Chapter 25: Restoration of Hope:
Tonight Jason decided to stand on the side of his former mentor not as the man he once was, but as the vigilante known as Red Hood. The darkness that once clouded his judgment has been lifted, and he now walked a path of redemption and justice.
As he enters the asylum to confront the remaining militia members under Scarecrow's twisted command, he hoped to do so with a clear purpose—to rid this city of the evil that threatens to consume it. While Poison works tirelessly to save Batman's life from the clutches of Scarecrow, Jason was tirelessly reminded of his own past sins, of the choices he made that brought him to this moment.
Yes, he tried to end Batman's life once, blinded by anger and grief. But tonight, he chose fight not against him, but alongside him from a metaphorical standpoint, united in their goal to protect the innocent and bring order and peace to the cesspool of a city known as Gotham.
As Jason faces the challenges ahead, he carried with him the weight of his past, the lessons learned from his mistakes, even the sick and twisted year and change of the Joker's torture, and finally the unwavering determination to make things right. The road ahead may be dark and treacherous, but the former Robin walked it with purpose and resolve, knowing that with each step, Jason was one step closer to redemption.
As Jason began reflecting on the tumultuous journey that has shaped him into the person he was today, he could not stop thinking and reminiscing about his time as Robin.
He cannot help but recall the horrors he endured at the hands of The Joker. The torture, the pain, the betrayal—it all seemed insurmountable at the time. He harbored a deep-seated hatred for his former mentor, Batman, for failing to save him from the clutches of evil.
But as he stood here today, guns loaded, Jason also came across another terrible ghost from his past. L
One of the many, many secret torture rooms The Joker held him captive in...
In this abandoned secret room where The Joker once tormented him, Jason realized that he could no longer be defined by the past. He refused to allow the memories of that year-long ordeal to consume him. Instead, he chose to focus on the lessons learned, the strength gained, and the resilience that now courses through his veins. The former Robin looked back with regret on the grave mistake he made in unleashing his former Militia, who now serve under Scarecrow's command, and we even more disgusting creatures than when they were under his leadership.
Jason had deep regrets for unleashing these terrible monsters into the city he once vowed to protect with his life. The consequences of his actions weigh heavily on his conscience, but he refused to be shackled by guilt and regret.
He will face his demons head-on, confront his past mistakes, and strive to make amends wherever possible. Tonight, as he reflect on his journey from darkness to light, from pain to redemption, Jason stand before before the people of Gotham as a survivor—a warrior who refuses to be defined by his scars. The Joker may have tried to break him, but he failed.
I am Jason Todd, the fucking Red Hood,and I will not be defeated by anyone was what Jason said to himself inside his head as he lit a match and set fire to his 'old room'.
Jason would BURN all the bridges to his past and be reborn in the future. Jason left behind the blazing flames of his old torturing grounds in the Arkham Mansion and continued to stalk and look for any signs of Scarecrow's cronies.
"WHO THE HELL IS THIS GUY?! HOW'D HE GET PAST CRANE AND INTO THE MANSION?!"
"I DON'T FUCKING KNOW! WHO CARES! SHOOT HIM!" The endless horde of Militia members began opening large rounds of ammunition towards the brutal enemy who only made himself known as The Red Hood.
In the intense and gruesome gunfight, the Militia witness a chilling display of brutality as Jason Todd, aka the Red Hood, unleashes his ruthless vengeance upon Scarecrow's Militia soldiers. With a heart filled with rage and a mind consumed by thoughts of retribution, justice, and peace, Jason shows no mercy as he systematically takes down each and every one of his former colleagues turned enemies with deadly precision.
As the battle rages on in the war-torn Arkham Mansion of Arkham Asylum, Jason's combat skills are put to the ultimate test as he faces wave after wave of heavily armed soldiers. With his expert marksmanship and lightning-fast reflexes, he moves with a cold and calculated efficiency, dispatching his foes with lethal force.
But what sets Jason apart from other vigilantes and other heroes such as Superman, his former mentor Batman, and Wonder Woman is his lack of remorse or regret for his actions. With a haunted past and a deep-seated desire for revenge against those who wronged him, this city and its innocent people Jason shows no hesitation in taking the lives of those who stand in his way. Each gunshot and each blow delivered is executed with a chilling sense of detachment, as if he has become a force of nature, unstoppable and unyielding in his pursuit of justice.
One bullet connected so well, one soldier's entire head exploded. Another Militiamen's three fingers were blown off. Quickly more and more soldiers were either dropping dead immediately or fatally wounded and would later succumb to internal or external bleeding.
As the body count rises and the carnage mounts, Jason's actions serve as a stark reminder to any and all evil does the consequences of their unchecked actions and unchecked power. His path of destruction leaves a trail of devastation in its wake, a grim testament to the darkness and new realities that lie within him.
In the end, as the last of Scarecrow's Militia soldiers in the Warden's old office fall before him, Jason stands alone amidst the chaos, a solitary figure bathed in the glow of the city's burning skyline. With a steely gaze and a heart filled with resolve, he knows that his mission is far from over.
For Jason Todd, the former Arkham Knight, the current Red Hood the battle for justice is a never-ending war, one that he will fight with all his strength and all his fury until the bitter end. Jason prepares to make his exit to the next area of the Mansion to cleanse it of the Militia for good.
"Who...the...hell are you?!"
Red Hood coldly turned around at one of his many former disciples. Walking over the pools of blood and broken, battered and dead bodies, he inched closer and closer to the last remaining Militia soldier in the room.
"Your worst fucking nightmare." Was all he had to say.
"What?!"
"Do me a favor, tell Joker I said hi and ask him how it is in hell."
"NO, WAIT!"
Bang!
Red Hood, formerly the commander of the Militia, shoots and kills one of his former comrades with a bullet to the skull after embracing a new path of vengeance, justice, and becoming a reborn hero.
This act symbolizes Jason's break from his past life and his commitment to his new mission. However, despite reawakening his oath to protect the innocent in Gotham, Jason knew that he can never have a proper relationship or reconnection with Batman and the rest of the Bat Family. His beliefs of truth and justice would definitely not align with Bruce, Tim or Barbara so all of that went right down the goddamn toilet.
Although despite swearing to cut all ties with his former family and friends, Jason still secretly plans to visit Alfred, the one member of the Bat Family he truly loves and cares about, as Alfred has always been kind and provided guidance during his darkest days before being kidnapped and tortured by the Joker. Jason's complex dynamics within the Bat Family and the conflicting emotional experiences in his quest for Justice was a pain in his ass, but it was necessary for the good of the people of Gotham.
Now that all of the Militia members present in this part of the Mansion were finished, he could continue down his path to cleanse Gotham of his biggest sin once and for all.
Back in front of the Mansion's main hall, Crane and Ivy were fighting against each other with the defenseless Batman strapped to a gurney, only helplessly watching on.
"Doctor Isley, you're not Poison Ivy" Crane gravely said, kneeing her in the face with his knee brace while Batman watched in horror.
In a dramatic showdown, Poison Ivy faces off against Scarecrow to save Batman and free him from Crane's captivity. As she battles the fear-inducing villain, Ivy finds herself reflecting on her deepening romantic feelings for the Dark Knight. Spiting her former disdain for humanity, Ivy realizes how much she cares for Batman and how he represents a beacon of hope in the darkness of Gotham.
During the intense fight with Scarecrow, Ivy's emotions run high as she recalls the atrocities committed by Gotham's super criminals including herself formerly, and particularly the deceased Joker. She is fueled by a mix of love for Batman and hatred for those who have brought chaos and suffering to the city. As she fights to protect Batman and defeat Scarecrow, Ivy grapples with conflicting emotions, torn between her fierce loyalty to Batman, her desire to help rid Gotham of its most dangerous villains, and her never ending disdain for Scarecrow.
Ultimately, Ivy's determination and bravery shine through as she overcomes her inner turmoil and focuses on trying to save Batman and foil Scarecrow's sinister plans. Her actions not only demonstrate her unwavering devotion to the Dark Knight but also highlight her complex and restored humanity, capable of both great love and compassion for the innocent and her great hatred in the face of adversity from her former fellow villains.
Ivy groaned and could feel herself bleeding somewhere on her face, although she didn't care to much about it at the moment. All that mattered to her was stopping Scarecrow and saving Batman, Commissioner Gordon had managed take the injured and dying Robin outside of the Mansion to try and radio in for backup and medical care, leaving Batman, Ivy and Crane inside much to Gordon's reluctance and Batman's reassurance.
Unfortunately for Ivy, Crane had more annoying dialogue. "I know your deepest fear Doctor Isley, you're afraid of dying helpless as any man or any woman. You're afraid of being powerless without your precious plants."
"Watch yourself Ivy!" Batman shouted from his gurney, now trying to break free.
Crane then proceeded to kick Ivy so hard, she went flying across the room. "You know Miss Isley, you've always fascinated me even before we became bitter enemies. Your gifted abilities were...fascinating. And your power was unrivaled to the point where even I, the master of Fear and psychology, nearly deduced that you were fearless. But that all changed tonight. When I took away your power, when I took away your plants, and WHEN I SOON take your life, I finally realized that no being is immune to fear. Not you, not Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman or any other being! HERO OR SO CALLED VILLAIN. When I'm done here, I'll reign down fear, chaos and death upon Gotham, Metropolis, Star City, Central City, New York, The rest of New Jersey and all over the world!"
Crane went for another kick, which was blocked by Ivy. "You talk to much!"
In a fit of rage, Poison Ivy lunged at Scarecrow, her vines wrapping around him like a deadly serpent. But Scarecrow was prepared. With a swift motion, he unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks, each blow fueled by his own twisted fear and hatred.
With a maniacal cackle, Scarecrow reveled in his victory, relishing the thought of finally breaking the Bat once and for all. And he would break Poison Ivy now soon.
As Crane gloated over his captive, a sudden motion upon the floor caught his attention. The newly heroic Poison Ivy still would not stay down and be defeated, and she was still very much determined to rescue Batman from his evil clutches.
"Why must you fight this, Doctor Isley?" Asked Crane as he slowly revealed a Bowie Knife from a pouch on his outfit. "You know you cannot win this. You can't fight fear no matter how hard you try. Whether you want to believe it or not, Fear is an every staple," Crane immediately plunged the knife into the thigh of Ivy, causing her to screech out into immediate pain. Seconds later, her green blood began leaking out from the wound.
As the battle raged on, Batman watched helplessly from his strapped gurney prison, his heart heavy with guilt for the danger his allies faced on his behalf. Despite all hope seeming lost, he continued trying everything he could to break free from his restraints to save Ivy.
Meanwhile Crane kept on elbowing, kicking and even outright punching Ivy in the face. "And now...it's time for you to truly understand what happens when you try and combat the master of fear itself." Crane readied his syringes of Fear Toxin. Forcefully grabbing the weakened Ivy, he then aggressively forced every single ounce of Fear Toxin he possibly could into the body of Poison, hoping to permanently break her or worse.
Mentally, Ivy grinned and laughed. Damned fool. She said to herself. What Crane did not realize was that the plant spores contained inside of her body were preventing the toxin from having any effect on her, and being that it was nowhere near the city wide amount she had sucked up earlier this evening, that meant that Crane's ass now belonged to Poison Ivy.
"I must admit Doctor Isley, even with my vast knowledge and brilliance, I did not expect your strong resilience and determination to overcome your fears. I must add, you and Batman are...odd, I before I end your lives, I will thoroughly enjoy breaking you...I will give you the honor of your final words, Pamela, should you have any of course?"
"Yes," Ivy said, albeit defiantly.
"And what may that be?" Crane asked, casually and calmly.
"Your poisonous garbage doesn't work on me in small and normal amounts!"
"WHAT?!" Realizing his mistake, Scarecrow out of desperation and shock kicked Ivy across the floor once more, but this one didn't hurt Ivy as much since Crane now wasn't as focused and calculated. The psychological obsessed psychopath instead readied his Beretta to end her life with a bullet.
Ivy needed to be quick and precise about her timing because even the smallest mistake or hesitation could cost her life. Ivy slowly began growing her arm vine. It lied in wait, like a snake, ready to strike.
Crane scoffed and then fired his gun. Ivy struck immediately thereafter, swatting away Crane's gun, narrowly avoiding death. "Now, You're mine." Ivy said with full disdain for the man that caused so much death and destruction in the span of a single night.
But what neither party failed to realize was where the stray bullet had gone.
Directly into one of Batman's restraints...Amidst the chaos, a fortuitous event occurs – one of Scarecrow's gunshots accidentally hits Batman's restraints, offering him a glimmer of hope to escape.
The Dark Knight, without hesitation immediately began capitalizing on his sudden glimmer of hope in breaking free and helping Ivy.
Meanwhile, Jason Todd, burdened by his past sins and seeking redemption, arrives at the scene. As the former Arkham Knight, he has tumultuously turned against his militia, killing the last of his former troops in a harsh rejection of his previous life.
In a symbolic gesture of change and loyalty, Jason drops Batman's utility belt through a hole in one of the shattered windows, aiming for Bruce to catch it. Unbeknownst to him, the situation inside is much more dire, with Ivy fiercely battling Scarecrow.
What the hell? Jason thought. The old man would've easily caught that on instinct, the hell's going on in there?
Jason looks closer to fully grasp the situation between Scarecrow, Batman and apparently Poison Ivy as well. And if Jason didn't know any better he would think that she's actually trying to SAVE Bruce.
Jason takes in the chaotic scene, his mind racing with emotions – guilt over his past actions, the desire for redemption, and the newly kindled hope of saving his mentor. The conflict within him is palpable as he witnesses the struggle between Ivy and Scarecrow, realizing the gravity of the situation. But what he was conflicted about was what he should do in that very moment.
Should he kill Crane? Ivy? Or kill both Crane and Ivy and then save Bruce? After all, Poison Ivy was one of if not the most manipulative and seductive person in all of Gotham.
All of this was just a little too much for the newly formed Red Hood. For now, Jason would stalk and lie in wait, letting the opportunity to get involved come to him naturally, like with everything else that has happened tonight.
A/N's: Haven't updated in a while and would've loved to post more but life and work hit and I'm sure most of you can relate to that. Anywho, 25 Chapters in and I must add this is one of my favorite stories I've had the privilege of writing, brainstorming and creating.
We're almost there YALL! The end of Arkham Knight Incident and the culmination of Scarecrow and Ivy's battle with Jason watching from afar and Batman nearly free!
With that being said, have fun, stay safe and be good people :)
