We open to Robin brooding one top of a building, watching cars pass by. He had been sent from Jump City from Alfred while his mentor, Batman was away. He didn't really wanna be back here but he had to go due to rising crime rates.
Robin continued to stare at the passing cars until he felt a gust of wind. Which was strange to him since there were no reports of wind tonight.
"One year without a call and this is what brings us back together." Said a voice that gave Robin a small smile.
Robin turned around and saw Kid Flash folding his arms, while giving a small smirk.
Robin stood up and walked up to his very good friend.
"Good to see you again, Kid Flash." Robin said while giving him a smile.
The two approach each other and gave each other a handshake, similar to the one performed in the movie Predator; then the two gave each other a small hug.
"How the heck have you been?" Asked Kid Flash. "Has Jump City been nice to you?"
"Well apart from the crime, it's been very nice." Robin replied to his best friend. "How are things between you and Linda?"
"Oh, I dumped her." Kid Flash seemed a little confident when he answered that question.
"Really? What happened?"
"Just didn't work out."
Kid Flash and Robin walk up to the edge of a building to stare at a warehouse in front of them.
"Anyway, are you gonna be doing..." Robin then placed a knee against the edge of the building. "...Yup, doing the brooding again. Ya know, you look better brooding when there's wind."
"I don't know, I think he looks cooler that way."
Robin and Kid Flash turned to their right to trace the origin of the voice. And that turned out to be Speedy.
Robin smiled at the sight of the archer. "Speedy."
Kid Flash looked surprised when Robin said Speedy's name. "You know him?"
"We met each other on some arena planet." Speedy replied while spinning an arrow in his hand. "And let me tell ya, he was quite the competitive sportsman." Speedy approached Kid Flash and offered him a handshake. "Speedy."
"I know. Kid Flash." Kid Flash said while shaking Speedy's hand.
"I know as well." Said Speedy.
"So, what are you two doing in a not-so pretty city like Gotham?" Asked Kid Flash.
"I've been sent by Alfred to do some patrolling. While 'he' is gone." Robin's emphases on the word "he" had him gritting his teeth, due to him and Batman falling out years ago.
"I'm here, because Ol sent me." Replied the archer.
"I'm just here because I was passing." Said Kid Flash. "And while running I couldn't help but notice a familiar cape. I thought it could've been the new Robin, but then I noticed that distinct-"
"Hold on!" Speedy said, interrupting Kid Flash's sentence. "There's more than one Robin?"
Suddenly, the sound of someone landing on their feet was heard. The trio of sidekicks turn around and see somebody dressed in a suit similar to Robin, only difference was his hair was very smooth and he looked younger than the trio of sidekicks. "There is more than one Robin." Said the other Robin.
Robin gave his replacement a smile and approached him.
"So, you're Jason?" Robin asked while offering him a handshake.
"Jason Todd." The other Robin replied while shaking Robin's hand. "AKA your replacement."
Robin laughed at Jason's confidence in calling himself his replacement. "Well, Gotham is a big place of a crime so he was gonna need some help."
"Yeah, he did." Said Jason as he stopped shaking Robin's hand.
Kid Flash and Speedy stared at the two Robin's getting along while smiling.
"I think they're getting along." Speedy remarked to Kid Flash. "Trouble is, how are we gonna tell them apart?"
Kid Flash facepalmed himself and said "Are you serious? The hair."
"I know, I was only kidding." Speedy said while rolling his eyes.
"I'm glad to have finally met you Jason." Robin said to his replacement. "But if we're gonna get along, you're gonna listen to every word I say. Is that understandable?"
Jason nodded his head and replied "Sure."
Robin and Jason gave each other an approving stare, before we randomly cut to a warehouse exploding and the sound of The Joker laughing like crazy.
"JASON!!!!!" Robin yelled as he sat up straight. Robin analysed his surroundings and realised he was in his bedroom at Titan's tower.
Robin pressed his hands against his face and took a deep breath. He removed his hands from his face and stared at the wall in shame and regret.
Robin is then seen in the kitchen drinking some herbal tea, recommended by Raven if he woke up after a nightmare.
Robin took a sip of the tea while contemplating about what happened between him and Jason all those years ago.
"Nightmare?" Asked the voice of Kid Flash. Robin looked to his left and saw Kid Flash, standing behind the couch in his pyjamas and mask.
"Do you ever take your mask off when you go to bed?" Robin asked the speedster.
"Do you ever take off the Robin suit when you go to bed?" Kid Flash asked while smirking.
"Not when crime could be afoot." Robin replied, sounding disturbed about the dream he had.
Kid Flash sighed, walked up to his best friend and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It was Jason wasn't it?" Kid Flash
Robin looked at Kid Flash and asked "What makes you think that?"
Kid Flash sighed and replied "I heard you scream his name. You think it's your fault don't you?"
"It was my fault." Robin replied, feeling guilty. "I shouldn't have let him fight Joker, if he was gonna have backup."
"Robin, it was never your fault. It was all mine, I wish I was fast enough to disarm that bomb."
"You weren't, it's ok. But Jason was my responsibility and I failed him."
"Robin, we've been at this for two years. Jason was not your fault."
Robin turned away from his friend. "You're only saying that because you're my best friend."
Kid Flash huffed in anger. "I'm telling the truth. It was my fault."
Robin drank his herbal tea and washed his cup. "You were chasing Joker, you wouldn't have had time to save him anyway." Robin said sadly. "Goodnight Kid Flash."
Robin walked through the corridor to go to his bedroom while Kid Flash stayed behind, back up against the kitchen counter.
Kid Flash stared at Robin, feeling sad and sorry for his leader/best friend. "We were occupied with Joker."
"You Ok?"
Kid Flash turned to where the voice came from and it turned out to be Jinx, who was sitting on a table, looking at Kid Flash with sympathy.
"Sure, I'm fine." Kid Flash replied, trying to look calm. Despite the fact, he is feeling sad.
Jinx gave him a sad look that said "I know that isn't true, please tell me."
Kid Flash sighed in sadness and sat on the table with her. "Do you know what today is?" Asked Kid Flash.
"I don't know." Jinx replied, pretending to be clueless.
"Today is the anniversary of Jason Todd's death. Jason Todd, was the second Robin." Kid Flash replied, trying to hold back a few tears. "His death was my fault. I was so occupied with Joker. I could've saved him from being blown to bits. I mean...He was a kid!" Jinx placed a comforting hand on Kid Flash's while he reminisced about the day. "Ever since than, I've been trying to convince Robin that Jason's death was never his fault. It was all mine, I wish I was fast enough."
Jinx stared at Kid Flash with sympathy since she never saw Kid Flash this way before. He seemed upset and angry at the same time. "Hey, Kid Flash, don't put all the blame on yourself. You didn't kill him, you never did. It wasn't your fault you couldn't save him." Jinx then held Kid Flash's hand. "I know I'm not the best when it comes to comforting people, but...Maybe Jason forgives you. Maybe, he knows you can't always be fast."
Kid Flash looked away from Jinx trying to hide the fact he was sobbing. "It's ok. It's ok."
Jinx pulled Kid Flash into a comforting hug which he returned. Kid Flash continued sobbing while Jinx looked guilty herself.
We cut to a flashback of Jinx, Mammoth and Gizmo walking down a dark alley in Gotham.
"So, where is this guy?" Asked Mammoth, who looked exhausted.
"Who does this turd muncher think he is, The Riddler?" Exclaimed Gizmo. "We've been walking around in circles!!!"
"Look, whatever he has planned for us it will be worth it." Jinx said, in an effort to calm her teammates down. "Besides, he told Brother Blood it'll be worth it."
"Worth it?! Worth it?!" Gizmo shouted at his leader. "He calls this worth it?! I'm tired, I'm hungry, I need to recharge my backpack and more importantly, I'm hungry!"
Mammoth cracked his knuckles. "When I see the clown, I'm gonna pull his big red nose off."
"No, you're not! Brother Blood will kill us if we do!" Exclaimed Jinx, getting annoyed with her teammates. "You seriously wanna kill this guy, he's the biggest gangster in Gotham. Everyone will be after us and they'll blow up HIVE academy."
"I wouldn't call myself a 'big' gangster." Said a sinister voice that gave the HIVE the chills. The HIVE turned to a shadowy corner and saw a silhouette with a huge red smile. "I'd call myself a very big gangster." The person walked out of the shadows to reveal a man with a pale white face, red lips, green hair, and purple clothing.
"Joker." Jinx said to the clown prince of crime.
"Correct. And you three are..." Joker points to Mammoth "Elephant, (Points to Gizmo), Gadget and (Points to Jinx) Bad Luck Girl."
The Joker's descriptions of the HIVE got them folding their arms and angrily staring at him. "Bad Luck Girl?" Jinx repeated the name while glaring at Joker.
"That's right." Joker nodded.
Mammoth approached Joker and stood in front of him, towering over the clown prince. "I am not Elephant, I am Mammoth."
"Whatever you say, you great big hairy fossil." Joker's insult caused Mammoth to try and punch Joker in the face. But Gizmo and Jinx quickly grabbed him by the wrist, stopping him from punching the Clown Prince.
"Mammoth, ignore him. He's just being a crud stomper." Gizmo said in a calming voice.
"Crud stomper? At this point an insult from a three year old will be more threatening." Joker said, mocking Gizmo.
Gizmo gets angry and threatens to blow Joker up with a missile from his backpack.
Joker just smiled at the sight, not caring if he'll get blown up. "No offence, yours is small compared to mine."
"Enough you two!" Jinx ordered her teammates. Gizmo and Mammoth lowered their guard and glared at Joker.
Jinx coughed to prepare her sentence. "So, Mr Joker I-"
"Mr Joker was my father, just call me Joker." Joker ordered Jinx.
"Joker, what made you require our presence?" Jinx asked the Clown Prince.
"Well, I asked Brother Blood if I could borrow you so I could teach you some life lessons." Joker replied to the HIVE.
"Like what?" Jinx asked, looking interested, as did the other members.
"Well, at first it was gonna be about robbing and stealing from those who can't defend themselves." Joker replied while putting on glasses that made him look like a teacher. "But then I had an idea when I captured a certain birdy."
The Hive's eyes widened when Joker mentioned a certain birdy. "You captured Robin?" Asked Mammoth.
"Finally, someone has done it!" Gizmo yelled while pumping his fist in the air.
"We can interrogate him. See if he can reveal information about the Titans." Jinx said while smiling. The Hive then broke into a small celebratory dance.
Joker laughed at the HIVE's eagerness. "How do you know I'm talking about your Robin?"
The HIVE stopped their little dance and just stood in place surprised.
"There's more than one?" Jinx asked in disbelief.
"Well, I guess he is my Robin as well. The one I got is his replacement." Joker said while removing his glasses. "He's younger, feistier and his hair style is just not as good as the other one's. I'll tell ya, this one doesn't have any manners."
"What are we gonna do to him?" Asked Jinx. "Are we gonna force him to tell us who the stupid Batman is? Maybe we can figure out who he is?"
Joker then charged at Jinx and grabbed her by the collar, very aggressively. "Did you just suggest what I think you just suggested?!"
Gizmo and Mammoth got in attack positions, ready to attack Joker.
"What? I only said we could reveal his identity." Jinx said, looking scared of the Joker.
"If you reveal his identity, you'll just spoil the fun!!!" Joker yelled as he tightened his grip on Jinx's collar. "Do you wanna know what happened to Penguin when he suggested the same thing?" Jinx shook her head. "Well, lets say he's GFP. Gotham Fried Penguin." Joker let go of Jinx's collar and wiped her shoulder with his hand.
Joker started walking away from the HIVE, now grinning. He looked back and asked "Are you coming?"
Jinx reluctantly started to follow Joker, while Gizmo and Mammoth soon followed.
Present day.
The Jump City National Bank is seen being robbed by the HIVE Five.
Mammoth, Gizmo, See-More, Billy Numerous and Kyd Wykkyd are seen carrying tons of sacks filled with money.
"Oh boy, I feel richer then a pardoned turkey on Thanksgiving." Billy said, using one of his Southern metaphors.
"I can't wait to get this stuff home and get the new game station." Gizmo yelled out loud.
"I'm gonna use this money to buy a piece of jewellery for Jinx." See-More's little comment caused the his team to stare at him, suspiciously. "But then I'll steal the rest."
The HIVE laughed at See-More's little joke.
"You had us there." Said Billy.
"As flattering as it sounds, I don't take dirty jewellery." Said the familiar voice of Jinx. The HIVE look in front of them and see the Teen Titans, ready to attack.
"Titans, Go!" Robin yelled. The team got the signal and charged at the HIVE.
Beast Boy turned into a rhinoceros and ran over See-More.
See-More got up and tried to blast Beast Boy, but Kid Flash ran past him and punched him in the face.
Robin threw an explosive birdarang in Mammoth's face, causing him to be temporarily blinded. Cyborg snuck up behind giant Hive and blasted him with his plasma cannon.
Kyd Wykkyd was teleporting in random positions trying to avoid Starfire's starbolts. "Hold still, please!" The Tamaranean yelled at the hooded Hive member.
Kyd Wykkyd teleported behind Robin and pulled him to the floor by pulling on his cape.
Kyd Wykkyd then teleported again, but this time he ended up behind Jinx, who blasted him. "Predictable as always Kyd."
"Azarath Metrion Zinthos!" Raven used her magic to throw Mammoth's unconscious body at See-More, who was starting to stand up.
Billy multiplied himself in order to put the Titans off-guard.
Kid Flash knocked out a few of his clones with Robin getting involved.
But Billy just kept cloning himself every time either Kid Flash or Robin knocked out a clone.
"Hey Billy." Said a Billy clone.
"Yeah Billy?" Asked Billy.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"Of course I am, I'm you and these guys!"
All the Billies then jumped on top of Robin and Kid Flash, trapping them in a pile on.
Suddenly, all the Billies get knocked off of Robin and Kid Flash, due to an explosion from one of Robin's explosives.
Gizmo is seen trying to shoot Starfire and Raven out of the air, with an army of rocket launchers.
Raven used her magic to make the rockets blow up mid-air, while Starfire fired her starbolts to destroy the rockets.
"Hold still turd munchers!" Yelled Gizmo. He then fired a sticky white substance at the two, causing them to be stuck to the wall.
Starfire and Raven were now struggling to get out of the substance.
"Billy, keep them distracted!" See-More ordered Billy, as he sat back up.
"Yes boss!" Billy saluted his leader as he cloned himself some more.
Gizmo grabbed some sacks of money with Mammoth and the two ran out of the building.
"Kid Flash, go after those two!" Robin ordered his teammate.
"You got it boss!" Kid Flash replied while giving a salute.
Kid Flash then started to make his way to the exit, but he had to get through a bunch of Billies guarding the door. But Kid Flash knocked them over like bowling pins and made chase to Gizmo and Mammoth.
When Kid Flash made it to the exit he saw the sacks of money on the ground, but no Gizmo and Mammoth.
"You two!" Kid Flash yelled, trying to get the attention of the HIVE members. "Did you leave this money out for me so I could fall for a little trap?" Kid Flash grinned and approached the two sacks. "Come on, are you expecting me to pick them up..." Kid Flash picked up the sacks "...So then, you can fall on top of me."
Suddenly, Gizmo and Mammoth fell in front of Kid Flash. The speedster got a good look at them and saw that the two looked bruised and beaten.
Kid Flash places the sacks on the ground and approached the HIVE members. "Who did this?" Kid Flash asked the members of HIVE.
Gizmo was struggling to withstand the pain that was all over his body, but he managed to answer. "Red...X." Gizmo then passed out due to the extent of his injuries.
Kid Flash pulled his Titan communicator out of his pocket. "Kid Flash to Robin."
"Robin to Kid Flash, what is it?"
"I'm gonna need an ambulance for Gizmo and Mammoth."
"What happened?"
"Some guy named Red X just injured them by throwing them off a roof." Kid Flash bent down and checked their pulses. "They're both alive and very lucky."
"Is Red X still in the area?"
Kid Flash looked up and saw Red X jumping from the roof of the bank to the roof of a building next to it.
Kid Flash smirked and replied, "He just answered your question."
Kid Flash ran up the building next to the bank to chase Red X.
We see Red X running across a building that looked like an apartment complex, he then jumped to the next one which looked like a small house. Red X jumped to the next building and performed a flip before he landed safely to the next one. But once he landed, he was stopped by Kid Flash.
"Hey." Said Kid Flash.
The on-again and off-again thief was taken aback by Kid Flash greeting him that way. "Hey? That's the first thing you say to a criminal? Hey?"
"I only wanna talk, I don't want you to run." Replied Kid Flash.
"What if I start running?" Asked Red X.
"I'll catch you." Said Kid Flash.
"Right, you do realise I can teleport?"
Red X disappeared in front of Kid Flash. Red X reappeared again, on the spot where he would've been behind Kid Flash, but Kid Flash wasn't there.
"What?" Red X said in disbelief.
"Super speed."
Red X turned around and saw Kid Flash eating a bag of pretzels.
"When did you have time to get those?" Red X asked the speedster.
"Super speed. I also saved a cat and ran back to the tower to get some money for the pretzels." Kid Flash replied while chomping on a pretzel in his mouth. Kid Flash noticed the bag and offered Red X one. "Sorry, want one?"
Red X was about to take one, but he pulled his hand away. "If I take one, then that requires the removal of my mask."
"True." Kid Flash took a bite out of a pretzel. "Why did you hurt Mammoth and Gizmo?"
Red X clenched his fists and replied. "For Jason Todd." Red X then fired a laser x at Kid Flash, but it instead hit the bag of pretzels, causing them to explode.
Red X charged at Kid Flash, but Kid Flash dodged the punch.
Kid Flash tried to punch Red X, but Red X dodged the punch.
"Woah." Was all Kid Flash could come out with.
Red X kicked Kid Flash in the face, but Kid Flash managed to stay up. Kid Flash managed to kick Red X's leg, then Red X kneed Kid Flash in the face.
Red X threw a bunch of throwing X's, but Kid Flash dodged them and caught one.
Kid Flash threw the X at the Red X, which he deflected. But he wasn't quick enough to stop a quick punch from Kid Flash that knocked his helmet off.
Kid Flash stood in place, jogging on spot and smiling. "Won't you look at that. Took out Red X." Kid Flash said to himself, feeling might proud.
Red X stood up and started to stare at Kid Flash. Kid Flash's expression soon changed to shock and fear.
"No, it can't be." Kid Flash said in shock, the anxiety rising.
Red X put his mask back on and said to Kid Flash, "Shocking, I know." Red X jumped off the building and vanished into the night.
Suddenly, some lightning struck and it started to rain on Kid Flash, who was standing in place with a shocked and scared look on his face.
"Did you get him?" Asked the voice of Beast Boy.
Kid Flash turned around and sees his teammates on the same roof he was on.
"He isn't here, so of course he did." Raven answered Beast Boy's question sarcastically.
"I meant, did he get him before he got away?"
"Probably should've phrased that better." Suggested the Terra hallucination. (Yup, this is gonna be thing this season.)
"Friend Kid Flash, how did Red X get away?" Asked Starfire.
Kid Flash stared at his friends, still looking shocked due to the fact he was thinking back to Red X's face.
"Red X..." Kid Flash said, trying to keep himself conscious.
"Kid Flash, are you ok?" Jinx asked, feeling concerned for him.
"What made you let him get away?" Robin asked his friend, sternly.
"Red X...Avenging Jason Todd." Kid Flash replied, while looking dizzy.
Robin's eyes widened. "Red X is avenging Jason?"
"Yes...and...and...and..." Kid Flash held on to his head and then collapsed on his back.
"Kid Flash!" Robin yelled as the Titans ran up to his unconscious body.
"Dude, is he dead?" Asked Beast Boy.
Robin placed a hand on his neck to feel a pulse. "He's still alive. Get him to the infirmary, immediately!"
Jinx stared at the sight of her unconscious teammate with so much regret and fear. Due to Red X's presence possibly being her fault.
We cut to the infirmary where Kid Flash is on a stretcher, while hooked up to a heart monitor that was beeping.
The Titans were there with Cyborg looking at a clipboard trying to find out Kid Flash's diagnoses.
"Why did Kid Flash do the fainting?" Starfire asked worryingly.
"He was having a panic attack." Raven replied. "I could feel him. He was scared and shocked."
"Which is strange because he has had no history of such attacks." Cyborg said while looking at the charts.
"Whatever Red X did to him, it must've been enough to cause it." Robin said, trying to act serious about it; in reality he was scared about what would happen to his best friend.
Jinx approached Kid Flash's unconscious body and held his hand. A stray tear fell from her face.
"But what I don't understand is, what is Red X's connection with Jason Todd?" Cyborg asked his leader.
"I don't know." Robin replied to his cybernetic teammate.
"Lucky for you, I have a few theories." Beast Boy said with a confident smile. Beast Boy ran out of the infirmary and returned with a board that showed an image of Red X. "I believe it comes to a number of possibilities. Maybe Red X is the long lost brother to Jason Todd, who recently discovered that his brother is dead and the people who killed him didn't get sent to jail. So, he gave up stealing and decided to get revenge instead. Sounds plausible, right?" Beast Boy stood mighty proud of his theory.
The Titans stood displeased with Beast Boy's theory. "I don't know about you, but that had to be the least stupidest theory Beast Boy has come up with." Raven said in her monotone voice.
"But it's not just Red X who has connections to Jason's death, it was also Mammoth and Gizmo." Robin stated.
"But, I thought it was just the Joker who killed Jason Todd." Cyborg said.
"Maybe he wasn't alone that day." Robin then gave an uncomfortable sigh. "I hate to say it, but we're gonna be having a talk with The Joker."
"Make sure you go rough on him." Jinx ordered her leader. This got some stares from the Titans.
"Friend Jinx, why would Robin go rough on The Joker?" The Tamaranean asked the sorceress.
Jinx then realised what she said earlier. "Did I say that out loud?" Jinx asked her teammates.
"Uh...You did." Cyborg said, slightly confused.
"Titans, we gotta try and find Joker in order to find out more about Jason Todd and his connection with Red X and the Hive. I say we start-" Robin's sentence was cut short when his Titan communicator started beeping. Robin answered the call and Speedy was on screen.
"Something to report Speedy?" Robin asked the archer.
"Nothing much, we just captured some clown and he was requesting you specifically." Speedy replied.
"Some clown?" Robin asked the archer. "You don't mean..."
Speedy nods his head, confirming it is The Joker.
Robin grits his teeth and clenches his fists. "Titans, me, Starfire and Beast Boy will go and have a word with The Joker. The rest of you stay here and keep an eye on Kid Flash." Robin ordered his team.
"You got it Rob." Cyborg acknowledged his leader. "We'll let you know if he wakes up."
"Then let's not waste any time, Titans Go!" Robin, Starfire and Beast Boy ran out of the infirmary to head to the Titans East.
Jinx continued to rub kid Flash's hand, wondering if he will ever recover. "Will he recover?" Jinx asked Cyborg.
"Don't worry Jinx, your boyfriend will be fine." Cyborg replied while smiling. Jinx rolled her eyes and glared at Cyborg, who then lifted his hands in defence. "Joking. Trying to lighten things up a bit. In all seriousness, he should be able to recover."
"You think so?"
"I have faith he will."
Jinx continued to stroke Kid Flash's hand, with so much guilt and sadness plastered on her face.
We cut to the Titans East tower, the T-Jet is seen landing on top of the tower. Robin, Starfire and Beast Boy exit the T-Jet to be greeted by the Titans East. (Bumblebee, Aqualad, Mas y Menos and Speedy.)
"Great to see you guys again." Bumblebee said to the Titans, greeting them.
Robin approached the fellow leader and shook her hand. "Where is he now?"
"In a holding cell, well secured." Replied Bumblebee.
"Thanks." Said Robin. "We won't be long."
Robin entered the tower through a hatch on the roof. Before Starfire and Beast Boy could follow, Speedy stopped the two by grabbing them on their wrists. "Keep an eye on him." Speedy requested to the team.
"Don't worry Speedy, the clown shall be a piece of cake." Beast Boy said with a confident.
"If you're referring to your leader as a clown, I hope it will be." Speedy said while looking more serious than he usually was.
Starfire and Beast Boy stared at him scared at what Joker could do to Robin. Will he mentally torture him, will Robin snap and try and hurt him; These thoughts continued to dwell in Starfire's and Beast Boy's heads on their way down to the cells.
Robin opened the door to the holding cells while Starfire and Beast Boy stood beside him. "Whatever you two do, don't let him mess with you. Despite the fact he is a clown." Robin advised.
"But aren't the clowns of Earth meant to be humorous?" Starfire asked her boyfriend.
"Whatever comes out of his mouth, is humorous to him." Robin replied in his serious tone. Robin took a deep breath and entered the cell block with Starfire and Beast Boy soon following.
While walking, Robin could feel the anxiety in him rising, due to him not seeing The Joker in years. Worst of all, Joker was a villain who could get under Robin's skin, besides Slade.
The Titans continued walking until they saw the glass cell containing the grinning clown. "Good evening." Said The Joker.
"Joker." Robin hissed at the clown prince.
The Joker's grin widened. "Bird boy, is that you?" Joker yelled in disbelief before laughing. "Or are you a new replacement?"
"Uh...You did request him." Beast Boy pointed out.
"But I just gotta be sure it's the bird boy I know." Joker explained. "Come closer." Robin was reluctant but he took a small step. "Closer." Robin walked closer towards the glass. "Closer." Robin took one more step and the Joker just stared at him.
"Hmm, there it is." Joker said with a smile. "The haircut gave it away."
"Why did you request my presence?" Robin asked the clown prince.
"Red X." Joker replied.
"What about him?" Robin asked aggressively.
"He attacked my car earlier and didn't even steal the stolen cash I had in the back." Joker said. "Then he kicked my butt and said, "for Jason Todd." Joker's smile widened at the name. "Oh, that's why today seemed a little familiar. It's the anniversary of his death isn't it?"
Robin clenched his fists at Joker really wanting to punch the clown in the face. "You know as well, don't you?" Joker asked the boy wonder.
Robin clenched his fists tighter. Like a flash, Starfire gently held Robin by the arm intending to keep him calm. Robin gave his girlfriend an appreciative smile and decided to change the subject in order to not get angry. He turned to face Joker and asked. "What have Mammoth and Gizmo got to do with Jason Todd's death?"
"No, no, no. Don't change the subject now Boy blunder, do you know it's Jason Todd's death?" Joker asked in a sister tone of voice.
"Don't change the subject dude, or we'll send you to clown prison."
Beast Boy's threat caused The Joker to laugh. "If you send me to clown prison, I'll send you to clown school. You need to work better on your quips." Joker gave a small chuckle while Beast Boy felt insulted.
"Wow, and I thought Raven said much harsher words."
"Come on bird boy, answer my question." Robin just stayed silent not wanting to answer the question. "It is isn't it? No wonder you're so quiet. So much rage, so much sadness, so much guilt. Even after all these years, after all you have accomplished, you still haven't forgiven yourself for poor, poor Jason Todd's demise. The biggest mistake you've ever made. Now he's come back to haunt you hasn't he? Why don't you visit his grave, dig him up and give him a hug? At this point he's rotting away, or maybe he'll look as stiff as a mannequin dead as the day you removed him from all that rubble. You should've seen how he begged for mercy that day."
During the monologue, Robin clenched his fists tight than before and gritted his teeth so hard they looked like they were about to break. Robin felt anger, guilt and sadness flowing through his body; a strong determination to punch the Joker in the face. Starfire noticed this and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, but he quickly removed his girlfriend's from his shoulder; his anger rising.
And without warning after Joker finished his sentence, Robin punched the glass, causing a small crack to appear.
Robin was about to punch again, but Starfire stopped Robin's fist with her hand, while Beast Boy grabbed Robin by the waist.
"Robin...this isn't you." Starfire yelled while trying to stop her boyfriend's fist from coming closer to the glass.
"Let your boyfriend punch me, it'll make him feel better." Joker said to Starfire.
"Hurting you will not make him feel any better."
"You think you know him well? I don't think you or your wicked tan will help one bit." Joker laughed while Starfire placed her hands on Robin's shoulders and started whispering. "Take deep breaths Robin, take deep breaths my love."
Robin took a few deep breaths and removed Starfire's hands from his shoulders. "Thanks Star." Robin said to his girlfriend. He looked down and saw that Boy was still holding his waist. "Beast Boy, you can let go of my waist."
"Gotta take precautions." Said Beast Boy.
"Ok, now you have answered my question...technically I answered it for you." Joker laughed. "Now, what was your question?"
"You are aware of the HIVE?" Asked Robin, in a calm yet aggressive voice.
"You mean that place bees live in?" Joker asked Robin.
"No, I meant the HIVE. Hierarchy of International Vengeance and Extermination." Robin replied.
"Oh, the high school for villains sure. What about them?"
"Red X attacked Mammoth and Gizmo, you wanna tell me why?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Asked Joker.
"I have that in mind, I just want your confirmation." Robin replied while folding his arms.
But Robin couldn't take Beast Boy holding his waist any longer so he removed his teammate's hands from his waist.
"Sure, walking fossil and killer baby with a jet pack had involvement in his death. They helped me beat him, make him weak." Joker replied while doing a sinister grin. "I mean they complied, third one took some convincing."
Robin's eyes widened at the mention of a third one. "Third one?"
"Who was the third?" Starfire asked the clown.
Joker smiled and replied "I think she's someone close to you."
"How close?" Asked Beast Boy.
"Closer than you think."
Robin stood still thinking back to the clues. "HIVE, Mammoth and Gizmo." His eyes then widened realising Jinx had involvement in Jason's death.
Robin huffed and said "Thank you for your time."
Robin started to make his way to the exit, with the other Titans following.
"If I were you Robin, I'd go and check up on Jason's grave." Joker suggested trying to shout as loud as he could to gain Robin's attention.
Robin continued walking, the feelings of betrayal and anger flowing through him. Due to Jinx having involvement in his death.
"Robin." Starfire said trying to comfort him.
Robin continued to walk aggressively to the T-Jet while starting to have another flashback.
We see Robin, Speedy, Jason and Kid Flash standing on a building, watching the city.
"You ever been to Gotham?" Kid Flash asked Speedy.
"Never been. But I've been mugged four times already and it's only my first day." Speedy replied looking frustrated.
"So, what made you leave this place?" Jason asked his predecessor, getting curious.
"He hasn't told you?" Robin asked Jason slightly surprised.
"Yeah. But I just wanna hear it from your point of view."
"We just didn't see eye to eye on things. He wanted me to be this, I wanted to be that." Robin replied. "I got too aggressive on a criminal that I broke his arm. We fought about it and then I decided to go solo. I moved to Jump City, there I met-"
"Starfire, Cyborg, Beast Boy and Raven. I know, I heard about you guys." Jason said with a smile.
"Yeah. And don't get me started how our first meeting went." Robin said while chuckling.
"I won't." Jason said. "But, you will tell me if you want to, right?"
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a window being smashed.
"Tell him about your origin story, later." Speedy said to Robin. "Right now, we have an insane clown breaking into a jewellery store."
The group of teenage sidekicks look down and see Harley Quinn wearing a tiara, a bunch of rings, earrings and necklaces.
"Least it isn't Catwoman." Robin joked. "Titans..." Robin then realised that his team wasn't the Titans.
"You say that often don't you?" Jason asked in a mocking tone of voice.
Robin just made an annoyed grunt and jumped off the building with Kid Flash and Speedy; while Jason soon followed.
Harley is seen admiring all the stuff she has stolen. "Well, ain't ya a pretty?" Harley asked, admiring the jewellery she was wearing.
Harley started walking, but she accidentally dropped a ring. "Oh you son of a..." Harley took a deep breath, bent down on one knee, intending to pick up the ring. But before she could pick it up, her hand got hit by a birdarang. "Ow!"
Harley stood up while rubbing her hand and looked across and sees Speedy prepared to fire an arrow.
Speedy fires the arrow, but Harley performed a front flip avoiding it.
Suddenly, a blur ran past Harley, she realised all the jewellery that was on her was all gone.
"And I thought the saying went "Diamonds are a girl's best friend, not diamonds are a girl's best hostage." Kid Flash said with a smirk.
"Work on ya quips Flash Jr!" Harley yelled as Speedy fires a net arrow at Harley.
Harley sees the oncoming net and drops to the ground avoiding it.
Harley stood back up and sees Kid Flash in front of her, smirking. "And it's Kid Flash. Flash Jr is my future sidekick's nickname." Kid Flash quipped.
Harley pulled her baseball bat out of her pocket and proceeds to hit Kid Flash with it. But she kept missing him due to his super speed. "Are you even trying?" Asked Kid Flash.
Harley got exhausted after many attempts at hitting Kid Flash proved to be failures. "Stupid Kid!" Harley yelled.
Suddenly, Harley got hit by Jason Todd, who glided in while performing a kick.
The power of the kick caused Harley to fly back a bit. She pulled herself up but she then got hit in the head with a bow staff and collapsing to the ground.
Harley stood back up and starts staring at Robin and Jason, whom were approaching her.
"Ok, are there actually two Robins are did you hit me so hard on the head that I'm seeing two Robins?" Harley asked the Robins. A familiar blur ran past Harley and she felt handcuffs on her wrists. She looked at her wrists and saw that she was indeed cuffed. "Oh, right."
Jason then kicked Harley into a trash can.
"Not bad, I see why he chose you as my replacement." Robin said to his replacement.
"Please, that was just me gliding. You haven't seen the rest I can do." Jason said with an overconfident smile. Jason walked up to Harley and puts his face close to her while glaring. "So, what's a cute girl like you stealing jewellery?"
"I don't wanna tell you, fake Robin." Harley exclaimed.
The real Robin approached Harley and said "Hello Harley."
Harley stared at Robin with surprise. "Bird boy!!! You're back." Harley yelled out loud with a smile. "The new one is fine, but this one has some class and style."
"Temporarily." Said Robin.
Harley's face then turned to a look of disappointment. "Aww!"
"Sorry, but you're gonna have to get used to this little pipsqueak for a while." Kid Flash's said as he ruffled some of Jason's hair.
"Stop that!" Jason yelled as he smacked Kid Flash's hand out of his hair.
"Alright Kid." Kid Flash said to Jason.
"Don't call me 'Kid,' Flash Jr." Jason said yelled in a mocking manner.
Kid Flash rolled his eyes at Jason's insult.
""Flash Jr?" I'm gonna get a lot of mileage out of this." Speedy said while giving a cheeky grin.
"Enough joking you guys, let's get some answers." Robin ordered his teammates while trying to contain his laughter. "Why were you stealing jewellery?"
"Uh...Isn't it obvious? Thief/bad girl, it's my thing. I've already robbed like 23 jewellery stores on the way here." Harley replied with a cheeky smile.
"Where are they now?" Robin asked the clown prince's girl.
"That's not all, there's a chemical bomb that's set to explode in 13 minutes." Harley explained while grinning.
"Bombs?!" Jason yelled, surprised. While the other Titans stood surprised.
"The jewellery is on 357 Conway street, while the bombs are at 45 Sans street." Harley explained while grinning.
"Ok. Kid Flash take Harley to jail, Speedy and I will handle the bomb, Jason you locate the jewellery and return it." Robin ordered his team.
Jason stared at his predecessor shocked and disappointed. "What?! I get the lame jobs while you guys get the cool jobs?!" Jason yelled, shocked.
"Kid Flash will join you as soon as he handed Harley in." Robin explained to his successor.
"Come on, I should be able to disarm the bombs not-"
"Jason, that's an order!" Ordered Robin.
Jason glared at Robin before saying "Fine." And made a run for the location.
"That kid has some disobedient issues." Speedy quipped.
"Reminds me of a young me." Robin explained. "He'll learn."
Robin and Speedy made a run for the bombs while Kid Flash picked up Harley, bridal style and started carrying her to the police station.
Present day.
The Titan's tower Infirmary.
We see Jinx still standing beside the unconscious Kid Flash, still laying on the stretcher.
"Wake up, please." Said Jinx. She was desperate for Kid Flash to wake up. Oh there were so many things she wanted to tell him, but what should she tell him? Should she be honest and tell him about her involvement in Jason Todd's death or just say "I love you."
Jinx suddenly heard the sound of the door swooshing and the sound of footsteps.
"You've been in here all night."
Jinx turned around and saw Cyborg and Raven.
Jinx looked away from her teammates and continued to stare at Kid Flash.
"You can't just stay here all night Jinx." Cyborg said, sounding concerned.
"I just wanna be there when he wakes up." Jinx said, sadly.
"Even if he's gonna be unconscious for three weeks?" Asked Raven.
"If it's that way, than yes." Jinx replied, glumly.
"Look, how about we have some chicken soup to clam our nerves a bit." Cyborg suggested.
"I appreciate the help, but I just wanna be left alone." Jinx said while stroking Kid Flash's unconscious hand.
"Jinx-"
Raven shot her arm out in front of Cyborg, wanting him to understand their teammate needs time alone.
Cyborg sighed and said "Alright, we'll leave ya. But make sure you get some sleep, okay?"
"Ok." Jinx said, sadly.
Cyborg and Raven stared at her, feeling sorry before exiting the infirmary to have some chicken soup.
As soon as her teammates got out of ear's view from her, Jinx stood up and took a deep breath. "Kid Flash, I know we've been discussing about us being together as more than friends, but I don't know if it's gonna work out once I tell you this." Jinx tried to hold back the tears. "Ok, I had some involvement in Jason Todd's death. I didn't kill him specifically, but I did beat him. But I did feel his death was somewhat my fault, even though it was Joker who blew him up to smithereens in the end. But funny thing is, I didn't wanna hurt him. Poor kid was in pain and he was begging for his life, I felt sympathy for him. I was forced to make him endure the pain, I know you won't forgive me for this; so that is why I told you here instead of when you woke up." Jinx then allowed the tears to flow down her face. "I'm gonna face Red X alone, since this is a mistake I have to face, instead of running away from. And if I die, I just wanted to say I love you and...I hope we would've ended up together." Jinx stared at Kid Flash with sadness before leaning in and placing a kiss on his forehead. Jinx quickly wiped away her tears as she flashed back to Jason Todd's death.
We see the inside of a warehouse which was dimly lit.
Joker, Mammoth, Gizmo and Jinx enter the warehouse to see Jason tied to a chair.
"Hey, it's Robin!" Yelled Mammoth.
"Yeah! What's your name? Big dumb ape man?!" Jason yelled, intending to mock the brutish HIVE member.
Mammoth clenched his fists but Joker grabbed him. "Easy there my big friend. Save your anger for later."
"So, this is the new Robin?" Gizmo asked, curiously.
"Yeah, I am. And you must be psycho baby." Jason said with a smile.
This caused Gizmo to get angry and threaten to blow him up with a missile.
"Easy there Gizmo, he's trying to mock you." Jinx said.
"Says the one with cotton candy for hair." Jason laughed at his little joke which got a glare from Jinx.
"My hair doesn't look like cotton candy!" Jinx yelled at the young Robin. She then looked to her teammates and said "Does it?" While touching her hair.
"Don't let him embarrass you. He's kind of got an embarrassing story on how he was captured." Joker explained as he approached the young boy wonder. "He fell for the stolen jewellery gag. Thank you Harley for that genius gag." Joker laughed.
"So, what are we gonna do to this crud muncher?" Asked a crazed Gizmo.
"How about I teach you how to insult better?" Jason asked the little HIVE member.
Joker laughed at the young Robin and said "You are a funny boy, new Robin. No, he isn't gonna teach you how to insult better. Although, he should." Gizmo crossed his arms at Joker's comment.
Joker started to walk up to a workbench. "The lesson here kids, heroes can have their breaking points." Joker explained as he picked up a crowbar. Joker started walking back to Jason while continuing to talk. "Heroes may be all tough guys and capes and honour and all that garbage..." Joker stopped at Jason Todd, "..."But Joker, how do you break a hero?" I hear you ask. Allow me to demonstrate."
And like that, Joker swung his crowbar and hit Jason Todd, knocking him off his chair and to the floor.
Jason did his best to conceal the pain he was in and glared at The Joker. "Wow, that looked like it hurt." Joker said while stroking the crowbar. "Now, do you by any chance wanna give me information about who you are? Or..." Joker continued to beat Jason with the crowbar repeatedly, causing Jason to make painful grunting noises.
Mammoth and Gizmo watched the sight in awe, while Jinx stood flinching.
Joker stopped hitting Jason with the crowbar and bent down on one knee. "Now, do you have a name boy blunder?"
"Jason. Todd." Jason replied, not wanting to be beaten any further.
"You sure that's your real name, kid? Or are you making it up just to get out of this situation?" Joker asked while ruffling the boy's hair.
"Figure that out yourself. Just don't hurt me!" Jason yelled.
"Hmm...I suppose I should stop." Joker said in a monotone voice. "But..." Joker walked up to Mammoth and offered him the crowbar. "...Mammoth wants to be even with you, after you called him "Ape Man."
Mammoth snatched the crowbar from Joker and walked up to Jason. "Now, we're even."
Mammoth started beating Jason with the crowbar. Due to his strength, the impact of the crowbar was much stronger than before. Which caused Jason to scream in pain. Jinx stared at Jason like she felt somewhat sorry for his treatment. She covered her ears and looked away to ignore Jason's screams.
"Mammoth, let Gizmo have a turn." Joker ordered the brutish HIVE.
Mammoth turned around and threw the crowbar to Gizmo, which he caught.
Gizmo walked up to Jason and continued to beat him with the crowbar, despite his small hands and small strength.
Jason still screamed in pain as the little HIVE member continued to beat him with the crowbar.
Jinx still looked away trying to ignore the screams.
"Ok, let Jinx have a go." Joker ordered Gizmo.
Gizmo stopped and turned to face Joker. "Aww! A little longer?!" Begged Gizmo.
Joker walked up to Gizmo and snatched the crowbar out of his hand.
"Hey Jinx." Joker threw the crowbar at Jinx, which she caught. "Make your teacher proud."
Jinx took a deep breath and slowly walked up to Jason, who was struggling to get up.
Jinx lifted the arm that held the crowbar up in the air, intending to hit Jason. Until...
"Please, no more."
Jinx looked down and saw Jason staring at her. Jinx stared at the eyes, she saw fear. Like he was scared he wasn't gonna make it. She swore he shedded a tear while staring at her, begging for his life.
"Please, no more." Jason's begging caused Jinx to lower the crowbar and stare at him, feeling sorry.
Jinx took a deep breathe and said "I can't do it."
Mammoth and Gizmo stared at their comrade, shocked and confused. "What?!" The tiny HIVE member out loud.
Jinx turned to face her team and Joker. "I can't do it. He's had enough. Besides, I think you made your point." Jinx replied, in a more serious tone.
Joker walked up to Jinx, looking quite angry but still maintained a smile. "What are you doing?" Asked Joker.
Jinx stood in place trying to think of a good excuse. "I think we broke him enough. I think he should be kept alive." Jinx said, trying to maintain a serious tone. "Besides, I think he'd make a good hostage for a hefty ransom."
Joker glared at Jinx before he suddenly grabbed her by the shoulder. "You haven't had your turn!" Joker exclaimed. The sudden outburst from the clown caused Jinx to stare at him in fear. "You should give him a good whack!" Joker forced Jinx to turn around to try and hit Jason. "I can tell you don't wanna hurt him, but understand this Jinx, you don't have a choice. Your destiny lies with the HIVE. Besides, it's too late for you. Good will no longer be your option." Joker smiles sinisterly, making Jinx shed a tear, scared for her life. "Go on Jinx. Hurt him or I hurt you. You don't wanna end up like poor, poor Os, don't you?"
Jinx stood in place, scared for her and for what will happen to Jason. She raises the crowbar and brings it down on Jason.
Present day.
We see the T-Jet, hovering over the ocean. Robin is dangling his feet from the edge, while Starfire and Beast Boy watch him.
"Has he done yet Star?" Beast Boy asked the Tamaranean.
"I'm afraid not." Starfire said, sadly.
"We've been here for 35 minutes!" Exclaimed Beast Boy.
"Look on the bright side, the moon looks pretty shining against the ocean." Said the Terra hallucination.
Starfire walked up to her boyfriend and sat next to him.
"Why did I let her in?" Robin asked his girlfriend.
"Jinx?"
"Yes!" Robin stood up, feeling angry. Not just with Jinx for the murder of Jason, but for letting a murderer be a part of his team. "And to think she gained my trust. Only for that ugly truth to be revealed."
Starfire stood up. "Robin, maybe she wants to erase that mistake."
"For years I blamed Jason's death for myself, I didn't expect the cause to be right beside me. A member of my team." Robin clenched his fists, angrily.
"Robin, you've given Jinx the shot of the redemption before, maybe-"
"Starfire! Don't you get it?!" Robin's yell caused Starfire to back up a bit. "This isn't about simple bank robberies, this is murder we're talking here! She was an accomplice! I don't think she deserves my respect anymore!"
Robin glared at the ocean in anger, intending to throw something into it.
"Uh...I don't mean to interrupt." Robin and Starfire turned to face Beast Boy, whom was standing in place looking nervous. "If I recall correctly, I swore Joker said the third one took convincing and he confirmed the third one was Jinx."
"What's your point Beats Boy?" Robin asked, sternly.
"My point is..." Beast Boy his eyes to the left like he was listening to someone telling him what to say. "...Maybe Jinx didn't wanna do it. But Joker forced her to. I know it's hard to believe right now Robin, but I do think Jinx was a victim of Joker's power. He forced her to hurt him."
Robin looked away from Beast Boy and stared out into the ocean. "Maybe you're right Beast Boy, maybe Jinx was an unwilling participant. We have to get back to Jump to try and protect her from Red X. And I gotta say Beast Boy, that was a great detective moment for you."
Beast Boy shrugs his shoulders and says "I learn from the best." He looked over his right and he sees the Terra hallucination winking at him.
"Than it is back Jump City and then to where Jason rests, next. Is it not?" Starfire asked her leader/boyfriend.
"Sure. Jump City and then...Wait, why Gotham?" Robin asked his teammate/girlfriend.
"Um...didn't The Joker suggest we do the checking up on Jason's grave?" Asked Starfire.
Robin then thought back to what Joker said and his eyes widened. "He's probably done something! We have to get to Gotham, ASAP!"
Meanwhile.
Jinx is seen walking down an alley, feeling cold. She went around Jump City trying to find Red X to try and deal with him herself.
She suddenly heard a thump behind her. She turned around and sees Red X, staring at her.
"I know you want me." Jinx said, sadly.
"What gave it away?" Asked Red X. "Was it the fact I hurt your ex-buddies? Was it the fact all this was for Jason? Or was it the fact you knew what you did to Jason and you've come to stop me from finishing you off?"
Jinx and Red X stared down at each other for a few seconds.
But like that, rain started to fall down on them.
"I didn't wanna hurt him." Jinx said. "I know what I did to him, I was forced to by that maniac. I was scared what he'd do to me. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. Understand, if you want to hurt me I wanna say I'm sorry for what I did." Jinx stared down at the ground, feeling sad.
Red X stared at her like he accepted forgiveness but he fired one of his X's at her, trapping her on a wall.
Red X pushes a button on his thumb and Jinx gets electrocuted. "Than why didn't you hurt Joker!!!!!" Yelled Red X.
Jinx tried to break her way out of the X, but the X was too powerful for her to break out of.
"Don't try and break out cutie. It'll be no use." Red X said to the ex-HIVE. "You're probably wondering who I am, best not keep you waiting."
Red X then started to remove his helmet.
We cut to Robin, Starfire and Beast Boy staring at Jason's grave.
"Is there something wrong with Jason's grave?" Asked Starfire.
"I'm not sure." Robin replied. "Beast Boy, sniff to see if something's up."
Beast Boy gave Robin a nod and turned into a dog. He started sniffing the grave for anything suspicious.
"Well?" Asked Robin.
"I smell nothing." Replied Beast Boy.
Robin stood still, trying to think of what to do next. Until an idea came to his head. "Beast Boy, dig."
Beast Boy then started digging the grave with his dog paws.
Back at the infirmary.
We see Kid Flash still sleeping on the stretcher.
His finger then started tapping, slowly. But then it started tapping rapidly.
And without warning, Kid Flash shot up straight and yelled "Jason!!!!!"
We cut back to Gotham where Beast Boy had just finished digging Jason's grave.
"The coffin is still there." Starfire pointed out.
Robin pulled the grappling hook out of his pocket and used it to pull the coffin open.
When he pulled it open, he saw that there was nothing there.
This caused Robin and his team to go wide eyed in disbelief.
"Jason." Robin said, shocked.
We cut back to Red X removing his helmet in front of Jinx. He removed it and dropped it on the ground.
Jinx's eyes widened upon seeing his face. "Jason." Jinx said in disbelief.
And like that, Jinx saw that Red X was in fact a revived Jason Todd.