took a step back, raising his hands. "Wait, don't hurt me! I can give you anything—money, power, whatever you want! We could rule the world together!"
Ash walked slowly forward, ignoring his pleas. "You really don't get it, do you?"
Without hesitation, he grabbed Killgrave by the collar and gave him a hard slap across the face. Killgrave stumbled, a look of shock and anger flashing across his face.
Ash tightened his grip, his voice low and steady. "You're done hurting people." He threw another punch, this time aimed at Killgrave's stomach. Killgrave gasped, doubling over in pain, but Ash didn't stop. He delivered punch after punch, each one carefully controlled so Killgrave wouldn't pass out. Ash wanted him to feel every bit of it.
Ash looked down at the defeated Killgrave and called out to Zoe. "Send the police a full report of Killgrave's crimes. Tell them to get here right away."
"Understood," Zoe replied, already forwarding the details.
Ash turned to the hostages, giving them a calm nod. "The police are on their way. You're safe now."
Some of the captives were visibly shaken, but relief slowly spread across their faces. They exchanged looks of gratitude and whispered thanks.
Ash turned his attention back to Killgrave, who lay groaning on the floor. Knowing that Killgrave's powers could easily cause trouble, Ash reached into his 4D pocket and pulled out a special collar—one that would block any abilities. He snapped it around Killgrave's neck, making sure it fit tightly.
"Now you're powerless," Ash muttered, watching as Killgrave's face twisted in shock and fear.
With everything in place, Ash waited for the police, keeping a close eye on Killgrave. As he stood there, a few more ideas started forming in his mind. Just sending Killgrave to jail didn't seem enough for everything he'd done.
Ash smirked, remembering a particularly creative gadget he'd brought along. He reached into his pocket, ready to pull it out and teach Killgrave one last lesson, but just as his hand closed around it, the chapter ended.