The low hum of machinery filled the silence as Kian leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant, replaying the words from his encounter with Nightwing. It was strange how the meeting had lingered in his mind. Nightwing's questions, the way he challenged Kian's sense of justice, made him feel an unexpected pang of uncertainty, even as he knew his actions were necessary to reshape Gotham. But Kian dismissed the doubt almost as quickly as it appeared. Hesitation had no place in his plans.
Red Hood entered, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. He took one look at Kian and smirked. "You look like you've been through a round with a ghost."
Kian's gaze sharpened as he returned to the present. "Just thinking. Nightwing had questions about our methods, about whether we're really 'changing Gotham' or just replacing one kind of control with another."
Red Hood shrugged, his voice casual but his words pointed. "You know there's no such thing as pure justice in this city. You're either the one in power, or you're following the orders of someone who is. Don't let a few words get to you."
Kian nodded, his resolve strengthening. "You're right. Gotham needs more than empty ideals. It needs someone willing to do what others won't."
Deadshot and Deathstroke joined them, sitting down as Kian outlined his revised approach, influenced by his conversation with Nightwing but guided by his own unshakeable vision. He spread out a map of Gotham and its neighboring territories, marking areas where his influence had already taken root and highlighting areas where more groundwork was needed.
"We're pushing forward," Kian announced, his voice steady. "We have strong footholds in Gotham, but I want us to begin securing strategic alliances with other cities. Tonight's plan is simple: solidify our control here, so when we make moves elsewhere, we're doing it from a position of undeniable strength."
Deathstroke glanced at the map and gave a thoughtful nod. "Expanding is smart, but Gotham's top players won't just roll over. "That's what I'm counting on" Kian replied.
Kian's gaze swept across the map, his mind ticking over with precision as he identified key areas in Gotham that still held untapped potential. The conversation with Nightwing had reminded him that even the smallest gaps in his control could invite scrutiny from Gotham's so-called heroes. Strength in every corner of the city was essential.
He turned to his team. "Deathstroke, I want you to focus on securing the Narrows. That area's a breeding ground for trouble. With the right pressure, it'll give us a stronger base, and the people there need to see that we can offer something better than the chaos they're used to."
Deathstroke gave a sharp nod. "Consider it handled. I'll get the Narrows locked down and make sure the gangs there understand exactly who's in charge."
Kian shifted his attention to Deadshot. "You'll be leading our operations in the docks. The underground trade there could bring us resources we'll need as we move outward. Make it clear that if they want to do business, they do it on our terms."
Deadshot grinned, adjusting the scope on his rifle. "Never had a problem enforcing a little order. The docks will fall in line, one way or another."
Red Hood, who'd been listening with a contemplative expression, finally spoke. "If we're serious about expanding outside Gotham, we're going to attract attention. Not just from Batman, but from his allies—and not all of them are bound by the limits of this city."
Kian's eyes narrowed, his voice steady but intense. "I'm aware of the risks. But the time for half-measures is over. We need a show of strength that can reach beyond Gotham's borders. Once the word gets out that we're taking control here, it'll send a message to every other city."
There was a brief silence, then Red Hood added, "If we're going this big, we might need more than just muscle. We need alliances with the kind of people who can offer resources and influence."
Kian met Red Hood's gaze, recognizing the wisdom in his words. "You're right. And I already have a few names in mind—figures from places like Star City, Metropolis, even Central City. We're not just talking about one city's territory. This is a network."
Deadshot's brows raised slightly. "That's ambitious, even for you. But if we're reaching out that far, we'll need to show these people that our power isn't just talk. They need to see that we're serious."
Kian's mouth curled into a small smile. "Which is why we're starting here, by making sure Gotham itself is unbreakable. Every piece of this city needs to recognize who's in control."
The conversation shifted to logistics—names, operations, the movement of resources. Kian felt his telekinesis humming beneath his skin, an unspoken reminder of his own growing power. This was more than just a territorial grab; it was about establishing something that no other leader in Gotham had been able to accomplish: true dominance.
Later That Night
Kian moved through the shadows of the Narrows, watching as Deathstroke and his crew initiated their takeover. The scene was controlled but intense, with Deathstroke dispatching orders and forcing local gang leaders to bow to their authority. Kian felt a swell of satisfaction watching as pockets of resistance crumbled under Deathstroke's careful but forceful command.
Meanwhile, Deadshot was at the docks, coordinating with smugglers and black-market traders, making it clear that any deals would need his personal approval. It was efficient, ruthless, and exactly the kind of approach Kian valued.
With every corner they secured, Kian felt Gotham slipping further into his grasp, becoming not just a city he controlled but a territory bound to his vision. It wouldn't be long before the rest of the city felt the shift.
Back at the Base
Hours later, the team regrouped in their headquarters, updates flowing in as each section of the city began to fall in line. Kian listened intently as Deathstroke and Deadshot reported their progress, every detail adding to the larger picture of a city under his control.
Just as the debrief ended, a subtle alarm buzzed from Kian's console—a coded signal he'd set up for high-priority intel. He tapped the screen, and his brows raised as he read the encrypted message. It was from one of his operatives in the criminal underworld, someone he trusted for sensitive information.
The message was brief but carried weight: Black Mask is gathering forces. He's considering a counterstrike.
A spark of intrigue crossed Kian's face. Black Mask was one of Gotham's longest-standing crime lords, and he'd managed to hold his ground through nearly every major shift in power. But now, it seemed he was feeling threatened.
Kian shared the news with his inner circle. Red Hood's face darkened. "So, Black Mask finally feels the pressure. He's not the kind to sit by while someone else takes what he thinks belongs to him."
Kian nodded, his mind already forming a plan. "Then it's time we remind him that Gotham has a new order. We'll take him down and make an example of him. That will show everyone else exactly what happens when they oppose us."
Deathstroke and Deadshot exchanged looks of anticipation, both eager to move on the city's underworld.
Kian leaned back, a sense of certainty settling over him. Black Mask's resistance would be the last vestige of the old Gotham. Once it was gone, no one would question his authority again.
As the team left to prepare for the confrontation, Kian stayed behind for a moment, his gaze fixed on the map of Gotham. His vision for the city was coming to fruition, step by careful step. Soon, there would be no turning back.