As Jason strolled through the lively streets of Fawcett City, a storm brewed inside him that rivaled any conflict from his vigilante days. He had intentionally chosen this life, this city, to shield his younger brothers, Damian and Billy, from the relentless vendetta of Batman. He had been resolute in his belief that here, away from Gotham's haunting shadows, he could offer them a chance at a brighter, less burdened existence.
But as time passed—days melting into months, and months into years—doubt crept in. Dick, Tim, Stephanie, Cass… They remained under Batman's watchful gaze, still caught in the unyielding grip of Gotham's darkness. Jason observed from afar, witnessing the toll their service exacted. Amid fleeting moments of joy, he saw the pervasive darkness, the pain they endured. He felt their struggles keenly, having lived through his own fall as Robin and resurrection as a vigilante. The Bat's darkness had seeped into his bones like an eternal chill.
These thoughts haunted Jason like a relentless shadow, casting doubt on his hard-won peace. Stephanie's near-tragedy in Gotham underscored the city's merciless nature—a place that had already taken one brother from him.
How could he justify keeping Damian and Billy safe while leaving the others to face Batman's relentless demands? How long could he believe his decision to distance them was right, knowing the internal strife it caused? It was a tormenting struggle, an agonizing conflict that gnawed at his conscience with each passing day.
But deep down, Jason knew he wrestled with a different kind of fight. It wasn't just about safeguarding Damian and Billy; it was about shielding himself from the lingering darkness within. It was his way of seeking redemption, of trying to carve out a semblance of normalcy amid the stains of his past. Yet, the specters of his history—both living and gone—persisted, haunting his steps. His loyalty to his other siblings felt like a chain binding him to a troubled past, one steeped in pain and anguish. The guilt weighed heavily, a relentless companion whispering doubts about his choices and paths taken.
Walking through the bustling streets, Jason felt the weight of his decisions press upon him like an unseen burden. He wondered if there'd ever be a time when he could truly break free from his past's shadows and offer his other siblings a life beyond the cape and cowl. It was a battle waged within his soul, with no clear victor in sight. Jason understood that the road to redemption stretched long and was fraught with challenges. As he moved forward, he couldn't shake the uncertainty of whether he'd ever find the answers he sought or if his past would forever haunt him.
For now, though, he had a task at hand. One that required him to apparate to London.
Jason walked through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, the heart of the magical world in London. It was a place where the past and present coexisted, where history whispered in the cobbled streets and ancient bricks of the buildings. Today, he was here to visit a place that held a significant legacy - Snape's Garden, an apothecary and potion store that bore the name of one of the bravest and most enigmatic figures in the UK's magical history, Severus Snape.
The story of Severus Snape was one that had become a legend, a tale of bravery and sacrifice in the face of unimaginable darkness. He had been the double agent who had risked his life to spy on one of the most notorious Dark Lords the United Kingdom had ever faced. Snape's work had saved countless lives and had helped turn the tide in the battle against the forces of evil. He had been a man of secrets, a master of the shadows, but his loyalty to the side of good had never wavered.
As if that were not enough, Snape had taken on the role of Headmaster at Hogwarts during one of the darkest chapters in the magical world's history. The Hunters had laid siege to the school, seeking to eliminate any form of magic from the world. It was a time when darkness threatened to smother the light, and Snape had stood as a beacon of hope. The battle for Hogwarts had been fierce and deadly. The entire school had been transformed into a battlefield, and the students, led by Snape, had fought valiantly to survive.
In a daring escape plan devised by the cunning Headmaster, they had managed to slip through the Hunter's grasp and flee to safety. But in the midst of this heroic escape, the Headmaster and the beloved castle had been consumed by flames. The majestic, centuries-old institution had been reduced to ashes, and the decision had been made not to rebuild it. Instead, the magical children of the United Kingdom were now educated at Durmstrang Institute, an institution that had welcomed them with open arms.
Snape's Garden stood as a tribute to the man who had given everything, including his life, to protect the future of magical children. The apothecary and potion store is run by his descendants, who continued his work and preserved his memory.
Jason entered the store, the shelves were lined with rare ingredients, magical herbs, and intricate potion bottles. As Jason made his way deeper into the shop, he spotted the owner, Severus Snape the Third, tending to a display of powdered moonstone. The young man looked up as the doorbell chimed, and a smile broke across his face as he recognized his old friend. Their friendship had its roots in their shared history as students under the same Potions Master, and it had only grown stronger over the years.
"Jason," Severus greeted him, his voice carrying the faintest trace of the accent that seemed to be a legacy of their master. "It's been too long. What brings you to my humble abode today?"
Jason returned the smile, the years melting away as they shared a bond that transcended time. "Severus, my friend, you know me. I'm in need of a few specialized ingredients."
"I still cannot believe how fast you run out of potion ingredients!" Severus joked with amusement.
"Try to parent two little siblings who are in their formative years, one who adores experimenting with potions!" Jason huffed, though his fond smile gave him away. "Dami reminds me so much of you whenever I catch him in the potion brewing room we have at home."
"You should bring him to me one day," Severus replied, as he moved to collect the ingredients Jason would need. All of that was done manually, as every potion brewer knows that potions ingredients are sensitive to magic and should be handled with care. "I would love to teach him some tricks."
"Maybe when he grows up," Jason hummed, accepting the ingredients, and paying Severus what he owes him. "Dami might be good, but he is still only twelve years old. He showed how advanced he was during his first year at the Nanda Parbat Academy, but the professors still did not advance him in potions when he started second year. There must be a reason for that, and I will not push more into him than he already has. He needs to enjoy his childhood, not go from one tutor to another."
"I understand," Severus smiled at his friend. "You are a good older brother."
"Thank you," Jason grimaced, instead of feeling grateful for the compliment, he was feeling guiltier if anything.
Noticing his friend's dark mood, Severus changed the topic of conversation. For being an accomplished writer, Jason did not like to talk about his feelings. "Congrats by the way! The Risen's miniseries swept through the awards. Critic's Choice Best Movie/Minisiries, Golden Globe Award for Best Limited or Anthology Series or Television Film, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie, and Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Bram Stoker Award Superior Achievement in a Screenplay, and the Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Dramatic Series."
"Well, that was a mouthful, did you memorize all of that?" Jason chuckled; cheeks tinted red. He was never one to accept compliments so easily. "It was hard work. Not only was I writing the screenplay for the show, I was also finishing Ethereal Echoes of Hill House."
"For which I've heard Netflix wants to buy the rights to make a miniseries," Severus loved teasing his friend.
"Why is it that everyone knows about this before the news?!" Jason exclaimed shocked that once more it was leaked, before sighing in defeat. "Yes, they are interested. Yes, I am thrilled. Yes, I am doing the screenplay. All that is left to do is write up the contract and sign it."
"Look at you, all professional and ready to answer questions. Those journalists made a miracle with you," Severus continued to tease his friend. Raising his hands in defeat with a chuckle when Jason directed a deadly glare towards him- a batglare. "Getting serious though, I heard rumors about John Constantine visiting the Leaky Cauldron."
"That's weird," Jason frowned. "After starting to play hero with the Justice League Dark he stopped coming around to the magical world. Why is he here now?"
"From what my customers have told me, he was asking questions about the Red Ghoul," Severus answered, had Jason snapping his head towards him. "Of course, no one has answered him. The Red Ghoul is known as a great Curse Breaker in the magical world, one that aided in the founding of the Nanda Parbat Academy for Magic. You know how protective we are of our own, especially after the Hunters. We would never betray our own for anyone, especially those so-called heroes. I just thought you would like to know about it."
Jason smiled at his friend; Severus shared his thoughts about the Young Heroes situation- being one of the firsts that agreed with his sentiment of them being child soldiers. "I wonder what the Justice League wants with the Red Ghoul?" Jason murmured, before a wicked smirk spread through his lips.
"What now?" Severus asked with trepidation, that smirk always spelt trouble on his friend's lips.
"Well, Constantine wants the Red Ghoul, why should I not give him to him?"
"You are a hard man to find," John Constantine greeted him drily, not even bothering to stand up. "All over the world breaking curse after curse, not staying anywhere for long. But you do have a certain soft spot for the UK, not that I would blame you."
"What do you need from me Constantine?" Jason, no, the Red Ghoul asked, taking the spot in front of the warlock.
"I need you to deal with the curses in Gotham City," John said with a sneer.
If there was something, you could appreciate about Constantine was the fact that he did not pull any punches and went straight to the point. Knowing that did not stop Jason from being shocked by the request. Not even in his wildest dreams had he expected those words to leave John's lips.
"You want me to do what?" Red Ghoul asked in disbelief.
"As you know our schools and magical cities are located on any tertiary or higher ley line configurations with enough ambient thaumatographic output to support the opening of rifts of magic outpour. Leaving our schools and cities with relatively compact protectorates and broad swaths of land where no schools or city maintains formal territorial control is one of the most dangerous things the magical world could do. Which is why the UK was lucky that Hogsmeade was built so close to Hogwarts and so many magical creatures live in the Forbidden Forest and Dark Lake." John explained, swinging his beer to finish it off before it magically filled up again. "It also leaves Gotham's situation quite dire. However, I am sure as one of the greatest Curse Breakers alive, you already knew that."
Of course, Jason knew about it. Everyone knew about Gotham City's dire situation. It was another thing that weighed on his consciousness.
Gotham City, a place known for its towering skyscrapers, shrouded in perpetual shadows, holds a far deeper secret beneath its surface—a dark magical ley nexus. This mystical energy source has been an integral part of the city's history.
In the early days of Gotham, when the city was founded, it quickly became a haven for various dark magical beings. Drawn to the power of the ley nexus, they found refuge in its dark embrace. Witches, warlocks, and creatures of the night, like vampires, demons, and werewolves, all coexisted in an intricate, magical tapestry that was Gotham. However, the harmony couldn't last. The city's dark reputation as a sanctuary for the supernatural drew the attention of the Hunters. With a target squarely on Gotham's back, the magical denizens had no choice but to flee for their lives. The exodus left a void, and it wasn't long before the dark energy lingering within the ley nexus began to have a profound effect on the humans who remained.
The ley nexus was neither inherently evil nor malevolent, but it was potent and unforgiving. Humans who were uninitiated in the ways of magic couldn't withstand the raw, unfiltered power coursing through them. It twisted their minds, darkened their souls, and compelled them to commit heinous acts. The once-ordinary citizens of Gotham, now tainted by this malefic energy, transformed into creatures of darkness.
One of the most notable examples of this corruption was the Court of Owls, an ancient and enigmatic organization that had roots as the city's Magical Council. Once governed by the magical beings who understood the delicate balance of power within Gotham, the Court of Owls was overthrown by ambitious humans. With the magical beings gone, they seized control of the ley nexus and the city itself. In their relentless pursuit of power, the new leaders of the Court harnessed the dark energy emanating from the ley nexus. However, they too fell victim to the corruption of the dark magic. As a result, the Court became a shadowy cabal, manipulating the strings of the city from the darkness, and furthering the descent of Gotham into chaos and despair.
On the other hand, Metropolis, stands in stark contrast to its enigmatic neighbor, Gotham City. While the two cities are often considered polar opposites in more ways than one, one of the most fundamental distinctions lies in the very fabric of their existence—the magical ley nexus upon which they were built. In Metropolis, the city's foundation rests upon a light magical ley nexus, a stark counterpoint to the dark magical nexus of Gotham. These ley nexuses serve as the heartbeat of the cities, shaping the destinies of their inhabitants in profound ways. While Gotham's history was marred by the expulsion of dark magical beings and the subsequent corruption of its citizens, Metropolis took a divergent path.
With the fall of the Hunters, those dedicated to the eradication of magical beings, light magical creatures began to return to Metropolis. The city's light magical nexus, once the cornerstone of their existence, called them back home. Elves, fairies, benevolent spirits, and celestial beings found sanctuary within the embrace of the city. Their return was a beacon of hope for Metropolis, offering its citizens the opportunity to thrive in an environment infused with light and positive energy. The mere presence of these light magical beings helped to safeguard Metropolis against the negative effects of unchecked light magic. The city's inhabitants, once vulnerable to the raw, untamed power of the ley nexus, now basked in its radiant aura without fear of falling prey to the malefic corruption that had plagued Gotham.
However, the migration of dark magical beings to Australia served as a poignant reminder that balance must be maintained in the world of magic. As one city welcomed the forces of light, another became a new haven for creatures of the dark. Witches, necromancers, vampires, and shadowy entities took refuge Down Under, embracing their new sanctuary and forging a new home far from the reach of the Hunters.
A curious quirk of Metropolis's history is rooted in the illustrious Luthor family. The Luthors, having been in Metropolis since its inception, bear a unique connection to the city's light magical ley nexus. The ley nexus, a source of life and vitality, has long influenced the Luthors' desire for longevity and power. This profound connection to the nexus has manifested in the family's fascination with cloning technology. Lex Luthor, a prominent figure in Metropolis, has dedicated himself to advancing this scientific field in the pursuit of extending human life and transcending mortality.
The juxtaposition between Metropolis and Gotham, two cities forever entwined in their yin and yang, light and darkness, showcases the delicate equilibrium maintained by the magical world. These cities, born to balance each other's energies, continue to evolve and bear witness to the interplay of light and dark, shaping the destinies of their inhabitants and offering a glimpse into the complex tapestry of the magical world.
Even with knowing all of that, it was not like Jason could do anything about it without attracting Batman's attention to him. Batman would never accept him getting in his city and fixing the magical issue without Batman breathing down his neck or asking millions of questions about his every move. Jason was no longer Batman's Robin, and he will not allow himself to be interrogated in such manner again.
"You know that Batman does not allow anyone into his city. He will never accept anyone's help or allow me to perform magic in his adored city." the Red Ghoul said instead. "There's also the fact that I am an Al Ghul and Ra's swore off any involvement from our side in his precious Detective's city."
"Ra's is dead, and you are not part of the League of Assassins anymore," John raised an eyebrow. "Or were your declaration to the All-Caste a lie?"
"First of all, it is the League of Shadows now," the Red Ghoul snapped, before taking a deep breath and collecting himself. He might no longer be infected by Pit Madness, but Batman always affected him that way. "Second, Ra's swore of the involvement of the League and the Al Ghul's. I am All-Caste, but I am also an Al Ghul."
"Well, lucky for you, Batman has invited you to Gotham to aid them deal with the Court of Owls and solve the issue with the dark nexus," Constantine replied mockingly. "What will be your answer?"
The mention of Batman and the Court of Owls by Constantine had Jason's brow furrowing with irritation. Gotham's legacy of darkness and secrets was not one he relished revisiting, but the Court of Owls had always been a thorn in Gotham's side, and it seemed that the situation had escalated.
As he talked to Talia, his mother and confidante, in matters both magical and familial, Jason couldn't help but wonder aloud, "What do you think, umi? Should I accept Batman's invitation and return to Gotham? The Court of Owls is not an enemy to be taken lightly, and there's the matter of the dark nexus."
Talia regarded her son with a mixture of concern and understanding. She had always been acutely aware of the weight of their family's legacy and the complexities it brought into their lives. "My dear, you know that Gotham has its own brand of chaos and treachery. It is a place that has both forged and broken many. But your skills, your knowledge, they make you a formidable ally. The Court of Owls must be dealt with, and the dark nexus threatens not only Gotham but the magical world at large."
Jason nodded, acknowledging the truth in his mother's words. The responsibility of being a guardian to his younger siblings, Damian and Billy, was a mantle he wore with pride. However, the call to return to Gotham was not a decision to be taken lightly. He had built a new life, far from the shadows and the vigilante persona he had once embodied.
"Yet, there's the matter of my identity," he mused, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "Returning to Gotham means exposing myself to the hero community once more. It's a risk that could jeopardize everything I've tried to protect. I could be found out and then… Batman would never stop until I am back in his grasp."
Talia placed a reassuring hand on her son's shoulder. "I will never allow that to happen, abni. Your identity as Jason Head has been carefully shielded, and those who matter most to us know the truth. Your primary duty is to your siblings, but there are times when your unique abilities and knowledge can make a difference in the larger world. Gotham calls for a protector, and I have no doubt that you can answer that call."
Jason's thoughts swirled with the weight of the decision. Gotham was a city that had left an indelible mark on his life, a place of both torment and triumph. The Court of Owls was a dangerous adversary, and the dark nexus was a threat that extended beyond the city's borders. With a determined glint in his eyes, Jason finally spoke, "I will accept Batman's invitation and return to Gotham. The Court of Owls will be faced, and the dark nexus shall be tamed. I owe it to Gotham, and I owe it to the world."
Talia nodded in approval, her unwavering support evident in her gaze. "Remember, my son, that you are not alone. You have allies, both magical and non-maj, and the legacy of the al Ghuls to guide you. Face Gotham with the strength of your convictions, and may you find the answers you seek."
As Jason and Talia chatted about his upcoming return to Gotham, their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of Damian and Billy. The two younger brothers popped out of the fireplace with the usual whoosh of floo magic, looking a bit disheveled from a busy day of classes at the Nanda Parbat Academy for Magic.
Damian, ever confident, and Billy, bursting with youthful energy, wasted no time. They dashed towards their mother, who greeted them warmly with open arms and a bright smile. It was a rare and precious moment for Talia, whose duties as the leader of the League of Shadows often kept her apart from her sons. Having them close was a gift she cherished deeply.
Jason watched the reunion with a tender smile, his heart touched by the sight. As Damian and Billy eagerly shared tales of their magical studies, Jason followed them with his gaze as they led Talia down to the training room in the basement. Seeing his mother and younger siblings bond over their lives and adventures reminded Jason why he had taken on the role of their protector. It was for these moments, these connections, that he had tirelessly worked to safeguard. His commitment to his family was steadfast, and he was willing to do whatever it took to ensure their safety and happiness.
With a solemn resolve, Jason whispered to himself, "This is what I've fought so hard to protect, and I'd give my life for it without hesitation." He knew the challenges awaiting him in Gotham were daunting, but his love for his family was an unbreakable guide through any trials ahead.
As the sounds of laughter and conversation drifted from the training room, a sense of unity and purpose filled the air. Jason reflected deeply on his time in Fawcett City, away from Gotham's chaos, where he could be a supportive brother to Damian and Billy. Taking on the roles of teacher and guardian, he had strived to create a safe and nurturing environment for his younger siblings, a role he embraced with unwavering dedication.
Returning to Gotham meant diving back into a city veiled in shadows and secrets. The Court of Owls loomed as a formidable opponent. The city's deep reservoirs of mystical energy posed its own challenges, coupled with its grim history of hunting magical beings. Deep down, Jason understood the gravity of his mission in Gotham. Protecting Damian and Billy from Batman's wrath was his top priority, but he also carried the weight of his other siblings, still under the Dark Knight's sway. Dick, Tim, Stephanie, and Cass—his extended family—depended on him, and their safety was equally dear.
Stephanie's image flashed in his mind—a spirited woman who faced danger due to her ties with Batman. Jason wrestled with the guilt of keeping his distance from Gotham to shield Damian and Billy, knowing it left others vulnerable.
As memories flooded back, Jason grappled with guilt creeping in. Could he live with himself, knowing he had the power to free Dick, Tim, Stephanie, and Cass from Batman's grip? While protecting Damian and Billy was crucial, Jason's sense of duty toward his other siblings tugged at him more with each passing moment.
Gazing at Gotham's darkened skyline, Jason Head—a man who had carved out a new life beyond vigilantism—faced a profound moral crossroads. It wasn't just about shielding his family anymore; it was about making things right and confronting the injustices he had witnessed. Resignation settled in as he acknowledged the inevitable call to action. It was time to confront his past, challenge the dark magic consuming Gotham, and embrace the destiny awaiting him.
With a deep breath, Jason whispered to himself, "I'm doing this—for my family, for my city, and for myself."
As the family of four gathered around the dinner table, the warm light of the dining room cast a soft glow on their faces as they began their meal. Jason, taking a deep breath, set his fork down and looked at his younger brothers. His voice was gentle but filled with determination as he began to explain the reason for their gathering. "I have some important news, guys. We've been living a peaceful life here in Fawcett City, but there's something I need to attend to in Gotham. It's related to magical business and the dark nexus in the city."
Billy, with his youthful enthusiasm and a sense of adventure in his eyes, was the first to respond. "Oh, wow, does that mean we get to go on an adventure too? This will be my first time staying abroad! I can't wait!"
The prospect of a new adventure excited Billy, and he was eager to explore a different magical community. His curiosity and open-heartedness made him receptive to new experiences.
"NO!" Talia exclaimed, before collecting herself and smiling gently at Billy. "You and your brother will be staying at the Nanda Parbat Academy for Magic until this issue is resolved. Understood?"
"Understood, umi," both Damian and Billy echoed at the same time.
After that, Talia asked about their classes, and Billy eagerly jumped in with his excitement. Damian, however, remained thoughtful. The name "Batman," his father, carried a weight and complexity that had always been part of his life. Jason's mention of returning to Gotham triggered a mix of conflicting emotions within him.
For Damian, Batman was a figure of many facets. He knew him as his mother's beloved, Gotham's legendary protector. Batman had also shaped Damian's upbringing through Jason's perspective. To his grandfather, Batman was the esteemed detective who fought crime with unwavering resolve, someone Ra's al Ghul had even seen as a potential heir.
Yet, Damian also knew the other side of Batman. His mother had never revealed Damian's existence to him. Ra's al Ghul, Damian's grandfather, had a complicated history with Batman, marked by curses and deep-seated enmity. And for Jason, Batman was the man who had let him die, a father figure who hadn't sought the justice Jason deserved.
These conflicting impressions swirled in Damian's mind, creating a mosaic of thoughts and feelings about the masked vigilante. He couldn't help but ponder silently, weighing the implications of Jason's return to Gotham.
It left Damian reeling and wondering: How much would their lives change with Jason's decision to go back to Gotham City? Did Damian want his life to change? Did he want to meet the man who was his father and form his own opinion about him? Or did he prefer to remain unknown to Batman and continue living as Damian Head?
Decisions, decisions.
I can't believe I am doing this! Jason exclaimed in his head, as he stared at the dark city before him. Am I doing this? Jason looked at what used to be his city and who still are his people, before sighing in defeat. I am doing this.
Jason couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions as he stood on the outskirts of Gotham City. It was a place he had sworn he'd never return to, a city steeped in a tumultuous past and a darkness that seeped into every brick and alley. Yet, here he was, drawn back to the shadows and secrets lurking in the heart of the metropolis.
The cityscape before him was starkly different from the bustling streets of Fawcett City or the magical enclaves he'd visited. Gotham was its own beast, alive with chaos and despair. Jason's footsteps echoed through the night's eerie silence as he navigated grimy alleyways and dimly lit streets. It felt like a homecoming of sorts, but not one filled with warmth or nostalgia.
Passing familiar landmarks, memories flooded back—where he first met Bruce Wayne, the rooftops he'd patrolled as Robin, the corners where he'd sought refuge in darker times. Gotham held the echoes of his rise and fall, victories and defeats—a stark reminder of the life he'd left behind.
The city's darkness pressed in on him like a heavy shroud, clinging to every step. Secrets festered here, alliances shifted like quicksand. Jason had once been part of this world, a past he'd fought hard to escape. But now, circumstances had brought him back to these treacherous streets. He returned not as Robin, but as the Red Ghoul.
As Jason walked through Gotham, he thought about his complex relationship with the city. It had shaped him in profound ways, both nurturing and betraying him. Memories of his past haunted him, reminding him of the highs and lows he'd experienced here. Returning felt both bitter and necessary, driven by duty and responsibility to protect his family from Gotham's darkness.
Despite his apprehension, Jason was determined to shield his siblings from the dangers lurking in the shadows. Gotham was a city of contradictions, capable of evoking both hope and despair. Standing amidst its dark skyline, Jason knew he had to navigate these complexities with unwavering resolve.
He had returned a changed man, no longer the same person who once roamed these streets. Through growth and adversity, he had become a guardian and protector to his family. Gotham had tested him, but he was steadfast in ensuring his siblings emerged unscathed.
The Red Ghoul took out his wand and pointed it upward, casting the charm that will take him towards the familiar rooftop he has been on many times as Robin. "Ascendio!"
Red Ghoul raised an eyebrow underneath his mask when Nightwing and Black Bat landed beside him on the rooftop. He was not surprised that neither Spoiler nor Robin had come, Jason did not expect Batman to let them out of his sight for as long as an unknown Red Ghoul was in his city. However, to send his other two children on their own, without him? Where was the control freak Jason knows as Batman?
"Hi!" Nightwing chippered, with a wide and very fake smile on his lips. Though, Jason could only notice that because of the time they spent being raised under the same roof. Dick was an excellent actor after all. "Thank you for accepting our request."
Red Ghoul did not answer, he was thinking. Being back in Gotham brought up a lot of emotions Jason had thought buried in the past, not to mention he must make sure he does not give anything away. Especially, not with a perfect body reader like Cassandra Cain around.
"I've been wanting to deal with this for a while now, but out of the oath my family made I stayed away," was what Red Ghoul finally said. Nightwing winced slightly at the robotic and emotionless voice of the modulator, as Black Bat tilted her head in interest. He was telling the truth, but not all of it. "Black Bat, my umi and halto have kept everything your mother owned. If you so desire it, they'll have it delivered to you."
An uncomfortable and tense silence enveloped them, as they waited for Black Bat to answer. Nightwing did not know how to behave, the topic of Cass' parents was a sensitive one. For a stranger to bring it out so casually… it such felt wrong.
Finally, Black Bat nodded her head towards Red Ghoul and signed: I want them. Thank you. Did you know her?
"Lady Shiva?" Red Ghoul wondered, though he already knew the answer. "Yes, I knew her. She trained me and my akhi in the art of the sword. Your father trained me as well. Though, umi stopped it the moment she realized his… methods." Even with the modulator hiding his tone of voice, Red Ghoul did not hide his uncomfortable body language. "We did not mourn his death."
Neither did I, Cass signed in return. I never knew my mother…
Jason hesitated for a second, before offering: "I could tell you some stories. I did not train with her for long, but I've heard many tales about her from umi and halto. They held her in high regard."
"I do not know how much that's worth," Nightwing snorted, and it took all of Jason not to punch him in the face. He had to take a deep breath and remind himself that Dick never liked Talia to begin with. "Wait? Akhi? Talia has two sons?!"
Three, Jason corrected internally, but stayed quiet. He had discussed this with Talia before coming here, Zamurad being discovered by the Titans was unexpected but not unfixable. If they controlled the information being shared, they could stay ahead of it.
"You've met him," Red Ghoul simply replied, facing Nightwing.
"I met him?!" Nightwing exclaimed shocked, before freezing. "Zamurad?! That kid is Talia's? He was so polite and cute!"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Red Ghoul growled.
Nightwing opened his mouth to answer, when Black Bat jabbed her elbow into his gut, making him groan. She then turned to Red Ghoul and signed: Please follow us. We'll take you to the Batcave.
"The Batcave? Isn't that supposed to be top secret," Red Ghoul inquired, trying to sound blasé about it, but internally he was freaking out. What in the name of magic was going on?!
Nightwing took a step closer to Red Ghoul. His voice was laced with sarcasm, a reflection of the strained relationship between the al Ghul family and the Bat-Family. "You are an al Ghul, I'm sure Ra's and Talia told you all about us and the Batcave," Nightwing quipped, his tone implying that Red Ghoul's silence was confirmation enough.
The Red Ghoul stayed silent, not reacting to Nightwing's remark. He seemed like a mystery, keeping his thoughts and feelings hidden under that red hood. Nightwing sighed in frustration and took the lead, motioning for Red Ghoul to come along. There was impatience in Nightwing's gestures, as if he didn't have much patience for the al Ghul's presence.
"Yeah, as expected. Just follow us," Nightwing declared, his words hanging in the air. Without further ado, he, and Black Bat gracefully leaped from the rooftop, their capes billowing as they descended. The silent invitation for Red Ghoul to join them was unmistakable.
Jason watched the exchange with a wry smile and a hint of amusement before he decided to make his departure. As Nightwing and Black Bat swung away on their grappling hooks, Jason took a different approach. He held a wand in his hand, without a broomstick or a thestral to cling to, Jason effortlessly wielded his magic. Red Ghoul floated through the night sky, suspended as if on a gentle breeze of red smoke. His face, partially hidden by the crimson hood, glowed eerily in the darkness. It was a sight that took Nightwing and Black Bat by surprise, freezing them momentarily mid-swing as they stared in bewilderment at the supernatural display before them.
However, the Bat-Family was known for their adaptability, and they quickly regained their composure, smoothly continuing their descent. Despite their reluctance, they couldn't deny witnessing a display of magic far beyond the ordinary. Red Ghoul's abilities had surpassed their expectations.
Upon reaching the Batcave, the rest of the Bat-Family greeted them with expressions ranging from surprise to intrigue. Spoiler and Robin looked particularly astonished. Batman, visibly tense, showed clear unease at the idea of an al Ghul possessing such formidable powers. Even Agent A, the vigilant guardian of the cave, couldn't help but be impressed by Red Ghoul's demonstration of magic.
"What the fuck?!" Spoiler exclaimed in disbelief. "You can fucking fly?! How is that fucking fair?!"
"Language," both Agent A and Red Ghoul said at the same time, making everyone freeze in shock.
"Shit!" Tim muttered under his breath. "That was creepy."
"Finally, there is someone else here with manners," Agent A said primly. "Would you like anything to drink Master Red Ghoul?"
"No, thank you," Red Ghoul answered slowly, taking everything of him not to add the Alfie at the end. "I believe we should discuss the course of action, the sooner we do it, the sooner this is over, and I can move on."
"Move on?" Batman growled, glaring at the stranger in his cave.
Jason tensed underneath the glare. It reminded him of the last time he was face to face with him, when Batman was looming over him, glaring, and accusing him of committing a murder he had not done. Batman might not be able to see with the mask firmly on place, but Red Ghoul was glaring right back, with so much hate that if looks could kill, Batman would be ten feet underground by now.
"Move on," Red Ghoul repeated slowly, as if he was talking with a kid. Which had everyone chuckling, as Batman got angrier. "There are so many curses on Earth, I do not have the liberty of remaining in one place for long."
"Then let's discuss," Batman growled. "The sooner we deal with this, the sooner you can leave my city."
"Believe me, I do not want to stay here for a second later than I need to," Red Ghoul grunted, before smirking in sadistic amusement. "It must really kill you, to have me here. To ask an al Ghul for aid."
"Master Red Ghoul," Agent A scolded him out of habit.
However, Cass noticed that Red Ghoul reacted the same way every child of the bat did, chastised. Interesting…
"First of all, I am not allowing neither Robin nor Spoiler to get involved. I will not condemn a mission with child soldiers," Red Ghoul announced, making Robin and Spoiler glare heatedly at the All-Caste member. While Batman and Nightwing flinched at the clear accusation. Only Agent A and Black Bat remained unaffected by Red Ghoul's words. "Second, you will need to learn to share your city Batsy. I cannot do anything for the nexus layout underneath the city. That will always remain, and it will always affect humans. As such, you will need a dark magical conglomeration to take the effects of the dark magic away from humans. You accept that, or you move out and take all the humans with you."
The batglare was back in place and this time it was 100 times worse than before. If anything, Batman looked ready to jump the Red Ghoul and beat him to the pulp. That is if he could.
"Do not look at me like that, Detective," Red Ghoul snapped, taking sadistic satisfaction in using Ra's nickname, knowing how much it perturbed Bruce. "Life is harsh and unfair; we don't get what we want most of the time. The sooner you accept that, the better."
"You think I do not know that?!" Batman snapped, all the tension in his body finally snapping like rubber band.
"No, I do not think. Otherwise, you would not have them patrolling," Red Ghoul pointed at Spoiler and Robin who flinched back. "Didn't Spoiler almost die at the hands of Black Mask? And everyone knows what happened to the last Robin."
The room froze, everyone staring at the Red Ghoul in shock. Though, Jason only had eyes for the case in the middle of the batcave. The twisted and masochistic headstone for the fallen Robin. He was so focused on it, that he did not notice Batman shaking off Nightwing and rushing towards Red Ghoul with his fist up.
The moment Red Ghoul realized, he had his wand out and aimed it at the coming Batman. "Depulso!"
Batman flew away from Red Ghoul and landed on the case, breaking it from the force of the spell, sending shattered glass everywhere as Batman laid on the same costume Jason had died in.
Jason could not stay in the Batcave for another second. He had to leave, NOW!
"Call me when you are all ready to behave as adults, until then I will stake out the Court of Owls," Red Ghoul growled and turned to leave, when his foot stepped on something. Jason stopped and picked up the plate. He snorted as he read the contents. "A Good Soldier? More like A Child Soldier."
With nothing else to say, Red Ghoul apparated away, leaving the bats and birds of Gotham to stew in their guilt and sadness.