Kahu Wakahoe - Crosswind
Status: Retired Hero
Alias: Crosswind
Other Aliases: The Storm Walker, The Gale-Fist
Real Name: Kahu Wakahoe
Age: 48
Home: Wellington, New Zealand
Birthplace: Rotorua, New Zealand
Gender: Male
Height: 6’1” (185 cm)
Weight: 200 lbs (91 kg)
Build: Athletic, broad-shouldered, built like a former fighter
Hair: Black, streaked with silver at the temples
Hair Style: Tied back into a short ponytail, occasionally loose
Eyes: Stormy gray, sharp and calculating
Ancestry: Māori
Skin: Deep bronze, weathered from years in the field
Occupation: Former Professional Hero, Mentor (unofficial), Private Security Consultant (part-time)
Background
Kahu Wakahoe, once known as Crosswind, was one of New Zealand’s most respected mid-tier pro heroes, known for his precision, discipline, and ability to control the battlefield. He made a name for himself not through flashy rescues or headline-grabbing fights, but through strategic takedowns and methodical hero work, focusing on urban crime prevention, counter-gang operations, and tactical interventions.
A firm believer in structure, discipline, and the hero system, Kahu operated by the book—he followed regulations, played by the rules, and trusted that the system, despite its flaws, could be changed for the better. But after nearly two decades in the field, a career-ending injury forced him into early retirement.
The incident wasn’t spectacular or tragic—just a bad mission, an unexpected counterattack, and a blow to the spine that took him out of action permanently. He survived, but he never truly recovered. The system moved on without him, leaving him discarded and forgotten, despite years of service.
Now? Kahu is still trying to find his place in the world. He trains young heroes on occasion, takes private security jobs when necessary, and keeps an eye on the crime scene from a distance—but he knows he's not Crosswind anymore. He’s just Kahu.
And no matter how much he tries to hide it, that fact still eats at him.
Powers, Skills, Abilities, Combat Style & Weaknesses
Powers:
- Wind Manipulation (Tactical Use, Not Large-Scale)
- Could generate sharp, concentrated bursts of wind for combat, mobility, and precision control.
- Used air pressure to disrupt enemy attacks, increase his speed, and launch controlled strikes.
- Could redirect projectiles, create short-range bursts of flight, and manipulate the air around him.
- Not a weather manipulator—his control was refined, not overwhelming.
- Enhanced Reflexes & Agility (Power-Assisted)
- His ability to sense air currents allowed him to react a fraction of a second faster than normal humans.
- This made him exceptional at dodging, countering, and anticipating attacks.
Skills & Combat Style:
- Tactical & Efficient Fighter: Every move had a purpose—no wasted effort, no wasted motion.
- Hand-to-Hand Combat Specialist: Blended boxing, kickboxing, and taiaha combat with his wind manipulation.
- Strategist & Battlefield Controller: Fought by controlling space and limiting enemy movement rather than brute force.
- Experienced Leader & Mentor: Kahu was a field commander before his retirement—he knows how to train, guide, and command a team under pressure.
Weaknesses (Now & Then):
- Physical Limitations (Now): His spine injury permanently weakened his mobility and power control.
- Strictly Follows the Rules (Then): Kahu believed in the system too much, often limiting himself when he could’ve taken more drastic actions.
- Struggles with His Identity (Now): He doesn’t know who he is without being Crosswind. Retirement weighs on him, though he rarely talks about it.
Equipment (Back in the Field)
- Reinforced Combat Suit: Light armor with airflow channels to enhance his movement.
- Gauntlets with Shock Absorbers: Allowed him to strike with increased force without injuring himself.
- HUD-Linked Tactical Mask: Provided real-time wind tracking for enhanced precision.
(Now? He doesn’t wear the gear anymore. It collects dust in storage.)
Physical Description
Despite no longer being an active hero, Kahu still carries himself like one—his posture is strong, his gaze sharp, and his presence commands respect. His broad-shouldered, athletic frame has softened slightly since retirement, but he still trains regularly—he refuses to let himself go completely.
His face is lined with quiet intensity, his storm-gray eyes constantly scanning the world around him. His black hair, streaked with silver, is usually tied back in a short ponytail, though he lets it down when he doesn’t care. His deep bronze skin is marked with faint scars, a reminder of the fights he can’t return to.
Outside of hero work, he wears practical, low-key clothing—hoodies, fitted jackets, and athletic wear that still allows him movement. Even in casual settings, he still feels like a man ready to fight, even if he never plans to.
Personality
- Calm, Measured, and Always in Control: Kahu never raises his voice unnecessarily, never acts without thinking. He’s the kind of person who makes people listen without having to demand it.
- Disciplined & Tactical: Years of hero work taught him to analyze situations, plan ahead, and always have an exit strategy.
- A Man Who’s Lost His Purpose: He doesn’t say it, but retirement weighs on him. He spent his whole life as Crosswind, and now he doesn’t know what’s left.
- Caring, But With Walls Up: He doesn’t express emotions easily, but his actions show he still cares deeply for the people in his life.
(The only person who sees through his walls completely? Quinn.)
Relationships & Allies
- Quinn Wakahoe (Daughter) – "I wanted her to be better than me. And she is. But she thinks that means she has to do this alone."
- Jade Harper (Former AIHS Instructor - "Ghostshade") – "She tried to bring me on as a mentor once. I turned her down. Not sure if that was the right call."
- Other Retired Heroes & Ex-Contacts – "I still get calls. People asking for advice. I give it when I can. But I don’t go back in."
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