AN: Thanks for the reviews so far. And yes, Helena is definitely going to have some troubles with the Court of Owls now, although the Red Hood is still her main focus.

-X-

"After the incident at the Iceberg Lounge, I have decided to announce Operation Zero Tolerance," Commissioner Yindel announced to the crowd ahead of tonight's campaign fundraiser, "From now on, we will do everything in our power to arrest these costumed vigilantes and make them stand trial for the laws they have broken."

"But Commissioner, if you are showing zero tolerance towards the Huntress and the Batman, what about the criminals they help capture?" a news journalist asked, "Will you be showing zero tolerance to them as well? What is the progress report on the Great White Shark?"

"To answer your first question, we have always had a zero tolerance on criminals," Commissioner Yindel replied, "We are dedicated to eradicating crime from our fine city. As for Warren White, we are closing in on him. If you are watching this broadcast, Mr. White, I suggest you turn yourself in before we get to you."

"Commissioner, can you tell us why you have this stance on our city's protectors?" another journalist asked.

"The police are here to protect the city, not people who think that by dressing up, they have a right to. It goes against the purpose of the police force and given the amount of death and destruction this great city has suffered because of these people, it is time that they either stand down and go into hiding or face prosecution. Thank you for your time."

There was a cluster of journalists wanting to know more, but Commissioner Yindel had spoken her piece, as police officers kept the crowd at bay so she could leave.

-X-

John wandered from the street and entered the derelict alley. It was the very same alley where Thomas and Martha Wayne had been murdered nearly sixty years ago and where life had changed John completely. It was here that started Bruce Wayne's journey into becoming the Batman, a symbol of truth and justice, a symbol that the criminals feared, a symbol that John took on when Bruce retired and left Gotham City. It was also here in this very same alley where John had first stumbled across young Jason Todd, who was trying to steal the tyres off the Tumbler. John stood there, remembering that night perfectly well, the night he had taken young Jason into his care and trained him to be his sidekick and in the end, it had all been for nothing, with Jason's death at the hands of the Joker.

"Makes you kinda nostalgic, doesn't it?"

John whirled around to see the Red Hood standing before him, this time wearing the armoured Batsuit and a black leather jacket modified to fit it. A large combat knife was sheathed on his right thigh, while twin Raging Taurus .49 handguns were holstered at the back of his waist. Unlike ordinary handguns, the Raging Taurus had four barrels in a diamond formation and because of its shape, the magazines held three lots of bullets and there was a switch along the slide to allow for a single-shot, dual shot or all barrels at once.

"Have you missed me?" the Red Hood said, a smirk evident in his tone.

"So, it really is you, Jason?" John asked.

He shrugged, "Maybe. But then again, Jason Todd died thirteen years ago. And last I checked, resurrection is impossible. I might be him or I might not be him."

"Stop playing games. Who are you really? What do you want?"

"You've lost a little bit of your edge, old man. I'm just here to continue on what the Batman did: fighting crime, although I'm a little less lenient than Batman."

"Killing is not the answer," John said.

"No? It seems to be working. Have you seen those criminals re-offending? No, because they're dead. They're no longer a menace to society. You can't keep throwing them into jail. It clearly doesn't work. Your methods are obsolete. I'm the real hero here."

"You're deluded. I'm sorry I failed you, Jason."

"And there we go again, you thinking I'm Jason," the Red Hood said, "He's dead. Much like the Joker. An unfortunate thing your friend Helena did. I thought you guys don't kill."

"It's not like she intended to kill him."

"Yeah and it's not like he intended to kill me. Then again, whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stranger."

"Will you stop playing games? Are you really Jason or not?" John demanded.

"I don't know. Who are you trying to be?"

"This isn't about me-"

"Oh and it's time to go. I'll be seeing you, John. You and your friends take care now because if any of you cross my path again, I won't be so merciful like I was with your son."

Before John could do anything, the Red Hood drew out a grapple gun, one that was a Wayne Enterprises design and he fired it at the rooftops, swiftly disappearing from the alley, leaving John confused over what exactly was going on, unsure if it had really been Jason or just some imposter. As he thought back to the night Jason died, he figured that there was only one person who really knew the truth. With that in mind, John quickly left the alley.

-X-

The atmosphere at the Grand Hall was alive and well, the campaign fundraiser for Lincoln March in full swing. Despite protests from doctors and nurses to remain in bed and cancel the fundraiser, March declared himself well enough for the proceedings to go ahead. Word had quickly spread around the city about his near-death incident at the old Wayne Tower; however, there was far more talk about how Helena Wayne had dealt with the threat, nearly dying herself in the process. Shaking hands and talking to public servants who offered their support, including Terry, March was flanked by two bodyguards, courtesy of Joseph and Maria Powers. They were also attending the fundraiser, chatting to other rich families, although their attention was diverted by the arrival of new guests. Helena and Jesse strode in first, then Damian and some young teenager for the night, with Tim and Stephanie taking up the rear and immediately, everyone started talking about the Wayne siblings, especially about the eldest due to her ordeal. Due to her bandaged shoulder, she was wearing a purple dress with large shoulders to cover the bandage.

"Ah, Miss. Wayne, so glad to see you could join us," March greeted, "After I passed out, I feared for your life, but it is good to see you survived."

"Likewise."

"Who's your friend?"

"Lincoln March, this is my boyfriend, Jesse Drysdale. One of Gotham's finest."

"Ah, now I know who you are," March said, shaking Jesse's hand, "You're a cop."

"Detective. And it's a pleasure to meet you," Jesse said.

After Commissioner Yindel had publicly announced Operation Zero Tolerance, Jesse had been named as a team member, tasked with arresting the Huntress, Batman and Red Robin on sight, which was quite ironic given he was at a fundraiser with them right now. Although he tried to voice his reasoning that he was better off searching for the Great White Shark and the Red Hood, Yindel wouldn't hear of it, citing that as her best detective, he would be put to better use in arresting the costumed vigilantes. He didn't like it, but he had no choice except to go along with it, knowing that he had a chance to have the operation made invalid.

"Now, Helena, if you don't mind, I'd like you to meet the finance of this campaign," March said, steering Helena away from Jesse, "Helena Wayne, this is Joseph and Maria Powers."

"The long lost heir of the Wayne family," Joseph Powers said snootily, very much up himself as Damian would put it, "How nice to finally meet you."

"I believe the pleasure is all mine," Helena said, faking a smile. Two could play the snooty game.

"I heard all about your ordeal," Maria Powers chimed in, "I couldn't believe it. It is good to see that you survived."

"Liar," Helena thought, but plastered a fake smile on her face, "Thank you for your kind words."

"Now, if you'll excuse us, we have other people we must talk to," Joseph said, dismissing her.

The couple walked away and Helena wondered what made Lincoln March to think that they could work together. It wasn't like she cared very much, but she also knew that their funding would be very helpful in the future for rebuilding Gotham City. Shaking her head, Helena headed back to Jesse, who was currently talking to Terry by the diner's table.

"I see you met the Powers," Terry said, then added sarcastically, "They're a lovely couple."

"Something about them makes my skin crawl," Helena said, "I don't like it."

She looked around the hall, seeing that Damian had ditched his date and was currently chatting up another young woman, causing Helena to roll her eyes. She saw that Tim and Stephanie were dancing together on the dance floor, a jazz band playing on stage, the latter aware of the former's injuries. Helena allowed herself a small smile as she watched them, hoping that they went somewhere in their relationship. Then, her attention was caught by a man approaching her. Dressed in a sharp, black tuxedo, he was easily taller than Helena, probably about Jesse's height and stocky, like he worked out every day. He had green eyes and short brown hair that was spiked up slightly at the front. With a day's growth of stubble, he was exceptionally good-looking. Downright hot if Helena wanted to go that far.

"Miss. Wayne. I was wondering if you'd do me the honour of dancing with me?" he asked.

"The answer's no, pal. She's already taken," Jesse said, hand itching to reach for his gun.

"And why would I want to dance with you?" Helena asked coolly, crossing her arms.

"Maybe because I know who you really are, Huntress, and if you like, I could tell everyone-"

"No, you won't. One dance and it better be quick or I will deck you painfully."

He smirked and took her hand, leading her out onto the dance floor and stopped in the middle, outside of listening range for Terry and Jesse, as well as Tim and Stephanie. Helena placed one hand on his shoulder, while he put a hand on her hip and she resisted the urge to punch him in the face for it, instead, she began to move her feet, dancing to the slow music.

"Alright, you say you know who I am," Helena said, "Who the hell are you?"

He smirked, "Jason Todd."

-X-

AN: If there were to be a live-action actor for Jason Todd/Red Hood, the only person I can think of would be Jensen Ackles, cause he did a great job in the animated movie, so that's who I tried to describe above. Next chapter is the truth about Jason's 'death'.