Jason choked in a breath, his body shaking effort. His eyesight refocused as his throat finally opened, gasping in fresh lungfuls of air. His hands shook as he pushed himself up into a sitting position. He grimaced as his stiff muscles released painfully. Jason coughed and rolled his neck, stretching his legs and standing from the bed he found himself in. He looked down, noting his naked state and let out a cynical chuckle. Turning, he found his current bedmate still asleep, her long red hair fanned out behind her. Memories came flowing back of the passionate moments spent just before his vision went white and his lungs stopped working. He wobbled as he pulled his pants on, jumping when he felt hands on his shoulders.
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“Down boy, it's just me.” Poison Ivy spoke softly.
“Still a little groggy.”
“You went out hard this time, you were fighting it for nearly five minutes.”
“Huh. Maybe I’m getting used to it.”
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Jason smiled and Poison Ivy rolled her eyes before pressing Jason’s shirt to his chest.
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“Get outta here, would you? Harley’s back in town today.”
“Ah, relieved of my duties, I see.”
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Jason was unceremoniously shoved from the apartment and the door shut behind him. He pulled his shirt on, stretching again and grimacing at the lasting twinge of pain in his muscles. Sex with Ivy was always strenuous, with the dying of poisoning and whatnot. He checked his phone for the time and mumbled a curse. He needed to get to the GCPD pronto, he was late for the meeting he agreed to. Some newer villain named Fear Doctor has been working with Scarecrow, and Batman called on Jason for help. He was supposed to be helping stakeout an old storefront that Scarecrow might be operating out of. Luckily, the station was a short jog from Ivy’s apartment complex. He passed someone at the front gate, pointing at their BatBurger shirt.
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“Love those Wildcard Fries.”
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They grimaced and rolled their eyes. Nice guy. Jason tucked into a busy coffee shop, making his way to the pickup counter. He glanced around, most people were looking at their phones or talking too much to notice anything.
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“Order for Bianca!” The barista called.
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They put down two cups of hot coffee and Jason jumped forward to grab them. He heard someone behind him start to protest but he knew they wouldn’t follow him, this is Gotham afterall. He jogged the rest of the black to the station, deftly dodging a car at the stop light. The sound of Batman’s voice wafted through, everyone seemed entranced before the Commissioner spotted Jason.
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“Well, well. He finally shows his face.”
“Yeah, sorry about that. Traffic was crazy.” Jason handed a coffee to Batman.
“Gonna introduce yourself, kid?”
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Batman almost seemed to have snorted a laugh at the comment. Jason gave everyone a short wave, smiling.
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“I’m Jason Wilson. Happy to help.”
“Jason’s worked with the Justice League for a few years. He’s good with inner city areas like Gotham. He’ll be a good middleman for when Joker occupies our time, as well. He can handle the other guys.”
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Gordon seemed to like that explanation, extending a hand to Jason and shaking it. Jason was ushered to the Batmobile, ooh-ing as Batman opened the door for him. He climbed inside, letting Bats close the door for him.
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“What a gentleman.” He commented as Batman entered the driver’s seat.
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The dash lit up as the vehicle started, a radar screen clicking on and displaying a GPS pinpoint. Gordon’s voice cut in on the radio.
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“Storefront’s a bakery. According to our sources, Fear Doctor isn’t much for sweets. Weird place to hide out if you ask me.”
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Jason quirked a brow at Batman who shook his head in a “don’t ask” kind of way.
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“So,” Jason drew out the word, “wanna take me out for a spin in the old Batmobile some time?”
“This is strictly business, Jason.”
“Suit yourself.”
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Batman parked the Batmobile in a nearby alleyway, reaching behind him and pulling a bag from the floorboard.
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“Here, thought you might want something a bit better in case this gets ugly.”
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Jason peeked in the back, catching the familiar red shape of an X on the chest. His old suit, he wondered if it would even still fit. He leaned the seat back, shuffling out of his clothes and pulling on the kevlar mix suit. Batman trifled through his utility belt, handing Jason a few odds and ends; batarangs, some bandages, and a domino mask. As they exited the car Batman stopped him.
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“Almost forgot.”
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Jason chuckled and took the taser Batman offered out to him.
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“Let’s see if I still remember all the gadgets in this suit.”
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A team of officers were posted out front as Batman and Jason headed for the back entrance. The door was unlocked as Batman gave him a signal to follow behind him. They snuck around the corner and up the stairwell, finding the building suspiciously quiet. The two made it to an upper storage space, in the middle of the floor was a littering of papers with scribbles of chemical algorithms and locations to “check”. Batman checked behind some boxes and crates for any more evidence as Jason crouched down and ruffled through some of the papers.
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“Looks like he’s trying to figure out ways to subdue victims. Common hospital finds like Valium and Xanax.” Jason read.
“I’m surprised, most people don’t know what the hell I’m writing about.”
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Batman was quickly on the defensive, putting an arm in front of Jason and stepping between him and the Fear Doctor. Jason picked up the paper, folding it and shoving it under the suit's high neckline. Fear Doctor smirked, tilting his head to better see Jason.
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“What a sight, Batman and his… X?”
“Red. Red X. I thought it was pretty clear.” Jason quipped, gesturing to the suit.
“And I’m Fear Doctor.” He motioned to the plague-esque mask. “But people don’t seem to get that.”
“I mean, I figured it out. Kinda goes hand in hand with the whole Crane thing-“
“Don’t bring my father into this. This is my moment.”
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Batman readied for an attack but Jason faltered. He held up a hand.
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“I’m sorry, your dad? Crane’s your dad?”
“Yes, his fear toxin is a good start for me to-“
“Are your parents married?”
“Um. They were; my mother died.”
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Jason sighed in relief.
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“I mean, he got remarried to his ex, my brother’s mom, later. What does this have to do with anything?”
“I don’t think I can fight this kid.”
“What?” Bruce snapped.
“I said, I don’t think I can fight this kid!” Jason reiterated.
“Well, you haven’t got much of a choice.”
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Fear Doctor lunged forward, ducking under Batman’s arm and slicing at Jason with a concealed knife. Jason narrowly avoided the blade, grabbing his arm and kneeing him in the abdomen. Fear Doctor lost hold on his knife and coughed from the body shot. He wrenched his arm from Jason’s grip and tried clawing at Jason’s chest, the clawed gloves attempting to rip at the ballistic vest in his suit. Jason grabbed the thin wrist and twisted it around his foe’s back and lifted him slightly, slamming him onto a nearby work surface. Batman held back a snort at the quick work and pulled handcuffs from his belt. Fear Doctor kicked his legs out wildly, unable to escape from Jason’s hold as he twisted his other arm around to handcuff him. Jason grabbed a handful of the dark cloak and pulled the villain up. He pushed forward and groaned when Fear Doctor refused to walk on his own legs. Jason looped a hand under the belt across Fear Doctor’s waist and hoisted him up, carrying him ahead of himself. The officers outside all cleared the way, watching in surprise as Jason near effortlessly shoved Fear Doctor into an Arkham transport van. He turned to Batman with a sigh, smoothing back a wayward strand of hair.
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“Good work, Jason.”
“Thanks. Been a while since I’ve been in action.”
“You handled that pretty quick there, Wilson.” Gordon interjected.
“Ah, thanks. Sir.” He shook the outstretched hand.
“We’ll take this nut job over to Arkham and ask him a couple questions. Try to get to the bottom of all this Crane crap.”
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Jason followed Batman back to the Batmobile, settling back in the seat with a sigh, slowly coming off the adrenaline high.
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“So, you wanna tell me about that interaction back there?” Batman rasped.
“What do you mean?”
“”I don’t think I can fight this kid?” Sounds like you’re familiar with Crane.”
“Oh, uh. Well. We went to college together back in-“
“I happen to be fully aware of your escapades with some local villains. I just need you to admit it.”
“I know Crane. Really well. We went to med school together. Messed around.”
“Often, it sounds.”
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Jason gave Batman an apologetic smile, laughing nervously.
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“That kid’s gonna be your newest problem, I hope you know. Fear Doctor sold out one of Crane’s hideouts. You just added insult to injury.”
“Great. Good to know.”
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———
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Batman led Jason through the Batcave, gesturing to a bathroom and changing area and explaining the shower controls. Jason scrubbed up and dried off, changing back into his casual clothes. He padded around for a few, looking around the cave. It was eerily quiet as Jason headed towards a large computer. Multiple screens displayed diagrams of suits, including his own. He heard footsteps behind him and jumped slightly, cursing under his breath.
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“I gave Alfred your suit. He’ll repair that tear in it. And fix it with a mask. Head protection, you know?”
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Jason turned to Bruce, now disrobed of his armour and dressed in a blue cashmere sweater. Jason blinked, surprised by the sudden realization. He flushed slightly at the amused smile Bruce gave him.
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“Didn’t know it was me? After all this time?”
“I flirted with you in the car…”
“No hard feelings, pal. Let’s head upstairs.”
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He didn’t question Bruce as the computer screens powered down and the lights turned off behind them as they walked. The dim walkway led to a door that automatically opened as they approached, warm light wafted past Bruce as he ushered Jason in. The door put them out in a posh sitting area to which Jason raised his eyebrows.
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“Nice place.”
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Bruce chuckled, continuing to lead the way to a hallway connected to a casual dining room. There were a number of kids around the table, who all looked at him with varying expressions of unease. Jason makes eye contact with one, their face morphing from shocked to a grin of unbridled joy. They jumped up from their seat and nearly screamed Jason’s name, running around the length of the table and crashing into him in a hug. Jason didn’t recognize him until he was up close; it was Dick, little Dick Grayson. He hadn’t seen the little snot since he was barely double digit ages. Jason hugged him back, looking at Bruce who returned a fond smile.
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“Kids, this is Jason Wilson. Works with the Justice League. He just helped take down Fear Doctor.”
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Everyone seemed even more confused as Dick jumped up and down, far too excited to hold his emotions in. He was babbling something about how young Jason looked and how long it had been and how Jason was such a butt for not coming to visit.
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“So, we have two Jasons, now?” Tim sounded irritated.
“No, we have Jason,” Damian pointed to the new ally, “and Todd.” His voice dripped with disdain.
“We could call them One and Two.” Rory shrugged.
“I’m One.” Jason Todd spoke up.
“Uh, no. I would be One.” Jason Wilson responded.
“He’s way older than you.” Dick snarked.
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Todd rolled his eyes. “We’re probably the same age.”
“You’re like, what, twenty something?”
“Yeah. Twenty-“
“I’m 72. So, I am Jason One.”
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Everyone shared a look, confused as Bruce exhaled a laugh through his nose.
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“Jason Wilson, kids. Like Slade Wilson.”
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Dick and Jason shuddered at the name as everyone else seemed to suddenly understand. Jason Two scowled, annoyed at being proven wrong.
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———
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The following days were spent scheduling and preparing for a confrontation with Scarecrow. Commissioner Gordon had sent men to every reach of the city and they’d managed to narrow down a possible location of his main hideout. Jason doesn’t like his odds here, finding himself in the passenger seat of a patrol car. Batman was meant to be there, but Joker had made an untimely appearance in a shopping district. It was a bit risky, but Batman was putting faith in Jason to be able to handle this. He did have experience with Crane, after all. Officers posted around the premises, guns at the ready as Jason approached the building. It was an old warehouse nestled in a surprisingly busy part of the city. Leave it to Crane to hide in plain sight. Jason drew a knife from his holster, making a display as he entered the building. Two officers followed, catching Jason off guard.
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“I can handle this, stay-“
“No way, man, Gordon insisted we do what we can. No Batman and all.” The female officer spoke.
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Jason grimaced, they would make this more messy than he preferred. They made their way through the maze of hallways, stumbling across a pitch black office room. An officer flipped on a flashlight, despite Jason trying to protest. Luckily nothing was there. The room had a table and chair, covered in papers. They approached, Jason taking the flashlight as the officer panicked in the dark space. The papers seemed like lab reports, they listed symptoms and reactions.
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“Sweating, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing. What’s he up to?” The officer asked.
“Fear toxin.” Jason answered simply.
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There was a gasp from behind them and Jason spun around, shining his light where the other officer was. Or used to be. Jason shined the light around them, still finding no one in the space. They creeped from the room, back into the hall and around the next corner. The interior hall was dim, a nearby window gave enough light to navigate it. There was another door at the end of the hall, opposite to a stairwell door which was locked. They pushed open the door carefully as the female officer called in the disappearance of her partner. The officer gasped loudly, drawing her weapon up as something in the room moved. It was a medium sized room with next to nothing in it. There was a door to a fire escape and near that was a makeshift camp. A terrified looking homeless man put his hands up, shivering.
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“P-please, I’m just trying to get outta the cold!”
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Jason sighed, signalling the officer to lower her weapon.
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“Anybody else around here?” Jason asked the man.
“Just me. Some creepy guy comes around sometimes but I just stay outta his way.”
“Burlap mask? Scarecrow?”
“Yeah, that guy. He doesn’t bother me if I don’t bother him, ya know?”
“Any chance he’s here right now?”
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The man didn’t answer, he just pointed towards another door, hidden near the corner. Jason nodded at the man and signalled for the officer to guide him out.
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“But, what about you?”
“You have a partner to look for. And I’d rather there not be any bystanders.”
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She tried to argue but Jason’s stern demeanor scared her off. She led the man towards the fire escape and bid Jason to be careful. Jason turned to the door, trying the knob revealed it to be locked. He stepped back, readying himself and kicking the door hard. It didn’t budge so Jason took the butt of his knife to the glass. He reached in, flipping the deadbolt lock and making his way inside. It was just as dark as the first room they’d found, he was thankful for the flashlight. The room was surprisingly neat, its walls stretched back into a long rectangle. The first table he came across had some scraps of burlap and bandages aside two boxes of hypodermic syringes. There was a red biohazard disposal box which felt somewhat full when Jason kicked it. He continued into the room, finding more lab reports, though these were in a different handwriting. Perhaps the previous belonged to the Fear Doctor, seeing as how the current ones were in cursive. There were similar notes here, although these seemed to be more chemically founded than physically observed. He moved towards another table and froze. There was a sound deeper in the room and Jason scanned with his light. He didn’t see anyone, but he could almost feel someone watching him. He took the chance and called out into the dark.
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“Jonathan?”
“Yes?”
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The voice purred into his ear and Jason jumped, spinning around and readying his knife, the sliver of light from the room’s broken window illuminated the edges of Crane’s silhouette. Jason could see just how close he was now, crowding him against the table he’d been investigating. Crane chuckled, amused, and leaned closer, gently gripping Jason’s wrist.
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“Now, we don’t want anyone getting hurt here, do we?”
“You have half the GCPD out there waiting for you. Somehow I think you’re going to get a little hurt.”
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Crane chuckled again, his other hand removing the knife from Jason’s grip and tossing it off to the side. He stepped closer, bracing his hands on the table beside Jason, who folded himself backwards.
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“What are you doing?”
“Don’t play coy. I find out that you’re headed to my hideout, trying to leave backup behind-“
“You didn’t hurt that guy did you?”
“No,” Crane sounded annoyed, “I just chloroformed him. He’ll be fine.”
“You knew we were coming.”
“Of course. There’s a leak in Gordon’s boat.”
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Crane was right in his space now, Jason could feel his breath on his neck. He braced his forearm across Crane’s chest, pushing him back.
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“I’m here on business, Jonathan.”
“Strictly business? Alone?”
“I didn’t want any civilian casualties.”
“I have to be in the right mood to hurt anyone. Currently I’m entertaining different thoughts.”
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Jason flinched as Crane crowded him again, his eyes slowly adjusting to the dark room. He could barely make out Crane’s body as an arm came around him, a cold hand bracing against his back. Jason was about to protest again when a loud bang sounded from the other room, Jason could see the beams of flashlights and heard Gordon’s voice.
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“Scarecrow! Come out with your hands up!” He barked.
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Crane turned, growling low in this throat, and pulling something from his pocket. Jason dropped his flashlight and reached forward, grabbing Crane’s hand and wrenching the can of, no doubt, fear toxin from his hand. Crane clicked his tongue as the footsteps got closer, pushing off of Jason who followed his movements to the back of the room. They were shielded enough by the darkness as Crane slipped through another doorway, reaching out and pulling Jason along with him. Jonathan’s grip was firm around his wrist as they jogged through the winding halls. They finally came to a stop, both listening for any sound of being followed. All Jason could hear was Jonathan’s breath beside him and his own heart beating quickly. This was not how Jason wanted this to go. One bystander chloroformed and now he was who-knows-where in the warehouse, hand in hand with a supervillain while Gordon and his dogs tailed them. Jason gasped as Crane pulled him along and through yet another door. The light that followed blinded him for a moment as Crane continued to drag him along.
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“They won’t find us here.” Crane rasped, still out of breath.
“Where the hell is this?”
“It was my lab. Now I’ll have to find somewhere else. Thanks to you and your new friends.”
“They’re not my friends. They’re idiots.”
“Ah, I see. Going about your old game. Using the poor innocent do gooders for your own gain.”
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Jason scoffed, offended.
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“I’m doing my job. I work for the Justice League, now.”
“Yes, but they don’t pay very well, do they?” He cut Jason off when he tried to protest. “So what do you want? Lab reports? Samples of my toxin? Who’s buying?”
“No one is buying!” Jason snapped. “I’m helping Batman. To find and stop you.”
“Me? All this for little me?”
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Jason rolled his eyes, turning his back to Crane. He jumped when Crane’s voice appeared in his ear again.
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“I have to admit, you’re a sight for sore eyes lately.”
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Jason didn’t answer and crossed his arms over his chest. Jonathan chuckled and Jason flinched as fingers dug under his belt, tucking something there at the small of his back. Crane pulled at Jason’s neckline forcefully, yanking it down and biting into Jason’s neck. Jason yelped at the force, reaching behind him and gripping at Crane’s loose burlap shirt. He hissed in relief as Crane released his neck, grinning at the red mark and laving at it almost soothingly. Jason elbowed him, pushing him back and rubbing at the mark on his neck.
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“Asshole.”
“Shut up. It’s a gift.”
“Can I get a receipt?” Crane smacked the back of his head, directing him to a door.
“Follow the hall. It’ll put you out on the North side of the building.”
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Crane forced a yellow glow stick into his hand before going the opposite direction. Jason watched as Crane snuck through another door, disappearing into the dark there. Jason went the direction he was directed to, finding another pitch black hallway, barely lit by the glow stick he held. Crane hadn’t lied, thankfully, and Jason found the door that led outside. He could hear Gordon around the way, shouting orders at people. Jason reached behind himself, pulling the wad of paper Crane had stuffed there. He uncrumpled it and squinted, struggling to read the script. There was an address listed, and the name McKinnley. From what Jason could remember, it was upstate somewhere near Wayne Manor. He stuffed it back into a pocket on his belt. He rounded the corner and the female officer shot up.
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“Jason! He’s okay!” She seemed honestly relieved.
“Jason! Where the hell did you disappear to?” Gordon stomped up to him. “This isn’t some second rate villain, this is the Scarecrow!”
“It’s fine. Not a scratch on me.” Jason his neckline up. “He wasn’t there. Only thing we found was that homeless guy. Did you find Officer Johnson?”
“Uh, yeah. He was passed out in a hidden passage behind some bookshelves. Who do you think did-“
“Next time, leave the villains to Bats and I. Your guys aren’t made for this stuff.”
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Gordon bristled at the comment, his brows furrowing.
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“What the hell are you on about? You wanted me to send you in there alone?”
“Yes. Clearly someone knew we were coming and was able to get the drop on us. Next time Batman and I need to work on the plan.”
“You trying to say something, kid?” Gordon was pissed now.
“Yeah. There’s a leak in your boat, Gordon. And stop calling me kid.”
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Jason pushed past Gordon, ignoring as the other officers watched him go. The officer from before jogged up to him.
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“Do you want a lift? I can drive you back to-“
“No. I’ll walk.” Jason interrupted her.
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He took his time getting back to the police department. He was just leaving BatBurger, a vanilla Mr. Fries Freeze in hand when his pager buzzed. It was Batman. “HAVE SOME QUESTIONS. MEET AT PD.” Jason sighed. Batman was too good, an officer was chloroformed and that homeless dude gave it away that Crane was there. There were too many holes in his story for Batman to believe it. Jason had to think of a way to cover his ass before it got roasted.
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———
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Gordon didn’t speak a word as Jason entered the department. It was quiet, most people seemed too afraid to say anything to anyone. Batman seemed concerned.
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“Gordon has some questions for us about the Fear Doctor thing.”
“Mostly for Jason.” Gordon snapped. “Just how much of a beating did you put on this guy?”
“Next to none? I kneed him once and put him in cuffs.”
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Gordon looked to Batman for confirmation who nodded.
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“What’s going on here, Gordon?”
“Well, your friend here acted a little suspicious earlier.”
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Jason crossed his arms, huffing.
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“According to him, Crane wasn’t there. But Johnson got separated from the group and he sent Hops off before going forward on his own. We stormed in to find him and he wasn’t anywhere to be found. Then we get back here and Thompkins tells us Fear Doctor’s been knocked to hell.”
“I barely touched the guy.” Jason shrugged at Batman.
“He actively avoided fighting Fear Doctor. He was worried about hurting him.”
“That still doesn’t explain what happened today with Scarecrow.”
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Batman turned to Jason, motioning for an explanation. Jason stuttered for a moment before giving in and holding his hands up in surrender.
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“Alright, okay. Crane was there.” Gordon jumped off the desk he was seated on. “We had a little tiff but he was… equipped. He had more than enough fear toxin for everyone there. So I let him go.”
“You let a supervillain go! Have you lost your mind?” Gordon yelled.
“It was either that or have a bunch of armed cops hallucinating and freaking out!” Jason yelled back.
“Jason’s right. It was best to let Scarecrow go.”
“But- Now we’re back to square one!”
“We can question Fear Doctor again. See if he’ll tell us anything else.”
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Batman had the last word, turning and heading towards the interrogation room where Fear Doctor was held. Jason followed behind him, eyes widening as the window came into view. The Fear Doctor’s face was riddled with bruises. There was a laceration on his temple, and a deep purple mark on his cheek. Batman straightened, clearly uncomfortable with what they were seeing. Jason pushed past him and two officers who were guarding the room. They all reached to stop him as he pushed open the door, slamming it shut behind him. He flipped the lock and stepped back, watching as Batman gave him a questioning look through the window. Jason drew the blinds shut and turned to the Fear Doctor, who sat there equally as confused.
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“Did your dad do that?”
“Who are you-“
“We fought at the bakery but I barely touched you.”
“I don’t remember that.”
“Did Jonathan do this?”
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The mention of his father’s name seemed to rattle him, his eyes going wide.
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“Why? What happened?” Jason pressed.
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Zennaire, as the sticker on his chest read, didn’t respond. He stared back at Jason’s angry eyes. The sharpness of his eyes reminded him of his father’s, only there was a familiar look under that anger. One that reminded him of how his brother would look at him, in times similar to this. Zennaire’s face hardened and he sat back in his chair.
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“What do you care?” His voice cut through the tension.
“Jonathan is… insane. At least” he laughed awkwardly, “I didn’t know he even had kids but… any kids of his would be at least a little messed up.”
“Are you… insulting me?”
“I wouldn’t put it past Jonathan to do this.” He sat in the opposite chair. “And not to be too sappy, but I’ve been in your shoes before. So I have to ask, what happened?”
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As much as Zennaire wanted to keep his mouth shut and tell Jason to go die in a hole, he couldn’t stop from blurting out.
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“I deserved it.”
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And as much as he still wanted to tell Jason to go jump off a cliff, the cock of his head and the way his brows furrowed had him continuing.
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“I-I messed up. I gave away one of the safe houses, so he…”
“You didn’t deserve it. You were faced with a tough decision, sure, but you didn’t-“
“What do you know? Shut up!”
“Hold on-“
“Go die in a hole!”
“Hey-“
“Go jump off a cliff!”
“Hey!”
“Go fuck yourself!”
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Zennaire strained against his cuffs, yanking against the hook under the table. He faltered slightly when Jason didn’t budge, so he lunged forward, trying to throw him off his game. Jason still didn’t give in, leaning forward slightly.
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“It was never your fault.”
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Before Zennaire could fight back again, Jason stood and turned, quickly leaving the room. Batman tried to stop him but Jason pushed past his outstretched arm and made his way out to the street. Batman pushed through the doors after him.
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“Hey!”
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Jason turned as Batman caught up to him. He tried to dodge as Batman grabbed his shoulder.
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“Hey, what was that?”
“I was just talking to him.”
“No, I mean you. Storming out like that, what was that about? You’re not usually so rattled.”
“Just… close to home.”
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Jason muttered the response and Batman straightened, understanding. He patted his shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly.
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“It’s alright, he’s gone-“
“Yeah, yeah I know.”
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Jason shrugged Bat’s hand off and turned, continuing down the street.
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———
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