If I turn into another (closed);

[copsormasks]

WHO: Jason Todd (Titans), Chrissy (Stranger Things), Bruce Wayne (The Batman), Clark Kent (Superman 2025), Jason Todd (WFA), Bruce Wayne (DC Comics)
WHEN: After Jason's canon update
WHERE: Nova City, all over
WHAT: Jason has a beef with the belfry
NOTES\WARNINGS: Mentions of drug use, possible mentions of violence (Jason's death)



Chrissy (Stranger Things)

[Jason dreams of the lazarus pit, of being brought to life in the basement of Arkham Asylum, of having one of those drugged inhalers brought to his lips, and then being formed into Red Hood. He wakes slowly from his place on Chrissy’s couch. Each movement measured as Crane’s words echo in the back of his mind. There’s no Batman here. You’re gonna give this city what it needs. With no hesitation. No guilt. No fear. New mask. New name. New you.

We’ll punish all of them for what they’ve done to us.

His gaze drifts over to the door to Chrissy’s bedroom before back to his duffle and backpack. It takes him a moment to recognize where he is, who he’s with, and where Crane disappeared to.

He’s in Etraya. A city not unlike Gotham and full of bats.

He climbs up from the couch, slides his shoes on, and then shoulders both of his bags before he moves toward the door.]


Bruce Wayne (The Batman)

[When Jason returns to the Tower, it’s with an explicit purpose. He first goes up to his room to retrieve a red hoodie. He slides it on and tucks it around his neck so it is almost like a blanket. He shoves a couple other hoodies into his bag and then he makes his way to the Terminal.

He prepares for a confrontation, but he reminds himself. No hesitation. No guilt. No fear.

The elevator lowers to the Terminal and Jason makes a beeline for his suit.]


Clark Kent (Superman 2025)

[Jason remembers Clark coming in the middle of the night to help, how Jason apologized to him. None of that matters now. He needs to make sure Clark know that Jason stands on his own two feet now. He’s Red Hood now and that identity will power him through any issue.]

Super. [He makes sure he speaks clear and precise.] I know you’re listening. Hear this: I don’t need your help any more. I’m Red Hood now and I don’t need anything from you.

[And then he continues his path, expecting nothing to happen.]


Jason Todd (Wayne Family Adventures)

[Jason has been on patrol for about an hour. There’s not nearly the same level as crime as Gotham, no five families running the drug trade and no Rogue’s Gallery to keep an eye on.

No hesitation. No guilt. No fear.

Just as Jason is about to move onto another corner, he hears the presence of another. Gentle footfalls. Jason turns to see the older version of himself. Jason looks out from under his domino mask and red hoodie and shakes his head.]

Hey old man.


Bruce Wayne (DC Comics)


[After encountering nearly every bat in the belfry, Jason is determined not to run into any others. He hates heights, but he forces himself to perch on a rooftop to watch Nova City. His instincts tell him this is the best spot to try and keep an eye on both the Tower and the Manor.

But then he hears someone, just past the view of his red hoodie.

Turning, he sees the other Bruce there. Jason frowns.]

I already talked to one of you. I’m not doing it a second time.

Comments

[leastdramatic]

Just so we're clear, what's Scarecrow like in your world?

[Because Crane sure as shit isn't an ally in older Jason's world]

[copsormasks]

Previously served time in Arkham. Now out, thanks to yours truly. Funny how far money goes when Bruce is across the fucking planet.

[leastdramatic]

[How does this manage to keep getting worse?]

What was he in Arkham for?

[copsormasks]

The usual shit. Why does it fucking matter?

[Jason thinks back to the Tower, where a helmet waiting for him. It’s not red but it’ll have to do.]

[leastdramatic]

Because he's infamous for chemically manipulating people and fuck with their heads just for shits and giggles and you just took a substance from him.

[Jason can feel his temper rising. He's trying to keep it at bay but seeing his younger self like this is again, reminding him of his own mistakes and recklessness. I can see how badly this could turn out]

[copsormasks]

Why is it any of your fucking business?

[Jason hisses back, growing angrier with his older self.]

[leastdramatic]

[God, why does he have to be the adult in this? Jason tries to rein in his temper again. Lashing out is just going to push his younger self further away]

I didn't get to Red Hood in a nice way and my early days as the Red Hood were ugly. This might turn into a repeat.

[copsormasks]

So what? Isn't that just par for the fucking course at this point? So much shit hits the fan that it clogs the fucker up?

[Jason offers a bird in response. So pleasant. So wow.]

[leastdramatic]

[Must be the adult here, must be the adult, must be adult here...]

It doesn't have to be. The problem with what I was doing was how all that pain and rage wasn't actually helping.

[copsormasks]

Maybe not for you.

[Jason shrugs at the older version of him.]

I’m different.

[leastdramatic]

Alright. Enlighten me. How?

[He tries to set his tone back to neutral but he's deeply skeptical about this]

[copsormasks]

Got more in the gas tank than a few grudges, old man.

[Jason sneers at the other Jason.]

Few more skills than just shooting guns and losing my helmet to a seven year old.

[leastdramatic]

[Jason doesn't flinch. The desperation for the teenager to prove himself and the lack of fear are making for a hell of a combo so far]

Such as?

[copsormasks]

You think I'd just spill it all for you to go yap to Batman about how I'm "going down the wrong path?"

[Jason shakes his head.]

Nice try, asshole.

[leastdramatic]

[Calmly, still not flinching]

And what makes you think Scarecrow giving you that stuff isn't gonna screw you over later on? How do you know Scarecrow "helping" you isn't a trap? Why did he "help" you?

[copsormasks]

Who says I need Crane to make it in the first place? I'm a fast learner, quick study.

[He may have had a shitty public school education, but he's smarter than he looks when he's not letting emotion cloud things.]

[leastdramatic]

[Still calm and trying to hide his deep concerns and judgement]

You said it yourself that Crane gave you something as a boost. How are you sure that it's not a trap? How do you know you're not playing right into his hands so that he can do more of his sick experiments?

[copsormasks]

Because it isn't. [Look, Titans!verse is A Thing.] He brought me back to life, why would he want to kill me a second time?

[leastdramatic]

[Hmm... not the League of Assassins but Crane instead. He'll have to file that note away for later to think about. He's got other priorities at the moment]

Because with the Scarecrow, it's not about killing. Remember, his whole thing is about fear, not death. Can't torture a corpse. But take on someone who's got a connection to Batman? Now that's a hell of a treat for a lot of scumbags.

[copsormasks]

[Jason rolls his eyes, flips the bird again and starts to walk off.]

Fuck off.

[leastdramatic]

[Raises his voice just a little as he watches his younger self walk]

Yeah, very intelligent. You sure showed me. Way to show off those fancy new skills. You're sure different from me alright. Let me know when you take over Gotham's underground like I did.

[copsormasks]

See the thing about this place is I don't have to show you anything. See you never, motherfucker.

[Time to go set up his own private meth Crane juice lab!]