Fictions Mentioned:
Episode 17 - The Day That Robin Died
OP Song:
Theme of the Week #8 - Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Main Theme
Location:
Multiverse: DC Multiverse
Universe: DC Universe-Prime
Insert Song: Start
Dies irae - Animation OST: Krieg
Commissioner James Worthington "Jim" Gordon: "This is how it happened. This is how Jason Peter Todd died. And it was one that none of us had ever saw coming. Hell, it's one where I never saw coming. And yet...I shouldn't be surprised at all."
"I should never have allied myself with a madman."
Ra's al Ghul.
An ancient and experienced man who had walked the Earth in over six centuries. Tall and daunting with green eyes. Black hair with gray streaks. Long black mustache and wild, black eyebrows. Dresses in a regal manner, with the majority of his clothes covered by a high-collared green cloak with large gold buttons. Underneath, he wears a black vest with gold hems, a white undershirt, and a golden sash. He wears black pants and knee-high black boots.
The head and founder of the League of Assassins, an ancient international organization of deadly trained warriors that he would use to achieve his goal of ridding the world of evil. As of this moment, he was somewhere on an Islamic architectural stronghold, sporting a grim and displeased expression, his green eyes were narrowed as he looked through the window.
He would begin to glance at his assistant with Middle Eastern features, wearing a simple formal suit and fabric that would fit his current occupation, a trained warrior of the League of Assassins just like the rest who were stationed within this stronghold.
"Where are they?," he asked.
"In Sarjevo sir," the assistant answered in a clear and worried tone, holding an advance tablet that has a touch screen that was used to navigate and view the files that were currently being transmitted from one location to another. "And...he has the boy."
The answer would bring a grim and displeased expression upon Ra's al Ghul's face as he turned once again towards the window.
"Where is the detective?," Ra's al Ghul asked.
"He's on his way, sir," the butler answered. He would sport a concerned expression. "But, sir, he won't make it there in time. I have been receiving official reports from our spies and informed us that the Committee had planned for something like this to occur. To be more specific, a Mr. Gensei Kihara would seem to have provided some manner of indirect assistance in the form of sending in his conceptual soldiers and their advance technology that had been developed from multiple universes, and they are all currenly engaging the Batman as we speak."
"Ah, him," Ra's al Ghul would say, sporting an understanding expression when the name "Gensei Kihara" was mentioned, with his green eyes narrowed. "He was always quite the intelligent and cunning man that I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. If he is involved in this in some manner, then this has become quite concerning. And since this has decidedly become a Committee affair, I'd shudder to think of what profound machinations do these men from on high would have for this predetermined tragedy that would no doubt take place because of my severe underestimation of that madman and his insanity."
Sarajevo.
It was the capital and largest city of Bosnia–Herzegovina, with a population of 275,524 in its administrative limits. It was the political, financial, social and cultural center of Bosnia–Herzegovina and a prominent center of culture in the Balkans, with region-wide influence in entertainment, media, fashion and the arts. Due to its long history of religious and cultural diversity, Sarajevo is sometimes called the "Jerusalem of Europe" or "Jerusalem of the Balkans". It is one of only a few major European cities to have a mosque, Catholic church, Orthodox church and synagogue within the same neighborhood.
It was the night before Christmas.
Multiple explosions and gunfire were heard throughout the snowy mountains, the snow rumbling from the effects of the artificially made explosions created through the use of advance energy weapons that were being wielded by multiple individuals wearing advance futuristic gear, armor, and equipment which is accompanied by a dark-black uniform. Made out of living concepts, having no amount of free will on its own, almost like that of a machine—especially one programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions automatically.
And all of them appeared to be targetting someone.
It was tall man wearing an advanced suit designed with flexible plates overlaying a MR-fluid (magnetorheological fluid) armor layer, and incorporating the latest in cutting-edge technology, sporting the colors of black and grey, with a symbol of the bat, black in color which is encircled around a golden circle, sported on the chest. There was a memory cloth cape draping from his back. At first glance, it looked like a simple, flexible fabric like Nylon on the outer layer, similar to a parachute, but when a current was applied, the loose molecules realigned and became rigid, which allowed the person to glide over long distances. The "mask" was designed like a cowl-shaped helmet with a graphite exterior that housed Kevlar paneling, which made it impact resistant and protected the wearer from small-caliber firearms and concussive blows. An advanced eavesdropping device was concealed within the cowl's ears that enabled the figure to listen in on conversations from a distance and communicate accordingly.
Once, his name was known to be Bruce Wayne. But now as of this very night, he was the Batman. And right now, he was dodging every staser fire that was being sent to him from multiple angles. His Batcycle had already taken a heavy toll, with the smoke coming from it rising from the skies.
One batarang thrown towards the left side had managed to create a specific EMP burst that managed to fry the rifles that were being carried by the soldiers that were in the general direction. And their rifles would automatically self-destruct, leading to the demise of these soldiers that were never quite alive to begin with and didn't had a soul just like any other would have. For they were unnatural conceptual entities bread and built to follow and nothing more. Even robots were not this souless. And Batman should know since he had met superheroes like the Vision or Red Tornado to prove to him that even machines can have a soul.
Batman would begin to perform a rolling maneuver, dodging blue colored energy blasts that were being hurl in his way, the remnants of snow being seen from the memory cloth cape. Another set of batarangs to the east, sending an explosion that managed to take out more of the soldiers. Then he started to engage the soldiers who were nearby, and with the help of his state-of-the-art technology, had managed to perform a set of takedowns in short order, already taking out many of the soldiers within his line of sight.
There was one other trick that he had learned and incorporated from an old rival and fellow superhero Iron Man. The fact that he would sport repulsor nodes from both of his hands, opening a barrage of concussive blasts that would target specific areas of the rifles that the soldiers were carrying, exploding in turn. The same could be said for some of the advance tech that they were sporadically sending towards him. This technology was something that Batman had recognized and planned accordingly.
The FIVE_Over.
It was a series of experiments and technologies formed by Academy City, a city-state that is known to be the home of one of his students, Touma Kamijou, and both of whom came from another universe separated from his own for many inter-multiversal distances which was known as ACMI Universe-Prime. Academy City was a city that reminded him too much of much lighter but no less dangerous variation of Gotham City due to the darkness that surrounds it, ruled by a chessmaster named Aleister Crowley, the Board Chairman of said city and whose machinations would span nearly 50% across ACMI Earth-Prime, with the other half belonging to another individual based in London, England by the name of Archbishop Lola Stuart.
Two sides with major influences. A game of chess set out from all over the world, divided artificially into that of the terms "magic" and "science". But this division was built on a lie, for one could all be included under the a simple unified theory of complementary laws. The differences may be apparent based on origin, mechanism, and function, but there is the fundamental reason of which there is no strict divide to speak of. Because there were none to begin with.
These FIVE_Overs were state-of-the-art, retrofitted with multiple repulsor technology which is apparent from the continuous barrage of concussive beams that were to be fired upon Batman's position through the use of their heavily modified gatling railguns, creating perfect circular traces of holes that would emit a lot of heat, the smoke would be seen rising a few meters above the air.
But Batman was prepared. He had managed to form an automatic advance reflector shield around himself, sending the beams directly to the enemy and dislodging the various parts of the mechanisms, sending some of these tank-like machines to the ground due to immobility.
And thus, Batman struck back, using his jet boots to launch himself straight into the air, his memory cloth wings gracefully opening to reveal his bat-like figure and gliding in turn, taking advantage of his, and fire repulsor beams to specific weakpoints, destroying the wings and the legs of the machines that would continue to fire at him with the turrets that were seen from the sides, some of whom were taken out of commission.
He didn't have time for this. He needed to act as fast as possible. Time was running out in every second that he wasted. But it would appear that he was currently surrounded by more than a few thousand shock troopers, all armed and capable, accompanied by their advance weapons that they were currently using against him. It's like he was facing an entire army of over tens of thousands. And this army was an obstacle that was planned to get in his way without any form of conscience or remorse. The perfect killing machines. Neither men nor machine. Just an entity created to serve a hierarchy based on a web of consparicies that is as old as if not before there was even such a concept as history.
Batman makes a direct landing towards one part of the snowy slopes, performing a kicking maneuver that sends one soldier flying towards two of his fellow soldiers. As he lands upon the snowy ground, he would unleash a wave of batarangs made from nanotechnology that were developed and improved from GRX Universe-Prime, and these would be automatically honed in on multiple targets, exploding at a few meters nearby the precise locations, knocking out multiple soldiers and their FIVE_Overs.
He would notice at least three praying mantis-looking FIVE_Overs, standing tall, teleported from a moment's notice, surrounding him from both directions of the north and one direction from the south in the form of the letter "Y", with their pincers all aimed at him and ready to pierce for the kill. However, assistance would suddenly arrive as a huge burst of blue colored concussive blasts were seen from the skies, managing to take all of them out in one single precise hit to the head, reflector shields not withstanding.
Batman would notice this as he turns to the skies, seeing what appeared to be a person wearing an advance set of armor consisting of a black bodysuit with a gold utility belt still located around the waist and the silver knee pads that has a blue colored atom symbol written right over it, joined together as if in unison, red armor with some details kept in silver, silver boots with black left and right points, forearms and arms covered with silver armor, with silver gloves covering the hands, red shoulder straps with silver and black edges, with the blue colored atom symbol written right over it, and a blue visor which has multiple visual functions, a silver faceplate, and a bright triangle from the chest that houses a fusion type power source that powers the entire armor which is also accompanied by the blue ellipses of an atom.
Batman would recognize this person as one of his students, Koichi Minamoto, also known under the armor as the interdimensional superhero known as Astro Man. But he was not alone. For there were at least five individuals who were coming up from behind.
The leader among them is someone that he would recognize all too well as he considered this person to be a son. Richard John "Dick" Grayson, also known as Nightwing. And he ws currently wearing a uniform consisting of a black unitard, black shoulder pads, boots and gloves. The chest area of his uniform is emblazoned with a blue bird with its wings expanded and his abdomen area is colored in a lighter gray, also extending to his shoulders in the shape of a chevron. He wears a black utility belt and carries his modified eskrima sticks in a holster on the side of his legs.
He was seen flying overhead with his retractable holographic hard light hawk-like wings, and would shout out an iconic roll call "Titans Go!", unleashing a set of wing-dings that managed to set off multiple explosions that would send the FIVE_Overs tumbling down from the ground due to the offensive pressure, misaiming their pincers in random directions, creating many holes from the ground.
Then he lands on the ground with a graceful kick that sends one soldier flying from the southwest, and grabbing a pair of eskrima sitcks from one of his holsters, would unleash a blue electrical shock attack that would shock each opponent and send them all through random directions, aiming from the neck, torso, and other weakspots.
Batman would recognize the other individuals as the most trusted teammates of Nightwing and Astro Man, who together would form the Teen Titans, a group of teenage heroes who keep DC Earth-Prime, MV Earth-616, and several Earths and worlds safe from the clutches of evil, with the six of them being the main founding members.
He would see an extremely physically attractive tall woman with bright orange skin and with an incredible physical stature, large green eyes with light-green scleras, and small rounded eyebrows. She has straight, shiny, waist-length, fiery-red hair with short bangs. Her uniform consists of a sleeveless violet crop top, a violet miniskirt, a silver belt, and thigh-high violet boots with silver soles and bands at the top. For armor, she wears a silver gorget with a round green gem embedded into it, silver gauntlets with green gems over the backs of her hands, and a silver armband on her upper right arm.
He would recognize this person as Princess Koriand'r, also known as Starfire. And he would see her in mid-flight, dodging concussive beams with ease, and firing her iconic green circular bolts of pure radioactive energy that were being fired upon the FIVE_Overs, shooting through the arms, legs, and sickles, rendering many of them immobile as they would crash upon the snowy ground, and a few moments later, explode rapidly in an orange fume of smoke.
He would also see another beautiful woman who was right beside Starfire, also in mid-flight. She has pale, grayish-white skin; violet eyes; and somewhat thick eyebrows. She has straight, angled, violet hair and a prominent widow's peak. She also has a red gemstone outlined in black located in the center of her forehead. She wears a hooded navy-blue cloak, matching ruffled ankle-boots with grayish-black soles, and a long-sleeve dark navy-blue legless leotard with regular navy-blue cuffs. Her cloak is decorated with a round, crimson jewel that is similar to a brooch which helps keep the cloak shut. She also wears a thin, gold belt with decorated with several of the same type of jewel.
He would recognize this person as Rachel Roth, also known as Raven. And he would see her uttering "Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" and using her telekinesis to use the destroyed parts of the FIVE_Overs and threw them over to the other FIVE_Overs and slice through their arms, legs, and sickles, rendering many of them immobile as they would crash upon the snowy ground, and a few moments later, explode rapidly in an orange fume of smoke. It would also be hurled on the soldiers who were opening fire upon her from the ground, being sliced and stabbed by the sharp pointed objects that were hurled their way. It would also be aimed upon the soldiers who were opening fire upon her and Starfire on the air, suffering a similar fate as their comrades upon the ground, with some getting telekinetically blasted a few meters away and either crashing towards their fellow soldiers who were flying from the sky or crashing towards the ground, either knocking out their fellow soldiers or just landing upon the covered white snow.
Aside from the two women, he would notice another individual who was fighting alongside Astro Man. A tall muscular man of African-American descent, built like a football player, with cybernetic prosthetics and blue light circuits that cover most of his damaged body that was once flesh and blood, and he has one red light as an eye that is located to the left side of his face.
He would recognize this person as Victor Stone, also known as Cyborg. And he would see him firing his large energy canons while at mid-flight, assisting Astro Man as they fired their respective weapons upon the enemy. Multiple FIVE_Overs and soldiers from the air and on the ground were being decimated in multiple numbers, creating huge craters that shook the snowy mountains, spreading a very vehement breeze that would give one a certain twisted sense of the cold due to what was about to take place for this very night.
Last but not the least, he would notice another individual who was fighting alongside Nightwing on the ground who had now transformed in a rhinoceros, pummeling down many of the soldiers on the ground, before transforming into an African lion, pouncing and slashing upon the enemy at inhuman speeds. And then, he would eventually shapeshift into a Carnotaurus, blitzing through multiple FIVE_Overs and dealing effective damage upon their torsos, allowing more room for Nightwing to throw a couple of wing-dings that would slice through multiple rifles, and even the soldiers who wield them, with some exploding upon contact thereby taking multiple targets out instantly.
This person was a young man with pale green complexion with green eyes and dark green hair, a black-magenta uniform with grey gloves and magenta boots. He would know this person as Garfield Logan, also known as Beast Boy.
And the Teen Titans appeared to be lead by someone that Batman would consider to be an old friend and fellow veteran hero, considered to be his equal in nearly every aspect of life.
This person was wearing a dark blue top hat, suit, and caped overcoat, with a pair of non-reflective glasses that were covering one's face, thereby keeping one's identity strictly hidden. The cape in particular was of a similar fabric that Batman would use, allowing one to glide through the air, making use of the current was applied. And this person would touch down gracefully upon the ground while throwing a couple of aluminum bottle cans that would suddenly explode upon contact, with some of those cans containing a specific form of of acid that were melting the legs of the FIVE_Overs that were nearby, rendering them immobile as they fell to the ground, allowing Astro Man, Cyborg, Starfire, and Raven to destroy them with ease and move on to decimate the other forces in the air.
This person who was leading them was Yusaku Kudo, also known as Night Baron. And he was dodging enemy fire that was likened to a graceful combatant, firing repulsor rays from his gloves which would send many of the soldiers flying backwards, and in some cases, rather violently towards the snowy ground. A few acrobatic movements later and he was now landing right next to Batman who had managed to knock out two soldiers through the use of a double series punch effortless punch that sends them straight to the ground.
"Old friend," Night Baron said in a grim tone, dodging enemy fire and kicking another soldier to the face. "Me and the Titans will handle these soldiers and their machines. Do what you need to do and hurry. Time is running out."
Batman, thankful for his old friend, nodded. "Thanks for the help, Night Baron. Stay safe out here."
"Same to you, old friend," Night Baron smiled before turning serious, dodging another round of energy blasts, making use of reflector shields that spawned from the gauntlets of his suit, sending the beams back and killing the conceptual soldiers with ease. "Now go!"
And thus, Batman, nodding at Night Baron's suggestion, would manage to fly towards the air through the use of his jet boots and using his memory cloth wings to steer himself towards his intended destination. In all that time, Batman could only whisper in a tone that was reminscent of a father who was extremely worried for his son.
"Come on, Jason. Just hang in there. I'm almost there."
And in the time when Batman were to make his escape, he was being provided some proper amount of coverfire by men in white armor, wearing T-shaped visors, carrying advance staser rifles that were engaging heavily upon the enemy. Blue and blue lights were seen from both the skies and the ground. And it was apparent from the deserted streets of an abandoned city that was covered in black smoke. And this place was the proper example of a chaotic world that was proposed by a dreaded enemy that should have been dealt with a long time ago.
Insert Song: End
ED Credit Song:
Billie Eilish - No Time To Die
Beginning:
It hurt.
It hurt.
It hurt like hell.
That was the thought of Jason Peter Todd, also known as Robin, who was currently tied up with the hands behind his back, beaten like a bloody pulp as is apparent on his bruised and bloodied face and body, with his Robin uniform torn in shreds, with some sporting bleeding wounds. The blood itself was apparent throughout the cold pavement. And he was in danger of almost losing consciousness due to the severity of the beating that he had been given.
And is still being given.
"Oooff!"
By none other than the dreaded figure of Gotham City, the Clown Prince of Crime, the one and only person to whom Batman would consider to be an unpredictable and dangerous adversary par excellence based on numerous battles between the former and the latter.
This person was wearing a classic purple pinstripe Joker suit with a purple jacket with an attached yellow vest and green shirt, and a flower located on the left lapel, snazzy purple gloves and a purple bow tie. Purple pants and socks, and black shoes. He has chalk white skin, ruby red lips, and a head of bright green hair falling down in a mop style, looking like a clown. His most distinguishing feature, however, is his massive and wide smile that is constantly on his face, giving him a sinister sort of appearance at all times.
His name is unknown, but only one name would identify this man who is less of a man and more of a devil in disguise.
The Joker.
And right now...
"Oooff!"
He was currently beating Robin to his twisted heart's delight, breaking every bone in his body with a swift precise hit through the use of a crowbar that he made use of as an offensive weapon.
"Wow, that looked like it really hurt sonny boy," the Joker said with a smile, hitting Robin again with a crowbar. "Hmmm. I wonder...Let's try and take this up a notch, okay, Batbrat? What hurts more? A? Or B? Forehand? Or backhand? Hell, why not all of them? Hehehehehehahahahahahaha! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!"
And the Joker laughed as he beat Robin with no remore nor hesitation, aiming through various parts of his body, drawing slight coughs of blood from the latter as he tried to find a way to escape, but to no avail as he get's beaten every single time. Non-stop. And this beating had lasted on what appeared to be hours for Robin. As if he could tell the time in his hellhole, he thought to himself as he received anothe strike to the face that sends him tumbling to the ground, groaning in pain and feeling a bit too tired, exhausted even.
After what had lasted for a few moments in time, the beating had finally stopped at last, leaving Robin lying on a pool of his own blood by the receiving end of it. The Joker in the meantime was about to make his graceful exit, bowing with one hand raised to the lower part of his torso in an act likened to that of a stage magician, and would say what appeared to have intended to be his final words to Robin.
"Okay, kiddo, that was so much fun, and a little stress relieving if I were to be completely honest. Hmmmm. But then alas, I must go. After all, I wouldn't want to be late for an appointment with the Bat who would no doubt be coming to your immediate rescue. If he does indeed managed to rescue you. Hmmmmm."
The Joker would smile, laughing in a manner reminscent of a professional humming musical notes, and would hold the doorknob that would lead towards the exit, revealing the cold atmosphere of the mountain slope as is apparent outside.
"Anyway, be a good boy. Finish your homework and be in bed by 9. And, hey...please tell the big man I said, "Hello." Hehehehehehehehe! Hehahahahahahahaha! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!"
And then, the Joker would close the door, with his laughter still being clearly heard before it eventualy subsided, denoting the distance of the individual who was now walking away from the warehouse.
Robin, with his eyes closed, would slightly open his eyes, groaning heavily with the pain due to the beating that he had suffered. After making absolutely sure that the coast was clear, he would begin to try to roll over backwards, putting his tied up arms fowards. Then he would try to stand up, wobbling in movement. Then he tried to make his first step, to no avail as he would suddenly crash to the pavement, feeling the pain of the impact. Then he decided to crawl as much as he could in order to reach the door, hoping against hope that it wasn't locked and that he could make his escape from this place.
But he knew that the Joker was far too smart for such a simple trick. For try as Robin might, the lever wouldn't budge an inch, locked from the inside out. After that, he would try to lie down upon the ground and lean on the door, thinking any possible option that he has available to this dire situation.
And then...
He noticed it.
Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.
It was a beeping sound that was coming from the western direction, to which Robin would turn to find a sophisticated bomb that was rigged to explode, with a countdown dyed in red and is counting down by at least a few seconds at most.
[0:20]
In only twenty seconds left remaining from the clock, Robin...No, Jason Peter Todd would eventually have a sort of "life flashed before your very eyes" moment that everyone would seem to have upon the moment of one's eventual passing. And with every moment that had passed, there were the good memories that he had made which seem to have outweighed the bad ones.
In all his life, Jason Todd had grown up from the streets of Gotham, fending for himself as much as he can, born from deceased parents who couldn't even give a damn about his well being ever since he was born, with his father even once trying to sell him to an infamous crime boss by the name of Carmine "The Roman" Falcone in order to settle his many debts.
After more than how many years of trying to fend for himself on the city streets of Gotham, by the time when he was eight years old, he came across what appeared to be the iconic Batmobile, the personal automobile and primary mode of transportation. Everyone in Gotham worth their salt would know of this advance retrofuturistic tank-like vehicle by now. He thought that it was a good idea at the time to steal the tires of the Batmobile. Maybe even sell it in order to make a few bucks that he'd used for a simple meal. Better to steal than to starve to death. That was Gotham for yeah, he thought.
And so, using a pry bar to remove the tires. And by the time he even manages to remove the fourth tire, he would immediately notice someone nearby, staring at him in astonishment, if a bit subtle around the edges. Maybe even a raised eyebrow underneath the cowl-like mask that he was known to wear in order to cover up his identity.
He'd recognize this person anywhere. For who in Gotham hasn't heard of this person by now?
It was the Batman. And he was staring at him with that blank analytical expression.
Jason thought at the time that he was in deep trouble since he knew that one could not just simply escape or even beat the Batman at his own game unless you were one of those high class profile supervillains like the Joker, but even then, they still ended up beaten and thrown into whatever amounts for a penitentiary in this corrupt city that has more dead bodies than even the Middle East considering the accumulating population. Everything bad that you could say about America would seem to co-exist here. Drug leaders. Cartels. Gangbangers. Psychotics. Serial Killers. Jason knew that many of these kinds of monsters and more exist one way or another, and thus had to learn how to survive by being quick on the uptake with regards to the status quo.
1.) You do not fight Batman
2.) You do not draw attention to yourself
3.) You do not try to be a hero in these parts
These three pointers would prove to be of help to one Jason Peter Todd who could only learn to survive and fend for himself on the streets. Leave the rest of the heroics to superheroes like Batman or other metahumans that were popping out from the neck of the woods. Why should he even care?
But then...Just as he thought that he was about to be arrested by the cops that would no doubt be called in by now, Batman would do something that would surprise him greatly.
"Would you like to come with me?"
That raised an eyebrow of suspicion on his part. Hesistant on such an offer.
"And...? What's the catch?," he asked the Batman.
"No catch," Batman said, already a few meters close to Jason's position and simply raising his right hand in a gesture of kindness, one that was quite a rarity.
And thus, Jason would slowly but surely grab the Batman's hand with his own, and it was a decision that he never had any regrets. For by doing so, he had managed to become a part of a loving family of heroes. And then came the crimefighting, donning the Robin costume for the first time which would put a reminiscent smile on his face as he and Batman were the ultimate dynamic duo, fighting crime and corruption throughout Gotham City and becoming a bane to supervillains, psychopaths, and madmen everywhere they go.
And then...
There was a man called the Doctor.
"Hello Jason, I'm the Doctor," he said, introducing himself. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
When he first met the man, he didn't seem to be that impressive. He was quite the ordinary man, if a bit manic and energetic in terms of personality and bodily movements and gestures, with his iconic catchphrase of "Allons-y!" becoming a bit to redunant for the personal tastes of others.
And yet, there was something that he would catch from the eyes. Those big, brown eyes. They were old. Quite old. And it was something that had Jason mesmerized and intrigued.
What the Doctor was, as explained by "yours truly" and Batman, was the fact that he was an alien from an extinct race that had accomplished far too much in terms and scale that one could unfathomably realized. A Time Lord, he was called. And he was a very old friend to Batman and the rest of the superhero community, known for having saved the world and even the universe, whether if it was the past, the present, and the future. A time travelling superhero, he could be called, although he would deny being called a superhero, claiming that it wasn't really accurate. Even the word "hero" would not be given to the man whose eyes were so very sad, filled with loss that made Jason realized that his sufferings aren't worth salt compared to what this man had to go through. The trauma that was apparent from his eyes, reminding Jason of a worse case scenario of war veterans suffering from PTSD, if not even more so due to a temporal war that was out of his reach and way out of his depth.
The Last Great Time War, the Doctor and Batman would say, and the title itself was a dead giveaway that he would not need to explain much.
And when meeting the Doctor, of course one could not forget the numerous adventures that he would take part in, whether if it was by himself or with Batman, or if it was due to a special school that would be placed well into the center of his own heart.
TARDIS School.
For many, it was home. And it was something that Jason had learned to accept gradually in spite of seeming to be appear a little rough around the edges. And in that school, he had a lot of good memories. Some were quite cool as he got to make friends with heroes of his age like Static and Gear. Some were quite annoying to deal with due to the girls that seem attracted to him one way or another, forming what was called an unwanted harem according to some people, much to his chagrin. Some were quite awe inspiring such as meeting Ren Fujii, the resident big brother of Team TARDIS and TARDIS School in general and getting to meet the five individuals who were marked to have the potential to join Team TARDIS such as Touma Kamijou, Shinichi Kudo, Kyon, Sota Mizushino, and Lelouch Lamperouge. And then...there was one particular person that he had grown attached too and formed a close bond with. Hell, maybe even have certain feelings for.
Blake Belladonna.
She was someone that caught his eye ever since he had bump into her and the rest of her teammates at Team RWBY. A fair-skinned young woman with wavy black hair and amber eyes. A pair of black cat ears on top of her head, denoting the fact that she wasn't human but was instead called a Faunus who were native to the world that Blake had came from. In the world that she came from, she was known to be a Huntress, a licensed elite warrior dedicated to slaying the Creatures of Grimm and whose duty is to "uphold the peace" of the world. Basically, her and the Hunstmen in general could be considered to be their version of superheroes.
When he looked back to all of the adventures that he had with Blake, he couldn't stop to shake his head and form a reminiscent smile, enjoying every second of it as he got to fight against the Grimm who he thought back then weren't that tough, at least when it came to some of them. The others were quite the hassle and annoyance to deal with, and in some cases, he needed saving. And that would be where either Blake, or her other teammates in RWBY, or Batman, or anyone else with experience would save his sorry hide.
Good times, he thought.
In each second of the countdown, he couldn't help but smile on last time, accepting his fate that would no doubt take place, muttering softly.
"Sorry, kitty cat. Guess I wouldn't be able to see your face again," Jason would say for the final time, recalling Blake and picturing her in his head, breathing slowly as if he were to say that he was ready. And then, he would say...
"And guys, guess this is goodbye for real," he whispered, with a tear leaking through his bruised black eye, with a trembling smile, recalling each member of Team TARDIS: Ren Fujii, Andy Barclay, John Connor, Koichi Minamoto, Taki Tachibana, Touma Kamijou, Shinichi Kudo, Kyon, Sota Mizushino, and Lelouch vi Britannia and picturing them as well. He would also recall all of the families and friends that he had gained and had not regretted meeting. Not one line. Not one iota.
And then, he would recall the Doctor and Batman, the mentors who taught him everything that he needed to know. Especially in relation to them who would both be considered as his father figures, especially upon the latter who was dressed as a Bat.
"Doctor...Batman...No...Dad...I'm sorry...I tried...," he said with a very sad smile.
[0:05] [0:04] [0:03] [0:02] [0:01] [0:00]
And then...An explosion happens.
And Jason Peter Todd - Robin would be no more.
Vworp Vworp Vworp
The TARDIS would materialize upon the snowy slopes, but it was rather slower than usual, almost likened to that of mere static on a television screen. The space-time ship was having a major difficulty to land even in this specific spot, being considered as a place where a fixed event in the timeline of this universe would happen as of now. And it was a kind that could not be overturned without consequence.
It took a while, but it finally managed to complete it's materialization. Out step the Doctor, wearing his brown pinstriped suit, accompanied with his light brown Duster-type overcoat, and Converse shoes. And he was sporting a horrified expression just as he would exit the ship by opening the doors. For he was seeing what appeared to be a burning warehouse that was in the distance. The falling snow flakes was apparent from the grey skies. The grey smoke was rising. Orange flames were apparent.
"...No."
Accompanied alongside the Doctor was a young ten year old Touma Kamijou, wearing a simple black shirt and grey short pants, and white Basketball shoes. Alongside him was a young ten year old Shinichi Kudo, wearing blue blazer with a single button and a pair of light blue shorts, a red bow tie, red trainers, and white socks. And they were both sporting horrified expressions on their faces.
They would all look towards each other, and wasting no time, would sprint forward, with each step leaving a mark upon the snow, trying their best to reach the burning warehouse that was within their line of sight.
By the time they managed to reach the warehouse from a few short distances, the Doctor would grab something from his pocket, a circular shape device, and throw it a few diameters from the air. The device would activate, spraying firefighting foam that was raining down automatically, managing to disperse the flames in a quick and efficient manner. The circular device would return to the Doctor's hand as he would put it back in his pocket, as he, Kamijou, and Shinichi would try to take out the fallen debris that was present throughout the area. Removing the metal, the rocks, and other materials and rubble that were scattered by the explosion.
After a few moments of searching, the Doctor, his eyes widening to the point of tears, would finally found who they were looking for.
It was Jason Peter Todd. His eyes were closed, as if in peace in spite of explosion.
"Touma! Shinichi! I found him! Quickly!," the Doctor called out in haste.
Then, he, Kamijou, and Shinichi would try remove the debris from Jason's chest. After that, with tears in his eyes, the Doctor would gently hold onto the dead body of Jason Peter Todd as gently as he could. And Kamijou and Shinichi were crying as well, their trembling mouths becoming apparent, as if not believing what they were just seeing right before their very eyes.
"It can't be...," Shinichi would mutter softly, the breath becoming visible due to the cold atmosphere that was hitting home the current mood that they were all experiencing.
The Doctor's mouth was trembling, the tears streaming down his face.
He was too late.
In spite of everything. In spite of all of his contingency plans. This one event could not be undone no matter how hard he were to try to divert and edit a few minor details. Made even worst as a result of the after effect of the Last Great Time War which had rendered this multiverse being greivously damaged to the point of changing any important event becoming far too dangerous. And this event just so happen to be the very last one before a new future would come about. A future that was unknown.
But...
Did this really have to happen? Did the Death of Jason Peter Todd had to have happened just as intended?
Even now, the Doctor still questions it from the back of his mind. But he shouldn't bother with such futile questions now. For he would turn his sorrowful eyes towards a certain direction, and with his teary eyes narrowed, would solemnly walked towards the direction that he was intending to go too, with Kamijou and Shinichi following suite with tears of disbelief and sorrow that was just as deep, and there was that haunted expression that would mark upon the young boys who were destined for great and simple things.
A haunted realization came upon Touma Kamijou on this particular night. The fact that in spite of his ideals of trying to bring a happy ending to everyone, in spite of trying to find a way for everyone to smile in the end, sometimes that was just not possible. This was one of those times. And it was something that Kamijou would take to a heavy heart that would be forever haunted of this moment for years to come, and would ignite a slowly burning resolve that would influence the character of the boy whose right hand would smash any illusion and save everyone that he can.
And as of this moment, Shinichi Kudo would also come upon similar realizations as his best friend. And this event would also serve to ignite a slowly burning resolve that would influence the character of the boy who would one day take the mantle of the Night just like his father before him, and save everyone that he can.
And so, they all walked solemnly and silently through the debris and through the snowy plains. And in their trek, they would all hear a laughter that was so painfully familiar and cruel even now, hitting the mark where it truly hurt the most.
"Hahahahahah-Ooff! Haha-Ooff! Ofof-Haha-Offof!"
They would see it. They would see the Batman, sporting an expression of justified anger, no doubt due to what had taken place. They would see the Joker, laughing just as he was being beaten to a bloody pulp, and each punch was counted. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Not stopping. Not faltering. Not considering. Just sheer rage. Just sheer vengeance. A very raw appearance that blankets the darkness amidst the snowy mountains of Bosnia–Herzegovina, with the snow flakes falling that would show the mood.
"I'll break you in two!," Batman growled, lifting the Joker by the collar of his shirt, all as he prepared to raise his left fist for another strike, only for the Joker to cut him off with a laugh, denoting amusement.
"Heheho! Oh, Batsy! If you have the guts to do that, you would have done it years ago," said the Joker.
And the moment the Joker said this, Batman was now sporting a horrified expression on his face, all as he sees what is he is now doing. He looks at his trembling hands, with red blood dripping from his gloves. He lets the Joker go, and slowly backs away, seeing and realizing what he's done. He spots the Doctor, Kamijou, and his adopted nephew Shinichi in his sights. He spots the Doctor carrying Jason's dead body, figuring out that he was trying, if in vain, to rescue Jason from the wreckage of the burning warehouse.
"...Jason," Batman spoke, all while trembling from both inside and out, with eyes wide open as he sees the person he considers as a son seemingly lying dead in the arms of his old friend, who he noticed was now sporting a sad, solemn expression on his face, all with tears in eyes. He also sees Kamijou and Shinichi, crying silently near the right side of the Doctor, only looking at the dead body of Jason and no one else.
The Doctor would begin to slowly hand over the dead body of Jason to Batman with attentiveness and a duty of care, to which he gently accepts, cradling him with care in paternal like fashion, with eyes widened and trembling, all to the point of crying and breaking down, but remained standing strong, if only to ensure the respect that Jason's body deserved, not liking to put it down on the ground that was his grave.
The Doctor, after giving the dead body of Jason to Batman, begins to sport a stoic cold expression that was directed on the Joker, who only continued laughing madly, all as if in a job well done, despite his terrible appearance and condition that was caused by the brutal beatdown.
Step. Step. Step. Step.
The Doctor walks slowly but surely, with dignity and strength, with an intensity of resolve, for with each loss from the past comes to the fore, and the present loss of now was acknowledged and learned, all as he walks towards the Joker in a solemn manner.
The significant encounter that is now taking place was likened to that of both God and the Devil staring each other down. Only the accursed laugh was heard. Only the fires of the warehouse were heard and seen by all who were present amidst the cold landscapes. Only the smoke and the snowflakes seem to be present to fill the growing void of death and sorrow upon the cold atmosphere in a physical and metaphorical sense.
"Its over," the Doctor said, all in a tone of finality.
And as soon as the word was said, multiple white armored soldiers with crimson markings, armed with advance staser rifles and carbines, would suddenly come on the scene in droves, and they were all aiming their respective weapons on the Joker, all focused on making sure to never let the monster out of their sight.
But...
"Hehehahahahahahahahaha! Hahahahahahaha! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!"
The accursed laughter was still there.
Along with the white armored troopers with crimson markings, known by many as the Inter-Universal Clone Shock Troopers, who were aiming their rifles and carbines at the Joker, with some of them even making sure the Clown stays where he is, being put with advance stasis cuffs that would allow for no possible escape, with the Doctor watching every single move that the Joker would make as he forcefully get's grabbed by the troopers, making the Joker stand up straight despite his condition and dragged him away from the scene, with the Doctor coming with the men in order to make sure to never let the Clown out of his sight, Astro Man and the rest of the Teen Titans and Night Baron would arrive upon the scene, each and in their own way.
And they would stumble upon something that would shook everyone to their core.
"...No," Nightwing...No, Dick Grayson would mutter in shock, as he, Astro Man (who was removing the headpiece of his armor in order to reveal his horrified expression), and the rest of the Titans, sporting their own horrified and shocked expressions, would rush towards Jason's body that was gently being carried by Batman who was also crying.
"No...," Dick would also lightly touch the body of Jason, considered to be his little brother, and one who was now dead, and crying over it as he placed his head to Jason's chest, no longer hearing the heart beat that should have been there.
For the reality was undeniable.
For Jason Peter Todd was and is truly dead.
And the echo of the cruel laughter who was ultimately responsible for this was still heard even when the distance would seemingly quell it.
"HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!"
And now, Dick Grayson, Koichi Minamoto, and the rest of the Titans would turn to look over the direction where the Joker is being taken, sporting expressions of anger and hatred upon the madman due to truly having gone too far. Night Baron - Yusaku Kudo on the other hand could only narrow his eyes in subtlety, watching the Clown who was now being taken away by the white armored troopers, with the Doctor, his old mentor, watching over the Clown's every move.
Luckily or unluckily for the Clown, he would finally disappear, with many of the white armored troopers and the Doctor in tow, having stepped into a conjured portal that would no doubt lead him to a maximum prison cell as part of the first official step that would ensure the payment of all of his crimes, down to the last drop.
Batman in the meantime didn't pay any attention to the madman. All that really mattered to him now was Jason. His son. And that was what was important. For this was the moment when he once again lost a family member. First were his parents. Now his son. And he would have to carry this heavy burden for the rest of his days.
For he is vengeance. For he is the night. For he is...
Batman.
"NO!"
The one that uttered a cry of no was a young woman who was of the same age as Jason Peter Todd, noted for black cat ears, wearing a black, buttoned vest with coattails and a single silver button on the front. Underneath this is a white, sleeveless, high necked, crop undershirt and white shorts with a zipper on the front of each leg, emblazoned with the YKK logo of the real-life Japanese zipper manufacturer. She also wears black low-heeled boots and full stockings with a color gradation of black to purple at her ankles. Her emblem is visible on the outside of both thighs just below her shorts in white. On her left arm is a black detached sleeve with a silver cuff around her bicep, and black ribbons are wrapped around both forearms. A small, loose, black scarf is wrapped around her neck, and a gray magnetic backpack is strapped to her back, hidden by her hair. She often keeps her weapon attached to the magnetic backpack when she is not using it. A black ribbon is tied with a large bow on the top of her head, with her cat ears hidden inside the loops. She wears purple eye shadow in cats eye style.
Everyone who noticed the sound of horor would recognize her as Blake Belladonna as she and the rest of her fellow members of Team RWBY: Ruby Rose, Yang Xiao Long, and Weiss Schnee (the three of them were more or less sporting similar expressions of horror, shock, and disbelief) were sprinting fast towards Jason's deceased body that was currently being carried.
The one who brought them so suddenly was none other than Professor Paradox who was simply sporting a grim expression on his face, with his walking staff staying close to his person as he silently watches in sadness, not liking to see this part of history anymore than most would.
Blake being the first among Team RWBY to reach Jason, would crying rather vehemently out of disbelief and sorrow, with her cat ears lowered, placing her face and her hands towards the chest of the now deceased Jason Peter Todd.
"No! No! You can't do this to me, you idiot! You just can't! Why! Why! WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"
And the rest of Team RWBY could only comfort their grieving teammate while they would sport tears of their own. Similar empathetic expressions were no less present from Batman, Nightwing, and everyone else that was present.
For they had all lost a family member this day. And this day will be remembered and would influence the lives of millions throughout the Multiverse.
And somewhere from afar...
There was the presence of Lady Frederica Bernkastel who was narrowing her eyes and her expression from a certain distance, with the expression itself turning solemn and not uttering a single word in respect to the scene that was taking place.
Somewhere in DC Universe-Prime...
"Wait what!"
Clark Joseph Kent - Superman was sporting a shocked expression on his face as he was currently on the phone with J'onn J'onzz - Martian Manhunter who was reporting to the former of what was currently taking place.
He was currently present with his family which consisted of his wife, Lois Lane, his two sons: Jonathan Samuel "Jon" Kent (10 years old) and Jordan Kent (5 years old), and his parents: Jonathan Kent and Martha Kent at the dinner table and all of them were sporting worried expressions as they noticed Clark sporting a subtle and horrified expression.
"Honey? What is it? What's wrong?," Lois would ask her husband who was seated just right beside him.
Clark would slowly glance at Lois, responding to the question by gently grabbing the latter's hand and softly muttering something that would shock most of everyone in the room.
"Lois...It...It's Jason...Something's happened..."
Somewhere in DC Universe-Prime...
"Wait what!"
Virgil Ovid Hawkins - Static would sport a shocked and horrified expression as he was currently on the phone with Wallace Rudolph "Wally" West - Kid Flash who was telling him quickly of the recent news that was now taking place on their Earth.
"Virgil?! What is it, man?!," Richard Osgood "Richie" Foley - Gear asked out of concern, noticing his best friend's expression, denoting a bad sign.
Virgil sported a disbelieving and horrified expression which would slowly turn towards his best friend, saying.
"Oh man...You...You're not gonna believe what just happened...It's...It's Jason man...He's...He's gone..."
Somewhere in DC Universe-Prime...
"No!"
There was Zatanna Zatara who sported a shocked and horrified expression on her face as Martian Manhunter was currenly informing her and her husband, John Constantine (who was sporting a shocked expression), via communicator as they were currently resting in their bed that was located in one of the rooms of the House of Mystery.
Zatanna would embrace Constantine, laying her sorrowful face towards the latter's chest. Constantine in turn was sporting a narrowed expression as the details were given by Martian Manhunter in a clear and precise manner.
That the death of one of his students, Jason Peter Todd, has occurred.
Somewhere in MV Universe-616...
"No!"
There was Janet van Dyne who was sporting a shocked and horrified expression on her face that would draw out tears as he would embrace her husband, Doctor Henry Jonathan "Hank" Pym - Giant-Man, who was sporting a grim expression on his face, with his eyes narrowed.
And they were present in Avengers Mansion where the gathered Avengers among them that were numbered to over a hundred throughout the main control room. And among them especially were the main members such as Captain Steven Grant "Steve" Rogers - Captain America, Anthony Edward "Tony" Stark - Iron Man, Thor Odinson, Clinton Francis "Clint" Barton - Hawkeye, and Natalia Alianovna "Natasha" Romanoff - Black Widow would sport grim expressions.
For all of them who were present would see the follow-up report that would be given by a Clone Shock Trooper who was present on the scene and was now currently reporting from the holographic monitors.
The report would state that in the last few hours of IMU Standard Time, Jason Peter Todd - Robin is confirmed deceased, much to the shock and horror of everyone that was present.
"(Sigh). Oh Bruce, I hope you're doing alright over there," muttered Stark, leaning against his chair and sporting a concerned expression towards his colleague, rival, and fellow superhero.
Somewhere in MV Universe-616...
"(Sigh)."
Somewhere in the Sanctum Sanctorum, there was a heavy sigh of depression and sadness that came forth from Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange who was making a meditative stance, hovering above the ground from a few meters only. His eyes that were once closed were now opened, and was now turned towards his wife, Clea Strange, who was sporting a saddened expression, with apparent tears present to her face.
Dr. Strange would turn towards her, and hovering towards the latter, would embrace the latter in order to find comfort and solace.
For the official news of Jason Peter Todd's death had just reached them as well.
Somewhere in an unknown universe...
"Goddamn it..."
There was Roland Deschain, seated on a chair, sporting a displeasured expression on his face as he would be informed by Dr. Stephen Strange via mystical portal communication regarding the death of one of their students, Jason Peter Todd.
Somewhere in THMY Universe-25/1992...
A container of scientific tubes would break upon the floor, carrying a set of chemical compounds that would be used for scientific experimentations. And this container was once carried by Lady Professor Washu Hakubi as she and Lady Skuld - Goddess of the Future would sport expressions of disbelief and horror at the official report that was being provided by a 501st Clone Trooper that was present on the holographic screen.
And the official report was the death of Jason Peter Todd.
Somewhere in SPN Main Universe...
"Son of a bitch!"
Dean Winchester, sporting an angered and disbelieving expression on his face, would punch a nearby wall, for he, Sam Winchester, Castiel, Bobby Singer, Lisa Braeden, and Benjamin Isaac "Ben" Braeden, sporting similar expressions of horror and disbelief, would hear of the news that was being provided to them by an MTF Commander that was present on the holographic screen.
And the official report was the death of Jason Peter Todd.
Somewhere in TK Universe-51778...
"No!"
There was Natsumi Kadoya (née Hikari) who was sporting a shocked and horrified expression on her face that would draw out tears as he would embrace her husband, Tsukasa Kadoya - Kamen Rider Decade, who was sporting a grim expression on his face, with his eyes narrowed.
For Takeshi Hongo - Kamen Rider Ichigo, sporting a grim expression, would inform the couple regarding the death of Jason Peter Todd from the holographic screen that was also being watched over Daiki Kaito - Kamen Rider Diend, Eijiro Hikari, Kiva-la, and Yusuke Onodera - Kamen Rider Kuuga who were sporting grim expressions.
Somewhere in HS Universe-818793...
Ashley Joanna "Ash" Williams, sitting on his chair, would not make any comment except to sport a grim and solemn expression on his face as he was currently being informed of the recent tragic incident by Dr. Stephen Strange via mystical portal communication regarding the death of one of their students, Jason Peter Todd.
Somewhere in TFP Universe-29/1013...
"I see."
Optimus Prime would sport a serious expression on his face, with both hands behind his back, as he was being reported of the recent tragedy that struck at DC Universe-Prime which involved the death of one of his students, Jason Peter Todd, by an Autobot who was notified of the incident and deemed it necessary to report it specifically to him via holographic communication.
Those who were accompanying him from both sides, his wife Elita One and his second in command Bumblebee, were sporting shocked and horrified expressions upon the news. The rest of the Autobots who were present and heard of the following report were sporting expressions of horror and concern.
"Thank you for providing me with this report, commander. In the meantine, you are dismissed until further notice."
"Of course, sir."
The Autobot would salute the Prime out of respect as his image would disappear immediately. Optimus would instantly turn towards Elita One who was already embracing him due to the growing sorrow that was no doubt present. Bumblebee would lower his head in sadness due to the official report that was explained recently.
Somewhere in ST Universe-83/6669
"Oh dear..."
Q would sport a grim and serious expression, nothing like his usual jester personality, as he was informed of a certain tragedy that had took place on DC Universe-Prime through the use of the Continuum, and was heard by every Q who made use of it.
The official report of the death of Jason Peter Todd.
It was slowly raining in Gotham Cemetery.
Millions of heroes and individuals of all walks of life throughout the Multiverse are all gathered here for this day in order to pay their respects and heartfelt grief to a fallen hero and comrade, a brother figure to many whose body is currently resting in the casket.
Jason Peter Todd.
And those of importance are to be noted.
Such as Ren Fujii, wearing a black business suit, sporting a narrowed, grim and solemn expression, with arms crossed. Alongside him were his wives, Marguerite "Marie" Breuil, Lady Rea Himuro, Lady Kei Sakurai, and Lady Kasumi Ayase who were sporting expressions of grief and sorrow in their own way.
There was President John Connor, sporting a grim and solemn expression. Accompanied alongside him were his wife and First Lady Lady Griselda and his daughter Lady Cassiel, his parents Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese, and his uncle figure Uncle Bob who were sporting similar grim and solemn expressions. Surrounding them were many MIB Division Agents who were acting as the security service detail who were sporting respectful expressions. Leading them was Agent Andrew William "Andy" Barclay who was sporting a grim and solemn expression.
There was Koichi Minamoto, sporting a grim and solemn expression. He was glancing towards his right wheree Dick Grayson was located, sporting a trembling, solemn expression as he was softly touching the casket of his brother, Jason, with Starfire putting a hand of support to his shoulder and the rest of the Titans sporting similar solemn expressions. Taki Tachibana was at Koichi's left side, sporting a similar grim and solemn expression, with both hands placed towards his pockets.
There was the Doctor who was placing a hand towards the casket, accompanying Bruce Wayne who was placing his head towards the casket, embracing it and for once, crying softly which was noticed by the Doctor and Clark Kent as they would support the grieving father.
There was Blake Belladonna who was just nearby, currently crying as well, being comforted by her fellow members in Team RWBY: Ruby Rose, Yang Xiao Long, and Weiss Schnee who were also crying as well, sharing in the same grief as Blake was.
Agent Shiage Hamazura, Agent Jiang Haoyi, and many other Agent Cadets would sport grim and solemn expressions, with some trying their best to control themselves properly out of a sense of respect and professionalism.
There was Touma Kamijou, Shinichi Kudo, Kyon, Sota Mizushino, and Lelouch Lamperouge who were just nearby as they were sporting expressions of sadness and grief, with some of them even crying.
Lelouch was busy embracing his younger sister, Nunnally vi Britannia, who was crying and placing her face towards the former's chest, with the former gently patting the latter from the back. Accompanying Lelouch was Jeremiah Gottwald who was sporting a grim and solemn expression.
Shinichi Kudo was currently with his parents, Yusaku Kudo and Yukiko Kudo (nee Fujimine). Yukiko was embracing Shinichi who was currently staring at the casket where Jason Peter Todd's body was kept. Yusaku Kudo was sporting a grim and solemn expression, looking at concern towards his old friend, Bruce Wayne, who was currently in a state of grief.
Touma Kamijou was currently with his parents, Touya and Shiina Kamijou. Shiina was embracing Touma who was currently staring at the casket where Jason Peter Todd's body was kept.
And thus, Touma Kamijou closed his eyes...
...Then he opens them once again, this time as a fourteen year old middle school student of the present day.
He was in the company of his beloved wife, Rika Kamijou (nee Furude) who was gently holding on to his left hand; his five best friends: Shinichi Kudo, now currently known as Conan Edogawa, Kyon, Sota Mizushino, and Lelouch Lamperouge; his seven childhood friends: Satoko Hojo, Hanyu Furude, Keiichi Maebara, Rena Ryugu, Mion Sonozaki, Shion Sonozaki, and Satoshi Hojo; Agent Shiage Hamazura and Agent Jiang Haoyi; Jeremiah Gottwald and Sayoko Shinozaki; Nunnally vi Britannia, Shirley Fenette, Milly Ashford, Rivalz Cardemonde, and Nina Einstein; the Doctor, now currently in his eleventh incarnation, alongside his companion Clara Oswald, who were currently standing upon the grave of one Jason Peter Todd.
Here Lies Jason Peter Todd.
Friend. Brother. Soldier.
At this point in time in DC Universe-Prime, it was in the month of June. The winds seem to be strong at this time which was apparent when their clothing was waving slightly.
Life continued on. But the tragic event would still not be forgotten.
And a burning resolve was currently burning within the hearts of the men who were standing tall, sporting solemn expressions. For what was taking place was part of an established tradition for those connected to TARDIS School.
Daily Visitations to the Grave of Jason Peter Todd.
And this was one such visitation.
It was a place of solemnity where everyone who is connected to TARDIS School would come and go too in order to pay their respects to the older brother figure who had inspired many.
And this place was also a place where some would renew their resolve to fight the good fight.
And thus leads back to A Certain Random Encounter...
"Hey, leave her alone!"
Touma Kamijou called out so suddenly in a tone of controlled anger, sporting a sharp pointed expression, which gained the attention of the Skill-Out deliquents who were harassing a young woman, known to be Ayu Mitsuari, as she and two other young women, Misaki Shokuhou and Seria Kumokawa would sport surprised expressions.
"Haah? Who the fuck are you suppose to be?," the bald headed thug said, raising an eyebrow, letting Mitsuari down on the ground in a disgraceful manner, landing on her bottom.
Kamijou responded. "No one. Just someone who happens to be passing by and notices that what you're doing to the girl was out of line, and I'd figure that you owe her an apology."
"...Pfftt...Pffftthahahahahahahahhaha!," the bald-headed thug appeared to laugh, with many of the thugs joining them. "Can you believe this guy, boys? Little punk thinks he's some kind of wannabe hero. Why don't we show this pussy who the top dog really is?"
Many of the thugs happen to agree baded on their eager expressions as they get ready to take combat stances, with some of the thugs appearing to draw their respective weapons such as knives and crowbars.
So that's how it's suppose to be is it, Kamijou thought as his eyes narrowed, looking at each of thugs in an analytical manner.
"I'm giving you all one last chance. Stand down and no one has to get hurt."
But he expected the thugs to not take the offer, already aware by now of a cliche of the dumb thug mentality, seeing one of them charging at his location with a crowbar.
"You're the one who's going to get hurt. Eat shit, asshole," the thug said.
But then... Just as the crowbar was just about to hit Kamijou, he instantly dodges it and counters with an attack of his own, immediately dislodging the thug of his weapon as the crowbar would get sent to the floor, and between the seconds of when the crowbar would hit the floor, the thug was suddenly already being hurled towards the ground, crashing down as he suddenly got stuck into a choke maneuver by the arm, Kamijou managing to twist his body to the precise pace and performed said choke maneuver that managed to send the thug on the ground. And as the thug laid down on the ground and by the time the crowbar would make a clanking sound, the thug was already punched to the face rather violently by an elbow punch which sends the thug unconcious instantly.
Most of the thugs who saw it couldn't help but sported sweatdropped expressions while the three young girls: Misaki Shokuhou, Seria Kumokawa, and Ayu Mitsuari were sporting expressions of shock and awe, with their jaws dropped to the point of speechlessness.
Kamijou was in a crouch position, slowly rising up from the ground. Many of the thugs were shaking beneath their sweat, with their handling of their respective weapons seemingly becoming shaky and unfocused, from mere arrogance and stupidity to eventual pertirified expressions.
As he rose up from his position, he would suddenly perform a battle stance, breathing normally, with his right foot in front and his left foot in back, with his right hand swiping before eventually clenching his left hand, placing it nearby to the left side of his waist while slightly closing two of his fingers, with the other three fingers such as the index, ring, and thumb being open and slowly being raised to the front.
There was a tense silence. The thugs were barely able to make a move, hesistating on even attacking Kamijou.
And then, one of the thugs suddenly charge headfast, with a knife in hand, followed by two other thugs. But Kamijou anticipated this, dodging one knife strike before delivering a palm strike that sends the thug forward, crashing into the two other thugs as they ceremoniously backpedal towards the ground. Two other thugs would begin charge as they take advantage of the opening that their semi-fallen comrades had provided to them, aiming their crowbars directly to both sides of the spiky haired person, only for the later to dodge and bend the trajectory of the crowbars that managed to hit both opponents to the face, knocking them unconcious as they fell to the floor.
And at that point, many of the thugs would begin to charge at the spiky haired person, using offensive combat skills such as punches and kicks, along with their knives and crowbars in order to try to defeat their opponent. Said opponent was simply dodging every strike that was being hurled at him, employing the use of punches, elbow strikes, and palm strikes, denoting the Tiger Style, before eventually switching to other styles in swift fashion, more likened to a combination of the aformentioned Tiger Style, which is followed by the Crane Style, employing the use of high acrobatic kick maneuvers in order to deliver a precise blow against five of the thugs, which is followed by the Snake Style, employing the use of precise strikes to the nerve that knocked out two other thugs, which is followed by the Boxer Style, employing the use of uppercuts, jabs, straights, and hooks that knocks out many of the thugs.
Try as though it might, it would appear that no manner how well the thugs were to focus their raw power on their respective punches, they could not even land a precise hit, and neither were their meelee weapons doing much to ease the fighting, only getting ceremoniously either knocked down to the floor or landing towards a nearby wall wherein the spiky haired person made use of to launch himself and deliver a roundhouse kick that sends the rest of the thugs flying towards the floor, not getting back up either due to the intensity of the pain or being driven to the point of unconciousness.
In all that time, the bald headed thug could only tremble and sweat in dread and concern, sporting a disbelieving expression of what was currently happening. The three girls: Misaki Shokuhou, Ayu Mitsuari, and Seria Kumokawa were still sporting expressions of shock and awe as they see Kamijou deliver the precise takedowns that already managed to take down more than half of the thugs already, whose unconcious bodies were seen lying on the floor in multiple directions. And they saw the five remaining thugs try their best to injure him with either their knives and crowbars, only for their weapons to be dislodged from their person as the spiky haired person initiated swift and flowing movements likened to that of bending the fluidity of water, likened to the elegant movements of Tai chi, which were then followed by Tiger Style Kung Fu, employing the use of a combo of punches, elbow strikes, and palm strikes that knocks the thugs forward towards the nearby walls, crashing towards said walls and landing to the floor, sporting expressions of grimace before finally succumbing to unconciousness.
Then there was one other thug that the girls would see, the last one before the bald headed thug who was simply content with observing for now, as the thug would charge headfast without thinking, raising his fist in order to deliver a straight punch. But the spiky haired person would instantly notice, sidestepping before eventually performing a chop attack to the neck that sends the thug unconcious as he crashes to the floor.
And at that point, the spiky haired person would turn towards the last thug standing, who was apparently shaking in dread as he eventually begins to say. "S-Screw this, I'm outta here," but just as the thug begins to turn tail and run, the spiky haired person would begin to quickly grab something from his pocket, grabbing what appeared to be a futuristic handgun like device called a grapnel gun, using the stun setting to fire a blue ring effect that manages to make contact with the fleeing thug, and as the blue ring effect made contact, the thug's physical appearance briefly turned into a sharp blue color as charged particles overloaded his nervous system, sending the thug's biosigns wild. In less than a second, the thug's nervous system would return to baseline as the electrical impulses forced the organism to mentally and physically reset due to the shock to their system, likened to a similar process that was used by medical anesthetics. Eventually, the thug was incapacitated as he slide to the floor, landing at his front.
And that was it. It was over. All of the thugs were seemingly incapacitated.
The three girls: Misaki Shokuhou, Ayu Mitsuari, and Seria Kumokawa were still sporting expressions of shock and awe, slowly looking back and forth at the pile of unconcious bodies that were lying around the floor, with all of their eyes landing on Kamijou who stood tall, emulating a seemingly cool and professional vibe and persona despite his physical appearance as a middle school student.
And Kamijou breathes in and out, putting his grapnel gun back to his pocket, eventually grabbing an advance looking cellphone in it's place. He would press a few buttons typing "101" before the cellphone decided to enter into a vibration tone. The cellphone was now being raised towards the right side of his ear, sporting a serious expression as he awaits the transmitted call.
Someone from the other side managed to pick up a call.
"Hey boss, what's up?," Agent Shiage Hamazura, MIB Division Agent of the SCP Foundation, was heard from the line.
"Hamazura, I'm gonna need you to call Anti-Skill and send them to the coordinates that I would specify from my phone. I recently just managed to stop a couple of Skill-Out members from harrassing a Tokiwadai Middle School Student. All of the members are currently unconcious for the moment in case you were wondering."
"Alright boss, I'll call in some of the guys and tell them of your request. Better to get out of there though since I'd figure that you don't want anyone to notice you there. You know how it is, following protocol and all," Agent Hamazura suggested.
"Right, thanks a lot man," Kamijou nodded.
"Anytime," Agent Hamazura said.
And with that, the call ended, with Kamijou transmiting the coordinates from his phone for Agent Hamazura to make use of when eventually sending the proper authorities to the intersection. And by proper, it would mean that some undercovered MIB agents among them would help in dealing with the incapacitated thugs.
After putting the cellphone away, he would begin to take notice of the three girls who were still staring at him.
He took notice of Misaki Shokuhou who was simply standing still, still sporting her shock and awe expression, with the stars in her eyes seemingly complimenting the reaction due to the martial arts feats that he had just done most recently against the Skill-Out thugs.
"Those are quite the strange eyes," Kamijou thought, taking note of the rather unsual feature.
He took notice of Seria Kumokawa who was sporting an intrigued expression on her face.
And finally, he took notice of Ayu Mitsuari, the girl that was being harassed not a while ago, still lying on the floor sitting on her rear, still spoting that shock and awe expression due to the martial arts feats that he had just done most recently against the Skill-Out thugs.
He begins to immediately walk towards her, the latter taking notice as she became attentive, and by the time he reaches her, he was crouching in order to offer his lefthand towards her.
"Are you alright?," Kamijou asked, flashing a kind smile, raising his left hand in order for her to grab it.
Mitsuari would slowly nod, before lightly blushing due to the smile and kind tone that she heard from the spiky haired person, grabbing the left hand which would slowly and gently raise her up from the ground.
"...Arigatou (Thank you)," Mitsuari muttered, still lightly blushing.
Kamijou seemed satisfied as he nodded with a smile. "That's good."
But then, he heard the sound of clapping the seem to have come from one Seria Kumokawa who was sporting a rather pleased and excited expression, walking towards him.
"Well done, hero. I must admit that it's been quite a while since I've seen something this exciting. Now then, I don't suppose that you could tell me as to who you are considering that you've been quite the troublemaker if it were to reach my ears of all places," Kumokawa said, sporting a smile and an intrigued expression, with one hand place to the right side of her waist.
Kamijou would sport a pondering expression for a moment, taking notice of Kumokawa, and eventually Shokuhou who was sporting an intrigued expression.
"Kamijou Touma," he introduced himself.
"Oh! Aren't you Tsukuyomi Komoe-sensei's student?," Kumokawa asked, sporting a surprised expression.
"That's right," Kamijou nodded, taking note of the question. "I'm guessing that you're her student as well."
"Kamijou Touma," thought both Shokuhou and Mitsuari, looking straight at the spiky haired boy that formally introduced himself.
"That's right," Kumokawa nodded. "First year student of a certain high school where Komoe-sensei also teaches aside from the connected middle school and elementary branch. She seems to talk about you a lot every now and then you know, especially considering that you have quite the average grades last I checked."
"Well I tend to try to do better," Kamijou said honestly.
"Oh I have no doubt," Kumokawa smiled. "In any case, even though she talks about you, I could never really get a face so this is actually the first time I actually got to see you face to face. And I must admit, you're not quite what I expected, rushing in and managing to take care of these thugs. Those are some pretty slick moves you've got going there," Kumokawa said.
"I had a great teacher," Kamijou simply said, recalling a 'bat' by any other name.
"I'm sure you had," Kumokawa said, sporting a smile that is accompanied with an intrigue eyebrow, taking an educated guess that he wasn't refering to Komoe. "Color me curious, boy."
Ending:
Incarnation(s)/Regeneration(s) of the Doctor:
The Tenth Doctor - A: David Tennant
The Eleventh Doctor - A: Matt Smith
12 Core Members:
Roland Deschain - A: Clint Eastwood
Professor Paradox - A: David McCallum
Lady Frederica Bernkastel - VA: Yukari Tamura
Lady Professor Washu Hakubi - VA: Yuko Kobayashi
Castiel - A: Misha Collins
Tsukasa Kadoya/Kamen Rider Decade - A: Masahiro Inoue
Ash J. Williams - A: Bruce Campbell
Dr. Stephen Strange - A: Benedict Cumberbatch
John Constantine - A: Matt Ryan
Optimus Prime - A: Peter Cullen
Q - A: John de Lancie
Main Companion Protagonists:
Past:
Touma Kamijou (10 Years Old) - VA: Atsushi Abe
Shinichi Kudo (10 Years Old) - VA: Minami Takayama
Kyon (10 Years Old) - VA: Tomokazu Sugita
Sota Mizushino (10 Years Old) - VA: Daiki Yamashita
Lelouch vi Britannia (10 Years Old) - VA: Jun Fukuyama
Taki Tachibana (Somewhere from 18-19 Years Old) - VA: Ryûnosuke Kamiki
Koichi Minamoto/Astro Man (Somewhere from 19-20 Years Old) - VA: Yuichi Nakamura
Agent Andrew William "Andy" Barclay (SCP Foundation) - A: Alex Vincent
President John Connor - A: Michael David Edwards
Lord Ren Fujii - VA: Kōsuke Toriumi
Present:
Touma Kamijou (Physical Age: 14 Years Old/Actual Age: Undetermined) - VA: Atsushi Abe
Shinichi Kudo/Conan Edogawa (Somewhere from the actual age of 16-17 Years Old)- VA: Minami Takayama
Kyon (16 Years Old) - VA: Tomokazu Sugita
Sota Mizushino (15 Years Old) - VA: Daiki Yamashita
Lelouch vi Britannia (16 Years Old) - VA: Jun Fukuyama
Main Focus Characters:
Bruce Wayne/Batman - A: Kevin Conroy
The Joker - A: Mark Hamill
Jason Peter Todd/Robin - A: Vincent Martella
New Characters:
Yusaku Kudo/Night Baron - VA: Hideyuki Tanaka
Richard John "Dick" Grayson/Nightwing - A: Scott Menville
Princess Koriand'r/Starfire - A: Hynden Walch
Victor Stone/Cyborg - A: Khary Payton
Rachel Roth/Raven - A: Tara Strong
Garfield "Gar" Logan/Beast Boy - A: Greg Cipes
Ruby Rose - VA: Saori Hayami
Yang Xiao Long - VA: Ami Koshimizu
Blake Belladonna - VA: Yū Shimamura
Weiss Schnee - VA: Yōko Hikasa
Other Characters:
Too many to count to the point of impossibility. Spot the references and characters if you all can.
