Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

After the fight, Jason felt drained. Yes, drained, not exhausted, tired, or even depleted, just drained. In fact, he was probably more drained than he’d felt since his stint across the globe training. He had just taken out and killed more people in one hour than he had previously ever done so. The worst part is that he would do it all again. As long as it kept Gotham and her people safe. The other bats had no idea what it took to truly protect and save Gotham. After all, they couldn’t just capture the one hundred and fifty cobra cult members hell-bent on sacrificing the city.

Regardless he doubts Bruce, or anyone else for that matter, will agree. He knows it’s just a matter of time before they find out. In all honestly, he’s just so drained, not from the killing but from the fighting with his family he knows will come. He knows they won’t see it his way. And he’s tired of fighting them regardless. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, staying and protecting Gotham or his family, engaging all systems to go in tracking him down and taking him in.

He sighs, the chill in the air not touching him through his armor and helmet. He knows he could take them down if he genuinely wanted to; a part of him has known that for a while a smaller part of him thinks Bruce knows as well. His family is good, no doubt about it; in fact, all of them together, they are probably one of the most dangerous and competent groups of people out there. However, they are still undertrained compared to him; the only ones that reach would be Bruce and Cass. He couldn’t take all of them down in a fair fight, not together, at least not now. Which would mean fighting dirty, something he is very, very good at if he needs to be.

All of this is assuming he chooses to stand his ground and fight. He could hide it would be challenging, especially with Oracle against him. Still, with some help from Talia, he could manage. Does he flee or fight, maybe try both and fail at both? He knows whichever he chooses must be committed fully, with no room for doubt or hesitation, or he will fail. Ultimately, he can’t help Gotham for a while, no matter what he does. So, it’s decided to flee no time for goodbyes shame he wished he could leave a message, at least for the little one.
With his decision made, he takes a deep sigh steeling himself for the decision to run from his first home. Absently he wonders if his family will see why he did it. Hitting the secure dial, he calls Talia with his helmet. He can hear her breathe on the other side of the phone. “Ahalan wa sahalan Umi (Arabic greeting and word for mom),” he pauses before switching to English. She lets him take a moment. “I need help; I need to leave Gotham without any else knowing.”

“Of course, Habibi (affectionate Arabic term for loved ones), you will tell me more once you are secure.” He hears her reply, and while most wouldn’t hear it, he can pick up the tone of worry that she has when she is concerned.

A small weight feels lifted from his shoulder now that he knows his mom will help him. He takes a split second to marvel that he has a mom who loves and supports him in a way he hasn’t truly felt before. Then he leaps from the rooftop he was on, leaving the pile of corpses he made on it. Without making a single sound on the concrete and asphalt beneath his feet, he begins taking the back routes of the city he knows better than himself. A not unimpressive feat that none of the other bats besides maybe Damian knew he could do with his 6 ft. 2 build. Towards a sewer exit, not even oracle would know about dodging every camera hidden or otherwise on his way, managing to avoid being seen by any civilians or patrolling bats. He had already fully disabled all trackers on him before the fight, even the ones Bruce and Babs thought he didn’t know about.

With a silent drop into the sewer, he heads towards the exit avoiding the bat’s surveillance tech and crocs territory. There is no need for extra trouble. Every movement is carefully controlled with barely a thought. His mind is occupied with alternate routes and travel once outside the city. In his peripheral, he notices a flurry of activity from the bats. They must have seen it. With this in mind, he picks up his pace, maintaining as much stealth as he can afford.

It’s agonizing twenty minutes later when he finally exits the sewer system. He quickly removes his gear and stores it in a bugout bag he grabs, which he has stashed here in case something like this ever did happen. Placing a wig, baggy clothing, and makeup, he slowly heads toward the bus station. Going over the plan in his head again, the bus will take him to the city, where he will catch a ride from some of Talia’s trusted agents. They will take him to a hidden airport where Talia will have a jet waiting for him.

The entire time it takes to get to the airport, he constantly feels aware of everything in his surroundings, waiting to be tracked down. On the bus, the lady he sits across from is looking out the window, then to her phone, possibly alerting bats. He sees her screen from the window reflection and sees she’s just scrolling through Instagram. Filing that away, he takes stock of everyone else on the bus with him, what they’re doing, and when all in fifteen seconds. The rest of the ride is spent constantly monitoring the others or appearing like a man who’s tired and taking the bus to work.

One bus ride later, he starts heading towards the pick-up point, making sure to stop at various stores to buy a thing or two with cash while avoiding cameras or slipping in with the crowd to prevent recognition. Once he arrives without a word, he slips into the car. Finally, he allows himself to relax slightly, still prepared to fight at a moment’s notice. A short time later, the vehicle arrives at an air hanger registered under one of the league’s many aliases. The flight is entirely above board to avoid suspicion. It will be delayed another 23 minutes to prevent any tracking of flights anticipating the time it would take him to leave the country. He doesn’t let any of these thoughts show on his face; he still needs to stay strong, so he will. There is no other option.

To his surprise, he steps inside the plane and sees Talia waiting for him. He sees her dismiss the guards from the jet’s interior and, with a nod, let him know he’s safe. He sits down across from her and collapses. The physical and mental strain from the day finally comes to the surface now that he’s almost safe, but he knows Talia will protect him; his mom is here and safe now. Before he knows it, he can feel Talia’s arms around him in a hug so fierce he’s almost caught off guard. Hearing her whisper comforting words in Arabic. He allows himself to go slack and lose the tenseness he’s carried for virtually the entire time he’s been in Gotham. And with that, tears start streaming down his face.

The realization of his situation is hitting him now, and he realizes all the hopes and plans he had for Gotham are essentially gone now. The kids of crime alley won’t even know why he left them. His talks with Alfred are gone now. All the work he had done towards making himself accepted into the family is dashed now. As his thoughts spiral, he can feel the plane taking off, and the tears stream even faster. The only sound he makes is a gasp or strangled breath. He can still hear Talia talking in Arabic, describing everything from the plane ride to America to her conversations with Damian recently.

Slowly the tears slow; he can think more precisely about the pain of leaving, and the loss of his relationships still press into him. Still, he calms down slowly and regains a sense of himself. Once his breathing has settled, Talia releases him and sits up straight as he sits up in his chair. Taking a deep breath, he looks at his mom and sees a concern in her eyes he hasn’t seen in a long time.

He hears her take a deep breath, and then she says in a gentle voice, “Habibi tell me what happened.”

He begins, his voice a bit shaky, “There was a cult that had decided that they needed to sacrifice to their god or whatever it is that they worship, and they target Gotham city, specifically the bowery. I don’t know why maybe because it was easier, maybe there just felt like being special assholes regardless; I went to intercept them, only this wasn’t a small gaggle of cultists that popped up the sent a whole company of them. Being cultists, they were not practically open to discussion despite my efforts. So, I” Pausing a moment, he took a breath. “I had to make a choice the people of the bowery or zealot cultists, and that was that there were simply too many for me to not kill them and still save everyone the bowery because I was not letting one of those demented fucks into the bowery and then well you know the rest.”

Talia nodded and took a moment before speaking, saying, “Jason, listen to me,” her voice having a severity and conviction to it that was rarely heard from her. “When you killed those cultists, you were not doing so to hurt Bruce, further your own goals, or anything like that. You murdered the cultists for one purpose, and that was to protect. You made the best call you could in an impossible and unexpected situation, ad don’t let anyone tell you otherwise”.

Jason lifted his head and met her green eyes, blazing with protectiveness. And nodded, understanding passing between the two that Jason would not let this time be the time that his inner strength buckles.

Talia let a small smile grace her face before saying, “Now that you are safe, what will you do now.”

He closed his eyes and took a moment to open them; his green eyes steeled with the determination he’s carried longer than he could remember. “I need to figure out where those cultists came from and destroy them. If they try again somewhere else, I won’t be able to save the people they want to hurt”.

Talia looked into the boy, who had become her son, eyes and saw beyond the strength, a weariness far too great for one so young. “And then what, my child, what will you do then,” she said.

Jason sighed deeply, bending over his knees and pinching the bridge of his nose, then rubbing his temples. Wearily he replied, “I don’t know, T. I guess I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it.”

Talia was about to reply, but before she could get a word out, the plane landed, causing both to sit up. As the door to the plane opened to warm, temperate air, the odor of seawater blew into the plane’s interior. As Talia and Jason walked out, with Jason slightly behind Talia, into the fresh and pleasant air of the leagues’ island. The warm, clean air greeted Jason with a cool breeze brushing across his face. He found himself relaxing almost in spite of himself he was home. Still standing up straight, sensei would have his hide if his posture was anything less than perfect. He found himself walking towards the gardens as Talia went to confer with Ra’s about the current situation.

Once in the garden’s peaceful embrace, he allowed himself a moment to reminisce about simpler times when his goal was clear, and he was training to become the Red Hood. Afternoons with Talia and a younger Damian were spent drinking sweet tea and discussing the day’s tasks. Talia and Ra’s training him in medicine, though, at the time, he had thought it was only to serve him in the field. Meditations and late-night philosophical discussions with sensei and Ra’s. A soft footfall that sounded more like leaves falling than steps alerted him to another presence entering the garden. He simply stayed still and closed his eyes though he shifted his stance to a more balanced one to acknowledge their existence.
A gruff, weathered voice then spoke out, “Hm, it seems you have at least kept your skills from fading though no improvement is still disappointing.”

Jason let out a soft chuckle and said, “It’s good to see you again as well, sensei.”

“Humph, very well, young one,” sensei replied

With a smirk in his voice, Jason took a deep breath and replied, “shall we see just how much I need to improve then sensei.”

Sensei let out a rare chuckle “very well, young one if you are itching for a spar so badly, I will graciously indulge you.”

There was no warning or undignified yell. These combatants were far too experienced and good for that. Within a moment of the words being spoken, Jason turned around, facing sensei and forming a balanced stance. Sensei also began a ready stance in the same instant. Jason struck first, moving forward to the right and extending an arm to strike in one fluid motion. Sensei responded with a parry moving into his guard to strike his torso. Jason turned out, so sensei’s blow narrowly struck the air while also moving behind sensei to attack from behind. Sensei predicting this turned around, grabbing his arm to flip him with momentum. However, Jason used this to sweep out sensei’s legs. Causing sensei to let Jason go and dodge his leg. Jason then used his strength to grab his torso, turning and pinning him. However, sensei flipped out of his grasp mid-turn. They launched himself out before lunging back in with surprising speed, taking Jason’s legs from under him. However, he used this to pull sensei down with him and move on top of the older combatant.

Before sensei could remove himself, a deep and rich voice rang out with the slightest undertone of slight amusement, “I see that my grandson has managed to get our sensei down on his level of dignity.”

Both combatants stood up in an instant slightly embarrassed from being caught in their horseplay. However, sensei would never deign to refer to it as such. Talia walked in behind her father with a subtle amused smirk.

Ra’s then declared, “Now that you have returned us, Jason, rest and regain your strength. We shall pursue your goal tomorrow when you have recovered from your ordeal”.
Jason nodded his head in assent, replying, “thank you, Ra’s. I will retire to my chambers shortly.”

Ra’s tilted his head in response before turning away to return to his study.

Talia then spoke with a note of amusement, “You should know better than to antagonize sensei like that, Jason.”

Sensei then indignantly spoke up, “do not speak of me as if I were a senile old man. I simply helped make sure the young ones had not let their skills grow dull.”

With a light chuckle, Jason spoke with a hint of sarcasm, “See Talia, just two dignified and respectable combatants making sure the other hadn’t gone dull.”

Sensei’s face made a brief and, to an outsider, unnoticeable disgruntled expression, yet let the comment slide.

With this, Talia let out a soft, airy laugh before heading back toward the main building to prepare for tomorrow. Jason nodded toward sensei before heading toward the building where those on the island slept. As he made his way towards familiar quarters, he couldn’t help but feel the slight sting of not having a smaller toddler Damian waddle along after him. He quickly shook such thoughts from his head. Damian and his bond have been subjected to far worse and still stayed strong. Perhaps the next time Talia calls the kid, he can join in and let him know he’s ok. After all, the connection here should be secure enough not to be tracked back, and even if it was, he knows that Ra’s, Talia, and the others wouldn’t just let Bruce take him.
Upon reaching his room, he drops his equipment on the floor and lets himself fall onto his bed. Exhausted, drained, and just overall done, he quickly falls asleep to the sounds of night on the island and in the comfort of his own bed.

That night as Jason falls asleep on the league’s island, across the world, in an underground facility stands a figure surrounded by candles in an ornate office with bookshelves filled with large books with symbols on the spines.

Suddenly there is a knock on a door, and a mewling raspy voice comes from the figure standing in the shadow. “Come in,” it says.

A man in a white hooded robe comes in with a piece of parchment in his hand shaking slightly, and with a hesitant and timid voice, responds, “Sir, I have news on our Gotham endeavor. They sent the number of men requested to overpower the bats, but where” he pauses clearing his throat nervously “annihilated sir, all of them were killed before any sacrifice could take place and it was all done outside of the necessary leylines so, erm,”

The man is cut off before he can finish in a sharp, oily tone. “Their deaths did nothing then,” the figure says.

Hesitantly the hooded man responds, “Um, yes, it seems so. We seemed to have not accounted that the bats would respond with deadly force, though we are still investigating this.”
The figure responds in an almost impressed tone, “no, not the bats, just one. We underestimated the Red Hood’s commitment to adhering with the bats. A mistake we will not make again”.

The cloaked man says, “Of course, sir, we will ensure it.”

“See that you do. The master is not inclined towards forgiveness nor understanding of failure, and he grows impatient,” the figure responds.

The cloaked man hurriedly says, “Of course, sir, I understand, sir,” before leaving through the door he entered.

The figure then says aloud, “These efforts must not fail. The masters’ offspring have defied him and prevented his glorious entry. So, we must seek other methods of releasing him”.

Chapter Text

The following day Jason wakes up to the sun rising against his window. Taking in a breath of fresh morning air with the faint smell of dewdrops and ocean on the air. He stretches and gets up, completing his morning stretches and warmup. Before showering and donning a specialized league uniform that’s more protective with red undertones and comfortable enough for everyday wear. He puts his armor and helmet on an armor mannequin since he wasn’t able to last night.

He then leaves his quarters to head to the dining pavilion for breakfast. On his way there, he realizes there are more students and assassins now than there used to be, bustling about with their various tasks. Those he comes across step back and bow their heads toward him, giving him the respect due to his status. He smiles internally, remembering when he was first adopted by Talia and granted the position of the eldest grandchild of the Al Ghul’s. He had been uncomfortable and confused by the difference the other assassins had for him. Though he adjusted easier once Talia assured him it was simply a sign of respect, not subservience.

His mind is brought back to the present by the sounds of combat as he walks into the training grounds. Before him, he sees scores of assassins doing preliminary warmups and stretches before they begin the core of their training for the morning. He sighs lightly, recalling sensei’s strict drills of discipline. Sensei had often called him the most stubborn and bullheaded student he had ever had. After all, his physical prowess was already sufficient once he was lucid again from his training under Bru-Batman. His respect, however, was another matter entirely; ultimately, sensei’s training wasn’t what tempered him. Instead, the league had slowly earned his respect. Now they were family, and he would stop at no lengths to protect them.
Taking himself out of his musings, Jason made his way toward the dining area for breakfast with his family. Upon receiving his food and some hibiscus tea, he makes his way toward the table for the Al Ghul family. Once he sits down, he sees Ra’s and Talia making their way toward him with their own food.

As they sit down, Ra’s speaks in a soft, rich cultured voice, “Welcome back, Jason. There are a great many things we need to address before the day’s end,” unable to keep a tiny hint of warmth seeping through.

“Father, I am sure it can wait till after we have had our meal,” Talia says.

“Of course, we can discuss these matters after we eat.” Ra’s answers.

Jason says, “Alright, till after our meal. In the meantime, I am curious about what has happened since I was last here”.

“A great many things have taken place in your absence, grandson. However, events of significance that you have missed include the freedom of many smaller villages worldwide that have gone unnoticed by the larger globe. We have also seen an increase in our numbers following the invasion by Apokolips. There was an increase in people who desired our organization’s skills, lifestyle, and goals.” Ra’s replied

“Head organizations have also muscled out lex Luthor from lex corp. We have also improved our reversal of desertification in the Sahara.” Adds Talia

“I’m glad the league’s outreach is working,” Jason says.

“Indeed, and Jason, what is the status of young Damian,” said Ra’s.

Jason Couldn’t help but smile slightly at Ra’s asking how his grandson was. “He is doing fine but misses home; you two should visit him more I don’t think your weekly calls are enough.”

Ra’s quirked a singular eyebrow in response, “Yes...Well, that is good to hear”. The three of them finished their meal in relative silence before heading toward Ras’s quarters. Inside the room, the familiar scene of an ornate room, though still functional, as befitting the Demons Head, greeted Jason.

“We have begun to look into who is behind the attack on Gotham that you thwarted, so far, we have yet to find anything substantial. However, it is still early in our investigation, and I have no doubt we will uncover who is responsible soon enough,” Ra’s declared.

Bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment of Ra’s, Jason’s mind started racing with this new information. This was frustrating, if not unexpected, even an organization as powerful as the league couldn’t pull up substantial results in just a day. He knew it would take more time to gather the information needed to act. Still, as much as he might dislike it, he knew patience was vital right now. That doesn’t mean he can’t get to work in other ways, though. Whoever sent the attackers was unlikely to keep the same strategy, meaning he would need to train further. He knows that with an unknown force and unknown dangers better to be prepared for everything.

Talia looked at her son, who had simply nodded at her father’s information, before a look she was all too familiar with crossed his face. She could tell he was already working over the problem and what he would need to do next, he was driven that way, and as much as neither one might not like to admit it, Bruce is the same in that sense. With that thought, a slight frown crosses her face knowing that this most recent incident between Jason and Bruce might be irreconcilable. Bruce is, at his heart, a compassionate man. Still, he would never be able to understand what Jason did to defend Gotham. It simply isn’t in him; he stands to his ideals with an unbreakable fervor for better and, in this case, worse. What breaks her heart though, is that Jason believes this as well, that Bruce would pick his ideals over his son. Despite what Bruce might think about that night, in the finale of Jason’s return to Gotham, he has done it before.

Mentally shaking herself of these thoughts, she focuses back on the moment she turns to Jason. “Habibi, that is everything we have, for now, go take some time to rest and recover before you begin preparing for anything.”

Jason smiles slightly “Thanks T yeah, I’ll go do that” bowing slightly to Ra’s, Jason exits the demon’s head chambers.

He made his way to the roof of the compound overlooking the surrounding area, the wind wrapped around him, and the warmth of the sun shone down. Taking a deep breath, he laid down on the rooftop. As he realized the tension in his body he hadn’t even registered, he was able to slowly relax. Or at least he should have been able to and yet it felt like he was being smothered down by heavy thick fog. Lately it had felt like this fog had been consuming him all the time it weighed on him and seemed to pull his very being down to the earth. It all just added to the difficulty, it was getting harder and harder to do simple things. But it would be fine it had to be fine there were more important things than himself right now and he would make sure he was able to everything he could.

The sun was just beginning to set as Jason looked down the edge of the katana he had selected swinging it through the air and testing its balance. It arced with a deadly beauty and was balanced expertly it felt like an extension of his body that he could use with deft and dangerous precision. Inhaling Jason let himself begin flowing through his katas, sparing with any standard members of the league wouldn’t be a challenge, just a warmup at best but nothing that would improve his skills. It had been too long since he had used a sword and it was rustier than he would like with it. Becoming lost in the repeated movements had found himself moving faster and faster until the katana became nothing but a blur of steel cutting through the air with strict restraint. He slowed himself down and moved toward the dummies before striking at them. All strikes were quick accurate and lethal had they been against a live opponent.
Sighing he lowered his arms stretching then rubbed the bridge of his nose this was useful, but he needed to do more than just maintain his ability he had to improve. It was inevitable that they would not be as inexperienced and untrained the next time he went up against this mystery organization. Unfortunately there were a limited number of people who could still teach him or at least sharpen his skills. Worse still, they were all high-profile fighters not people he could just find and spar with at the drop of a hat. He paused and mentally slapped himself, he’s at the League of Shadows main compound he could reach out to and spar with them. Shaking his head he made a mental note to find Talia to see if she could contact them tomorrow.
He was just returning from his evening meal when he felt a slight tingle on the back of his neck instantly putting him on guard. He had learned that sometimes his body could detect what his mind couldn’t. Turning around he saw that the shadows seemed to impossibly darken. When so fast if he had blinked he would have missed it a pair of glowing white eyes seemed to flash from the dark before disappearing. Suddenly the shadows returned to normal, and his senses keyed down. Breathing a quick sigh he wondered what the fuck that was. His mind raced with possibilities, and he tried to recall his tutelage under the All-Caste. He hadn’t thought the compound was haunted but it was possible. Still this seemed different than a haunting or anything else the All-Caste had instructed him on. This wasn’t particularly helpful as most of his memories with All-Caste were not available to him. Still his instincts were screaming at him that this wasn’t something he could just dismiss. Well now he had another thing on his plate to worry about. He would have laughed if he could open his mouth, it felt dry and empty with the weight of so many responsibilities.

He knew that he wasn’t going to get any answers or progress today so he might as well catch some sleep. The cool night air pierced only my gentle moonlight and the twinkling of distant stars poured into his room from the window he’d left open. Removing his outfit he headed to the window closing it. Rolling his neck and doing some final stretches to help any remaining muscles detense and relax. Laying down in bed, he hopes he’ll get more than a few hours of sleep tonight. He knows that he won’t have too many nightmares haunt him for a restful sleep to ever be in his cards.

That night as Jason fought for sleep another was laying awake in bed. Her amethyst eyes practically shone in the dark. Her dark hair with purple undertones lays spread out on her pillow. A single sentiment occupied her thoughts, who was the man in red and how could he see her.

The next day had begun much the same as the last for Jason. However after his meal with Talia and Ra’s he followed his mom out of the dining pavilion. “Hey umi I would like to further hone my melee combat and was wondering if the league could host a reunion for elite members” he began.

“Habibi I will see what I can do but I’m sure I can get a few who would meet your criteria for training” Talia responds lightly.

“Shukran ya umi” he says (Thank you, mom).

“Tikram” Talia answers (Your welcome).

Jason then leaves with a nod, leaving Talia with her thoughts. It is not unusual for Jason to want to continue his training whenever he stays with league however he usually goes off on his own travels to find trainers with her information on where they are, for him to have them come here is strange but she can’t put her finger on why. Regardless she’ll begin reaching out to some of the high caliber league members and let her father know to expect more guests. Her dealings with taking over Lexcorp can wait a bit.

Sitting down with her computer she looks through members that Jason could still learn from. She makes a brief list of names and then heads to her father’s office to inform him.

“Father, Jason requested that we invite some of our elite members to the compound for him to train with so he can further improve his skills” Talia opens, little preamble is needed between her and her father.

“Very well, who are you reaching out to” Ra’s responds evenly.

“In no particular order Deathstroke, Lady Shiva, Richard Dragon, Bronze Tiger, Ghostmaker, and Bane are all the ones from amongst our own ranks” Talia says.

“Hmm, reach out to Katana as well but yes I believe this should give Jason what he wishes” Ra’s adds.

“Very well, I will leave you to your work” Talia says as she leaves her father’s study. She then invites the group of deadly assassins to come to her father’s compound.

Across the compound in the gardens, Jason was walking along the beautiful paths toward the center of the enclosure. It was a waterfall that flowed down from the mountains and into a central lake surrounded by native flora and fauna. He could hear the different animals in the treetops. He took in the natural beauty of this place a physical representation of the league’s goals of humans living in tandem with the world not against it. The center of the peaceful scene was a beautiful yet simple gazebo. This sat in the middle of the lake with bridges arching to the shoreline. Walking towards it he unfurled his mat in the pavilion, earlier he had felt that he needed to mediate. It had been far too long since he last had done his All-Caste exercises and he knew he was becoming rusty and with all that was going on he could not afford to be rusty. Settling himself down he removed his shirt and got into position. His breathing steadied and slowed his heartbeat with it as he entered into his meditative trance. Feeling the environment around him the slight rustle of leaves from the wind and the grass flowing with it and the calmness of the lake deep and quiet, it held a calm power to it.

He focused on his soul it was still clear and defined but there was a thick oppressive smog settling over the usually incandescent soul. If Jason was honest with himself he didn’t know how or why this fog was over him. He just knew it was not good and that he couldn’t get rid of it, so he would fight through it. After all not like life has ever made anything else easy for him why start now, thought darkly. Steeling himself he began to follow the paths of his body and soul. The muted light was still disconcerting, still it didn’t mean that the technique didn’t apply all the same. It was a matter of folding the soul to his will, what he folded his soul into didn’t particularly matter just that he was aware of his soul and had it in his own power.

He first settled himself in his mindscape making sure he was centered in his own body, mind, and soul and aware of all three. Then he began visualizing what he would fold his soul into, he went through different ideas. His first thought was a floor, then a chair, a spatula, a bird, a sword, a knife, a book, a jacket, when it clicked a mirror. Methodically he pushed his intent and will into his own soul. Slowly stretching it out and folding it repeatedly until he deemed it workable. He then began flattening his soul into the shape he needed it. All of his focus and will was singled in on pulling it outwards and squaring it off. Until an unmeasurable amount of time later he found himself staring into his soul as a reflection. Still, instead of it being shiny and unblemished it instead looked fogged over like someone took a long shower with it in the room, but the smoke was grey and black. Shaking his head and his breathing as perfectly even as when he had begun, he released his soul to its standard form. Then slowly with purpose he followed his paths back to the present moment. As his eyes opened a blue light faded away and he was about a foot off the ground. Slowly his body lowered down to earth again as he exited his mediation.

He grasps his hands and stretches upward shifting from side to side and he can feel and hear his back pop from the stretch. A yawn escapes his lips and looking up he notices that it’s now late afternoon. As always this is the exact amount of time that should have passed during his mediation. Despite how long it may feel during the mediation itself. The nature of the All is something he’s only just scratched the surface of, so it makes sense. Which is yet another thing his All-Caste training left hanging. One of these days he’ll finish his training just not today.
Standing up and rolling his mat back up, he heads back toward the main compound to get his evening meal. However as he walks he can’t shake the feeling that he’s being watched, beyond the standard eyes of the building. Whatever it is it sets him on edge and has him on full alert the whole way back. Perhaps it’s whatever was in the hallway yesterday, he looks at the shadows to see if they look any more profound than they should and, nothing. Shaking his head he makes his way to the pavilion and finishes his meal. Once in his quarters again, he finally feels whatever it is abate. He sits down on his bed and puts his face in hands, his senses have been dialed up to eleven randomly and he doesn’t know why. Whatever it is he can’t deal with it now, so he’ll try and get whatever meager amounts of sleep he can grab.

Fully awake now the girl examines this man in red closer. Whoever this man is he has some magic to him. Though calling it magic doesn’t feel quite right and she can’t pinpoint why. He is seemingly a walking contradiction clearly well-built and physical, yet he has spiritual awareness rarely seen in warriors. He is alive but also not, she is guessing it’s the Lazarus pit but still she’s never seen a resurrection like this before, though it does explain the streak of white in his hair and the green eyes. What surprised her the most though was his keen awareness of his soul. For a human to have that of their soul is unheard of, yet here this man is doing just that.

Whoever and whatever he is one thing is for sure he can help her stop what’s coming even if he doesn’t know it yet. She’ll have to reveal herself to him sooner rather than later. It’s just a matter of time before he truly sees her, and she would rather have it be on her terms. However this works it will be very interesting.

Chapter Text

Thinking back Dicks first clue that the night was going to end so disastrously should have been just how calm these past few weeks had been. Patrols had practically been light training with no Arkham break outs no world ending catastrophes just low-level crimes. He briefly wondered what that statement said about his life before deciding that train of thought was probably best avoided. The only reason he wasn’t in Bludhaven at the moment was to help with everything going on with the family. Between Duke joining them and Damian and Tim at odds yet again he figured it would be best for everyone if he was a consistent presence in the house until things settled down a bit. And it seemed that him being back in the manor was having the intended in effect and he predicted he could go back to Blud by weeks end if nothing major came up of course.

The something major, that of course happened this was Gotham after all, he could not have predicated. The something in question being a mountain of bodies that littered the roof of a warehouse on the edge of the city limits. Dick was suddenly very glad that the younger one’s patrol had ended, and they weren’t here to see this in person. While none of them where strangers to death having a veritable mass slaughter lack this was not something that they were used to seeing. Looking over to Batman he said “Alright B so what are you thinking this could even be, I mean from what I’m seeing most of the bodies were killed by either gun shots or blades and each body only has one or two wounds at most these where very well-placed lethal strikes. Far too well done to just be a simple gang war, so unless someone hired Deathstroke for this which would be a strange were looking at something else entirely. Not to mention the weird robes that they’re all wearing and the knives that they where clearly using. There’s not a gun among them”.

Batman crouched down examining the bodies “Hn, agreed Nightwing, Oracle do we have any footage of this attack”. As Batman pulled a bullet from one of the cultists and some bullet fragments from the roof.

The genderless voice of Oracle rang out over the comms “Yeah though it’s fragmented at best, I can still make out who’s responsible and uh” There was slight uncharacteristic hesitation from Oracle before the report continued “It’s well it was Hood the group was heading towards the alley and well Hood took care of them”.

The words felt like a punch to the gut to Dick, Jason did all of this he was struggling just to process the fact that not only did one person do all of this but that it was Jason at that. His thoughts where interrupted by Batman’s gruff voice barking an order on comms waking up the ones not currently on patrol “Everyone start tracking down where the Red Hood is, he has murdered one hundred and fifty unidentified people belonging to an unknown group”.

“B why do you think he did this why didn’t he call for backup or anything, things where getting better” Dick said almost frantic. However Batman didn’t acknowledge his words already confirming that the Red Hoods trackers where indeed disabled.

Oracle spoke up over comms “There is nothing coming up on cameras anywhere wherever he is he’s avoiding all of our detection systems”.

After over two hours of fruitless searching Batman called to regroup back at the cave to plan and go over next steps. Everyone was tired and exhausted from being either reawaken or extending patrol beyond its usual time and with absolutely nothing to show for it. Jason had seemingly just disappeared off the face of the earth without a trace. Something that seemed to be irking Tim to great degree has when Dick arrived back to the cave Tim was pacing back and forth Infront of the Bat computer in frustration. “How could he of just disappeared it just doesn’t make any sense”! Tim declared once everyone had made it to the cave. His hair tossed in different directions and not even fully in costume.

Sighing lightly Dick moved over towards Tim knowing that when he didn’t understand how something was even able to happen it would keep him up for hours trying to find an answer. “Look Timmy Jason knows our systems inside and out hell he helped design some of them it’s little surprise that he would be able to avoid them without us even knowing” he said trying to put his mind at ease.

Tim turned quickly “I know! that that’s why added extra methods that Jason shouldn’t know about in case something like this happened and all of them where disabled in under a minute, it doesn’t make any sense how could Jason know about them and get around them so quickly” he said briskly frustration lacing every word.

Of course that’s when Damian decided to add his two cents “TT why are you even surprised Drake of course Jason was able to get around your extra security, or did you already forget when he broke into your nest. Besides it’s not like Jason wouldn’t have contingencies of his own”.

Dick could already feel the argument coming so he put his hand on Tim’s shoulder before he could respond before saying “Your right Damian I’m sure Jason had plans in place, it’s more that we’re trying to figure out how they were able to overcome Tim’s so quickly”.

Finally Bruce decided to weigh in “We can worry about how he did it later for now our focus has to be on figuring out where he is right now, Barbra has already started algorithms scanning for Jason’s presence. I want everyone else to reach to start to figure out who those people where that Jason killed, finding them may be our first clue as to what he will do next” he said in his heavy gruff voice though it was evident that the events of the night where weighing heavily on him now that he was out of the suit.

Steph asked “Wait wait wait, do we even have a plan of what we’ll do once we find Jason I mean like what will even do with him” she said with hint of worry.

Bruce responded with “He’s killed again on a scale that he has to answer for he’ll have to face the consequences accordingly” his voice morphing into his batman voice.

That shocked Dick a bit he knew that they would have to question Jason, but he hadn’t honestly thought about what they would do with Jason after the fact. He supposed they couldn’t just let him go but what did Bruce mean by consequences. “B what would these consequences be exactly” that question seemed to stop all side chatter.

Every looked toward Bruce with bated breath before he spoke “We’ll need to send to a specialized prison one that he can’t break out of, until the doctors finish helping him” he said with a finality that seemed to broker no argument.

Until Damian spoke up “Father do you mean to send Jason to, Arkham” his voice holding a rare degree of uncertainty.

“A specialized new section of it, but yes” Bruce responded. Damian’s eyes widened with concern in response.

“But father surely there something else we could do!” Damian protested with a vehemence that reminded Dick that Damian was still 13. This response seemed to surprise Bruce and Tim, as clearly resistance to the idea had not been expected.

Dick was about to respond to Damian and explain that while he didn’t think Arkham itself was the best place, the mental health facilities there where second to none at least now they were, thanks to Bruce’s funding and programs. However before he got the chance to Tim piped up saying “Come on clearly Jason’s not right in the head he just ruthlessly killed over hundred people in one incident and didn’t even hesitate in running, obviously he needs to be put in Arkham for his own good” for our good was left unsaid but everyone could hear it. With that statement Steph, Duke and Harper seemed to look conflicted between yelling at Tim or Bruce. Alfred was a picture of stoicism but after years of knowing him Dick could tell he hadn’t approved of what Tim was saying. Bruce however didn’t move to challenge what Tim said. And with a quick look at Babs and Kate he could tell they were with him on this matter.
Hoping to diffuse the sudden spike of tension Dick spoke up “Well Timmy I wouldn’t say that exactly, Damian it’s more that we want to know why Jason killed all of those people and then get him the help he needs and stops being a vigilante we can’t let someone who would use such force out” his voice hopefully not betraying how much he didn’t think that would be what happened. Luckily it seemed to at least calm down Steph, Harper, and Duke, and he could tell that Babs and Kate agreed at least.

“TT I still think that another solution would work better but this is more acceptable than Drakes” Damian responded with some apprehension but less aggressive in demeanor.

Bruce looked at Dick with something akin to gratitude for helping placate Damian before speaking “Yes, well I think we can hammer out the details later for now get some sleep everyone” As everyone began to head upstairs Bruce turned to him, Alfred, and Barbra signaling that we wanted to talk further. As the moved to the kitchen waiting for everyone to head upstairs.
Once they were sure that none would overhear them Bruce spoke up “I just don’t understand what Jason was doing he knows my rules he knows the consequences, I can’t let him get away with this”.

So they where jumping right into it then alrighty then Dick might as well offer his side of things “Look Bruce clearly we don’t have all the pieces here and until we do I think it’s best to avoid jumping to conclusions”.

Babs then added her perspective “I agree with Dick, I mean we know Jason’s a bit hot headed, but this is stuff we haven’t seen since he first came back to Gotham and that was an entirely different circumstance”.

At that Bruce interjected harshly “No it’s the same he’s killing people again this is just the largest and there was no way to cover it up so he ran, once you start killing you can’t just stop its just to easy a solution”.

Alfred eyes seemed to tighten at that “Master Bruce, as I’m sure your aware killing is far from an addiction”.

The simple admonishment enough to make Bruce take a breath before responding “Your right Alfred, but with Jason I can’t be sure he has this darkness that makes me think it might not be the case maybe it’s the pit maybe it’s something else I don’t know”.

Sighing Dick said, “Yeah maybe Bruce maybe”.

In another part of the manor Damian was listening in on his father’s conversation with Richard, Barbra, and Alfred. He almost wanted to go down there right now and demand that they see reason that of course sending his brother to an asylum wouldn’t work either Jason would simply break out and never trust the family again or he would respond with revenge at the betrayal either way Damian would make sure he was firmly with his brother on this. Afterall a small part of him thinks if this is how father reacts to finding Jason killing what would he do to Damian if he ever had to kill again.

Regardless there is nothing he can do directly now but the next time Ummi calls he’ll inform of what he knows of father’s plans. He’s sure that she would have a way to contact Jason and let him know. Still a part of him is slightly irritated with Jason for not informing him of his departure, after all he could have helped and gone with him.

There is however a second bug in the kitchen listening in. Tim can’t believe what Barbra and Dick are saying of course Jason would do something like this, the only thing about this whole situation that doesn’t make sense as that Jason was actually able to do it. I mean come on he had to have had some sort of help there’s just no way a brute like Jason would be able to not only take out 150 opponents and escape all detection and his extra security despite what the demon brat might say. Sure Jason isn’t useless but he’s far from solely competent. Nothing like Bruce, Cass, Dick or himself. He’ll have to keep digging for whoever helped Jason fight and then get out of Gotham the problem is that he doesn’t know who Jason would know that could help him like that. Tim makes a mental note to bring it up in tomorrow’s briefing before calling it a night he knows that nothing more will get done tonight.

Everyone not on patrol currently is in the cave going over evidence and footage trying to find anything about how Jason could have gotten out. Everyone has dark circles under their eyes by now after several days since Jason’s disappearance. Suddenly she hears a shout of frustration from across the room as Tim’s voice yells out “How could he have evaded those cameras he shouldn’t even know they exist!! Who could have been helping him this just doesn’t add up”. Taking a deep breath so she doesn’t get any more pissed off at Tim than she already is she decides to just ignore him not like he’d take her input seriously anyways.

Turning back to her footage that she’s analyzing she can’t help but think about how if he’s evading every camera and motion senser he had to know where the blind spots where. Suddenly the answer on how to figure out how Hood even left the city hit’s square in the face. She jumps causing the four other people in the cave to turn towards her before declaring “I figured it out how we can track where Jason went to get out of Gotham, if he’s avoided every single camera and detector that means he had to be in those cameras blind spots so if he find a path of blind spots from the ware house out t an exit that we don’t have covered then we have his path”! she exclaimed glad that they finally had a first step.

However of course that’s when Tim spoke up “Steph look I mean it’s a theory sure, but he probably just had his contact get him out of the city I mean this is Jason there’s no way he was able to avoid all the cameras on his own” his voice tinged with exhaustion.

Dick spoke up shutting Tim down “Tim I’m sorry but Jason isn’t inept it’s not unreasonable to see him avoiding cameras he already knew about and spotting ones he didn’t. I think Steph’s Idea is the most plausible approach we have after patrol we can have Oracle detect all possible paths that he could have taken, ok timmers”.

Steph smiled slightly at the support though she felt her chest tighten slightly at the comment from Tim, she knew he was tired but still he did not have to always be such a tightass about these things. Shaking her head a bit she decided to make her way upstairs to the manor for some well deserved rest and Alfred’s cooking.

After Steph went upstairs he pinched his brow he still couldn’t get why Tim was being so confrontational about all of this. Yes this whole thing was personal for everyone, and they were all pushing themselves to their limits, but he needed to talk to Tim and figure out what was happening. He took a few of those grounding breaths that his therapist had taught him about before getting up from the floor and going over to Tim. “Hey Timmy, come on where going outside to the gardens, up and at em” he said with some false enthusiasm.

Tim groaned slightly in protest but let Dick pull him up from the floor and outside of the manor and into the gardens. Dick scanned the garden for a bench that they could sit on before leading Tim over to it. Looking at the pond in the garden with crickets filling the night air and the cool night air brushing through his hair Dick closed his eyes leaning back against the cool firmness of the worn wooden bench. Letting the sounds of the manor at night fill the air between them. Dick leaned there for several mintues before speaking with his eyes still closed “Look Tim I don’t know if there’s something going on outside of this whole Jason case or if this case is just hitting a nerve but you need to take a step back from it, your pushing us away when we need to be united right now do understand what I’m saying Tim”.

“Yeah, I guess it’s just there are so many things that go against everything we know about Jason” Tim replied with an edge of frustration to his voice.
“Everything we know or everything you think” Dick responded curtly. Sensing that everything that could be said to Tim had been tonight he dismissed him. Allowing himself to relax in the garden on his own. Anything more with this whole situation could wait till tomorrow. He almost laughs at the thought and how his younger self would have reacted to such a statement, his teammates on the titans could certainly attest to that much. That reminded him he should reach out to the titans see how there doing, he could use the distraction in the coming days.

Chapter Text

Kori had awoken in titans tower to much the same routine that she had every day for the past several months. Morning training, breakfast prepared by which ever titans turn it was, morning lessons and perhaps a mission for the day. However today there was one notable difference she had received a call from Dick that he would be returning to the tower for a few days for as he said to check up on the team. Though she knew he needed space form whatever dram was unfolding in Wayne manor this time. She suspected she would either hear all about it or absolutely nothing and Dick would pretend nothing was wrong. She absently wondered if he would bring Damian back to the tower he had been missed though Jaime and Gar would certainly deny that much.

She decided to start setting things up to welcome him back, as well as inform the rest of the team of his arrival today. Evidently Dicks arrival was causing everyone to be extra excited today. Which in building full of teenagers was loud to say the least. Sighing to herself she wondered when she had become one to think of teenagers as loud.

As she was making her rounds around the tower she ran into Bart who was currently running away from Jaime with Gar, “what is going on here” she spoke with her trainer voice or mom voice as the titans had come to call it. Instantly all three stopped and stood up before they all started clamoring over each other. “One at time” she added.

Jaime spoke up first “These two idiots stole all of my shampoo again” he said exasperated.

“We did not” Shouted back Gar.

“Yeah!” added Bart.

“You totally did, who else would have” Jaime demanded.

“Umm I don’t know maybe you just lost it huh” Gar responded.

“Or you ran out and forgot” Bart said.

“I did not” exclaimed Jaime.

“Did to” said Gar.

“Did not”

“Did to”

“Did not”

Finally Kori had enough, “Jaime! Gar! Bart! We can get you more shampoo Jaime Gar and Bart will go to the store with you. Is that understood” she said. It was more than likely Gar had stolen the shampoo just to mess with Jaime but without proof she wasn’t going to punish him.

“Yes miss Kori” they responded as she watched them walk off she shook her head. These kids couldn’t go one day without fighting each other. It was times like these when she missed Ravens constant presence in the tower she always had a way off calming down people. Even back when herself, Dick, Donna, Raven, Cyborg and Roy had been on the team together. That would have been almost half a decade ago now in human years. But yes she did miss Raven when Damian had joined the team a year ago it had been Raven who had managed to get through to him at the time. He had only been ten, but no one had been able to work with him. Other than a few members of the bat family if she remembers correctly. But slowly they had managed to make him part of the team largely due to Raven. Enough reminiscing on her part she needed to focus on today.

Dick was hoping some time with the titans would help take his mind of everything with Jason at home, though Bruce and Tim had not been happy Alfred had convinced them to back off thankfully. He needed to get out of that house and take a step back from the situation before really diving into it. Luckily this should be just the thing to help. He had called earlier this morning to let Kori know he would be arriving today for a few days. Damian had wanted to join but Bruce had said no to that idea claiming they still needed him for patrols. Something Dick took with a grain of salt.

Regardless he was looking forward to returning to jump city. It was far more peaceful than Gotham or Blud, not to mention he was looking forward to working some of the younger titans into shape and making sure they hadn’t been slacking. It was a shame the other original members weren’t around he would like the chance to catch up, but they all had responsibilities of their own now and he doubted they would be able to suddenly just drop what they were doing to drop over to Jump for a few days.

As he pulled up to the familiar looking T he felt a hit of nostalgia for simpler times or at least that’s how they felt now. No world ending catastrophes, well except for that whole ordeal with Trigon but really that had been wrapped relatively quickly in comparison to say Brainiac. Laughing lightly he wondered what that said about his life now if that was what he was measuring his life by. Perhaps that train of thought was best left unexplored.

Admittedly he was a little conflicted about returning to the tower after leaving Kori to deal with it on her own after Raven had left to work with John Constantine for the JLD it was just them but his obligations to Blud and Gotham had come calling. There was the whole ordeal with blockbuster and between it all he just hadn’t been able to stay at the tower. So he was definitely feeling nervous about seeing everyone again despite his excitement.

As he got out of the car the titans had lined up outside the building to great him. His heart jumped into his throat at the sight of Kori her flaming green eyes stood out against her fiery orange skin. Even though it had almost been one year since he had last seen her she still had this effect on him. After breaking out of whatever that was he looked over the rest of the titans Jaime, Gar, Bart, Cassie, Kon and, Kara. “Hey team so you ready for some bat training” Said with a cheeky smile and a wink a Kori. She simply nodded her head in exaggerated disappointment.

This cause the rest of the team to break whatever had been holding them and immediately swarmed him for questions and anecdotes. He had been right this would be a good break for him.

Later that night Dick made his way to the kitchen area, it had been a long day of answering questions from the team about what he had been doing for the past year and hearing about their years as well. Kori had mainly stayed back letting the younger ones get his attention. Though he had kept glancing over at her throughout the day exchanging small smiles.
As he was making himself some hot chocolate he heard someone coming down the hall glancing up he say Kori approaching the plain kitchen, with it’s simple white counters and cupboards though reinforced to support superpowered teenagers and hungry speedsters. “Hey Kori, want anything” he started.

She smiled gently back and shook her head “No thank you Richard… I suppose we should talk now” she spoke in her gentle yet commanding voice of royalty.

“I suppose so” He responded.

“Dick I’m not blind, what’s wrong I’m glad you are hear but you wouldn’t just come by for a few days suddenly unless something has happened” She spoke not bothering to beat around the bush.

“Heh, you always could read me, yeah things back home are not great to say the least” he said figuring there was little point in lying right now.

“Hm, and what would be the cause of that” she pressed.

“Erm well, it’s” Sighing lightly and taking a drink of is hot chocolate he continued “It’s Jason” he said simply.

“Oh, what now” She accepted, she had met Jason once or twice when he had been robin but had yet to meet him since his, unexpected return, she had heard stories though.

“He well, he broke the rule, big time, like bigger than ever before. And now he’s missing gone and we can’t find him” he stated simply. He didn’t know why he wasn’t trying to keep things more secret after all this was family business. But for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to keep this from Kori. Besides it felt good to talk to someone about this outside of the family.
“I see, and what does your family plan to do” she asked simply. It wasn’t her place to question Bruce’s rule no matter what she might think of it. She was still not of this planet and would follow its laws while she was here, at least for the most part she thought.

“Yeah that’s the big question, honestly I don’t know if we’ll even be able to get to him let alone capture him. So I haven’t even thought that far ahead yet. Bruce wants to ship him off to Arkham though.” he replied.

“Hm, I can’t provide much insight into this for you, but I’m sure you’ll do what is best when the time comes, though Arkham seems like a poor decision” she said.

“Thanks, I would like to think that as well, and I agree Arkham wouldn't be able to hold him not mention I'm not sure it would do more good than harm” he responded. After a few beats of calm silence he tried to break it, “So do you know what the other OGs have been up to recently” he asked.

“No I do not I have not been in contact with them much unfortunately” she replied.

“We should have those who can come up here make it a whole reunion” he said suddenly. Unsure why this idea sounded good now with Kori.

“That would be wonderful!” She responded. And oh that’s why it sounded good now he thought.

The edges of Ravens jet-black coat where brushing against the ground as she flew low to the ground racing through the air. With wind roughly carding through her hair, she barely noticed. She was rushing towards her goal a young child in the middle of silver glowing sigil with demonic writing throughout. She was bound and gagged and the terror in the child’s eyes was as potent as alcohol on an open wound. Screaming in desperation and fear without a word.

She moved faster the wards in the building were preventing her from simply teleporting the girl, and she didn’t have the second to spare to break through them not with the demon coming through the blood red portal right this moment. Silently cursing she outstretched her hand she was still a good thirty feet out from the girl, but she would have to force her way through the sigil wards. Which could make everything a lot worse, but she didn’t have the choice.

Bracing herself, she sent out inky black tendrils of darkness at her command in a fraction of a second pushing and easily overpowering the protective bindings on the sigil the child was siting in. Before enveloping the girl in darkness and yanking her towards without the luxury of comfort she felt a stab of remorse for the ordeal this young child was going through. She redoubled her empathetic shields to make sure nothing bled through at the moment she couldn’t afford it. Once the girl was by her side she breathed a brief sigh of relief.

Now she had a demon to deal with and from the looks of it breaking the sigil was going to allow a whole fuck ton more. She needed to get the child out of the way before she could dispatch of them. Thinking quickly she sent out a second shadowy blast to the wall before shooting the child out the wall still enveloped in an inky black cocoon, and into Chas’ taxi. Now she could turn her focus to the demons in front of her.

There were far to many for any normal mage to handle, for most this was a death sentence. Fortunately she was no normal mage. With a deep breath as the twenty different demons charged her for stealing there sacrifice she chanted, Azeroth Metrion Zinthos, a wave black energy engulfed the room ensnaring the different demons in place despite how much they struggled. Taking a deep breath she shifted to her demonic form a second pair of eyes opened on her forehead and horns grew out from her skull and her skin turned a bright angry red that almost glowed the color of blood. She let loose a snarl amplifying her presence the demons suddenly stopped snarling and struggling. She moved towards the one who had initially been summoned. “Who sent you!” she demanded.

“Master sent me here to fetch the bird that fled the nest” the demon snarled back.

“Impossible” she responded, he was trapped she made sure of it; besides he constantly reminded her as much in her own head.

“Master has many heads” the demon sneered.

“Enough!” she silenced him, she would not get any more information from these demons. With a snap of her fingers the shadows squeezed shut and crushed very demon in the room to dust. They weren’t dead no, but they had been banished for several more decades yet.

Raven sighed these where getting more and more frequent, her father’s minions where relentlessly attempting to free him. Though how they thought they had a chance against her she did not know. Regardless eventually someone was going to get hurt or killed. And the JLD couldn’t keep focusing on these with more out of control threats in the cosmos approaching. Though if she was being honest with herself they hadn’t had to worry about any plans that hell had in trying to take over the earth since she joined. Most high demon princes knew to back down to her. Those that didn’t we’re simple enough to destroy on her part. So she supposed she couldn’t feel to guilty about this taking the resources it did. Sighing and rubbing her temples she walked out to the taxi with John and Chas. She had them wait in the car while she dealt with this in case any thing tried to come in from the outside. “Well how’s the girl” she asked.

“Bloody traumatized and passed out shortly after you chucked her in the car, but she’ll live” John responded.

“Eh let’s get out of here mate now that the demons are taken care of” Chas added.

“Yeah yeah let’s head back to the house and we can drop the girl off with her parents again right as rain” John added.

Nodding Raven slumped into the back seat still worried by what all of this activity could mean. John seemingly picking up on this decided to add his two cents “Listen love, this whole mess with bloody Trigons lackies is nothing more than demons trying to gain favor with one prince or another trust me you’ve still got the big bad locked up behind that gem of yours”.

“Yeah it’s not that what worries me it’s my father he’s getting stronger ad I can’t tell why he’s been pushing against my restraints more and more, I’m worried what these demons are trying to do and who’s favor they are trying to curry”.

“Fair enough concerns but nothing you can find the answer to, unless you want to go down and take over the place for yourself that is” John jibed, though both knew he was only half joking. Afterall Raven had defeated her father and was entailed to his realm and power. A thought that was far from pleasant. Almost on cue Daughter, you can not contain me forever I will be free! She winced before mentally fighting the mental block on her father. Keeping her father imprisoned was far from an easy task and it took most of her power and concentration to keep him in check. Meaning whenever she had to use more than her innate abilities he managed to loosen his restraints enough to make himself known.

One thing was for sure she couldn’t keep going like this, the only problem was that she didn’t have anyone who would be able to help her truly eradicate her father.

Later that night Raven got a notification from someone she hadn’t heard from in almost year. It was from Dick asking if she could come back to jump for a reunion. She almost laughed at that. As much as she would wish to things were far too hectic for her to drop everything and be in Jump for a few days. Perhaps another time, though it couldn't hurt to teleport over for a quick high at least.

Speaking of which she needed to mediate and track down her father’s influence. As she felt her sense spread out across the world sensing the ever-changing tide of magick emotions thoughts and feelings that was planet earth she attempted to isolate concentrated amounts of her fathers influence. Things where relievingly quite until she felt a strong prick I her scan somewhere in the middle of now where an island. She focused in on it, the influence was more condensed than she was expecting. As she continued to pinpoint it she realized it was a single human. She moved into the presence to figure out where and who this was. As she moved her astral self through a compound of some kind with various people training she kept scanning until she found it a man in red robes with a katana across his belt. He was apparently meditating in a, beautiful looking, garden.

She moved her astral self in closer until she was right next to him, he was handsome with a streak of shock white hair and emerald, green eyes. When it clicked the people training an island compound emerald eyes, this must be the Ra’s AL Ghul’s league. She remembered Damian describing the pits to her. They were of her father that much she knew this must be some who’s dipped in the pit’s but who. And why does there influence stand out so heavily it didn’t make full sense. She would have to investigate further. As she went to examine him closer she suddenly found his eyes staring straight at her astral self. He seemed to be seeing something ad looking right at her and nothing else was around. How was he seeing her he didn’t feel magic. She returned to her body before he fully saw her. This would require further looking into indeed.