Keepin' it Kool - ALASTOR x KOOL

CHAPTER 3 - Silly kerfuffle

Kool's heart raced as he sat on the edge of his bed, scrolling through his phone, his mind already buzzing with the energy of the night ahead. Coffee steam curled around him, the rich aroma barely grounding him as he read the urgent message that appeared on his phone.

"The Shadow Collective is targeting your university. They'll strike tonight."

The words felt heavy, pressing down on him like a weight he couldn't shake. Kool rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the tension knotting there. He'd heard whispers about the Shadow Collective before—an insidious organization with a reputation for chaos and destruction. They weren't just after power; they wanted to break the world, and now they were coming for his home.

The late afternoon sun streamed through his window, casting long shadows across his cluttered room. He grabbed his gear, moving swiftly. Every moment counted. The chaos of the impending attack stirred something deep within him, something primal. He was more than just Kool—a college student trying to juggle classes and friendships. He was Vortex, a name that sent a rush of adrenaline through his veins. He was a force to be reckoned with.

Kool slipped into his suit, an iridescent blend of black and electric blue that shimmered under the light, tailored to enhance his every move. He checked the functionality of his gear—the grappling hooks, smoke bombs, and his signature energy gauntlets. Each piece was a reminder of the battles he'd fought and the ones yet to come.

As he strapped on his mask, a flurry of emotions washed over him. Was he ready for this? The Shadow Collective had been lurking in the shadows, plotting their next move, and now it seemed they were ready to strike. The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

He shot a quick text to Alastor, hoping to coordinate.

"Hey, you ready? Shadow Collective is on the move tonight."

With a few taps, he sent the message and paced his room, the familiar anxious energy bubbling within him.

Meanwhile, Alastor—Shade, as he was known in the darkness—was already on the prowl, lurking among the shadows of the campus. He had received his own warning from a contact in the underground network, and the weight of the threat hung heavily in the air.

With his sharp instincts and tactical mindset, Shade moved through the campus with purpose, the dark fabric of his suit blending seamlessly into the shadows. He scanned the area, his senses heightened, searching for any signs of the Collective's presence. The university had been quiet, but he could feel the tension in the air. Something was brewing, and he intended to be ready for it.

Shade had always preferred the dark. It was where he felt most at home, where he could strategize and plan his moves without distraction. He paused behind a tree, taking in the scene. Students milled about, blissfully unaware of the danger that loomed just beyond the edges of their awareness.

Suddenly, his communicator buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen, recognizing Kool's name.

"Hey, you ready? Shadow Collective is on the move tonight."

Shade smirked, knowing Kool's boundless enthusiasm would only heighten the stakes. He tapped a quick reply.

"Always ready. Let's meet at the north quad. Keep your eyes peeled."

With that, he slipped further into the shadows, moving swiftly toward their rendezvous point. The anticipation crackled in the air, and Shade felt the thrill of battle ignite within him. He had trained for moments like this, honing his skills and sharpening his mind to outmaneuver any foe.