Jason sauntered into the packed classroom at Fawcett University, a playful grin on his face. Today's lesson was all about characters, one of his favorite topics. Leaning casually against the desk, he scanned the eager faces of his students.
"Alright, folks, today we're diving into character creation. You know, the ones that really jump off the page," he started, his tone easygoing yet enthusiastic. "We've all read stories where the characters are flatter than a pancake, right? Well, not in our class."
He pointed to the stack of envelopes on the desk. "I've got a fun exercise for you that'll make your characters so real they might join us for coffee. So, listen up."
Jason explained the task, the room buzzing with anticipation. "I've got some magazine cutouts of everyday people. Your job is to pick two from your envelope and make them the stars of your own story."
The students tore open their envelopes, discovering the characters they'd soon bring to life. "Mix it up—genders, ages, backgrounds. Get creative!"
The classroom buzzed with activity, scissors snipping, glue sticking, and students chatting excitedly. Jason wandered around, offering tips and enjoying the energy.
"Once you've got your characters, we're gonna throw them into the fire," he said with a mischievous smile. "Mad Lib-style prompts. Ready to put your characters to the test?" The students nodded eagerly as Jason shared the prompts, each one designed to push their characters into different scenarios. "Remember, we're not writing a full-blown novel here. We're just flexing those creative muscles."
The room became a hive of creativity, the students deeply immersed in their characters' worlds. Jason felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing they were on the verge of discovering the magic of character development.
As the class wound down, Jason leaned against his desk, a content smile on his lips. The room hummed with the rustle of papers and soft murmurs. He had opened a door to creativity, and the students had stepped through. He patiently answered questions, clarified doubts, and shared encouraging words. Each query was met with a genuine response, and Jason felt the energy of inspiration radiating through the room.
The papers piled up on his desk, a mountain of creativity waiting for his review. It was a daunting sight, but Jason didn't let it get to him. Teaching was his passion, and this was part of the job. With the last paper handed in, Jason surveyed the diverse stack. Each story was unique, a testament to the individuality of his students. He felt proud of the connections made, the ideas sparked, and the characters born in his class.
The students, some still adding final touches, looked up at Jason with anticipation and gratitude. He nodded encouragingly, acknowledging their efforts. The bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Jason collected the last of the papers as the students gathered their things.
As the room emptied, Jason took a moment to appreciate the vibrant voices captured in the papers. Despite the impending task of reviewing and providing feedback, Jason felt a warmth in his chest. He loved teaching, seeing creativity blossom, and knowing he was contributing to the world of storytelling.
With a final glance at the papers, Jason gathered them into a neat stack. The next week would be filled with revisions and discussions, but for now, he savored the afterglow of a class well spent. The journey of these characters was just beginning, and Jason was eager to see where his students' imaginations would take them.
Jason's happiness faded when he realized only Roy was left in the classroom. Roy handed over his paper, and their eyes met. Jason's smile, while genuine, had a hint of stiffness as he accepted Roy's paper. The weight of the paper felt heavier, not because of its physicality, but because of their shared history.
Roy Harper, once a close companion during Jason's early days with the Titans, had stayed behind. Jason was meticulous about maintaining his disguise in Roy's presence. In this room, Jason Alexander Head, the celebrated author, took center stage. This persona was carefully crafted to keep the past buried. To Roy, Jason was not the second Robin, the young protégé who had once fought alongside him and Nightwing. That boy, with his untamed spirit and innocence, was a casualty of the past. A past Jason was determined to keep hidden beneath layers of new identities.
"You know, I've been wanting to ask you something for a while," Roy spoke up after handing Jason his paper.
Jason tensed under his playful grin. "What is it? A question about the prompt? You should have asked during class."
"No, I've been meaning to ask you, how long will you keep on this disguise… Jay-lad?"
Oh, shit!
Night fell over Gotham, casting a thick blanket of darkness over the city. Hidden in the shadows, the batfamily watched the new supernatural arrivals with a mix of worry and acceptance. The skyline, once dominated by tall buildings, now had a few new residents: vampires, witches, and other mystical beings had moved in.
Batman, his expression serious behind the cowl, felt a mix of duty and a fierce protectiveness over Gotham. This was his city to protect, and the idea of sharing it with magical beings was a tough pill to swallow. Still, he knew it had to be done for the greater good.
Nightwing stood next to him, giving a nod of understanding. He knew that teaming up with Red Ghoul and letting these magical beings in was necessary. Sometimes, keeping the city safe meant making tough choices, even if it meant sharing their home.
Oracle, working from her high-tech lair, watched the situation unfold with a mix of concern and strategy. Her screens showed the movements of the new supernatural residents settling into Gotham. The batfamily's tech hub was buzzing, capturing every moment.
As they continued their silent watch, the shadows seemed to ripple with uncertainty. The batfamily knew that sometimes, protecting Gotham meant embracing the unknown, even if it meant sharing their space with creatures not entirely human.
In the midst of all this, the Sanguis Coven, a group of vampires, had bought the Drake Mansion right next to Wayne Manor. This place, full of memories from Tim's pre-Robin days, now felt like a strange mix of "Cribs" and "True Blood." Tim stood there, staring at his old home turning into a vampire lair, feeling a mix of confusion and "What the heck is happening?" It's not every day your childhood home becomes a mystical hotspot.
Caught between Wayne Manor and the vampire hangout, Tim struggled with the reality that his old home was now a haven for creatures of the night. It was a weird moment in Gotham's always strange history, and the batfamily was right in the thick of it. Sure, Tim felt weird about his home becoming vampire central, but he knew it was a smart move. Having the Sanguis Coven as neighbors might be odd, but it was strategic, keeping a close eye on the supernatural. Gotham was always a city of surprises, and now it had vampires as neighbors. Talk about a plot twist!
Amid all the magical chaos, Alfred found himself sitting in his favorite armchair in the Wayne Manor library. He took a sip of tea and nibbled on some cookies, the ones that always made Jason smile. But this time, there was no laughter, just memories.
The view from the library was wild—vampires moving in next door, witches setting up shop, and magical creatures turning the city into a paranormal playground. For Alfred, it was a bittersweet reminder of the one Bat who wasn't around to see this madness.
Alfred sighed, feeling a mix of nostalgia and sadness. He could almost hear Jason's sarcastic comments about the supernatural housewarming party. "Well, Master Jason," Alfred mused, "I hope you're having fun wherever you are, probably causing some chaos of your own."
The armchair, once Jason's favorite reading spot, now cradled Alfred with a sense of melancholy. He glanced at the empty seat next to him, half-expecting Jason to walk in with a cheeky grin and a witty remark about the crazy turn of events. But of course, that didn't happen. Jason's absence was a heavy, unspoken presence in the room.
Alfred couldn't help but think about the days when Jason would lounge on the couch with a book, sharing bits of his day—both the heroic and the mundane. Now, the only company Alfred had was the flickering shadows on the walls and the distant sounds of the supernatural settling in.
As Gotham's new residents claimed their places, Alfred felt that Jason should have been there to see it all. The city's ever-changing skyline mirrored the evolving batfamily dynamics. Yet, in this moment, Alfred couldn't shake the feeling of missing one brave Robin who brought his own brand of chaos to the Wayne legacy.
With a final sip of tea and a wistful glance out the window, Alfred sighed again. Gotham was full of surprises, but nothing could fill the void left by the one Robin who added his own unique spark to the family.
Jason's library, filled with the scent of old books and the cozy comfort of well-worn armchairs, felt oddly tense with Roy Harper sitting across from him. The silence between them was thick, filled with unspoken words.
Jason's mind was racing. How did Roy figure out his identity? He'd worked so hard to keep his life as Jason Alexander Head, the author and big brother, separate from his past. Did someone betray him? Or had he slipped up, letting old habits show? The fear of Batman finding out and taking Damian away gnawed at him.
As the seconds ticked by, Jason stole glances at Roy, searching for any sign of accusation. Roy, pretending to read, finally broke the silence with a sigh, making Jason tense up. But instead of confrontation, Roy's voice was gentle, laced with humor.
"So, the great Jason Alexander Head got caught slipping, huh?" Roy teased. "It wasn't any one thing, Jay. Just little clues. Like how you always check every exit in a room? That's pure bat behavior."
Jason couldn't help but smile. Even when trying to be someone else, some habits just stuck.
"And then there's the way Damian and Billy act around you," Roy went on. "It's like déjà vu. I've seen that dynamic before. It's like watching you and Dick with Bruce all over again."
Roy's words hit Jason hard, reminding him of the family patterns that repeated themselves despite his efforts to start fresh. He just hoped he was doing better than Bruce had.
"And don't think I didn't notice you at the university," Roy added with a smirk. "Lost in a book, making faces like you're solving a mystery. Classic Jason Todd."
Jason laughed, the tension easing. Roy seeing through his disguise spoke volumes about their friendship, forged through shared hardships.
"Look, Jay, your secrets are safe with me. I don't know how I didn't recognize you, but now that I do, it's all the same. We've all got our baggage."
"I'd love to trust you…" Jason began, but Roy cut him off with a smirk.
"But you're too much of a bat not to have a backup plan. So, how do you plan on keeping me quiet, Jay?"
Jason hesitated, debating whether to reveal everything. He decided to share some of it. "We've met before, you know?"
"Yeah, I trained you in firearms," Roy teased.
Jason smirked. "No, after I died and before you moved to Fawcett City."
"Before?" Roy repeated, then his eyes widened. "The Red Ghoul! That's you?!"
Jason shrugged with a shy smile, the same one from his street-kid days. Roy felt a pang of nostalgia. "Since when can you use magic?"
"Always, it seems. I'm a natural-born necromancer. That's what brought me back."
Roy grinned. "Well, whatever it is, I'm glad it did. I missed you, Jay."
Jason's cheeks flushed under Roy's warm gaze. "So, your backup plan is magic?"
"A blood oath, a Trust Me Knot," Jason said. "If either of us breaks it, we die."
"Let's do it," Roy agreed without hesitation, making Jason blink in surprise. "You brought my daughter back, Jay. Of course I trust you. I won't break the oath."
Jason blushed deeper and called for Damian. "Dami can use magic too?" Roy asked, eyes wide. "And Billy?"
"Yes, I can," Damian said, appearing with a solemn look. "And Billy can too. Let's do the Trust Me Knot."
The room seemed to hold its breath as Damian, with a dagger in hand, began the ritual. Jason and Roy took the ends of the rope. Damian explained the conditions: protect each other's secret identities at all costs. The dagger gleamed as Damian cut his hand, letting drops of blood fall onto the rope, which absorbed it, turning a deep red. Jason and Roy exchanged glances, feeling the weight of their commitment.
Damian stepped back, the noose forming in the air. "Si fides solvitur nodus interficit," he intoned. "If the trust is broken, the knot will kill."
The words hung in the air, the Trust Me Knot a tangible reminder of their pact. Jason and Roy looked at each other, the bond between them stronger than ever.
The smell of maqlube filled the air as Jason, Damian, and Billy sat around the dinner table. This Arabic dish, with its mix of rice, lamb, and fried eggplants, had quickly become Billy's favorite. Its name meant "upside down," fitting for how it was prepared and served.
But tonight, the usual lively chatter was missing. The tension was thick, and everyone seemed tired. Damian glanced at Jason, who was lost in thought. Billy, sensing the mood, hesitated before taking a bite, his usual energy dimmed by the unease at the table. They ate in near silence, the clinking of utensils loud in the quiet room.
Jason finally broke the silence, looking at his brothers seriously but reassuringly. "Roy knows about me being the second Robin and the Red Ghoul. He knows we can use magic, but that's it. He doesn't know about Damian being Batman's son or Billy being the Champion of Magic."
Damian, always sharp, frowned. "What does that mean for us, akhi?"
"It means we don't have to hide much from Roy. He's seen a lot and swore a Trust Me Knot. He won't tell our secrets. We can use magic openly around him."
Billy perked up at that. "So, we don't need to hide spells and stuff?"
Jason nodded. "Exactly. Roy's part of the family now. Keeping secrets from family isn't a good idea."
Damian still looked skeptical. "What if he breaks the oath?"
Jason's gaze was steady. "He won't. Roy keeps his promises. He wouldn't leave his daughter an orphan. You'll see."
The tension started to lift. Jason tried to lighten the mood. "Remember the movie marathon we do when Jon visits?"
"The one with the pillow fort?" Damian's eyes lit up.
"And Alfred's secret hot chocolate?" Billy grinned.
"And umi's Ghraybeh," Jason chuckled, his heart warmed by their excitement. "Let's finish dinner and change into our pajamas. You guys can pick the movie."
"Lord of the Rings!" Damian and Billy exclaimed, their excitement returning.
"I can't wait to laugh at all the stuff J.R.R. Tolkien got wrong!" Damian smirked.
Billy nudged him. "You're evil!"
"As if you don't think the same!"
Talia's voice came through Jason's secure line, serious as ever. "Jason, abni, it's time we discuss Gotham. The city is changing."
Jason listened carefully, perched on a rooftop with Fawcett City's skyline spread out before him. The cool night air felt good against his skin, a welcome distraction from the weight of Talia's words.
"It's been months since dark magical beings settled there," Talia continued, her tone unwavering. "The dark magic is being absorbed by them, not affecting humans as much. The city is adapting."
Jason felt a mix of relief and disbelief. "That's good news, umi. Gotham catching a break sounds unreal."
Talia's tone remained measured. "It seems our efforts are paying off. Gotham is healing, in its own way."
Jason chuckled, shaking his head in amazement. "Who would've thought? Gotham healing thanks to magical creatures."
There was a brief pause before Talia spoke again, softer now. "Jason, I wanted you to know. Gotham has always been part of us."
Jason nodded, though she couldn't see it. "Thanks, T. It's good to know the dark clouds over Gotham might finally be lifting."
Leaning against the rooftop edge, Jason took a deep breath. "Talia, there's something else. Roy found out about my identity. About Jason Todd."
Talia was silent for a moment, and Jason could almost hear the gears turning in her mind.
"He figured it out slowly," Jason said, his voice steady. "The way I move, checking exits – it's all bat behavior. And then there are the boys. Damian and Billy act around me like Dick and I did with Bruce."
"Does Roy know about Damian's parentage?" Talia asked, her tone sharp.
"No," Jason replied firmly. "I've kept that from him. I don't want to drag Damian into this."
Talia's voice softened slightly, but the edge remained. "What about Roy? Should I send shadows?"
"No, that's not necessary," Jason said quickly. "Roy's not a threat. He swore a Trust Me Knot. Besides, he's family."
"Very well," Talia said. "If you trust him, we'll leave it. But I'll upgrade the shadows in Fawcett City. Security must be tight, especially for my sons."
"Thanks, umi," Jason said, feeling a mix of gratitude and weariness. "I've got enough to worry about without someone digging into the past."
As the call ended, Jason stayed on the rooftop for a while, looking out over the city. The lights twinkled below, a reminder of the lives he and his family were trying to protect. The thought of Gotham healing brought a rare sense of hope, and for a moment, Jason allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things were finally turning around.
The kids' laughter filled the summer air as Lian, Damian, and Billy played in Jason's backyard. The greenery and flowers made it look like a scene straight out of a storybook. Roy and Jason, sitting at a wooden table on the patio, shared a smile as they watched the kids having fun. Seeing Lian, Damian, and Billy so happy together really tugged at their hearts.
As the kids' laughter reached its peak, Roy and Jason figured it was time for a break. The sun was blazing, and everyone needed a cool drink. Jason headed to the kitchen to whip up some lemonade, while Roy grabbed bowls of watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple.
Back on the patio, the kids, red-faced and sweaty from playing, eagerly gathered around. Jason brought out a tray of lemonade, handing out glasses with a grin. The kids dug into the fruit Roy handed out, their smiles growing with each bite.
The sun cast a golden glow over everything, shadows growing long as the kids laughed and played. Meanwhile, Roy and Jason found a cool spot on the patio, sipping lemonade that reflected the mix of emotions inside Jason.
Things between Roy and Jason were getting serious. Jason had let his guard down, shedding his superhero secrets. Around Roy, he could just be Jason, not weighed down by the shadows of his past. But the closer they got, the more tangled his feelings became. Jason found himself noticing things that made his heart race, like Roy's intense green eyes or the way the sun highlighted his red hair. His emotions were all over the place, and Jason wasn't ready for this new feeling.
Roy's laid-back vibe made Jason feel something deep. Whenever Roy smiled, Jason's chest did this weird fluttery thing. And those times Roy wore short sleeves, showing off his archer arms? Jason's self-control was seriously tested. He'd catch himself wiping his chin, half-expecting to find drool. It was getting ridiculous. Realizing he was falling for Roy hit him like a ton of bricks, and suddenly, Jason was facing emotions he'd been avoiding for ages.
Thinking about Essence was like remembering a storm—wild, intense, and unforgettable. Their time together was passionate and full of life, making Jason feel alive again. But storms pass, and so did their whirlwind romance. When it was over, Jason found peace in their parting. Essence had changed him, awakened parts of him, but he stood strong after she was gone.
Roy, on the other hand, felt like a warm hearth—a steady, comforting presence. It wasn't a blazing fire but a constant warmth that brought stability. The feelings for Roy grew slowly, but they were strong and steady. It was a different kind of intensity, one that felt more enduring and, in some ways, more overwhelming.
Jason realized that this steady warmth was scarier because it promised permanence. Unlike the storm with Essence, Roy's warmth seemed like it would always be there. The idea of something lasting both thrilled and terrified him.
So, there they were, sitting side by side on the patio, ice clinking in their glasses, adding to the tension between them. Jason's eyes would drift to Roy, and you could see the internal struggle playing out. The summer breeze carried the scent of flowers and a mix of new emotions. In that moment, Jason grappled with the fact that he was falling for Roy.
Jason's phone buzzed, cutting through the tension. He pulled it out, confusion all over his face. When he read the article Vicky Vale had posted, his eyes widened. He showed it to Roy, who cursed under his breath as the shock hit him.
The headline on the Gotham Gazette's website was like a bomb going off. "Bruce Wayne's Mysterious Disappearance Shakes Gotham's Foundations." The words hung in the air, sending shockwaves through both of them.
Bruce Wayne's Mysterious Disappearance Shakes Gotham's Foundations
In a startling turn of events, Gotham's esteemed billionaire and philanthropist, Bruce Wayne, has vanished under mysterious circumstances during his extravagant worldwide cruise. The news of his disappearance has sent shockwaves through the city, leaving citizens and the business world grappling with uncertainty.
Reports indicate that Wayne's yacht, part of his opulent sea voyage, went missing at sea. The details surrounding this sudden disappearance remain shrouded in mystery, prompting widespread speculation about the fate of Gotham's most eligible bachelor.
Questions abound regarding the circumstances of Bruce Wayne's disappearance. Is he lost at sea, facing the perils of the open ocean, or is there something more nefarious at play? The lack of concrete information has left Gothamites in suspense, eagerly awaiting any updates on the fate of their beloved playboy.
Beyond the personal tragedy, the implications for Wayne Enterprises, the cornerstone of the Wayne Family's legacy, are immense. As the city holds its breath, wondering about Bruce's fate, the future of the corporate empire built by his family hangs in the balance. Wayne Enterprises, an integral part of Gotham's economic landscape, now faces an uncertain future.
Among the pressing questions is the potential successor to the Wayne dynasty. With Bruce Wayne's eldest son, Richie Grayson, in the spotlight, speculation about his role in the family business intensifies. Will he step into his adoptive father's shoes and lead Wayne Enterprises through these challenging times?
Another figure thrust into the limelight is Timothy Drake, known for his upbringing among Gotham's elite. As discussions swirl about Wayne Enterprises' future leadership, Drake's name surfaces as a potential candidate. The city watches with bated breath, curious to see if an outsider will play a pivotal role in the destiny of this corporate giant.
As Gotham awaits more information about Bruce Wayne's disappearance, the uncertainty surrounding his fate permeates every corner of the city. The shadows cast by this enigma extend far beyond Wayne Manor, touching the heart of Gotham's collective consciousness. The coming days promise to be a test for both the city and Wayne Enterprises, as they grapple with the aftermath of Bruce Wayne's sudden and mysterious vanishing act.
-Vicky Vale.
Roy and Jason exchanged confused looks, their expressions mirroring each other's shock. "What's going on, Roy?!" Jason whispered urgently, trying to keep his voice low so the kids wouldn't overhear. "I thought the plan was for Bruce Wayne to be on a worldwide cruise while Batman was off on a space mission. You never mentioned anything about this?!"
"That's because Dick never told me!" Roy snapped back, his voice laced with panic. "I don't have a clue what's happening, Jay!"
Just then, Roy's phone rang, cutting through the tension like a knife. He answered quickly, and Jason watched as Roy's face turned ashen, his usual composure shattered.
The words Roy spoke next hit Jason hard. "What do you mean Batman is dead?!" Roy's voice was filled with disbelief, and the sound seemed to freeze the air between them, making Jason's heart stop.
Time felt like it stopped as the reality of the situation sank in. Batman, the hero who had been a constant presence in Gotham and a figure in Jason's life, was gone. The news hit Jason with the force of a freight train, making him relive the pain of losing his father for the second time. It was like a tidal wave of grief crashing over him, pulling him under.
Roy continued listening on the phone, his face a mix of sorrow and shock. His eyes met Jason's, and in that silent exchange, they both understood the gravity of the news. Jason's mind raced through memories—training sessions, rooftop talks, and the unspoken connection he had with the Dark Knight. He wasn't just mourning the loss of a father but also grappling with a mountain of unresolved feelings that would never be addressed.
Jason's fists clenched as he struggled with the harsh truth. The mentor who had given him purpose, who had been a guiding force in his life, was now gone. The weight of regret hit him hard—Bruce had passed without ever knowing the full truth, without a chance to make things right. Jason was left reeling, the sting of loss piercing through the walls he'd built around his heart.
- END OF ARC I -