#thomas looking martha dead in the eyes after bruce's first night as batman: he gets this from your side of the family

[undertheredhood]

as i’ve said before, i just know that from beyond the grave, martha and thomas wayne are heavily judging their son for his lifestyle choices because what do you mean their precious baby boy is beating up criminals in the middle of the night while wearing a leather batsuit?

[dg-outlaw]

Why Jason and Bruce Will Never See Eye to Eye

At least, when it comes to Gotham.

The short answer: Because they each see Gotham through a different lens.

I thought about this after I read Absolute Batman #4 and how that universe's Batman is almost a fusion of Bruce and Jason. Absolute Bruce is an AU version that has the love and support from Thomas and Martha, the childhood tragedy of loss, and also the lived experience of being raised in Park Row without loads of wealth, but still chose to become Batman.

But going back to Prime Earth/canon Bruce and Jason...

For Bruce, it's one alley, one night, and one tragedy that set him on a course to becoming Batman. Of course, throughout the years he's learned more, grown, and understands the nuances of crime and corruption in Gotham, but it's still an outsider's view. He can have empathy and a desire for justice, but at the end of the day, the world he knows is Wayne Manor, his loving childhood with Thomas and Martha, the Batcave, fancy galas, corporate buildings, and near limitless wealth. Yes, he has slummed it as Matches Malone and has studied crime and how socio-economic poverty can lead to crime, but it's all cerebral and it's not Bruce's lived experience.

If anything, Matches is a perfect example of this. Just as rich, playboy, devil-may-care Bruce Wayne is a mask, so is Matches. It's a pretend, make believe persona he can put on and then take off once he's back home. Yes, he has a mission, an oath, etc. and he's fully dedicated to it, but at the end of the day there's still a hot meal from Alfred and a comfy bed with Egyptian cotton sheets waiting for him when it's all over.

For Jason, it's more than just one alley and one bad day. Patrols as Robin were probably a constant reminder of the all the things he had seen and experienced as a child. That alley over there is where he saw his first dead body, long before Robin was even an idea in his mind. Another alley is where he first saw someone having sex before he understood what sex was. That apartment complex is where Catherine OD'd that one time and the complex next to it is where his friend's older brother got shot in a gang-related shooting. He knows most of the names of the different people on the street corners, just trying to get by, as well as their violent pimps he knew to avoid. One of the girls once shared half a sandwich with him back when he was orphaned and on the streets. Her pimp said she was getting fat, but in reality she was starving and malnourished, but she took pity on Jason because she had been friends with Willis. And the list of memories goes on.

Yes, little Jason was a "good kid", and I have a rant for that, but those memories while on patrol probably gave him pause because that was his world and his history. Whereas, for Bruce, it was part of his job. He may know the names and the stories, but they're a step removed from Bruce and Batman.

Flash forward to teen Jason, the "angry" Robin who might've thrown a guy off a balcony. That little boy who lucked into the orphan Annie Cinderella story is now a bit more aware of the world and it's injustices, despite having a cape. Now, he sees those familiar places, but the dead body in the alley is one of his childhood friends that he used to play basketball with and who'd geek out with him over their favorite Saturday morning cartoon. The girl on the corner, slightly strung out and looking for her next John? That was his teen babysitter from down the hall. She used to watch MTV religiously and go on about that one guy from her favorite boy band, certain that she'd marry that guy someday because she had a collage of him on her wall. That dead-eyed man who appears to have just OD'ed in the empty apartment Robin and Batman are searching in for clues as to Sacrecrow's location? Jason's favorite English teacher who told him that reading wasn't girly and that he could read whatever seemed interesting to him. And the memories go on.

Task Force Z, Issue #6

That little boy, adopted by Bruce Wayne, was probably extremely grateful and often quietly anxious. Probably constantly afraid that he'd mess up and lose that golden ticket he'd found. So he did everything he could to be perfect; straight A's in school and perfect Robin flips just like Dick. But teen Jason started to see the reality of the world, like most teenagers do, and things changed. Things that Bruce could never understand.

I imagine Jason often asks himself the question, "Why me?" Why was he the lucky one and they weren't. Other than amusing Batman by stealing his tires and being another random orphan within Bruce's orbit, nothing about Jason ever said he deserved the brass ring more than anyone else. He just got lucky, then he died... and then came back.

If anything, Jason and Selina Kyle probably relate to each other the most. They know those dark, "scary" parts of Gotham and they not only see the scars, but they feel them because they share those scars with Gotham.

And that's why Jason and Bruce will never see eye to eye, especially when it comes to Gotham. It isn't the same for them, and it never will be.

[themaribatpit]

Jasonette July Day 3: Grave

Written by: The Maribat Pit  @jasonette-july-event

Prompt: Grave (EDIT : trying to make it look consistent)

Rated: T

Side note: Tikki and Plagg being the ones who created the Lazarus pits is my favourite bit of Maribat crossover lore. 

Marinette had only known Jason for about a year, ever since that day he commissioned her for a new suit and leather jacket design.  She had seen news reports about the Red Hood, but she had never seen him in person ever since she came to Gotham.  That was until he visited her just as she was getting ready to close up shop.  Marinette needed to know why her mysterious client was asking her to work with a great big bolt of Kevlar.   It seemed like a challenging task for the young boutique owner.  It wasn’t necessarily being used for nefarious purposes. He was a crimefighter, one of many that tried to keep Gotham safe.  Tikki felt like there was something strange about him, but she couldn’t quite put their finger on why.

She didn’t think she’d ever see him again, until one night when there was a loud banging on the boutique door.  Marinette was about to say something about people having no manners when she saw a redhead in a red suit and a green cap…with someone’s arm slung over his shoulder.  Marinette rushed to the front door to find the Red Hood, with his helmet cracked to reveal a part of his face.  She could make out some matted dark hair and a red domino mask around his eye.  “Please, do you think he can lay low in here for a while? At least until we can get him fixed up,” the redhead asked, “we can’t take him to the hospital”.   Marinette looked around before hurrying them inside.

She got to know more about Jason, the person behind the red mask.  There’s only so much you can hide from a person after they end up cleaning and stitching your wounds in their apartment.  He told her that he slept on the streets of Gotham before being taken in by Batman when he was 13.  He told her that, when he was 15, he went on a journey to find his birth mother and he was never the same since.  Jason would say that the old him died that day.  Marinette assumed he meant that he was so drastically changed by the experience, that he was unrecognizable from his old self.  Still, she got to know the person he was in that moment, and that was what mattered.  The two became close and started dating shortly after, and Marinette told him that she had been a superhero since she was 13.  Marinette remembered seeing a worried look on his face, before assuring him that she was up against very different villains from what he was used to in Gotham.  Marinette wondered if he was worried that she could have ended up like him?

Marinette knew that there was a roguish charm to him, possibly a remnant of the young boy he described from his past.  She would occasionally help him as Ladybug, and he became impressed with her quick thinking in a fight.  Marinette told him about the time she got a rocket launcher as a lucky charm and discarded it because she only needed the targeting laser.  She was certain that she saw a tear in his eye at that moment.  Marinette also knew he was someone who cared about those close to him, a group of people who now included her.  She got the chance to meet the rest of his adopted family, that is when he wasn’t at odds with them.  Dick reminded her far too much of Chat Noir, Damian was a lot colder and more standoffish, Tim told her he’s like that with everyone.   Though he wouldn’t admit it, Marinette knew Jason would put his life on the line for his adopted brothers.  She came to know Roy as the more optimistic of their dynamic duo, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t battling demons of his own.  As the year went on, Marinette went from being unsure about him, to feeling safe and warm with him by her side.  Even Tikki came to see that whoever this person was, he made their Guardian happy, and that was what mattered most.

Today, however, Marinette had been worried sick.  Jason had left for a mission in a rush, barely able to say goodbye.  That was days ago, he had not answered any of her messages or her calls.   She paced around the apartment in a panic, “why isn’t he answering? Is he hurt? Captured? Worse yet…dead?” She slapped her cheeks, trying to snap out of it.  

“Jason’s strong, he can handle it.  If he’s in trouble, I’m sure Dick or Tim would help him.  If he’s really in trouble, Bruce would certainly help him,” Tikki assured her as Marinette paced around the room.  

Marinette decided to take a trip to Wayne Manor, having some of Alfred’s baking would calm them both and she could ask him about Jason’s whereabouts.  Ladybug sets off to Wayne Manor, changing back before she arrives at the front gate.   When she arrives in the kitchen, she is greeted by Alfred wearing an apron. "Welcome Miss Dupain-Cheng, you're just in time. I'm doing the finishing touches on the ginger biscuits. Why don't you take a seat while they cool?"

Marinette smiles at Alfred,  she could smell the biscuits from the front door. "Thanks, Alfred, I came to ask about Jason. I haven’t heard from him in a while,” she asked.

Alfred scratched his chin, "Master Todd? It would be best to ask Master Bruce then if it's related to work. He is currently asleep and should wake up in an hour or two"

“Thanks, Alfred, mind if I have a few biscuits to go then? I'd like to have a walk in the gardens, " she asked.

Alfred nodded and handed the biscuits to her in a paper bag. 

Marinette took a stroll around Wayne Manor, walking past Damian drawing something, whilst a large dog was curled around him.   She came across the private Wayne cemetery at the very edge of the estate. She was drawn in by the Gothic architecture and design of the area. Curious about the history of the Wayne family, she tentatively wandered into the graveyard.  She saw the graves of Thomas and Martha Wayne. Everyone knew the story of how Bruce watched in horror as they were killed in Crime Alley. 

She froze in shock as she saw one grave in particular, tears began forming in her eyes. “Here Lies Jason Peter Todd: Gone But Not Forgotten” in large bold letters.  She felt her heart breaking, many questions raced through her mind.  How did he die? Why didn’t anyone tell her? Did no one at least think to invite her to the funeral?  She was too stunned to move, Tikki floated down to take a close look.  Before she could utterly break down in tears, she heard a voice behind her.

“Hey, Pixie Pop” Marinette whipped around to see Jason standing before her.  He was casually eating a chilli dog, acting as if standing in front of his gravestone was the most natural thing in the world.  Marinette didn’t know if she should feel happy, distraught or furious.  At first, she slammed into him, hugging him tightly.  “Hey, Pixie, did you miss me that much?” He was about to return her hug, and maybe finish eating the chilli dog over her shoulder, when she softly pounded her fists into his chest.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” She asked, her fists punctuating her words, Jason was trying to make sense of what she meant.  He had told her that he had died before, or at least tried to.  Even he didn’t like to talk about it, the events leading up to it and how he was brought back.  Eventually, she stopped, and just curled into him with tears streaming down her face.  Right now, the last thing she needed was dumb jokes as he held her close to him. 

“I’m sorry, I” Jason tried to explain, only to be interrupted by Tikki.

“Marinette,” Tikki called, Marinette looked back at the gravestone to see the date written on the tombstone.  The year was 7 years ago when Jason was around 15.

She turned back to Jason “so when you said that your old self died…”, Tikki finally realised why she always felt there was something strange about him.  The Lazarus pits, the result of a wish that she and Plagg were forced to grant long ago.  Tikki could sense her magic on him, and a faint hint of Plagg’s magic that would consume him if left unchecked.  In the time he’d known Marinette, he had managed to keep it under control, for her sake.

“So what happened? These last few days I mean,” she asked as she pulled away, wiping her tears on her sleeves before crossing her arms.

“I was gonna call you, Roy and I were in Paris fighting killer mimes when one of them fried my phone,” he explained.  “I tried to get you something to eat from your parents’ bakery on the last day we were there, your parents said ‘hi’ by the way”, he told her. 

“Then what happened?” she asked, he wasn’t holding any paper bags or boxes with their logo on them.

“Roy ate them all is what happened, right after his little talk with Killer Croc,” he told her.

“So why didn’t you just drop by for a visit when you came back?” she asked.

“We tried to, but Roy was craving chilli dogs and I was just ready to crash,” he replied.  The look on Marinette’s face told him that if he didn’t do something, he might be back in that grave a lot sooner than he thought.  “Look, I’ll make it up to you, starting with taking you to that little craft store you love…” he suggested, the corner of her mouth pulled into a slight smile.  “I’ll buy you as much silk, satin and tulle as you want. Paid for with money we got from kicking killer mime ass”, he promised. 

“You mean I’ll get a chance to sew something that isn’t Kevlar, leather or your flesh? Who are you and what have you done with the real Jason?” She asked jokingly.  As the two of them walked away, Jason wrapped his arm around her.  He glanced back at his tombstone, that boy had been gone for quite some time now.  Right now, he was just trying to be a better man.

[jasmehraj]

Meeting the night of vengeance

This is for Flashpoint Paradox week day 3, "he was my friend too, if we can bring him back, I'm in." @maribatgetin

🦇🩸🦇

Barry marched inside the Wayne Manor. It looked even darker than he remembered. It seemed that the light was afraid to enter the building, it looked like no one had ever tried to clean up the place. The dust that covered the walls made it look abandoned and inhabited. It had no signs of life.

"Alfred?" Barry yelled in the empty manor.

"Bruce!" He tried again.

"Bruce! It's Barry!" Still nothing.

He continued calling out for Bruce and Alfred but eventually gave up. He decided to go to the batcave.

The batcave was looking very different. Too different than what he remembered. Everything was dusty. The cave looked like an actual cave. There was no batcomputer, fancy cars, dinosaur skeleton or that big coin or the batsuits and Robin's suits, okay he can't even count the things that were missing. He moved further into the cave. There was a board with cards, covered in blood…. pinned on it and a gun covered by glass container with a family photo on its side. He could tell it was Bruce and his family before they died. He saw the same picture while exploring the manor with Alfred.

"You were the James Bond of superheroes Bruce, what happened to you?" He was about to lift the container when something hit his head, hard. He looked back to see Batman. With red lenses instead of white, he was looking much older and agrressive…

His train of thought was cut short by another blow from Batman. He didn't have his powers, and he wasn't skilled in martial arts like Batman.

"BRUCE! STOP IT'S ME BARRY!" The Bat's eyes widened and his gun hit him hard. He felt his vision blurring as blood filled his mouth.

"Who are you? And how did you get here?" Batman lifted him up easily, shorter in height but still very powerful.

"Bruce I-" He was punched right in his face and his lip started bleeding.

"Mention my dead son again and you're dead!" His eyes widened comically.

"Thomas Wayne…" He whispered. The Batman took his hand-

"Wrong answer." And broke his finger. He screamed in pain.

"You have nine fingers left, answer wisely." He felt his vision clear and then blur again. His mouth was filled with the mattalic taste of blood.

Batman broke another finger. He screamed in pain again. He tried to speak but blood came out of his mouth instead. 

"My patience is wearing off. On the second thought, you are better off dead." He waited for the blow but it never came. He looked up from his spot to see the back of a familiar woman, she had blocked the punch of Batman.

"Marinette." She looked at him and tears streamed down her cheeks.

"Barry…" She helped him stand and laid him on the cot. 

She looked at Batman with teary eyes. He looked guilty.

"You need to keep your anger in control uncle Thomas." Barry's eyes widened.

"He shouldn't have come here in the first place and he kept saying my son's name." Batman growled an answer.

Marinette just let out a dry chuckle, "Beating him isn't going to help bring him back uncle. If I hadn't come, you would have made me a widow." Then she glared at him. Batman met her glare with his own.

Batman looked at Barry with a look he couldn't decipher, but anger was definitely in there, "So you are Allen.

Barry finally found his voice, "U-Uncle Thomas?" 

She kissed his cheek and stood up to get medical supplies. 

"I met Bruce when I was 5. The Waynes came to our bakery. We both immediately clicked. We were best friends. Nothing could separate us.-" She wiped the blood from his lip.

"-Mr. Wayne here and his spouse, came there often and even invited me to their house when he saw Bruce laugh.-" Barry looked at Thomas to see him drinking looking at the far end of the cave.

"Bruce was the one who died in the alley that night." Barry mused in realization.

"Yes. I was there that night. We went to the movies. The man shot Bruce, but before he could shoot me, uncle Thomas beat him to death." Marinette looked sympathetically at Batman. 

"I-I saw Aunt M-martha, hu-hug Bruce and her-her hands covered in-in blood as she hugged Bruce…." She took a deep breath as tears welled up in her eyes.

"I touched her, she-she covered her mouth with her bloody hand. She-she must have felt her hands were slippery, because she- laughed. Laughed like a mad person. Thomas took Bruce from her, checking for anything, any sign of life. I was too scared to go near Martha, I looked at the wide blue eyes of Bruce, t-th-th.. blood…" She broke and sobbed loudly. To Barry's surprise, Batman put a hand on her shoulder and she hugged him. He just patted her back.

"Then Mrs. Wayne became joker… and you became Batman to get rid of the crime. Marinette went home but she was greeted by a burning bakery." Barry said, everything clicking into place.

"I was too busy caring for Martha, who was getting worse day by day. I told her that she doesn't smile anymore. That day when I came home, she had cut her cheeks, the only thing keeping her skin together was two staples. I knew it was too late for her. But I never expected her to become a serial-killer. I forgot about Marinette. She survived on the streets on her own. After so many years, she came to my door, and introduced herself." Batman took off his cowl.

"Now why are you here?" Batman or rather Dr. Thomas glared at him.

"I was the Flash, in-in another timeline. My power was superspeed. Everything was different. Me and some other heroes made a justice league. Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern…. And Batman or Bruce Wayne were my friends. I-" Batman cut him short.

"How can I believe you? How can I know that you haven't hit your head somewhere or aren't faking it. I always knew you were wrong for her." 

"I-I…." His eyes suddenly catch the glimpse of his ring. "I can show you! My suit was in my ring." 

A suit did come out of the ring. But it wasn't his…. Barry jumped out of the cot and grabbed the suit, hands shaking.

"Isn't that what you were expecting?" Batman had put his cowl on and Marinette was standing a little away.

"Of course! Zoom did it!" Marinette gave him a confused look while Batman glared at him.

"Zoom came from the future, he repeated the experiment that gave me powers and came back in the past to kill me. He called himself reverse Flash. He created this timeline! This is his suit!" Barry growled.

Marinette waded in, cutting whatever Batman was about to say.  "He's telling the truth, I also remember my childhood. Much different childhood, no streets, no-" She clutched her head. Batman supported her.

"Bruce…." Marinette uttered.

"What?" Batman looked at her face.

"He shot you! That man shot you and Martha! Me and Bruce-" Batman put his finger on her mouth and turned to Barry.

"You mean we can bring back my son?" Barry nodded.

"He was my best friend so if we can bring him back I'm in. But what about you uncle?" Marinette looked like a kicked puppy.

"Bruce can take much better care of you than me. There will be no joker. No world ending war, the world is better off that way." Marinette nodded, eyes hardening and muttered under her breath looking away, " I'll miss you." 

"So what do we have to do?" Batman looked at Barry still clutching the suit angrily.

"First we need to get my powers back." 

🦇🩸🦇

Taglist: @toodaloo-kangaroo @galla02006

Permanent taglist: @nathleigh @jalaluvsu @togetherwekill @stackofrandomstuff @qualitypeacepainter @greatcatblaze @shewhorises-tjyj @myazael

[sparrowsabre7]

Ok this was in my drafts from ages ago and I forgot to post so it’s here now: 

So with Arkham Knight completed I wanted to discuss the story and some of the things I liked about the plot.

For my money Arkham City is the most entertaining of the series plot-wise. It is wide in scope, incorporating a large group of Batman’s rogues, with a lead villain who has a commanding presence. It is the quintessential Batman plot, full of twists, focusing on his dynamic with the Joker and is a big ‘ol actionfest.

Arkham Knight’s plot on the other hand is quite pedestrian by comparison looking at the villain plot: Scarecrow wants to take down Batman and cause chaos in Gotham and a mysterious new villain appears to help. From this standpoint, Arkham Knight is nothing special. However, as a character study of Batman, it goes much deeper than any of the previous games, and deeper even than any of the films. Most of those dealt with “Why does Bruce Wayne become Batman?” whereas Knight asks the question “What does it mean to BE Batman?”

In this respect “Be the Batman” is more than just a marketing tagline. We really delve into what makes Batman and Bruce Wayne tick and their relationships with the world, their allies, and enemies.

We’re going to delve into big spoiler territory now so be ye warned.

Batman in this game is in an interesting place. Crime is supposedly lower than ever when Scarecrow’s plan starts falling into place, yet he’s hitting criminals harder than ever, working tirelessly in his war on crime. His modifications to the Batmobile make this immediately apparent, adding numerous heavy weapons and armour. One of the unlockable Arkham stories indicates that adding more weaponry has been something Batman has fought for years, according to Lucius, but he had a change of heart some point between City and Knight. We learn soon enough that Batman is on borrowed time. His blood is still infected with Joker’s own and is actually beginning to turn him. This is his last assault on crime, one final push if a cure cannot be found. As a result, he is pushing his allies further away than ever. This alienation was seen in a small way in the epilogue DLC “Harley Quinn’s Revenge”, keeping Robin at arm’s length and mostly avoiding contact with his allies entirely.

This is one of the key themes of the whole game and, personally, if I were to choose one word to sum up Arkham Knight it would be “family”. “Asylum”, “City”, and “Origins” were all solo efforts on Batman’s part, with some input in his ear from Oracle and Alfred, and a brief appearance by Robin. This is the first game to really have the Bat-family on board proper and this really informs a lot of the game and Batman’s motivations.

He pushes them away because he knows he’s dying. He pushes them away because he wants them to get used to the idea of him being gone. Most importantly, he pushes them away because he believes this will keep them safe. This is underlined when Scarecrow’s fear toxin kicks in. Thanks to the hallucinations provided by it, we are shown two of Batman’s greatest failures in his eyes, along with his raison d’etre: the crippling of Barbara Gordon, the torture and murder of Jason Todd, and the death of his parents. The former two are clearly never far from the dark knight’s thoughts and show why he genuinely does fear for his allies safety. This ends up, in the obvious ironic twist, putting them in greater danger. By keeping them at arm’s length and withholding his plans, the Batman is a less effective force. He doesn’t consider that they are safest together, working as a team. His allies come to his rescue a couple of times during the course of the game, Nightwing saving him from Penguin’s thugs, Catwoman saving him from an unwinnable fight against The Riddler, Oracle aiding him during the defence of the GCPD and Robin not saving him per se, but defusing some of the Johnny Charisma’s bombs while Batman is unable to move.

Another key subplot is Batman vs Joker. Even after his death, through his blood and the fear toxin, Joker is resurrected as a hallucination, a dark Jiminy Cricket pestering and needling the caped crusader at every turn. This is the ultimate Joker, no less potent for not being “real”. He represents everything Batman hates and fears, because he is not only The Joker, but the darkest parts of Batman’s mind, all the what ifs, the maybe should’ves, all of this tumbles out of Joker’s mouth, taunting the dark knight with his own insecurities. It shows Batman’s human side a lot more than any previous game, shows he can be afraid, he does have doubts, can fail, can falter. This is something which clearly plays across his mind throughout the game and leads him to the ultimate conclusion of the game which I will touch on in a bit.

The Joker has always been key to the Batman mythos. He was that in Batman #1 so nearly as long as the Batman has been in existence. Having him manifest as a facet of Batman’s subconscious is both a neat narrative trick (and way to skirt the “Joker is dead” thing without cheapening the end of “City”) and a useful dynamic in explaining who Batman is. Much of his existence has been spent battling The Joker and it’s clear that there is a side of Batman in “Knight” that almost misses him in a sense. His presence also plays up the yin-yang of their relationship and eventually culminates quite literally in a battle in Batman’s psyche.

Near the game’s ending Scarecrow unmasks Batman and injects him with a heavy dose of fear toxin. This causes Joker’s personality to be brought to the fore but at the same time empowers Batman’s own power of fear, showing the clown prince of crime his own greatest nightmare: being forgotten. This is ultimately delivered personally by Batman, bursting from the shadows of his own mind and subduing the Joker side, locking him away forever, enforcing this with the time tested phrase “I am vengeance, I am the night, I am Batman.” This is said, as another blogger pointed out, as much to himself as to The Joker. This is a declaration that he is Batman, he is no longer Bruce Wayne. To paraphrase “Batman Begins”, as Bruce Wayne he can fail, be killed, and simply die, which is when we come to the ending.

Upon the final villains being rounded up he initiates the Knightfall protocol and removes his mask. This is a clear symbolic gesture as he is leaving Batman behind on the rooftop with the Batsignal and reverting to Bruce Wayne. He flies back to Wayne Manor and it explodes, destroying the whole building. It’s not made explicit but it’s fairly evident that Bruce has faked his death, very publicly killing Bruce Wayne, now that he has been revealed as the alter ego of Batman. Gordon’s narration states that “this is how the Batman died” but it’s really how Bruce Wayne died.

The final scene shows Thomas, Martha and young Bruce Wayne stand-ins walking down an alley past a theatre, visually recreating Batman’s origin. There’s a gunman, there are broken pearls, this is the birth of Batman as we remember. This time however, Batman already exists. A shadow appears on the rooftop behind the criminals, towering high before spreading shadowy wings and fiery demon eyes alighting as it swoops towards them and cuts to black. It’s clear this is more than a symbolic statement as the criminals react to this “Knightmare” and are clearly terrified. Ultimately it’s up to interpretation, but I think, either it is The Batman in his purest form, shed of the Bruce Wayne identity, free to be more than human (with the use of Scarecrow’s fear toxin apparently), or it simply a psychological manifestation. After Scarecrow’s gas flooded Gotham’s streets, perhaps the residual effects left a lingering memory of Batman that was burned into their consciousness.

Either way it’s a true and final realisation of Bruce Wayne’s goal for the Batman. To become something eternal, supernatural even, that will watch over an protect

[jasontoddiefor]

Batfam Fanfic Rec Sunday!

I’ve decided to do something worthwhile with my 1400+ Batfam bookmarks, therefore I welcome you to my first Fanfic Rec Sunday. Every Sunday I guess I’ll recommend fanfictions for a specific theme, AU, trope, etc.

Feel free to request specific themes or AUs and I’ll do my best to search for fitting fanfiction!

(”Oh, I’ve always wanted to read something like a Brooklyn 99 crossover!” ”I’ve got your back, young reader.”)

This week’s theme is Time Travel & Batman Beyond!

And I’ve got 28 amazing fanfics for you below the read more!

Have fun and don’t forget to leave these lovely writers a comment!

Title: A Gift to Cherish Summary: The wonderful thing about being hurdled through time and space is that Jason doesn’t have to deal with the fallout of not listening to Bruce. The awful, terrible, no good very bad part of hurtling through time and space is that he has no idea where he is. It’s all up to wormhole he was thrown into to decide where he gets spit out to. In which Jason is thrown into a future he never came back to, and gets to heal, just a little bit. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20226775

Title: A Good Place Summary: Damian Wayne is kidnapped and sent back years through time. Together, he and Father – who's only been Batman for a mere six months –must figure out how to return him to his own time. Over the course of the next week, Damian discovers that Mexican gangsters do not mess around, that social workers find Bruce annoying, that Bruce might be a little messed up, and that crystal chandeliers create the fondest memories. Oh. And Alfred has hair. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13515501

Title: A hundred miles through the desert Summary: Finding himself nearly three decades into the past hadn't been part of Jason's plans for the day, but he could manage. Having no idea how he got there, no clear path home and a recently orphaned Bruce Wayne determined to drag Jason into his search for his parents' killer - that might be a little more complicated. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18197330

Title: And They’re Only Getting Better Summary: 90's!Tim Drake wakes up in his Red Robin body. Exhausted from a YJ mission, he chooses to focus on getting through a normal day so as not to disrupt things for his future self. But, y'know, his way. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/10522401

Title: A Time to Reflect Summary: Bruce finds himself stuck in the past, and while waiting for the league to pick him up, struggles to get along with his past self. Plus being in a practically empty manor is a bigger adjustment than he'd like to admit. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20156707

Title: Back to the Past Summary: Bruce is Robin, his dad isn't Batman though, despite how similar the outfits are. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17237258

Title: Careful what you wish for Summary: Sometimes, Batman can’t help but miss the time when Dick was the one and only Robin. In a world with magical imps, he should have known better. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15009647

Title: Choose - Lose Summary: Tim looked to the empty space where the time traveler had stood, a forgettable man with a forgettable face in a forgettable shabby brown suit, and had made his unforgettable offer. You can save him. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18320876

Title: Cocoa in April Summary: There are strict rules when it comes to time-traveling. But when Dick is faced with an adorable young Bruce when he's accidentally sent back to 1988, he can't resist a conversation. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16888914

Title: death sucks (and then you live) Summary: Red Hood is starting to put some serious plans in motion when he's attacked by a not-so-welcome blast from the past. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15532380

Title: Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep Summary: I am not here I do not sleep. Terry wants to say he's okay with cemeteries. But taking your kinda boss, kinda mentor, kinda surrogate father-figure to his creepy family cemetery does not make him feel good. He didn't realize just how much Bruce mourns. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/19378990

Title: In my arms Summary: There was nothing he could do. Nothing he could change. Those were the rules of the past. Besides, babies cried all the time, even if this was less a cry and more of an angry wail from a little one pushed past its limits. But still. He should have been on his way. He likely would have been, had this been a different home. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20728655

Title: Innocence and experience Summary: What starts as a normal patrol ends up shaking up the world of Young Justice when a boy claiming to be a future Robin drops from the sky while chasing after a man in white. The Team struggles to deal with Damian and the future he represents all the while trying to return him to his rightful time. But for what purpose is this new villain in the past and can Damian and the Team stop him? Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/9224534

Title: I Used to Be an Adventurer Like You, Then I Took an Arrow to the Knee Summary: Stephanie was just on patrol and now she’s stuck somewhere, sometime, with Bruce. They bleed and bond and mostly try to keep each other alive— you know, just a Tuesday. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16437716

Title: life, if well lived Summary: Jason wakes up from a time-travel mishap to find Thomas and Martha Wayne hovering over him. Just another day in the life, right? ...Not quite. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18378512

Title: Lost and Found Summary: Bruce is dying. Slowly, painfully. Not going out in a blaze of glory and defiance for a greater purpose. He's caving under the weight of his own age, under the damage he's done to his heart through the years. Terry can't be by his side constantly to do damage control. More than that, he can't watch it happen with no reprieve. But there's no one else. Terry needs help keeping vigil by an ill Bruce's bedside. But the old man had kids once, didn't he? Are the bridges he burned unable to be rebuilt? As he observes, Terry definitely starts to wonder how this family used to be. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12214692

Title: meet the robins Summary: sad little orphan bruce travels to the future and meets the family he’ll have one day :) too bad he can’t stay forever :( Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/2685095

Title: Mint Chocolate Chip Summary: Summer vacations have been going on just long enough for Jason to start getting bored, when he gets an unexpected visitor. From the future. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18860545

Title: no one seems to go Summary: “Father,” Bruce mumbles, “I am something of an outlaw.” “Were you always this dramatic, son?” Thomas asks, the bed beneath them shaking as he shifts. “Alfred.” Bruce snorts, shaking his head. “Theatrics are his speciality, remember?” Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15663957

Title: Of your own making Summary: Jason died. Then he came back, forty years too late. It takes time to adjust. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20211523

Title: One Big Batty Family Summary: In which Billy Batson and the McGinnis siblings join the present day Batfam. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/1133567

Title: Oops I did it again Summary: "You're insane." Or possibly an insane dream from eating chili dogs before bed. Which one Jason wasn't sure since he had yet to pinch himself. "I'm a member of the longer existing Dead Robins Club that doesn't even give you a lousy shirt. Not shocking Jay." Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/936921

Title: Raisin Delight Summary: A year after Jason Todd dies, Tim Drake and Bruce Wayne take on the case when they notice strange occurrences in Gotham city. This has disastrous consequences, but so do most things that Tim gets caught up in, so what's new, really. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15644082

Title: Realization Summary: Bruce makes a discovery while conducting a check-up on Terry. Takes place midway through the "Splicers" episode. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/377468

Title: Strange Manor Summary: Bruce let his eyes close to wallow for a moment in worry and fear for Jason. One second, two, three. He opened his eyes. Time to act. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13474308

Title: The Incandescent Rose Summary: Terry McGinnis (the new Batman) impulsively asks marriage proposal advice from his mentor and grumpy father figure Bruce Wayne. When the older man describes a proposal in which he had been yelled at and abandoned, Terry can't help investigate the matter by seeing some of Bruce's most knowledgeable friends and family members. This search prompts someone else into action. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/19414228

Title: The Time Travel Problem Summary: Barry Allen and Clark Kent, follow Bruce around during a time travel mission through Gotham City's recent past. If only Bruce would stay focused. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21143081

Title: Younger Bruce, Older Jason Summary: Jason wakes up in the dead of night to an unexpected visitor. (Like you’ve never heard that one before...) Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14867975

[jinmukangwrites]

Whumptober Day 19

Grief | Survivors Guilt

Ao3

-o-o-o-o-

It's a cold autumn night when Tim enters the manor. There's been an early snowfall this year, one that has Tim shrugging off his winters coat and hanging it up beside the manor's front door along with his gloves. 

He looks around the foyer, thankful to immediately spot Alfred walking towards him from the familiar hallway leading towards the study. However, any kind of good mood Tim was in from being back at the manor for the first time in what was probably close to a month leaves when Alfred gets close enough for him to see the little, worrying details.

He's not wearing a suit or tie. Just dress pants and a white collared shirt with the sleeves rolled up. There's spots of red on Alfred's sleeves... and a rag is held in his wrinkled hands, stained with blotchy pink spots.

And Tim suddenly remembers why he's here.

"Hi, Alfred," Tim greets as Alfred finally finishes approaching. He looks haggard. Likes he's been up all night. He probably has been. 

"Master Tim," Alfred says, offering a small smile. "I apologise for not greeting you earlier. I trust the travel wasn't unpleasant?"

Tim shakes his head. Roads were scary slippery, but because the snow is still fresh and the time’s approaching dawn, there wasn't much traffic to make Tim's drive from the penthouse towards Bristol too horrible. "It was fine. And you don't need to apologise… I'm sure you've been busy. Where is…?"

Alfred sighs, his hands running through the rag without much purpose. Alfred's shaken. Tim heard it was bad, but he didn't think it was this bad.

"Masters Dick and Bruce are both downstairs with Doctor Thompkins. Master Dick has yet to wake, but considering we've just finished surgery, I don't expect him to be awake in the near future."

"How bad is he?"

Alfred sighs and moves so he drapes the blood stained rag over his wrists. "Major head trauma is the worst of it. Some broken ribs, a snapped wrist, mostly bruises and cuts. Doctor Thompkins is hopeful that he'll make a full recovery in time."

"And… Damian?"

Damian was there right? He was a part of this whole catastrophe? Nightwing and Robin were supposed to be on a team up. With a sinking stomach, Tim realizes Damian must have watched Two-Face repeat his ever so famous beating of Nightwing tonight. 

Tim hopes Harvey Dent and his stupid grudges stay in Arkham for a very long time this time around. If Tim sees him any time soon, Tim's not sure he'll be able to pull his punches as much as he should. 

Alfred's voice pulls Tim out from his thoughts. "Master Damian is… outside. Near the Graveyard. I was just about to check up on him, it's rather cold out..."

"Know what?" Tim says. "I'll get him. You look like you could use a nap."

Alfred's face softens. "If you're sure… then I will begin making some hot chocolate for the two of you to warm up."

"Thanks, Alf," Tim replies, a genuine smile rebelliously appearing on his lips. 

After he shoves himself back in his jacket and gloves, he's sure he’s prepared for how cold it is outside in the October air. 

Immediately, he's pelted by a harsh, gray colored wind speckled with small, glittery flakes of snow. The snow is wet, immediately melting when it touches his coat, and just managing to glaze the grass, but regardless of that it's still cold. 

What's Damian doing at the Graveyard at this time with this weather?

The trek towards the Wayne Graveyard is mostly uneventful besides a few slip ups on the stone path. He almost falls on his ass once, but by the time he sees the gate towards the family graveyard, he's relatively unharmed. 

The moment Tim walks past the gates, his eyes immediately fly towards the back of the plot where a giant angelic statue stands, her face shrouded with a hood and her hands brought up in prayer. 

Jason Todd's grave, Tim feels, has always been a part of Tim's life. Because his life never really began until Robin, didn't it. Which is… depressing to say but he can't really call the years spent practically alone with his emotionally distant parents anything close to a life. Tim decides to head that way. If Damian is sitting at any grave, it's probably near the ones dug recently, and not the old, weathered ones filled with names belonging to Wayne's no one actually really knows about. 

Ya know, no one knows about until they’re revealed to have been a part of some super secret old-timey cult or something.

He's probably at Martha and Thomas's graves, wondering what it would be like to have known them. The most experience he has with grandparents is Ra's Al Ghul, and, well, no one wants that guy as a grandfather. 

However, when Tim finally sees the form of a small teen squatting besides a grave, it's one that's no longer… valid. But one that keeps it's gravestone anyway, the dates scratched off. 

Tim feels something try to crawl into his throat to choke him. 

Of course the grave Damian's visiting is Dick's. 

Tim immediately decides to make his approach more cautious than what he was initially planning. He can't… really think of a time where he's seen Damian sit at this grave, even while they thought Dick was actually dead. Tim was… off with the Teen Titans and if he remembers correctly Damian wasn't even in the country for long after he came back to life. Bruce got amnesia and for quite a long time, it was only Alfred and Bruce in the manor, living in a carefully constructed illusion that Bruce wasn't Batman and had never taken kids into his home. 

Tim wonders when Damian found out Dick "died". How did he react? Did anyone even try to reach out to tell him gently, or did he find out on his own?

"Hey," Tim greets softly, lowering himself down to Damian's level in front of the fake grave. He sits on the balls of his feet and curls his arms over his knees before he turns to really get a good look at Damian. 

The kid huffs in response, just staring ahead of him like the gravestone was the most interesting thing in the entire world. His cheeks and nose are red, a stark contrast to his normally dark complexion. His green eyes shine vividly too beneath his sopping wet black bangs. Tim wonders if he's been crying. However, he doesn't dare ask.

"Alfred's making hot chocolate," Tim continues, really feeling out of his league now. He doesn't know what to do. He's never had to confront a clearly vulnerable Damian before. "I don't think we should keep him waiting."

Damian blinks slowly, his gaze finally leaving the gravestone to flicker towards Tim. 

And if eyes were the windows to the soul, then Damian's eyes have always been barred for as long Tim's known him. Barred and locked and shielded by blackout curtains. Now though? They're a stained glass window, shattered and hanging by twisted metal framework thanks to a rock that has been thrown through. 

Tim can't recall ever seeing Damian like this before. It makes him ponder what really happened tonight. If Dick's injuries were simply because of an unfortunate Two-Face run in. Bruce called Tim over to help go over evidence, but now Tim gets the feeling the real reason he's been requested is because Damian's hurting in his own way too, and Bruce doesn't know how to deal with it. 

Not that Tim knows how to deal with it either. The only person that really knows Damian inside and out is the very person who's just finished fighting for his life thanks to a brutal beat down via a psychopath armed with a wooden baseball bat. Again.

"Timothy…" Damian finally speaks, and Tim suddenly feels a chill enter his bones that's not from the wind. "What is Robin's purpose?"

Tim swallows, forcing surprise to stay off his face. Where has this come from? 

"What do you mean?" Tim asks slowly. 

"Tt." Damian turns back towards the gravestone, his usual sound of annoyance sounding half-hearted and incredibly tired. "Just answer."

And it must show how wrong this all feels because Tim doesn't even get the urge to roll his eyes at the demand. He lets out a breath that turns into a visible vapor the moment it leaves his mouth. 

"I guess… it's different for everyone. There's no… job requirement when it comes to Robin. What it means can change on who wears the suit. As long as you wear the colors and fight alongside Batman, then you're Robin."

Damian frowns. "I was told Robin is supposed to be Batman's partner. Robin is supposed to watch Batman's back and protect him."

"Who told you that?" Tim asks before he could stop himself. Damian gives him an unimpressed look. "Oh. Lots of people, huh? Um… I guess protecting Batman is a big part of Robin. I know… that's the reason I became Robin. To save Bruce from his own darkness."

"Then… I am truly an awful Robin."

The words are so shocking that it takes Tim a second to realize a single drop of clear liquid that wasn't snow has dropped down Damian's cheek. 

"Richard died while I was gone," Damian continues, water in his voice. "Even if his death was really a ploy to go undercover… he still got captured and tortured. I wasn't… there to protect him. And now, all I could do was stand uselessly while Dent…"

Damian brings a hand to his cheek to wipe the next tear that tries to fall. The sleeve of his jacket folds up around his wrists to reveal rope burns that definitely look like they sting.

Tim thinks he has a clearer picture now. Damian was definitely there, tied down and held back as Two-Face beat Nightwing to a bloody pulp. 

Tim is so caught up trying to imagine what Damian is feeling, that he almost misses what's said next. 

"If Robin is supposed to protect Batman, then… then it should have been me."

"No," Tim turns so he's facing Damian more head on. More tears drip down his cheeks and Damian looks done with trying to wipe them away. He's looking at the gravestone like he's the one who put it there. That the only reason it's there in the first place is because he wasn't there to stop it. "No, you're not allowed to say that. I take it back, Robin isn't meant to protect Batman-"

"You just said-"

"I was wrong, okay?" 

Damian opens his mouth, then closes it. 

Tim has to take a moment to catch his breath and gather his thoughts. "Look… Damian… you're a kid. It's never a kids job to protect the guardian. It's their job to protect you."

"That's the issue, Timothy, he was protecting me." Damian wipes his eyes furiously, his cheeks growing redder but not because of the cold. "Two-Face wanted me, but Richard tricked Two-Face into letting him take my place. Richard died because of me, and stayed away because of me, and now he's- he's hurt because of me-"

"Stop it," Tim snaps. He can feel his heart beating so quickly. His stomach feels like it's in knots. Damian snaps his jaw shut with a tiny, barely choked off whimper that almost has Tim wanting to stand up, go to Gotham, and show Two-Face what a baseball bat looks like from the other end of the beating. "Just… stop. It's… none of this is your fault. And if Dick heard you saying things like this… that it should be you… he'd tell you the same stuff. 

"You didn't do anything wrong Damian. Sometimes… Batman gets hurt. But you can't hold yourself responsible for that. Sometimes Dick gets hurt to protect you… us, and we can't blame ourselves for that. Dick did what he thought was right, and it's our job now to make sure he gets better. Okay?"

Damian's silent. Sniffs. From the cold or from tears, Tim doesn't ask. 

He wakes in the chilling silence of the Wayne Graveyard until Damian finally jerks his head in a tiny, ridged nod. "I… understand."

"Good." Tim then rises to his feet and grabs Damian's bicep, dragging his little brother up with him. Damian stiffens at first, but eventually complies. Soon, Tim has his arm wrapped around Damian's shoulders. Damian sniffs again and wipes his eyes. 

"You said… Alfred was making hot chocolate?" He asks, and Tim smiles. 

"He sure is. You think we can convince him to put in marshmallows this time?" 

Damian puts on a watered-down thoughtful face. Then nods. "I'm sure if we work together, we can also get cookies."

"Sounds like a plan, gremlin."

"Tt."

"Oh, don't give me that look. You like the nickname."

"I do not."

“Yes you do. Look! You're smiling!"

"You're seeing things, Timothy."

[theabominableblogger]

My Reaction to “Gotham” S2E19

Yep.  Told ya I’d get this one up.

AN:  I managed to record my reactions to this episode and hopefully I can transcribe what I said into this post.

Whoa....

What the....

“Has there been any improvement since he [Theo] woke up yesterday?”  “No.  But he's wonderful, isn't he?“  I... I wouldn’t say that...

“The Will and Order of St. Dumas.”  What?

*Jim stops by Arkham*  Oh SNAAAAAPPP!

“Pinewood Farms was started by Thomas Wayne in an attempt to cure humanity's greatest ailments on the genetic level old age, disease, even death.”  “But that's not what happened, is it?“  *snaps sassy Z-line in the air*  No it ain’t!

“Karen said the program tried to play God, and you [Hugo] ended up creating monsters.”  “I was just a researcher with no knowledge of that until it was too late.“  Uhh, ha ha, no.

“I’m [Jim] not here for a therapy session, Professor.”  Thank you.

“No.  It’s more like an interrogation by a man who is no longer a police officer.”  Ohh!

“[Jim] You're trying to make up for the sins of your past, and you believe that this case will somehow bring about your own personal redemption.”  *grimaces*

“Victor Fries is dead, Mr. Gordon.”  Well that is a lie.

“Really?  I saw him last night.”  Thank you!

“I [JIm] can read tells, too.  [Hugo] You’re lying.”  *claps and points at screen*  Yeeess!

Oh there it is!  There’s the theme!

*Ed explains to Aaron that the other inmate’s personality is not him via pretending to scold the air AKA “Lucy”*  OK, this is actually not a bad way to diffuse the situation.

Look at Ed being the negotiator when it comes to situations in Arkham! 

*claps*

“Go to hell, Ed.”  Thank you!

“Nobody beats me.”  Really?

“I [Jim] did.  See you never, Ed.”  Hahahaha!

There’s the Jim Gordon I know!

“What has no hands but might knock on your door, and you better open up if it does?“  Fate?

“I [Ed] can help you [Hugo] take him [Jim] down.“  You better not!

*One of the inmates tries to lick Ed*  EEEWWW!!

*Ed explains to Hugo how he manipulated the other inmates by simply listening to them and what they want*  Holy crap, Ed!

This is the Riddler!

“Everyone has a story...”  Azrael?

Ed, what did you do?

“We have got to give him [Theo] a great, heroic story.”  “We need to give him a good heroic dose of Thorazine, but you're [Hugo] the boss.“  ...Yes.

Uhhh.... is this a good idea??

“Hello?”  *in best Hugo Strange voice*  It’s me.

WHOA

“Don’t you [Theo] feel a father’s love when I [Hugo] look into your eyes?” *in high pitched voice* NOT REALLY!

“No. No. There is another life. There is a sister, a high tower-”  *puts hands on head in shock*  Ohhh, he [Theo] remembers Tabitha!

Whoaaa ho ho hoooo... oh my gosshhh...

“This man [Hugo] ordered my parents' death?  You're sure?“  Why would Hugo Strange order the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne?

“Bruce, I [Jim] know you're frustrated, but we need to do this the right way.”  “The right way? And how many times did that fail with Galavan?“  HOOO!!

“We'll work on Barnes, get him to sign off on a warrant and put Strange away for good.  The right way.“  Where are they gonna put Strange if they do arrest him?  Blackgate?  Probably not Arkham.

Is this immersion therapy [the St. Dumas video Strange is showing Azrael]?

AN:  The video actually reminded me of the conversion video from the video game “Outlast” (and no, I’m putting a link of that video in because it is also a trigger video from a disturbing game- a game that I’ve only seen gameplays for and don’t actually plan on playing anytime soon).

“This Dumas character was made a saint, performed a lot of miracles and so forth. And one of the miracles was bringing Azrael back to life.”  “I [Miss Peabody] still prefer Thorazine.“  Heeheehee!

What the heck did they do to Theo’s face?  Was that from when they re-stitched his face back together after removing the umbrella from the back of his head??

*Ed watches Miss Peabody take Aaron down to Indian Hill*  Oooohhh...

Oh my God, is this gonna be how Ed escapes?  Please do not follow them!

Yeah, where are they taking Aaron?

Waaait, they’re taking him to Azrael!  Oooohhhh...

Oh I like that shot of Ed with the rose-tinted windows behind him.

*Aaron meets Azrael*  Oh.  Snaaaappp...

“I [Hugo] am crafting your [Azrael’s] armor as we speak, but first, your skills must be tested.“  NOOO, he’s gonna kill Aaron!!

*gasps when Azrael knocks out Aaron with the briefcase*

“Not exactly what I had in mind, but good enough.  Try opening the chest, my son.“  Hahahaha...

[It’s like in “Hercules”]  “USE YOUR HEAD!”  “Riightt...”

Hahaha, this is exactly what happened!

“The Sword of Sin.  Your [Azrael’s] ally and instrument of justice, a vanquisher of evil for generations.  She thirsts for blood.”  How’d they get a sword?

“My lord, I [Azrael] am the Angel of Death.  James Gordon dies... tonight.”  Hooo!

Why would they [the GCPD] let the press anywhere near the crime scene?  That is way too close!

Where is the tape?  Where is the line?

“Listen, kid- Mr. Wayne- I [Barnes] don't care how much money or pull you have in this town.  I'm through talking to him [Jim].”  “Are you through listening to the truth?“  Whooo...

“What are you [Ed] gonna do with all this stuff, anyway?”  That’s a good question...

“I think Professor Strange is hiding something.  And I think that something is a secret way out of this dump.  So I'm gonna use this stuff to find it.“  This is totally like Jim Carrey-level Riddler right here... and I like this better than the actual Jim Carrey Riddler!

I like the Riddler better than Ed.  What’s goin’ ON?!?

“[JIm] You self-righteous punk.  You think you have all the answers?  Maybe you should run it yourself!”  “Maybe I will one day.“  HE DOES!

*softly gasps when the precinct lights go out*

“Who’s there?”  OH SNAP!

Here’s my question:  how did Hugo Strange get all the armor for Azrael?

If this armor’s bulletproof, I swear to God...

WHOA!

Grab his [Azrael’s] cape!

*Azrael leaps out of the precinct*  Whoa...

Masked man in a cape- Bruce, do not take any ideas from this for Batman!

“Calls himself Azrael.  Wants to kill me [Jim].  We know Hugo Strange is responsible.“  Do you?

“Excuse me, Captain.  I [Bruce] find your flippant attitude to be inappropriate.“  Hoo hoo hooo!

“I [Jim] can't make the moves I need to make if I'm worrying about you [Bruce].  You need to be at home, where Alfred can look after you.“  Bruce is like “...no... I’m never liking this.  When has there ever been a situation that I liked?”

Whoa!  Oswald, what the heck happened to you?

*gasps when Azrael gets flashbacks of his past life*

Whoaaa!

“I'm [JIm] not a cop anymore, remember?  I don't need to follow your [Barnes’s] orders.“  No, but you’re a citizen now, technically.

Through the Looking Glass?  We’re getting a sneak peek of Mad Hatter this season?

Dutch angle!

If Azrael tries to storm the GCPD to get Jim, I swear to God..

*The lights go out*  Oh snap, are you freaking kidding me?

Yeah, that’s freaking him [Azrael].  Hooooly crap.

He’s gonna bust through that window-

*Azrael crashes through the window*  Oooohhh!!

Oh he’s [Azrael] gonna do the superhero landing.  Wait for it!

Oh he didn’t- THERE WE GO!

*claps*  WHOO!  Superhero landing!

How do they not recognize Theo’s voice?

*gasps when Azrael butchers one of the cops*

Whoa!

*Barnes knocks Azrael to the ground*  Oh, go Barnes!

“We need a bigger gun.”  *laughing*  Yeah...

You’re gonna have to like nuke him!

Oh yeah, like a freaking pipe [wedged in the door handles] is gonna stop Azrael.  When he can literally punch a hole through the door!

[Barnes] Do not go at freaking Azrael WITH A PIPE.

“Let’s dance.”  *after a five second pause*  Put on your red shoes and dance the blues...  let’s sway!

*gasps when Barnes knocks Azrael to the ground*  Oh snap!

He’s [Barnes] gonna see his [Azrael’s] face!

*gasps when Azrael stabs Barnes in the knee*

NOOOOO!  NOOOO oh my God!

Nooooo!

*Jim comes onto the rooftop*  Ohhh snaaaappp...

This better not the end of the freaking episode.  I’m gonna riot.

“Come to me [Azrael], and I will show you [Jim] the way to hell.”  “I know the way.“  Whoooo....

*Jim manages to shoot Azrael off the rooftop*  OooohhhH!

*gasps when Azrael falls on top of the news van*

Nah, no no no no, Barnes ain’t freaking dying nope!  We’re not doin’ this.

*Tabitha, Butch, and Barbara go through the TV channels*  OH SNAP!  They’re gonna see the TV!

What the heck...

“OK, she [Barbara] scares me [Butch].”  Heeheehee!

“Do we have any limes?”  HAHAHAHA!

Oh my God, Oswald’s gonna go after hiiiimm [Azrael] ...

*counts off with fingers*  Wait, so Jim’s going after him, Hugo Strange is going after him, probably Tabitha’s gonna go after him to... teach him his humanity, Bruce is probably gonna go after him....

“Strange must be behind this.”  He’s always behind this.

“What the hell is happening to our city?”  That’s a very good question, Alfred!  You should ask that every single freaking time!

*trying not to laugh*  What the heck is this music?

*ends up boogie-ing to music while laughing*  This music!

AN:  It’s “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover” by Mitch Miller

Is Ed gonna encounter Azrael at the end of this episode?  Hoooly snot!

Hiii Indian Hill...

“Oh my.”  Oh my, indeed.

That’s a really good shot of Ed in the middle of the aisle

Oooooh, is this Jim’s leitmotif?

*puts hands around mouth* CGI TRANSITION PANNING SHOT!

*Azrael stands on top of the bridge overlooking the city*  Oh my God... that’s a freaking Batman pose!

*Azrael brings about the end logo by flourishing his cape*  YOOOO!!!

*about ready to lose voice*  That was so much Batman!  Before we even get Batman!  Aaaaahhh ha ha...

*jams out to ending theme*

[ellana-ravenwood]

A chance to say goodbye - Bruce Wayne x Reader

Summary : You’re a meta-human able to see ghosts, summon them etc etc…and you decide to give your Bruce a birthday gift he’ll never forget.

I had this story in my head for quite a while now, not sure how to feel about it though. I don’t know, you guys know me, I’m like : “meh” as usual…Anyway, don’t hesitate to tell me what you think please, wether you liked or not :-) …Hope you’ll like it though  :

You can find my masterlist here : @ella-ravenwood-archives

_______________________________________________________________________

When Bruce was looking all around the World for meta-human, he found you in a small village in France’s country side, and…you intrigued him right away.

You were sitting on a bench in a small cemetery, lost in daydreams.

He felt irreversibly attracted to you. The way you seemed lost in your thoughts, the glint in your eyes as you looked at nothing in particular, your poise, even the way you breathed subjugated him, for reasons he couldn’t quite pinpoint…When you turned your head to him, feeling his presence, and your eyes locked on each other, the beating of his heart became ecstatic, uncontrollable…He had to talk to you.

Against all of his usual instinct, he approached you and sat down next to you. And the conversation just flew naturally. It was something he never experienced before. You were a total stranger, and yet, he felt like he knew you since forever.

(Y/N). That was your name. It rolled on his tongue delightfully. In the span of a few hours, you just talked about anything and everything. It was just too amazing, and for a minute, he thought maybe you were a meta-human whose powers was to control one’s emotions, because he never talked like that to anyone, including his close friends, so to a total stranger…

Turned out, your powers weren’t to control someone’s feelings, not at all. Your powers were…scarier, and you hated using them. You had a special bond with Death…You could summon zombie warriors from the ground and control them, you were able to see if someone’s life was going to end soon, and was plagued by visions of ghosts of people that still had important business to finish on Earth. You hated your powers.

Bruce was amazed at how he felt like you two were old friends…and he convinced you to come back with him to Gotham City.

The first few months were difficult to say the least. Batman’s home town was…a dark place to be for someone like you. Death was omnipresent everywhere. You almost lost your mind, filled with all the pain from the deceased around you…and yet, you pulled through. It actually helped you learning how to use your powers. And for the first time in your life, you weren’t scared anymore.

*******************

Years later, you and Bruce were dating. Of course you were. It took a while for it to happen, even though you became best friends very quickly.

You were terrified you’d hurt him with your Death related powers, and he was afraid to let anyone in, thinking a serious relationship was impossible with the life he was leading. He bring you to Gotham, to help, not to be with you…

And yet…it was impossible to stay away from each other. You joined him in his nightly activities, helping him in saving Gotham City the best you could. You learned how to use your powers, and they proved quite helpful in the fight you and Bruce were in every nights.

You could now control your vision about people’s death, and weren’t plagued by ghosts anymore, able to summon them at your will, and to live normally (or as normally a night vigilante could live). You learned a new power, which was to teleport from shadow to shadow, which was very useful.

And so Bruce and you became a couple. And a strong one at that…after all, you were best friends before becoming lovers, it could only work. And you were both on the same page…Though you were less dark than him, even with your heritage, your powers. You were actually a pretty cheerful girl, and that’s what he loved most about you.

You never let your “destiny” control your life, you made yourself, and though your powers were related to one of the worst things in life : Death, you were a happy and bright woman, laughing easily and…he just loved you. He loved you since the first time he saw you, to be honest.

Things were getting very serious between the two of you, and Bruce had bought a ring, waiting for the right time to proposed. You and him took a young orphan in, and adopted him as your son. Richard. That boy was actually a lot like you, he did not let his bad experiences of life trampled his joyfulness. He was a good addition to the family.

Never would have Bruce thought things would work that well…

*******************

Today was his birthday, and unfortunately you hadn’t been able to see each other. You spent the entire day with Dick, watching multiple movies, cuddled up in the huge couch of the main living room at Wayne Manor. It was a rainy day, and Alfred made you tea and cookies. Just good mother/son bonding. You fell asleep in each other’s arms, while marathoning “The Lord of the Rings” movies.

For once, Bruce came home rather early, and you convinced  him to stay, to not go out tonight, because it was his birthday, and you wanted to be with him…besides, you had a special surprise for him today.

He took Dick in his arms, and went to put him in bed, the small nine years old boy in such a deep slumber he didn’t even notice your tender kiss on his forehead.

********************

You and Bruce were tangled in each other’s arms, lips on lips, tongues dancing lovingly with each other’s, hands roaming the other one’s body. He had just made love to you, but you could never have enough of each other’s…pulling away for air, the old clock you had in your shared room ringing midnight suddenly reminds you of the gift you wanted to give him.

-Oh crap ! Crap !

Bruce pulls away from you, and sits in the bed, worried.

-What is it love ?

-It’s not your birthday anymore, and I forgot to get you your gift !

-I don’t need anything, just you.

He went back to kiss you, but you stood up from the bed, ignoring his groans.

-I worked really hard on that one honey…I think…I think it’s important that I give it to you.

Bruce sighs, and gives up. With you, there was no point in fighting, you’d always have the last word anyway. When you put your mind to something, there was no chance for anyone to change it.

-Alright, fine then.

You take his hand, and pull him to you. With another groan, he leaves the warmth of your shared bed and stands up. You give an appreciative look to his naked body before giving him some sweat pants.

-You probably wanna wear that.

-Why ? I’m gonna take it off as soon as I have that gift anyway…

He winks at you, and you roll your eyes.

-Trust me, just put the pants on.

A bit confused, he put them on, and watches you with curiosity as you go sit in the big armchair you usually read in, that is besides your bed. You cross your legs, and close your eyes, his hands in yours, him standing awkwardly in front of you. What was going on ?

Everything turned dark around him, and he panics a bit. You’re not next to him anymore, but he’s still in your bedroom…And yet, it’s not the same. Two lights are growing from the window, coming closer and closer and…His heart stops.

Skips multiple beats, and then starts again, racing, almost bursting out of his chest.

In front of him, the two lights took form…And it’s his parents. They’re both facing him, looking exactly like the day he lost them.

-Bruce.

Tears run freely down their cheek, and he doesn’t know how to react. Was this a wicked dream ? When his mother’s arms wrap around him, and he can feel her, she’s real…He respond to the hug, and cannot help the sobs escaping his mouth as he falls into his mother’s embrace.

-Mom…dad…

-Yes, it’s us. You’ll have to remember to thank that girl of yours, she looked for us for literally years…

-Wh…What ?

It’s his father’s turn to hug him, and then they face each other, staring at each other, taking in how they look, how they stand…Thomas smiles at his sons, he looks exactly like him, except for his blue eyes, those are Martha’s…

-Yes, she found us. It took her a long time, there’s a lot of lost souls in Gotham…

-Wait, you mean…

-We never got to say goodbye to you my son, we couldn’t go on to the next step in life without telling you good bye…She guessed that, and she looked for us. She’s a keeper that one…

-(Y/N) ?

-Who else ?

Bruce doesn’t know what to say, overwhelmed by a wide array of emotions, unable to take his hands away from his parents’ shoulder.

-She…She…

-Yes, she. She’s an impressive woman that one.

-Yes mother…mom, she is…I…she…

He feels tears welling up in his eyes again, and his mother caresses his back soothingly, running her hands through his hair as she used to when he was a little boy.

-I know Bruce, I know. She…explained to us the mission you gave yourself. I can’t say I like it, but I’m very proud. Though, looking at the scars littering your chest…take it easy will you ?

Bruce nods, happy for the first time in his life to be scolded by his mother. His father continues :

-I can’t say I blame you, if you were dead instead of us, I probably would have done the same thing…But let’s not talk about this. Tell us son, tell us..;everything !

And he does. He tells them of the despair he fell in when they died, how he jumped body and soul into work, into making Gotham a safest place so that there won’t be another “Bruce Wayne”. He tells them of the life he found with you, how you saved him, the happiness he never thought he’d feel again. He tells them everything about Dick too, his son. And of his hope of having other children. The main subject is you, and the good you bring him. His wish to marry you, and his father gives him advice for the best proposal ever.

They talk for hours and hours, telling everything they wished they had time to, until he remembers that it’s your power summoning them here, and he gets worried.

-Wait, (Y/N), she…

-She’s alright. Time doesn’t go the same here than it goes in real life. Only a few seconds happen right now…But we do have to go, unfortunately. We came here to say our goodbyes, to be able to move on…

-I won’t see you ever again ?

-I can’t answer that, who knows what’s after…this ? I hope we’ll see you again. No, actually, I can answer. I know we’ll see you again.

-Mom…

-Don’t worry Bruce, things will be alright.

-I know they will be alright dad, I…I have (Y/N). And Dick. And Alfred. It’s just…I’m…I’m very happy I got to see you again. I’m sorry, I’ve never been good with words…i’m just…so happy.

-Believe me son, we are too. Thanks destiny for crossing yours and (Y/n)’s path, without her, we would never have…you know.

-Tell her we love her. We didn’t have much chance to speak, but I had the occasion to see how wonderful she was in those few minutes spent with her…She was just so happy for you. Don’t break her heart, she’s a special one, she loves you so much…I couldn’t dream for you to find another one than you.Thanks Alfred too, for taking care of you. Oh, and tell Dick he’s the most wonderful grandson I could ask for. Such a bright and cheerful boy !

-I…I will tell them.

-And you, my son. I love you so much Bruce. I always will. I’m so proud of what you became. I’m so proud of the life you built, of the good you bring everyone around you…But please, don’t forget to live. Don’t forget to love.

-I won’t…I can’t, with people like (Y/N) around…

-That’s why I love her already. I can’t wait to get to know her…in a very long time. When you both had a very long life of course.

Bruce chuckles, and hugs his mother, as she already starts to fade away. His father says :

-I love you more than I loved my own life, and I’m so sorry for what…happened. It’s all my fault, I shouldn’t have to..

-No dad, if it’s anyone’s fault it’s Joe Chill’s. Stop that right now.

Thomas looks at his son lovingly, and gives him a weak smile. He can’t believe how grown up his little boy is…

-…Alright my boy. Well, you’re not really a boy anymore…You’re a man. A great one at that…I’m so proud of you too. I’m so glad you found (Y/N) and Dick. You know. I just want you to be happy…

-I am.

-Sure  ?

-Yes. I’ll forever miss you though.

-We’ll miss you too…Goodbye my son. Proud, I’m so proud.

-Goodbye Bruce, never forget how much you were loved, how much you’re loved now.

-I won’t mother, I won’t…

-Promised ?

-Promised. I love you mom. I love you dad.

-We love you too. So, so much. More than you can imagine.

-No, I know how much now…I have Dick. I know how it is to love a child…

-Right…Well, then you know what it’d do to us if you ever decide to live your dark life again, the one you told us about, the one before (Y/N) and Dick…

-I know. I don’t think I could go back to this life anyway…

-Good. Goodbye Bruce. We love you…

In a whisper, Bruce says :

-I love you too..always…

His arms around them, his hands in there…slowly starts to go through them. And soon enough, he cannot feel them anymore. They were gone. For good now. And for some reasons, Bruce couldn’t bring himself to be sad…On the contrary, he felt like a page he stayed too long on finally turned. He felt like a weight just left his heart.

His parents were alright now. They weren’t wandering in between life and death anymore. They went beyond, they said goodbye, they told him what they had to…He felt himself almost flying. Happy. Free. Finally free. Just like his parents were now…

He turned around, and he was back in your shared bedroom, his hands in yours, in front of you.

You shyly open your eyes, and look up to him, afraid.

-Did it work ?

Bruce doesn’t answer, and his red eyes filled with tears makes your heart stops. What if this was a terrible idea ? What if you made a big mistake ? Oh God was he going to leave you ?

-I…I didn’t know what to get you. And I found them finally and…I’m sorry if I opened old wounds and…

Surprising you, he falls to his knee and flung his arms around your waist, resting his head on your stomach, squeezing you against him.

-Thank you my love…This is the greatest gift anyone ever gave me.

Relief. Relief wash over you like a tsunami. You wrap your hands around his head, and kiss his hair, running your fingers through his thick black hair…just like his mother used to.

-You’re welcome sweetheart. I…I was so afraid…

-Marry me.

-Wh…What ?

-Marry me (Y/N).

-…

-Please ? I love you. Like I never loved anyone before. I…You mean everything to me. You’re too good I know, I don’t deserve you but…Marry me.

You can only give him a strangle : “yes” before he’s on you, kissing you passionately. He cannot speak. Cannot say another words. He can just hug you, he can just hold you close against his heart.

You just gave him the greatest gift he could ever ask for. You gave him the occasion to say goodbye to his parents, to talk to them for hours, to hold them in his arms again…

He raises to his feet, and carry you bridal style back to his bed. And as he makes love to you, his skin against yours, your breath mixing with each others…you finally know why you were born with your curse. With this power you had so close to Death. It was exactly for that, for this moment, to free your Bruce of the burden that was on his shoulder since he was eight, since his parents were murdered. Your curse, was in fact a gift.

For him.

As he made love to you, making sure you knew how much you meant to him, not leaving an inch of your skin untouched, you finally realized this. And a burden left your shoulder too.

As he made love to you, your breath mixing together, skin on skin, hands roaming each other bodies, with only each other’s name on your lips…You know it. You were made to be with him. And him with you.

-I love you Bruce…

-I love you more, (Y/N). Always.

[jasontoddiefor]

Happy Batfam Fanfic Halloween!

As a special, I tracked down some stories dealing with the Halloween classics: ghosts, vampires and zombies! Today you get 24 spooky stories under the cut!

We’ll return to our regular schedule on Sunday with Billionaire Batfam & Galas fanfic recs.

Have fun and don‘t forget to leave these scary authors a comment!

Title: 106 Summary: Clark receives a letter from a mysterious sender every February 29th. Though figuring out the identity of the sender (and the purpose of the letters) gets put on the back burner when Clark Kent meets Bruce Wayne and his world drastically changes. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/6139063

Title: A Victorian Farmhouse in Kansas, a Portrait Painted in 1903, a 1920s Reporter, and a Couple Vampires Summary: Lois Lane finds herself in the midst of a mystery with photographs from Clark Kent's desk in the middle. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/7195901

Title: All the Living are Dead, and the Dead are All Living Summary: Bruce Wayne first sees the ghosts that fateful night when he watches his parents die. Martha and Thomas Wayne aren't among them. Years later, Homicide Detective Bruce Wayne witnesses the death of the acrobatic Flying Graysons: John, Mary, and their young son Dick. He works to get them justice with the assistance of the youngest Grayson's ghost, but how will he say goodbye when Dick no longer has unfinished business and leaves the mortal plane once and for all? Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/1014699

Title: And Lost Boys Fly Summary: Bruce’s children are different; his children will never leave. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1922742

Title: because the night (belongs to lovers) Summary: "Mister Kent," Alfred says, his voice so soft that Clark barely hears him over the noise of the street. "I'm afraid I have some unfortunate news, and I wanted to tell you before the papers do." Clark hesitates, a frown creasing his brow. "What's wrong?" Alfred sighs, the sound rattling through the phone. "I won't mince words, Mister Kent. Master Bruce..." He falters. "Master Bruce passed away this morning." Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/11907906

Title: bela lugosi’s dead Summary: Small towns seem even smaller when you’re trying to hide. When the entire family can’t keep a secret, Bruce Wayne--struggling vampire dad--finds out that they’re basically microscopic. “So, since there aren’t as many deer near the town this year, the state’s giving out individual buck tickets.” Jim said. “The seasonal hunters spoke with me, and we were hoping you could, uh,” he looked away, clearly uncomfortable with the subject matter. “...stick to the does until November.” “Stick to the does.” Bruce repeated, raising his eyebrows. “Yeah, uh.” he drew up short, struggling to form a response. “Uh huh, I think we could definitely, uh...do that.” Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15836742

Title: City Limits Summary: Gotham's urban legends aren't always toothless stories. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/691809

Title: Count Bat-cula Summary: Batman is totally not a vampire. No really, he's not. It's not his fault rumors spread. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15470145

Title: Eternal Soliloquy Summary: “Just because I’m not here, doesn’t mean I’m not here,” Jason insists. Not that it makes a difference; no one ever hears him. The one where Jason isn't resurrected, but that's not going to stop him from being a part of the family. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/13790433

Title: Flutter, Flutter Little Bat Summary: Jason goes to the Manor on Halloween to hang out with Alfred while everyone else is out. In costume. The problem is, Bruce isn't out. Bruce is home. Jason ends up not hating that as much as he thought he would. Also, Bruce wears a costume to make his son happy. It works. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16449962

Title: I’ll Be Good Summary: Whatever happened to Tim Drake? Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/1035662

Title: jason the friendly ghost Summary: Jason isn’t gone. He lives in the memorial case and takes his job of haunting the cave only a little seriously. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/1555727

Title: Misadventures in the Mythical Summary: Tim Drake was upset when his parents died. Not distraught, just upset. He was more concerned about what would happen to him now. When Tim's parents die, Bruce Wayne adopts him to make sure that he stays out of the foster system. It isn't long, though, before Tim starts noticing that not everything about the enigmatic Mr Wayne and his two sons, Dick and Jason, is what it appears to be. So, in typical Tim fashion, he begins to investigate. And it all goes downhill from there. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/129933

Title: Shadows Walking Summary: Many have tried to prove once and for all that Batman is a man. They’re tired of listening to all the speculation that he isn’t - that he’s a vampire, and instead of just blood he takes your soul, too. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21205718

Title: Sufficient Unto The Day (The Evil Thereof Remix) Summary: Robin wasn’t supposed to be the scary one. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/386331

Title: The Blood of the Covenant Summary: Bruce was twelve, —but with a birthday only a few days away he insisted everyone call him thirteen— and like most nearly thirteen year olds, Bruce went to school, hated homework, and loved nothing more than a root-beer float from the retro looking corner-store a block from school, or Alfred’s freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. With two eyes, two arms, and two knees he got scratched up from falling down in the grass a few too many times, he looked like most kids his age too. In fact, nothing about Bruce stood out at all among his wealthy classmates, except that he lived in a haunted mansion. Oh and also, his parents should be dead. I.e.: the Waynes Live But Get Turned Into Vampires™ fic literally no one asked for - but I made it angsty (and sweet) anyway. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18593824

Title: The Grave Answered Summary: Exactly six months after Jason's death, Bruce returns to the cemetery to talk to his son. He is almost used to it by now. He talks. The grave never answers. But tonight is different... Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/12155388

Title: The Robin Effect Summary: Dick Grayson died on June 27 but his spirit remained lively. The fortune teller foretold it so. Predicted what must always remain true. Dick Grayson will always find a way to live on. To prevail. [AU were Dick never truly meets his end] Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/19148227

Title: This is all all all that is real Summary: Bruce keeps seeing Jason after his death. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/889530

Title: Two Forms, One Soul Summary: When Dick Grayson asks Clark Kent for help, Clark finds his teammate and friend Bruce Wayne oddly changed. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/436292

Title: Under The Bed Summary: “He’s not going to eat you, you know.” Batman and Nightwing are vampires. Jason has some concerns. Dick does his best. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/1187669

Title: What we leave behind Summary: "Who's Damian?" "My Friend. He lives here too!" - Bruce never managed to resurrect Damian. Now, years after the Waynes have passed on, the new inhabitants of Wayne Manor meet their daughter's imaginary friend. Ghost!Damian fic Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/8208338

Title: When the Dead call Summary: Jason returns from the grave with the uncanny ability to see ghosts everywhere he goes, and unfortunately for him, the dead don't care about his carefully laid plans for Bruce and Gotham. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18705049

Title: When the Lightning walks about Summary: After losing their house in Star City, ex-billionaire Oliver Queen and his ward Roy Harper relocate to Gotham in an old abandoned manor. After a strange run-in with a boy, however, the abandoned house doesn't feel quite so abandoned. In fact, there are quite a few faces in the empty halls. Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/967477