"Something wrong?" Tim asked Kon, tensing up as soon as he realized that something had caught the attention of Kon's super senses.
"Nothing wrong… there are just two more kids in Clark's apartment," Kon informed his best friend with a thoughtful look. "They must be Jon's friends, Dami and Billy."
"Jon's friends from Fawcett City?" Jaime wondered, while Bart's eyes widened in recognition, though he made sure to keep his mouth shut and his body language silent. Luckily for him, most of their team's bat attention was on Superboy.
"Yes, he can't shut up about them," Kon laughed, as he continued to guide them towards the Kent's apartment. "Especially, after their sleepover at the Kent's farm last year."
"Let them be," Cassie chided her boys, as they were entering the apartment.
Tim focused his attention, noticing that the apartment looked the same as it did last time he had been there, with the exception of two sketches framed on the living-room wall. The first one was of the Kent grandparents on the Kent Farm, while the second one was of Lois and Clark in front of the Daily Planet building. Both couples had their arms around each other and looked so happy. The sketches were beautifully done, the pencil lines done with so much care and attention to detail, that even without color it made of feel as if the sketch was coming to life. Each sketch had the initials D.A.H written on the right bottom corner.
"It's so good to see you," Lois greeted them with a smile and hugs. "How's San Francisco?"
"Keeping us busy," Cassie answered with a smile of her own. "Kon told us that there are two guests here."
"Yes, which means we don't get to talk about our other activities," Clark warned them as he entered the living-room. He went to hug Kon, who with whom he had a better relationship now, than he had before. "They are the civilian younger brothers of Jason Head."
"Jason Alexander Head? As in the award-winning young author?" Tim asked, shocked beyond belief. "I love his work! A Death in the Family and The Risen have become two of my favorite books!"
Clark chuckled at his best friend's son's eagerness. "The very same. Right now, he is in a book tour in the Middle East and left Damian and Billy here to babysit."
Tim squealed. "He is the best! The rights for A Death in the Family were recently bought by Warner Bros and Jason Head will be adapting the script! I just can't wait for it to be in theaters! It will be awesome!"
As Tim continued to gush over Jason Head and his work, his team turned to look at him fondly while Lois went to get the three little boys to present them to the Teen Titans. Lois smiled when she opened the door of Jon's room, the three boys were playing on the Play Station, cheering each other on. Her eyes lingered on the framed sketch over Jon's bed, it was a sketch made by Damian of the three of them when Jon had paid them all a visit in Fawcett City for a sleepover. It had turned into Jon's most prized possession.
"Children," Lois called them out. Billy, being the responsible older one, stopped the game, even as Damian and Jon protested, and they all turned towards her. "Kon is here, and he brought some of his friends over. Why don't you come out to say hi?"
"Kon is here!" Jon jumped on his feet beaming, he then turned to Damian, first like always, and then to Billy, before dragging them out. "Come on! I can't wait to introduce you all!"
Lois chuckled as she followed the eager trio, she got to the living room just in time to hear Billy present himself as William Joseph Head, but please call me Billy. She smiled as Jon and Billy were socializing with the Teen Titans quite excitedly, but frowned when she noticed how tense Damian was around Tim. Which was weird, because even though Damian was more reserved than Billy, he had quite a welcoming charm when socializing with others.
As much as Damian wanted, he could not act as good as he had been taught. This was after all the replacement of his adored akhi. His akhi might no longer want revenge on the new Robin, but he was still hurt about how fast their father had replaced him with Timothy. With that in mind, Damian had decided to make Timothy into his enemy. He will not get along with him, no matter how smart he is. No, he will not.
Not that Billy even realized what was going on through his brother's mind. No, he was simply quite happy to meet the Teen Titans, even though they were unaware of the fact that Billy and Damian knew their identities. They were superheroes after all!
However, Bart knew who these two young boys were. Who their older brother was. They were the magical trio that will take the superhero community by storm and headed the war against The Reach with the Justice League Dark. Earth held on for so long because of them. Now Bart looked at the two young boys and wondered how such fierce magical warriors came to be from such cute kids.
Bart wondered, now that The Reach had been stopped, how much it had changed their futures? Will they take on the responsibilities of being a superhero? Or will they be normal civilians? Either way, Bart can't wait to see what will become of his favorite heroes.
The bookstore, nestled in a charming corner of Paris, was adorned with warm, ambient lighting that cast a soft, inviting glow over the entire space. Shelves upon shelves of books surrounded the eager crowd, creating an atmosphere of literary enchantment. His latest novel had garnered international acclaim, and the anticipation in the air was palpable as fans lined up outside the store, clutching their copies of The Risen.
Jason, dressed in a stylish yet understated suit, sat at the long table adorned with stacks of his books. His striking presence drew the attention of the crowd, and the excited chatter of fans filled the air. As he signed each book with a personalized message, he couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment. Writing had always been his sanctuary, his way of making sense of the world.
The book signing event in Paris was a dream come true, and as he sat at the elegant wooden table, he couldn't help but be overwhelmed by a rush of emotions. It was a moment of pure awe and disbelief, a realization that his lifelong passion for writing had brought him to this pinnacle of success.
The event had drawn a diverse crowd, from dedicated fans who had followed his career from the beginning to newcomers who had been captivated by his recent work. A group of college students whispered excitedly among themselves, clutching their freshly purchased books. An elderly lady stood patiently in line, her arms laden with multiple copies of Jason's novel, each intended for a different family member. She was a testament to the power of his storytelling to bridge generations.
Esperanza, the Head Editor of the Horror Department at his publishing company, stood beside him, her eyes sparkling with pride and joy. Her unwavering support and collaboration had played a significant role in the success of The Risen, and they shared a sense of accomplishment that transcended words.
Jason greeted each fan with genuine warmth, taking the time to engage in conversations, sign their books, and even pose for photos. He listened intently as readers shared their thoughts and interpretations of his work, and their enthusiasm was contagious. Some fans shyly admitted that his novels had inspired them to pursue their own writing dreams.
As he signed book after book, Jason's heart swelled with gratitude. It was a moment he had dreamed of since he had first put pen to paper as a child, a moment that had felt distant and unattainable during his early struggles as a street kid and later after having come back to life. Now, his books were not only popular but had touched the lives of people from all walks of life.
The realization that he had become one of the best-selling authors in his publishing company filled him with a profound sense of accomplishment. It was a testament to the years of dedication, creativity, and perseverance he had poured into his craft. The world of literature had embraced him, and he couldn't have been more grateful.
As the event continued, Jason couldn't help but think of all the stories he had yet to tell, the adventures waiting to be written, and the readers whose lives he hoped to touch. This book signing event was not just a celebration of his past work; it was a promise of more stories to come, more dreams to fulfill, and more hearts to capture with the magic of words.
The event went smoothly, with Jason engaging in pleasant conversations with his readers, sharing insights about his writing process, and even exchanging a few smiles and laughs. But as the night grew darker, he felt a familiar restlessness gnawing at him.
When the signing event finally concluded, Jason excused himself from the adoring crowd, promising Esperanza to see her tomorrow. However, instead of heading back to his hotel, he made his way to a discreet alley nearby. There, hidden from prying eyes, he swiftly changed into his Red Ghoul attire—a golden and crimson ensemble that concealed his identity.
Jason had another mission tonight, one that he has been trying to fulfill during his many book tours since day one—one that few knew about. He had taken it upon himself to locate and neutralize the dangerous Lazarus Pits that were scattered around the world, a mission he had inherited from his former mentor and mother, Talia al Ghul. It was a responsibility he took seriously, knowing the potential for destruction that these ancient pools held.
In the dimly lit underground catacombs of Paris, Red Ghoul located one of the hidden Lazarus Pits. The eerie green liquid within the pit glowed ominously, and he wasted no time in taking out the All-Sword and stabbing the pit, burning away the demonic powers in the pool. The reaction was immediate, and the pit's deadly properties were rendered inert.
Just as he was about to move on to the next location, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness. It was Nyssa al Ghul, Jason's aunt, though he had never spent time with her alone, and a formidable warrior in her own right. Her presence was unexpected but not unwelcome.
"Jason," Nyssa greeted him with a nod, her tone carrying a mixture of respect and curiosity. "Or should I call you Red Ghoul."
"Nyssa," Jason replied, acknowledging her. "Please, while I am wearing this attire call me Red Ghoul. What brings you here?"
Nyssa stepped closer; her eyes fixed on the now neutralized Lazarus Pit. "I've been following your actions, Red Ghoul. You've taken up the mantle of eradicating these pits, you have no idea how proud you've made us. My father's power in the League started to crumble with each pit he lost, making it easier for us to take control over the organization. With each pit that is eradicated, the chance of father coming back to life is lowered. And that… that is quite a relief. We are finally free."
Jason's expression was solemn. "I don't want these pits to fall into the wrong hands. Too much pain and destruction has been caused by their misuse."
Nyssa nodded in agreement. "My father's obsession with immortality led to his downfall. He became a tyrant, consumed by his own ambitions.
Jason could empathize with Nyssa's sentiment. "Family can be both a source of strength and weakness. I know that better than most." His mind was in not only Batman but also Catherine, Willis, and Shelia. Too many times he has been burned.
"Talia has provided me with information about a dark artifact hidden in Quroc," Nyssa explained. Jason was intrigued by the small, encrypted data chip Nyssa had handed him. "It's a dangerous relic that must be contained. I thought you might be interested."
Jason accepted the data chip, his curiosity piqued. "I appreciate the intel, Nyssa. I'll look into it." With a nod of acknowledgment, Nyssa melted back into the shadows, leaving Jason alone in the catacombs. "I have a book signing event nearby in about a week. I'll pass by and see what I can do about it. It's not like one dark artifact will cause me any trouble."
Famous last words.
So, the artifact was easy peasy. Now the soldiers shooting at Jason were another issue all together.
"Fucking Hell!" Jason cursed as he dodged.
He dodged bullet after bullet, as he dragged Arsenal through the Quroc prison. Jason had taken a break from his book tour when he felt the presence of some cursed object in a nearby country. Well, technically it had been the All-Sword who had felt it. So, as his Job entailed, he searched for that object and destroyed it.
However, Jason had not expected to find Roy Harper of all people! It did not matter how many speeches he had given Billy about leaving the hero work to the hero community and focus on magic, there was no way Jason would just leave Roy imprisoned. Street kids need to stick together! Also, he and Kory had been the only ones to treat him fairly when he had been Robin.
Jason shook his head, chasing the memory of Kidflash telling him there would only be one Robin, away. He then turned to Arsenal and cursed when he noticed the bleeding shoulder.
"You've been hit! Fuck!" Jason cursed.
"Way to state the obvious," Roy grunted in pain.
"Let me see that," Jason moved Roy, making him cry out in pain. "Good the bullet is out. It means I can do this."
"Do what?" Roy asked warily.
The unknown man might have saved his life, but he was still a stranger. With his red assassin grabs, with golden accents and mask, it did not exude trust. For a second, Roy had thought Jade had sent a League ally other to save him. But the thought vanished as soon as it came, why would she save him when he had let their daughter die?
Sweet Lian... his poor princess...
Arsenal was so focused on his mourning, that he did not notice the guy until he was chanting. "Vulnera Sanetar."
Arsenal hissed, but watched in awe as his wound was stitched back together. "Awesome..."
"The wonders of magic," Jason huffed, smirking under his mask. "Can you keep on going?"
"It takes more than a bullet wound to take down a Titan," Arsenal boasted with a smirk that would have made young Jason blush. "Who even are you?"
Jason froze for a second, wondering how to answer that, in case information leaked out to the Justice League. He needed an answer that would give Batman the incrimination he would be looking for his link to the League of Assassins. But also, an answer that would get the Justice League Dark to tell Batman to back-off and that al Ghul or not, Jason was not his business.
At the end, Jason answered. "I am Red Ghoul, Talia al Ghul's son and wielder of the All-Sword."
"Talia al Ghul has a son?!" Roy exclaimed, eyes widening in shock. She has three now, Jason corrected internally, but kept it to himself. "And what the fuck is the All-Sword?"
"Ask the Justice League Dark when you get back," Jason snapped shortly, as he heard the enemy approaching. "Now, we need to get to safety."
Jason and Arsenal had only met a few hours ago, at least in Arsenal's case, but the urgency of their situation had forged an unspoken bond between them. The enemy, relentless and well-trained, was hot on their heels as they sprinted through the dimly lit alleyways of a gritty urban landscape.
As they ran, Jason took the lead. His leather-clad form moved with the agility and precision of a trained acrobat. He glanced back at Arsenal. "Keep up," Jason hissed, his voice low and gritty. "We need to find a place to lay low until they lose our trail."
Arsenal nodded, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His wounds might have been magically healed, but that did nothing to fix his exhaustion. The two of them darted down narrow alleys, Jason occasionally tossing a smoke bomb behind them to obscure their pursuers' vision.
In a narrow passageway, Jason and Arsenal suddenly found themselves facing a dead-end. Panic threatened to take hold, but Jason's mind raced, searching for an escape. Just as the enemy closed in, he spotted an old, rusty fire escape ladder leading to a second-floor window.
"Up there!" Jason yelled, and without hesitation, they sprinted toward the ladder. Arsenal followed Jason's lead, trusting his new ally's instincts.
With a burst of strength and agility, Jason leaped onto the ladder and began to climb. Arsenal, still a step behind, struggled to keep up. The enemy was closing in fast, and their footsteps echoed ominously in the narrow alley.
Jason reached the window first, wrenching it open with a metallic creak. He reached down and grabbed Arsenal's arm, pulling him through the window just as the enemy arrived at the dead-end, frustration evident in their shouts.
Inside, they found themselves in a dimly lit, decrepit apartment. It was clear that the League of Assassins had used this place as a safe house at some point. The room was filled with dusty old furniture and had an air of abandonment.
Jason closed the window silently and moved to barricade the door, blocking it with a heavy dresser. "We're safe for now," he said, his voice steadier but still tense.
"Thanks for the save, man!" Roy thanked him, panting as he threw himself on the sofa of the safehouse.
"Don't mention it," Jason replied, handing him a bottle of water. "Hydrate."
"Yes, ma'am," Roy snickered, taking a sip from the water. "Not that I am not grateful, but what were you doing in the Quroc prison?"
"The idiots were keeping a volatile cursed weapon," Jason grunted, sitting on the armchair in front of the sofa. "It made great warriors but fed on blood and drove its wielders mad. I took care of it and while I was sneaking out, I noticed you. You know the rest."
"So, you deal with cursed objects? Pop in and out around the globe searching for them?" Roy inquired.
What would have been an interrogation by any Bat, felt like a normal conversation coming out his lips. It's one of the things Jason always liked about him. Roy was capable of being on guard without being paranoid.
"Practically," Jason shrugged. "Anything demonic, cursed, black magic, falls under my jurisdiction. As the wielder of the All-Sword, my job is to vanquish evil from Earth. Magical evil, that is."
"That's cool," Roy hummed, raising an eyebrow impressed. "I just can't believe an heir to the League of Assassins would be a hero."
"Not a hero or an heir," Jason corrected him. "The moment I earned the All-Sword, I had renounce to the League and belonged to the All-Caste."
"What about your grabs or your name?" Roy asked, amused.
"I may no longer be League, but I am still an al Ghul," Jason shrugged. "Now, what were you doing there? All alone at that! You know a mission on your own there, with no backing, is kind of suicidal?" Jason's posture stiffened when Roy looked away. "Unless death is what you were looking for."
"It's not," Roy sighed, posture defeated. "But it is what I deserve. My daughter... she died on the attack of Prometheus in Star City... we never found the body!"
"I see," Jason looked away at the raw pain in his voice. No wonder, Cheshire was so angry lately." Maybe she is not dead? No body can mean a lot in our line of work."
"A whole building fell on her!" Roy snapped, glaring angrily. "I just wish I could put her to rest! she deserves to rest in peace!"
"I can help you find her," the offer was out his lips before he could stop it.
Roy's head snapped up, looking at Jason in bewilderment. "U- what?"
"There's a spell, powerful tracking spell," Jace sighed, as he explained. "She is blood-re lated to you, right? Blood makes the spell run smoother. It works better with living targets, but there is a chance it could work."
"W-Why did no one offer it from the Justice League Dark?" Roy stuttered, with a mixture of wariness and hope laced in his tone of voice.
"Discrimination," Jason's frank response, had Roy stopping short. "Blood Magic has a bad reputation, even though it is one of the oldest kinds of magics. There are no good or evil kinds of magic, all magic is neutral and depends on the intention of the caster. Well, all but dark magic, which breaks the laws of nature and magic, but we are not here for a magic lesson. Do you want me to do the spell or not?"
"Yes!" Roy jumped at the chance. "Please! Yes!"
Jason nodded his head and went to get things ready. After picking up a Star City map and lighting a candle, he took out his ceremonial dagger and cut Roy's palm. Once enough blood accumulated, Jason began chanting: "Phasmatos Tribum Nas Ex Veras, Sequita Saguines, Ementas Asten Mihan Ega Petous!"
Soon the blood began moving, leaving a trail of blood until I stopped at the star city's docks. "The docks? What is... her body… doing in the docks?"
"Well, that did not feel like a tracking spell for a dead body," Jason commented amused.
"What does that mean?" Roy asked confused- why does Red Ghoul confuse him so much?
"It means that I was right," Jason smirked under his mask. "Your daughter is alive."
You see, the thing about promises is that one needs to be careful about them. Otherwise, you can end up breaking them, or worse, jinxing yourself.
By now, Jason was not surprised at all when, during his book signing event in Metropolis, Timothy Jackson Drake made an appearance. It was Jason's incredible luck and there was nothing he could do about it.
As promised, Clark and Lois had brought Damian and Billy with them. Though, they were not the only ones that came with them. Conner, Timothy, and Jon had come with them as well. Of course, Jon followed his best friends. But Conner and Timothy had no reason to be there.
Or that's what Jason had thought, but it seems that Timothy was a fan and had brought his copies of A Death in the Family and The Risen for Jason to sign. Which he did with some morbid fascination, as Drake rambled excitedly, eyes sparkling with delight, as Conner looked upon his best friend with barely concealed fondness.
As for Jason, he found it quite ironic that he was signing the book about his death to his replacement. It's funny the turns that life takes. He was not angry. Something that Jason would be eternally grateful for. Once upon a time, the simple idea of the new Robin Jason filled the novelist with a murderous rage that shook the novelist to the core. However, he now could at Timothy without feeling much.
It was not apathy, but Timothy simply was not important to Jason to occupy a presence in his thoughts. If anything, what Jason felt for Timothy was pity and a little bit of guilt. After all, it was Timothy the one who was now under the precarious care of Batman. Who was trained and made a child soldier for the endless vendetta of the Dark Knight Vigilante.
However, there was nothing Jason could do about it. He had Damian and Billy under his care now. They were the ones who Jason had to prioritize. The ones Jason had to teach how to achieve a balanced lifestyle, that goes beyond being a hero or child soldier. That there was more than one way of making the world a better way. That sacrificing their lives and happiness was not the healthy way, or the right way. That is simply because they could find respites of happiness and joy in between did not make them bad people, or that they should feel guilty because they were having fun instead of saving people.
People will always be in need of help. One could not just stop living because of that. That was not ok. It was something that had taken Jason years to learn, something that Batman had taught him. Something he had taught all his children. Though, the term child soldier was better.
Jason had seen how Dick had turned from an angry, but free child, into a deeply perturbed boy, who no longer smiled honestly and was filled with so much guilt that Jason had no idea how he could stand underneath all of that weight. A Robin that used to bring hope and laughter to the streets of Gotham City, had become the shadow of a bird who flew with broken wings.
Jason had gotten out. As relieved as he was, he also felt very guilty about it. Jason had gotten out, but Dick was still in. Babs was still in. Timothy was still in. And one day the blonde Robin, Stephanie, will return and remain in.
Jason had gotten out, but so many children were still in.
Jason felt very guilty about it. But the days where he prioritized the safety and health of others above his were long gone. He will never return to that. It was unhealthy and wrong. He could not help them either. Not with the chance of Batman turning his attention to him and his little brothers. Jason was now an older brother. A guardian. Damian and Billy needed him.
So, with a heavy heart, Jason kept the smile on his face, as he watched the Kents and Drake leave the event. He kept on smiling until he could no longer see Drake's retreating back.
"Akhi?" Damian pulled on Jason's sleeve, wearing an adorable, concerned frown on his lips.
Jason sighed and ruffled the hair of both of his brothers. "I'm good," he lied. How could he be good when he sent a child soldier back to his abuser without even trying to aid him? How could he ever have been called Robin and still allow such a crime to happen? "The event will finish soon. I hope you do not mind waiting. Are you hungry? Do you need something to eat?"
"No, Mrs. Kent gave us lunch before coming," Billy answered softly.
Billy did not understand what was going on. He had such a great time with the Kents, but for some reason, his beloved older brother was not feeling well. He could tell that Dami knew the reason and it made him feel bad. Was he truly family when the other two kept things from him? Did he not deserve to know? He was their brother too! Jason could not even use his age as an excuse, when Damian clearly knows about it, and he is younger than Billy!
However, Billy stayed quiet and said nothing for the rest of the event. He will not cause a scene. His brother deserves better. The Risen deserves better than that. Solomon kept on whispering in Billy's mind that there was more to this than Jason and Damian just not wanting to share things with Billy. That whatever perturbed Jason was important and had deeply affected the young man. That they will tell Billy when they are ready.
So, for now Billy will remain silent and wait.
The elegant, dimly lit restaurant provided a backdrop for the unexpected dinner meeting between Jason Todd and Lex Luthor. They sat across from each other at a corner table, the clinking of fine silverware and subdued conversations surrounding them.
Lex leaned forward; his sharp gaze fixed on Jason. "Jason, it's good to see you again. I must admit, I'm quite intrigued by your recent literary endeavors."
Jason nodded, acknowledging Lex's presence with a wry smile. If only Bruce could see him now, being adopted into the family of his worst villain and having dinner with his best friend's worst villain. The turns of life, indeed. "Likewise, Lex. It's been a while. And yeah, I've been keeping busy with the writing."
The conversation took a turn towards the world of entertainment as Lex broached the topic that had brought them together. "I've heard some interesting rumors, Jason. Warner Bros had purchased the rights to your book, A Death in the Family, to turn it into a movie. HBO is also showing interest in The Risen as a miniseries."
Jason raised an eyebrow at that, how did he know that? Esperanza had only informed him about the HBO deal a couple of days ago, there wasn't a word from the publishing company to the public either. Then again, this was Lex Luthor we are talking about. If he wanted to know anything he'd manage to get his hands on said information, one way or the other.
And for some reason he was interested in Jason's books. That was something Jason had not expected. At first, he had thought Lex was into them and he was trying to butter Jason up to use him against the al Ghuls. But Lex was truly unaware of Jason's connection, which left Jason smiling in amusement as Lex retell his novels word for word in excitement.
Oh well, villains have weirder habits than accosting upcoming novelists with dinners.
Jason raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of his wine before responding. "Yeah, those rumors are true. I'm in talks with them about doing the script adaptation myself, for both Warner Bros and HBO."
Lex leaned back, clearly intrigued. "Doing the script adaptation, yourself? That's unusual, but it speaks to your confidence in your work."
Jason shrugged, a hint of pride in his voice. "I know these characters inside out, Lex. I've lived their stories. I want to make sure the movie does justice to the source material."
Lex nodded thoughtfully. "And what about The Risen? HBO's interest in your book is no small matter."
Jason considered his words carefully before responding. "Well, I'm certainly open to HBO purchasing the rights for The Risen, but there's a condition. I want to adapt the book into a script for the miniseries myself, just like with the movie. If they accept, the deal goes through. If not, I believe there are others interested in it."
Lex leaned in, his eyes narrowing with interest. "You have quite the stipulation there, Jason. You clearly have a vision for your stories."
Jason met Lex's gaze, unflinching. "I do. These stories mean a lot to me, Lex. They're a part of who I am. I want to ensure they're brought to life on screen the way they deserve to be."
A smile tugged at the corners of Lex's lips. "You know, Jason, it's not often that I encounter someone with your level of dedication and creative control. But I respect that. If you're willing to adapt your own work for both the movie and the miniseries, then I can't wait to see it happen."
As they continued their dinner conversation, Jason felt himself relaxing for the first time in the evening. Though, any relaxation he was feeling, left the moment the dinner finished.
Jason had noticed that Billy was starting to realize that Damian and he were keeping things from him. Billy was too smart not to notice it, and if he had been incapable of deducing that, Jason was sure Solomon would have aided him with that task. Jason knew Billy needed to be told, otherwise that would cause a division between the siblings, a breach that others would use against them.
But knowing that did not make it any easier. Jason would be bearing his soul and all his wounds to his little brother. The little brother that saw him as an all-powerful hero that could not be defeated. Would Billy knowing Jason's past change the way he saw Jason? Or would he see it as proof of Jason's strength and how nothing could stop him the way Damian does?
Whatever happens will happen, Jason steeled himself with a deep breath and straightened his posture as he returned to his hotel. The moment they return home, under the privacy and protection wards Jason had erected around their house, will Jason face this issue. For now, he still had a couple of days.
In the chimney-lit family room of their home, Jason and Billy sat across from each other, the weight of an important conversation hanging in the air. As promised, Jason had decided it was time to open about his past, a chapter of his life he had kept hidden for a long time.
"Hey, Billy," Jason began, his voice serious and reflective. "There's something I need to talk to you about, something I'm sure you've been wondering about for a while."
Billy leaned forward; concern etched on his face. "You know you can tell me anything. What's going on? Or maybe you do not want to tell me… am I forcing you to speak about it?" Billy began panicking, to which Jason laughed and calmed him down.
"Don't worry about it, I want to tell you," Jason smiled nervously. He took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on a distant memory. "Before I became the Red Ghul, before I was even Jason Alexander Head, I was Jason Todd… I was Robin. Batman's partner."
Billy's eyes widened in shock. His big brother had worked with Batman. He had been one of the many Robins?! That was so cool! However, Billy's excitement depleted when he noticed Jason's hunched and hurt figure. He wanted to ask, to comfort him. But Solomon advised him to wait and listen, that his older brother needed to take this off his chest without interruption. So, Billy nodded, encouraging Jason to continue.
"I was a child soldier, Billy," Jason confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was recruited by Batman after he found me trying to steal the Batmobile's tires. He took me in, trained me, and I became the second Robin."
Billy's eyes widened with shock, but he remained silent, allowing Jason to share his story.
"I'm sure he did not see it that way… neither did I. For a while I was happy, I had found a home and a family." Jason smile was both fond and heartbreakingly sad. "But my time as Robin was... brutal," Jason continued, his words heavy with the weight of the past. "No child should ever be a crimefighter, even when they are the ones pushing for it. Adults should stand strong and stop them. I had never understood that until… until I faced the Joker, and he... he killed me. Beat me nearly to death and then blew me up with a bomb."
Billy's hand instinctively reached out to cover his mouth in horror. He couldn't fathom the pain and trauma that Jason had endured. His older brother… had died. How did one process a revelation like that?
His older brother, the one who had saved him, who had trained him, died. It was almost unbelievable. Billy had seen Jason battle, had seen his use of magic, how he wielded the All-Sword. Billy had to listen to hours of Solomon, Achilles, and Zeus praising Jason's technique and warrior fortitude.
How did someone who had Gods praising him shamelessly die? It was inconceivable!
"However," Jason continued, his voice stronger now, "I didn't stay dead. Talia al Ghul found me and healed me using the Lazarus Pit."
Billy nodded slowly, absorbing the incredible revelation. "And then what happened?"
Jason sighed deeply, his gaze filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "After I returned, I was pulled into a war. A war against a group called The Untitled. It was a battle for the survival of Earth, and I had to fight alongside the All-Caste, an ancient order I became a part of."
Billy frowned, trying to piece it all together. "The All-Caste? What's their role in all of this?"
"They're a group of warriors who've protected Earth from supernatural threats for centuries," Jason explained. "I joined them and trained under their guidance to fight against The Untitled, who were trying to unleash unimaginable chaos."
As Jason shared these deeply personal revelations with Billy, he could see the understanding and empathy in his friend's eyes. It was a cathartic moment, a release of the burdens he had carried for so long.
Billy finally spoke, his voice filled with compassion. "Jason, I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through. But I want you to know that you don't have to carry this alone. I'm here for you, no matter what."
Jason nodded, a faint but appreciative smile gracing his lips. "Thanks, Billy. It means more than you know. Know that I did not keep this from you because I did not trust you or thought of you as my brother. Hell, the only reason Dami knows about all of this is because of umi! My past is complicated but sharing it with you feels like a step toward healing."
"I understand," Billy smiled, healing from the hurt he had felt for feeling left out. "But I do have one more question, what exactly is bothering you about Tim? Is it that he replaced you as Robin? Like I know it is Dami's issue since he laid eyes on him?"
Jason paused for a moment, considering his words carefully. "No, Billy, it's not about that anymore," he replied with a sigh. "I don't care about being Robin anymore. It's not something that occupies my thoughts. What I feel for Tim is more like pity and a bit of guilt."
Billy furrowed his brow, puzzled. "Pity and guilt? Guilt about what, Jason?"
Jason's gaze grew distant as he explained, "What I do feel is guilt about the situation he's in. Tim's under the precarious care of Batman, trained and molded into a child soldier for Batman's never-ending vendetta."
A somber silence hung between them as the weight of Jason's words settled in. Billy absorbed the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it must have taken on Jason.
"However," Jason continued, his voice carrying a note of resignation, "there's nothing I can do to change that now. I have Dami and you under my care, and my priority is teaching you both how to lead balanced lives. Lives that go beyond being heroes or child soldiers."
Jason's words took on a deeper meaning as he shared his philosophy with Billy. "There's more to making the world a better place than sacrificing your own happiness and well-being. Just because you can find moments of joy and happiness doesn't make you a bad person or mean you should feel guilty for not constantly saving others."
He emphasized the importance of living life to the fullest without neglecting one's own needs and desires. "People will always need help, but you can't stop living because of it. That's not okay."
Jason's own experiences had taught him these valuable lessons. "It's taken me years to learn this, something Batman instilled in me. It's something I want to teach you, Dami, and anyone else I can."
He glanced at Billy, determination in his eyes. "I've seen how becoming Robin changed Dick from a joyful and carefree child to a deeply troubled boy filled with guilt. I watched as he became a shadow of his former self."
Jason's voice trembled with a mixture of sadness and resolve. "I got out of that life, and while I'm relieved, I also feel guilty about it. I got out, but Dick, Babs, Tim, and so many other children are still in it."
The weight of that guilt was evident in Jason's expression. "But I've made my choice. I won't go back to prioritizing the safety of others over my own well-being. It's not healthy, and it's not right. I can't help them, not without risking Batman's attention on me and my little brothers."
Jason looked at Billy with a deep sense of responsibility. "I'm now an older brother, a guardian. You guys need me."
As he spoke those words, Jason's commitment to providing a healthier and more balanced life for his younger brothers became clear. He would protect them from the darkness that had consumed him and offer them a chance to live their lives without the same burdens he had carried.