A shadow had fallen upon Arkham. Not that anyone had noticed. Not the guards, or nurses, not the inmates, or even the Bats and Birds that nested in Gotham City. The shadow was smart after all. He had been taught by the best of the best and had come back home with an objective in mind.

It shouldn't have been as easy as it was to break into one of the most secure places in Gotham. It was the place where the worst of the worst, the rogues of Batman, spent their days incarcerated. Yet, it had been so easy… maybe this was why Arkham was known to be a revolving door.

The shadow was as silent as death, as he entered the cell of the most infamous criminal to have ever roamed the streets of Gotham City. The shadow made sure to never allow the monster to realize he was there.

Joker did not deserve to breathe the same air as the shadow. He did not deserve the honor or the fanfare of an elaborate plan. He did not deserve to control the shadow's dreams and his desires.

The Joker had hurt so many people. Killed so many citizens of Gotham City. Tonight, the shadow was the hand of Lady Gotham. Tonight, the shadow was the Knight of Arkham. He will bring the justice Batman had refused to give to his Lady. The justice he had refused to give to his son.

The shadow could feel it. The tugging coming from withing him. The shadow did note even try to resist, he allowed the sword to appear. The All-Sword. The sword that only appeared before the face of true evil.

The shadow could have laughed. The Joker was so evil that he summoned the All-Sword. Something not even Ra's al Ghul had been capable of. However, the shadow did not laugh. The Joker did not have the right to know that tonight he would breathe his last breathe.

Standing behind the monster, as this one laughed maniacally and planned the bombing of Gotham's Children Hospital, the shadow swung his sword. It was a small cut, one that left no DNA or proof that could be linked back to the shadow. No one would ever know the shadow had been involved, or that the Joker had died of anything but natural causes. But death was brought upon the Joker that night, even with a small cut. Because a cut from the All-Sword was all it was needed. No one could come back from it.

The Joker was dead.

Finally.

In one clean cut the shadow ended the nightmare that had plagued Lady Gotham for over a decade.

The shadow let out a shaky sigh as he felt it. How the chains weighing him down broke. The last of the green mist leaving his mind. The shadow smiled as he felt Lady Gotham thanking him. But there was no need for any thanks. Tonight, the shadow had freed Gotham. Tonight, the shadow had freed himself.

When the shadow opened his eyes, they were back to the beautiful blue they had been before his death. The shadow welcomed the world once more as who he had been.

After all, Jason was finally free.


"I thought that you had other plans to end that monster?" A beautiful woman asked curiously.

The red shadow turned towards the green shadow with a warm smile. "I had. But my time in the All-Caste changed many of my plans. That monster did not deserve to have his wish fulfilled. After all, making the Batman a killer through him would have been a dream come true, not a punishment."

"Your father has a way to gather twister characters around him," the green shadow chuckled.

"What brings you here T?" Jason asked calmly.

Talia al Ghul stared at the boy she had given back life to with a pensive expression. When she had met him, he had been but a shell of a broken boy. A corpse wandering around the streets of Gotham City, with no recollection of who he had been or what was going on. Someone that only the Lazarus Pits could have saved and healed his mind. But miraculous cures always came with a price. The boy's mind was back, but it was twisted within the corrupted green mist of the Lazarus Pits. The boy was angry and vengeful, motivated by a rage that was closer to demonic than inhuman.

She had trained him. She made sure that the best trained him. All with the wish that he could control this rage of his or that he could become her sword against her Beloved. However, with time she had come to care for him. Her prince had come to care for this red shadow of theirs. In one last ditch effort she had sent him to the All-Caste. Maybe they could aid him, with all their knowledge of unknown and demonic entities.

A plan she had come to despair and regret when the news reached them that half of the All-Caste had perished against their sudden war with The Untitled. How will Talia tell her beloved prince that his adored akhi had fallen? It might have been an honorable battle, worthy of a son of the al Ghuls. However, she mourned the loss of the child she had come to view as her own.

Six years she had nurtured him. Six years of battling together, of having each other's backs. Six years of her beloved prince being raised by his adored akhi, being taught by him. Six years of her pushing her red shadow to pursue his passions outside of revenge, in an attempt to fix the mess, the Lazarus Pits had left behind. Six years of being proud as her Alexander finished his studies and went to a prestigious University like Oxford, worthy of his pedigree.

Watching him graduate of his Undergraduate course in English Literature in record time had filled her with so much pride. Pride which only grew as he followed it with a MSt in Creative Writing. She still has the framed picture of her beloved Alexander receiving his DPhil in Literature and Arts hung on the wall of her chamber in Nanda Parbat.

Instead of saying all of that, Talia simply commented: "The war against The Untitled seem to have been good for you."

Jason laughed. It was loud and free. A laugh which Talia had never witnessed before but was so glad to be able to hear it now. "You've got no idea! The Lazarus Pits are like poison, whispering in your ear. It is constant and it drives you mad. It wants blood… so much blood. The war allowed me to satiate it, something I had once thought impossible. But the war was long and shed so much blood… from both sides." Jason sighed, looking at the sky with clouded eyes. "Using the All-Sword as much as I had been pushed to also aided to purify most of the evil that coursed through my veins because of the Lazarus Pits. What was left, is gone now that I've fulfilled my objective." Jason took a deep breath and closed his eyes, allowing himself to enjoy the breeze. "After the war, after the death of Ducra, I had to remain to aid Essence stabilize her reign as the All-Caste's new leader."

"Your paramour," Talia hummed. "She was a good choice. Good fighter, powerful, beautiful, smart, and loyal."

"That is quite high praise coming from you T!" Jason chuckled, bringing a smile to Talia's face. She had never seen her red shadow be this happy and carefree before. It lightened her hardened heart. "She is quite something," Jason smiled fondly. "We parted ways in amicable terms. The war…" he sighed, shoulders slumping. "It was hard on all of us. It changed us, it changed the All-Caste. I was not the same angry boy that had come looking for a way to get his revenge. I left a man who had recovered his mind and was ready to live again. For himself now, and not just for revenge."

"I am glad," Talia smiled, a lone tear of sheer relief rolling down her cheek. "So, glad."

"Now T, don't cry," Jason smiled, though there were tears in his eyes as well. "Otherwise, I will think you care."

"Oh, my Alexander. Of course, I care," Talia scolded him, hands cradling his face softly. "You are my son. I did give life back to you, don't you ever forget that."

"And you are my umi," Jason assured her, allowing his tears to fall. "So, do not hate me when I tell you the following…"

"Oh, my abni, I know," Talia smiled a smile so sad that it broke Jason's heart to be the one to put it there. But it had to be done. "Damian cannot stay in Nanda Parbat any longer. He is now eight and my father would never allow him to stay unbled any longer. He will start sending him on missions. Worse, he might force him into a Year of Blood." Jason hissed at the mention of the horrible al Ghul tradition. "My son cares… too much. He tried to hide it. Which is quite smart on his part. He knows that if my father would ever find out about his weakness," Talia beautiful face twisted into a grimace as the utter the word. "The Demon's Head would punish him. My father showed that he cared not for blood when he sentenced my sweet niece Mara to death for not performing as good as my beloved prince." Jason looked away at the mention of Mara. She was just a little girl. A girl that none of them were able to save. It was a dark day in Nanda Parbat when she had been killed. "I cannot allow him to be sent into a Year of Blood. It will break him." Talia's eyes were filled with fear. "I've always known that my father had to be stopped. After Mara even my sister Nyssa decided to join forces with me. But until now I had no one who I could completely trust to leave Damian with. My Beloved might be respected by my father, but after…"

"After I died," Jason finished for his mother, when she did not want to remind him of his tragedy.

"After you died, I could not risk it," Talia shook her head. "He had already lost one son; I would not allow him to lose mine as well."

"It was a smart choice," Jason chuckled humorlessly. "He has not been taken good care of his last Robin or the one that followed… a second Robin gone and dead."

"Oh, that blonde girl is alive," Talia waved her hand dismissively, even as Jason turned to her startled. "She was patched up by my Beloved's doctor friend and sent to Africa for her safety. However, the doctor wished to teach my Beloved a lesson… not that he seems to have learned it."

"He never does," Jason sneered.

"Now, abni, no sneering," Talia chided. "I taught you better manners."

"Sorry, umi," Jason apologized.

"It's ok, it's been a long night," Talia sighed, before turning to look at him with pride. "Before tonight, no matter how much I loved you, I could have not left Damian with you." Jason winced, looking away in shame. He knew that he had been quite unstable after all. Though, it did nothing to stop the pain. "But now I can. And I will."

"Leave him with me. I will keep him safe." Jason promised her.

"I know you will," Talia smiled, turning to walk towards the edge of the rooftop after one last forehead kiss.

"Umi! Be careful!" Jason called out.

Talia stopped and turned around, gifting her son with one last smile. "Do not worry about your mother abni. I know how to take care of myself. Who do you think taught you how?" Her smirk was cocky and playful. "Oh, by the way, congratulations!" Jason tilted his head in confusion. What was she talking about? "Your novel was such a wonderful read. I'm so proud of you."


Next time I see her, I'm going to kill her, Jason thought, seething internally as he smiled externally and signed the book of the next fan in line.

A Death in the Family was a huge success. Making it to the top of the New York Times Best Sellers and The Guardian's Best Books of the Year.

It was a 1000 pages long novel he had worked on while he had attended to Oxford University and had finished before he had gone to the All-Caste. He made sure not to make anything too incriminating, that might put the Bats on his trail for the similarities to the Lazarus Pits and the League of Shadows- in case the manuscript ever got found.

A chilling story about a young boy and his family. They lived in a crime-riddled city, with a notorious serial killer dressed as a clown terrorized the place. Unfortunately, the boy fell victim to this killer, leaving his family heartbroken.

His father, his grandfather, and his older brother were devastated by the boy's death. The whole family was in turmoil because of this tragedy. But here's where things get eerie. The father started seeing his son everywhere he looked. He saw fleeting shadows and distant figures that looked like his lost son. He was convinced he was losing his mind.

But guess what? These visions weren't just figments of his imagination. They were the spirit of the dead boy. The poor boy's soul couldn't find peace, and he wanted revenge on his killer. So, he started guiding his father to uncover the truth and find the clown murderer.

The father was driven by grief and a burning desire for justice, so he followed these ghostly signs and clues. It was like his son was leading him on this eerie quest for vengeance. He eventually discovered the identity of the clown killer and his twisted motives. With his son's guidance, the father hatched a plan for revenge.

When the climax of the story hit, it was intense and terrifying. The boy's ghost became more powerful and managed to appear in the physical world. With a chilling determination, he enacted a horrifying revenge on the clown killer, a revenge so gruesome it even shocked his own father.

After getting his revenge, the boy's spirit finally found peace. He was no longer consumed by anger and was able to move on. And his father, who had witnessed this haunting retribution, was left deeply scarred by the violence he had seen.

In the end, the father decided to take his family away from the cursed city, hoping to escape the memories of the tragedy. He wanted to preserve the memory of his son as the vibrant boy he had been in life, rather than the horrific way he had died. So, they left the city behind, carrying their love and memories with them, as a reminder that even in the face of darkness, love and remembrance can triumph.

The final scene was a lovely touch to Jason's past as Robin, with the family driving away and the father seeing a lone robin bird flying past the car. In that scene, the father recalls that robins were his son's favorite bird and prays to God that his son could find freedom in his next life as a robin. As the father recalls the vengeful spirit his son had become, the book ends with him wondering, praying, that the robin bird he had just seen could be his son's soul reborn.

Talia had found the novel, read it, and made sure to have it published. The publishing company threw all their backing over the book, half of it was Talia, the other half was the Horror Editor Head pushing for it. Calling it the big next thing since Stephen King, the King of Horror.

She was right.

A Death in the Family won the Bram Stoker Award for the Best Novel, the Edgar Award for Best Novel, and the British Fantasy Award for the Best Horror Novel- also, known as the August Derleth Award.

It sold over millions of copies worldwide and there were fans demanding a second book from Jason, even though the book tour was not even over!

Jason's editor, which was the Publishing Company's Head Editor for the Horror Department, was already all over him to advance on his next novel: The Risen. Luckily for everyone involved, writing was Jason's coping mechanism to destress- it also doubled as good therapy. He was already half-way through with it, 500 pages down retelling all his time training with Ducra and Essence, his love story with her had also made his way through the story- something that his romance fans will love. The first half was about the main character joining a religious group, which had dark secrets within them. They were a group of warriors battling the demonic. However, at the start the main character felt as if he was going mad, before joining and starting his training. Now, all he had to work on was the war against The Untitled and Ducra's death.

Esperanza, his editor, was over the moon with the news and was already reviewing what he had sent her over.

Anyway, being on the road was good. It kept Jason and Damian in the media focus, popping all over the US and UK, even some other countries, making it hard to snatch or attack any of them. Luckily, they both wore their umi's last gift to them, beautiful, enchanted pendants that made it impossible for others to recognize them as Jason Todd and Damian al Ghul. A beautiful work of art of gold and ruby for Jason, and gold and emerald for Damian. A work of art that made everyone else see Jason Alexander Head and Damian Alfred Head.

"Jason! My boy!" A British man, with more grey hairs than black, approached him with a huge smile on his lips. His eyes crinkled in happiness as he wrapped Jason in a hug. "It's so good to have you back home!"

"Professor Lang!" Jason laughed receiving the man in a tight hug, ignoring all the cameras flashing around him. "It's good to see you again!"

Right now, Jason and Damian were in Oxford University, in Jason's book tour. Of course, the university wanted their raising super star to come back. The publicity Jason brought had the board quite pleased. Not that either Jason or Professor Lang cared much for any of that. They were both more of book people, than a people person.

"Akhi," the soft, yet confident, voice of his little brother had Jason turning around with a smile. The young eight years-old-boy was as perfect as a doll. His skin was flawless, his bone structure was sharp, but the baby fat gave it a soft ethereal feeling, and those eyes… they were as beautiful as two emerald gems.

"Dami! Do you remember Professor Lang? He was my Creative Writing professor during my Undergraduate program," Jason presented them again. "He was the one who wrote my recommendation letter for my masters and the one who oversaw my PhD."

"I remember," Damian nodded politely at the man. "We met at your graduations."

"Is that a copy of your brother's novel?" Professor Lang inquired, as he noticed the book that Damian was hugging to his chest.

"Yes, I was reading it as my akhi was singing," Damian showed it proudly. "It is a first edition, the very first copy printed! Akhi gifted it to me!"

"Wow! That's quite the gift," Professor Lang laughed fondly. "Normally a young boy like you would be told that he should not read it or could even understand it."

"Dami here is a bright boy, we have to homeschool him because schools can't keep up with him," Jason told his professor proudly, making Damian preen pleased.

"Just like your brother then," Professor Lang laughed, making Damian bloom in happiness even more. "I've always known he was a bright boy and meant for great things, ever since our first lesson." Professor Lang knelt before Damian to look him straight into his eyes. "I can't wait to see you come to Oxford. When you do, please sign up to my class, no matter what Undergraduate program you are in. I will always have an open seat for a brother of Jason's."

"I will!" Damian beamed, even when Jason said: "Come on old man! Don't start pushing weird ideas on him! He will go to whatever university he wants, ok?"

"Of course, he will," Professor Lang laughed, standing up. "Now, let me invite both of you to dinner tonight!"

"Only if you pay!" Jason replied, making him laugh even more.

The professor was in quite a good mood after seeing his favorite student again.


All the good mood Jason had in Oxford was gone by the time he made it to Metropolis. Jason's heartbeat stuttered when he saw who the journalist interviewing him was.

Clark Kent.

Well, shit!

Jason's hand went to his pendant, just to make sure it was there, and the magic was in effect. Though, his nervousness spiked when he noticed Clark frowning, surely wondering why this stranger's heartbeat became so high after seeing him.

"Did you lose a bet?" Jason blurted, taking a deep breath to get his heartbeat under control. Noticing how Clark relaxed, mostly because of the suddenness of his question having startled him. But Jason will take it. "Or had to be here for someone else?"

"Ex-excuse me?" Clark stuttered.

"I mean, a Pulitzer award winning to interview an upcoming novelist. Isn't that a waste?" Jason drawled, now much calmer after having regained control of the conversation.

Jason's words got the expected effect, as Clark blushed under the praised, having been distracted successfully. "Oh, I am honored that you recognized me?"

"Recognized you? I used many of your articles for my essays back at Uni!" Jason exclaimed, he added some more drama than needed, but he did not say anything that was not true, and Clark could not check out if needed.

"Oxford-recognized? Now that's quite an honor." Calrk's blush and awe in his voice were honest, which made Jason feel a little guilty, but he could not risk anything going back to Bruce.

"Not as much as Pulitzer-recognized!" Jason continued theatrically; he has always been a theater boy.

"Well, I must admit that I am quite a fan. When the Daily News heard that you were stopping by Metropolis, I asked my editor to allow me to come and interview you," Clark's confession froze Jason on his seat. He had not expected such a praise from someone like Clark. He might be known for being a goofball, but he was a harsh critic when it comes to any kind of writing. "Your novel is wonderful, heartbreaking but beautiful."

"I am quite honored to receive such high praise from another writer," Jason replied, this time without any theatrics and being 100% honest, before finally starting their interview.

Meanwhile, outside the interview room in the Daily News building, Damian was waiting for his brother to finish, so they could go and get lunch. When Lois Lane entered the waiting room with an apologetical smile, with a young boy around Damian's around behind her.

"Excuse me, but my son's teacher is sick, and the school could not get a substitute in time. Could he stay waiting with you?" Lois asked gently.

Damian simply nodded "shyly", he had to act his age around adults. His akhi and umi made sure he knew what was at risk. Damian quite liked traveling around the world with his akhi. He visited all kinds of museums and historical places. He ate all kinds of foods and made sure to tell his akhi what dishes he preferred, so Jason would know what to cook for him. He trained every night, in secret, with his akhi. But this was nothing like the harsh training at the League of Assassins, it was fun. So much fun! Especially, when Jason had started teaching Damian about the magic he had learned at the All-Caste.

"Do your parents work here too?" The boy asked excitedly. "Oh, sorry! I did not introduce myself! Mom would be so angry at me! Ah! I am babbling now! Earth swallow me!" The boy groaned blushing, while Damian stared at him with wide open eyes- or as wide open as League trained shadow could. Was this how boys his age conducted themselves? Magic, does he wish it was not. "I am Jon."

"I am Damian Alfred Head, nice to meet you," Damian presented himself as his akhi had taught him to. Receiving a blinding smile from the boy. How could a human boy glow that much? Was he part of the sun of something? "To answer your question, no, my parents do not work here. But my akhi, my brother, is being interviewed by a reporter."

"He is? What does he do?" Jon asked excitedly, eyes shining.

Damian puffed his chest proudly at his brother's achievements. "He is an award-winning novelist."

"That is awesome!" Jon praised, not knowing that he had just won over Damian- the young boy adored his akhi after all. "What did he write?"

"A Death in the Family," Damian informed his new friend. Because of course he was Damian's friend, he had after all recognized the great worth of his akhi. "It a complicated and intrinsic horror novel, that has become a best seller in various countries. My akhi is only twenty-two."

"That is so cool!" Jon exclaimed. "Your… akhi? He must be so talented!"

"He is!" Damian turned fully towards the younger boy and beamed at him, making Jon stop breathing for a second and blush at how pretty his new friend looked smiling like that.

Unfortunately, the budding duo got interrupted early by the door being opened. Jason and Clark were startled to see their boys sitting together and chatting happily. Jason's breath caught on his throat at the scene. He had never seen Damian act more like the little boy he was than then.

"Dad!/Akhi!" Jon and Damian turned towards the door smiling, before turning to each other surprised. "That is your akhi?/Your father interviewed my akhi?" They paused for a second time, staring at each other before giggling. "Awesome!"

"Well, it seems that our kids are friends now," Clark turned to Jason and nudged him playfully.

"It seems like they are," Jason replied fondly. "Could you give me your contact information?" He asked before he could regret it. It might be hard keeping everything a secret from Superman, but if mini-supes can put a smile like that on his little brother's face, then everything is worth it. "That way they can stay in touch with each other."

"Of course!" Clark beamed, looking so much like his son at that moment.

Jason left Metropolis with an apple pie and Damian with a new best friend.


Jason started to believe that he was cursed, as things kept on going. He had planned not to get involved in the superhero community anymore. What happened to him? He gets interviewed by Clark Kent, aka Kal-El, aka Superman, in Metropolis, and invited to dinner with Lex Luthor, who by the way, is a fan as well. Then in Central City he gets interviewed by Iris West and in Star City he gets invited to dine with the Queens, because Dinah is a fan of all the underplays of psychological discussions in his storyline, and Oliver wanted to make his wife happy. And now! Now he was staring into the soulful blue eyes of a homeless, orphan Champion of Magic in Fawcett City.

"What did the wizard do now?" Jason sighed, making the boy before him flinch.

"Y-you know the wizard?!" The blue-eyed boy exclaimed.

Putting on a kind smile, Jason knelt. "I do. I can do magic like you after all."

"I can't really do magic," the boy shook his head. "Not on this form at least. Only when I say SHA… sorry, I can't say it now."

"SHAZAM right?" Jason smiled gently, chuckling at the boy's wide-eyed expression. The All-Caste has all kinds of information about magic. The Champion of Magic and the SHAZAM Wizard, being only some of it. However, Jason's smile turned into a frown when he realized something the boy had said. "Wait, you do not know magic? The Wizard put the responsibility of being the Champion of Magic on an underage boy, with no adult supervision, that has no idea of what is going on or how magic works? Has he lost his fu… fudging mind?!"

"I can do it!" The boy pouted, though he was still wondering what he had to do to begin with.

"I am sure you can," Jason replied honestly. "However, you should not have to. You are a kid, you should be focusing on school and having fun. Not life-threatening situations and magic."

"The Wizard said I passed the test of temptation, that the Seven Deadly Sins did not tempt me," the boy mumbled.

Which earned him a raised eyebrow and impressed expression from Jason. "That is quite the achievement. Almost no one can resist the Seven Deadly Sins, they are one of the oldest demonic entities for a reason. No matter how many times they are slayed, they always get a way to reform."

"You can slay them?!" The boy jumped on Jason in desperation. "Can you help me then? They possessed…" the boy frowned, needing Solomon to remind him the correct name. "Right! Doctor Thaddeus Bodog Sivana! They want the power of the Champion of Magic! And I… I don't know what I am doing!"

Jason stared at this scared and crying boy, barely containing his seething rage, as he wondered why adults always leave kids with their troubles. "I will take care of it," Jason assured him. "You have nothing to worry about."

"R-really?!" The boy sniffled.

"I am the last wielder of the All-Sword, Solomon and all the other Gods can tell you that taking care of demonic entities, like the Seven Deadly Sins, is in my job description," Jason informed him. "So, I am going to take you to my hotel room, where you will take a shower and my little brother will share some clothes with you. You will then order whatever you want from room service, and I will go and deal with the Doctor. Ok?" The boy looked ready to protest, in some misguided attempt to take care of the responsibilities of the Champion of Magic. But the Gods he now shared a body with, seem to have told him something and got him to agree with Jason's preposition. "Now, can you tell me your name? I am Jason Alexander Head."

"M-my name is William Joseph Batson, but call me Billy please," the boy presented himself shyly, all his bravado and Achilles courage gone.

"Batson?" Jason's smile froze on his face.

Black hair, blue eyes, and his last name is Batson. The universe was truly playing tricks with him now! He can never allow Bruce to meet Billy! He is quite literally bait-trap to the old man!

The first thing I will do is have Billy change his last name, Jason decided internally, as he guided Billy towards his hotel room. I can't have a kid with the last name Batson, that such too much!


"That was quick," Damian commented, as his akhi returned to their hotel room.

Billy and Damian were wearing matching pajamas, Damian's were green, while Billy's were gold. They were lying together in bed, with a plate of fries between them. French fries being the only greasy thing that Damian has decided to like from American food, anything else in his opinion was garbage. Much to the horror of Billy, who was a great defender of cheeseburgers.

"The Seven Deadly Sins were still weak from having only just woken up and the Doctor was weak," Jason grimaced in disgust. "It was a quick job. I erased the memories of the Rock of Eternity, the Wizard, and magic from his mind. Had an ambulance called on him and had him sent to the psych ward for some help. They believe he had a psychotic break. Maybe they will aid him move on from the loss of his father and brother." Jason sighed. "The Wizard got reckless lately, paranoid. He should have been more careful when summoning possible Champions. Or at least erased their memories from the summoning. Magic! This is a mess!" Jason took off his leather jacket and sat down on the chair beside the bed. He smiled at the nervous Billy, trying to calm the boy's nerves. "It's done. You have nothing to worry about. Well, about the Seven Deadly Sins that it. As they were simply accumulations of the sins of living beings, they will come back. They will be different demons then and it will take like a millennium, so it won't be up to you." Jason corrected himself. "Now, do you have anyone to stay with?" Billy was startled by the question. "Anyone I can call? Because if you do now, I would like to offer you a home with us," Jason turned to Damian, who nodded in agreement.

"Em… Solomon is advising me from staying around you," Billy answered shyly. "That you can educate me about magic, protect me when I am not in my Champion of Magic form and teach me how to protect myself as a mortal human." Billy looked at Jason shyly, before hesitantly asking. "Can you do that?"

"I can and I will," Jason nodded his head. "I finished my training with the All-Caste and have built up my own grimoire. I already put a basic grimoire for Dami, I can do the same for you. But I hope you hear me carefully. I will not allow you to do any more hero work or Champion of Magic wok until you are eighteen years old. Got it?"

"But…" Billy tried to protest, but Jason cut him off.

"You are ten years-old, no matter how old you look when you transform into the Champion of Magic form, your age does not change," Jason raised an eyebrow. "You are given powers, you have a responsibility, but the world has survived without a Champion of Magic until now, it can survive another eight years. Wonder Woman, Superman… Batman, did any of them go to the streets as ten years old?" Jason asked him and continued without waiting for an answer. "No, because that would be reckless. One needs to train their powers, their decision-making abilities. It takes a lot of training; it took me eight years to get to where I am. You have eight years now, focus on your duty."

"My duty?" Billy repeated confused.

"To grow, train, hone yourself, and learn," Damian answered for his akhi. Knowing that from a peer it would sound better than from an adult. "Just see those untrained underage "heroes". They think that simply because they've got powers that make them heroes. But they are untrained and reckless, they do not know what they are doing or how to react to situations half the time. Which leads to more destruction and even loss of life that could have been prevented if they had just allowed the respective forces to deal with it."

"Dami is right," Jason sighs. "The police and firefighters are there for a reason," unless you are in Gotham, and they are just corrupted as Hell. "If they cannot deal with it, let the other heroes do it. You will need to focus on magical situations. Magic knows there are many of them and not enough magic-specialized heroes as it is. You want to join a League? Joining the Justice League Dark, but other than world-ending crisis do not mix with the others. Like I do, I focus on what I specialized."

"Evil and demonic entity eradication," Billy repeated Solomon's words.

"There are many demons," Damian sighed. "Akhi had to deal with so many during the book tour."

"Do not anchor yourself to a city, even if it is the city, you live in. Magical occurrences pop up everywhere." Jason advised. Wishing that his new brother will never have the responsibility of saving a city, that weight will crush anyone- even great heroes like Batman and Superman. Better for Billy to just go from one magical disaster to the other. "Leave Fawcett City to the police and firefighters to do their job."

Billy looked conflicted. He wanted to help. His dad always said, do good and good will come your way. However, Solomon and Jason were right. The road to Hel is paved with good intentions. Good intentions are not enough if he cannot control his powers or knows how to use magic. Or what if some kind of magical creature pops up and he has no idea of what to do, because he literally knows nothing.

"Ok," Billy finally relented, much to everyone relief. "I will train and focus on my growth. But the moment I turned eighteen I will join you on the field!"

"I would have not expected anything less," Jason smiled warmly at Billy, bringing him and Damian into a hug. "Welcome to the family."

Billy held on tighter to his new brothers. He had brothers! A family! He had not been this happy in… forever. Maybe his dad was right, if you did good, good will come his way.


"Mr. Head, your papers seem to be in order," Billy's social worker, E.B Glover, commented. "You are young, but your finances are perfect, and your studies are commendable. Here it says that you got a new job."

"Yes, I had an interview with Fawcett University and got accepted as the new Creative Writing Professor," Jason answered politely, with his lawyer, a League of Assassins asset, next to him. This was serious business after all. "Plus, my work as an author, which I will continue on the side."

"That's impressive," Mrs. Glover hummed. "I've got nothing to protest the placing of Billy in your new home. Especially, since this is the first time he has not run away from an adult and even seems to be agreeable to staying with you. A miracle on its own! Though, I must inquire why you wish to homeschool him? I can see that it seems to be a family tradition, but young boys like Billy and your brother Damian need social interactions with children their age."

"We understand that" Ariana picked up for Jason he had been tasked by her Mistress Talia to aid her sons and she will not fail. If worse came to happen, Mrs. Glover could always end up having an accident and a more willing social worker can be placed in charge of Prince William's case. "Having young William homeschool will allow him to catch up to his peers, as he had been homeless for a while." Which was real, but it also gave Prince Jason the opportunity to start adding to his physical and magical training, and him trying to control his new powers without hurting anyone.

"Young Damian is also homeschooled because he was too smart, and we did not want him to get bullied." Not that insipid civilians could even match with the splendor of Prince Damian, he was Mistress Talia's son after all. But better to have him educated by Prince Jason, rather than infected by the ineptitude of the American school system. "However, you are right, social interactions are important, which is why young Damian is going to volunteer in the animal shelter with Mr. Head and enter the Art Institute in Fawcett City for his extracurricular activities." Which of course was being overseen by a League of Assassins' assets, who would give him private lessons in forgeries and a more elevated education of art and culture than normal civilians would have.

"While young William would volunteer in the soup kitchen with Mr. Head and be signed up under a coach to train his skateboarding professionally to do tricks and maybe enter competitions." Another League asset who would instruct the future Prince William on how to blend in the masses and pursue or lose a pursuer while skateboarding, a perfect method of transportation for someone as young as the boy.

Mrs. Glover took the papers and forms Jason's lawyer had handed her and hummed. "All seems in order. We've already checked out your home, and it is more than ideal for children to live in." Mrs. Glover looked up to smile warmly at the two of them. "Congratulations, your Foster Parent permit and the placement of William Joseph Batson has been granted to you."

Jason smiled in relief at her words, while Ariana frowned slightly. "What about our request to adopt young William?"

"We will review that issue in half a year, we would like to see first how Billy assimilates to living with Mr. Head," Mrs. Glover answered firmly, gaze not wavering as he locked eyes with the pretty redhead lawyer. Mrs. Glover knew lawyers like her, who believed that they could walk over anyone because of their position. Luckily, Mr. Head seems to be more levelheaded and a good fit for Billy. "I will be coming to your house for monthly surprise visits."

To Mrs. Glover's warning Jason simply smiled. "Come for dinner time one of your visits, we would love to have you over. Thank you for your time and all the care you've given Billy."

"Take good care of our boy, Mr. Head. I am trusting you," Mrs. Glover shook his hand firmly.

"I will," Jason promised seriously, as both Ariana and Jason walked out of the office. "That went better than expected. Thanks for all the help, Ari."

"Don't mention it," Ariana smiled at her prince. The prince that has had her back since day one in Nanda Parbat. The one who vouched for her with Mistress Talia and gave her the opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer, but also kept her as an asset for the League. "My deepest apology for not granting you Prince William's full guardianship." Maybe Ariana should start planning an accident for Mrs. Glover to happen after all.

"Do not worry," Jason waved it away. "If anything, I am glad that Mrs. Glover was so throughout. It means that Billy has a good social worker that puts him first, over rich influential adults."

It seems that you get to live for another day Mrs. Glover, Ariana grumbled internally.

"Akhi," Damian smiled greeting his brother, from where he was waiting and sitting next to Billy. "Ariana," he bowed at the assassin/lawyer that used to form part of his akhi's squad. "Is it done?"

Jason laughed as Damian did not even ask if everything went all right or if there was any issue and went straight to ask if they were done with it all. Jason loved how much confidence and trust Damian gave him.

He knelt beside a clearly nervous Billy and smiled widely. "It's done. You are now my foster kid." Billy's eyes widened in happiness, and he jumped into Jason's waiting arms. "You are family, always and forever."


Nestled within a tranquil neighborhood, Talia's gift seamlessly merged old-world charm with modern luxuries. The five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom home the new Demon Head had gifted her boys, was breathtaking. Its exterior had a timeless architecture, while, indoors, a blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary comforts creates an inviting ambiance.

The living spaces are adorned with elegant crown molding and rich hardwood floors that guide you through the rooms. Sunlight cascades through large windows, illuminating each corner with a warm glow.

The heart of the home is the kitchen, meticulously updated with top-of-the-line appliances that coexist harmoniously with vintage-inspired cabinetry. With a large island and a cozy breakfast nook.

The attic was transformed by Jason into a refined library, which offers a haven for book enthusiasts. A reading and study area provides solitude for the kids to study, while a dedicated writing spot offered Jason a serene cocoon for penning his literary creations and to grade papers.

Outside, in the back, a lush garden spread. An oasis of vibrant flowers and well-manicured lawns. The centerpiece is a sparkling pool and the outdoor entertainment area, complete with a pergola-shaded patio.

Yet, the surprises don't end there. Beneath the house lies an underground realm—an enigmatic training area brimming with magic. Here, Jason honed his skills and instructed Damian and Billy in a specialized quarters designed for both physical and mystical development. The training area exuded an aura of mysticism, fostering growth and transformation.

At the moment, Jason was fully focusing on his computer, typing away the next book of his novel. The Risen only had 250 pages left to be done with and Esperanza could not be happier. However, any writing Jason had planned for that night got interrupted by Damian and Billy barging into the library.

"What's all this racket?" Jason sighed, raising an eyebrow as his two little brothers stood before him, almost vibrating impatiently.

"Show akhi," Damian demanded, as Billy giddily gave Jason a pendant.

Jason's breath caught on his throat as he recognized the pendant. It was an exact copy of the pendant Damian and Jason wore, gold, but instead of a ruby or emerald it had a diamond. Engraved on the gold chain, in the League of Assassin's dialect was written: Always and Forever.

"Well, it looks like T has accepted you," Jason smiled warmly at Billy, who was blushing pleased. "You are an al Ghul now. Always and Forever."

"Always and Forever," Billy whispered in awe. "I like that…"

After one last smile, Jason turned to Damian. "Now, what's gotten into you?"

"Jon has invited me to stay the night in his grandparents'' farm. It's called a sleepover, akhi. He has cows," Damian emphasized, eyes widening in excitement. Jason will never get tired of watching him act his age. "When informed that I now have another brother, he invited William as well. Can we go and stay with them this weekend?"

"I will contact Clark and see if he was aware of this plan," Jason chuckled. "But if he says yes, I cannot think a reason for you not to."


"Here's some Kanafeh," Jason smiled politely as he handed the plate to Lois, while the boys were helping around the farm with the Kent grandparents. Much to Damian's delight who won over the Kent grandparents by helping them with the animals, though Damian did not see it as helping more like having a good time. "It's an Arabic sweet cheese pastry, one of Dami's favorites. I hope you like it."

"I'm sure we will," Clark smiled back. "It seems that I take my eyes off you for a second and you pop up with another dark-haired boy with blue eyes, just like a friend of mine!"

Jason tensed at the subtle mention of Batman, before rapidly unclenching his body. "Well, I do not know how much research you've done of my past," Jason began, taking a seat by the table.

"Only that you were homeschooled and fast-tracked throughout your university career," Lois answered, sitting in front of him and next to her husband. "Quite impressive honestly."

"Thank you," Jason smiled proudly, before a sad expression overtook his face. "You see, I was an orphan, homeless like Billy used to be. I had a… horrible accident. Umi took me in afterwards and helped me get the help I needed. I wanted to help Billy, the way I was helped."

"No child should be in the streets," Clark sighed sadly, mind in another homeless boy that was taken from them way too soon.

"And yet, so many are," Jason replied drily, before shaking his head. "I was so angry. Blaming everyone and life for all the horrors I was inflicted on. Umi pushed me to pursue my passions. Writing became quite cathartic."

"You are the boy that died and hunted his father. Though, in your case it would be your mother," Lois deduced shrewdly.

"That's the top investigator reporter in the Daily Planet for you!" Jason laughed, before turning to Clark and shrugging. "No offense."

"None taken," Clark laughed, looking at his wife with love and pride. "She has won two Pulitzers."

"The dad is your umi, and the older brother is your little brother, Damian, right?" Lois continued, paying the boys no attention, she had her theories and needed to know if they were right.

"Mmm" Jason hummed, allowing her to make the wrong deduction. Better that way, than having her link him to Jason Todd. "All the best writers pull inspiration from their lives into their work. Though, I added a lot of supernatural occurrences and some creative liberty with my character's story lines… then, is it really supernatural? We live in a world where aliens, magic, and demons exist. So, you can now a days my genre should not exist."

"Nah, I always love a good horror novel," Lois replied cheekily. "I quite like your genre right where it is."

"I pegged you to be more of a mystery person," Jason commented, though he already knew her preferences- she had read him, in secret that is, many horror stories while she and Clark had babysat him when he was a kid.

"That's a job sweetie," Lois laughed. "Now, how far along is The Risen? I cannot wait for your next novel!"

"Luckily for you, I only have a little over 200 pages left," Jason assured her, much to Lois delight who squealed. "It should be coming out by the end of the year and if I keep at to my schedule."

"Did you know that Jon tried to sneak into our room to read your book?" Clark shared in amusement.

Jason raised an eyebrow. "He did?"

"Yeah, he did not believe it was ok for him not to have read his best friend's brother's book," Lois giggled. "He was quite disappointed when we told him he was too young to read it, but we did tell him the summarized story. We did make sure not to mention the more… intense scenes."

"Good, I do not want to get sued for traumatizing children," Jason snorted.

The boy smiled at the couple, as they continued to talk. It was peaceful, domestic. This was Jason's new life.

He could get used to it.