On August 15th, 2013, the Justice League held a conference during which we discussed at length additions to our ranks. We reviewed all manner of qualifications, including experience, abilities and powers, and team work. On behalf of the Justice League of America, I extend to you an offer of membership to this organization. Your response is required by the end of the week, September 21st. Further information will be shared with you after that date. Signed, The Justice League of America
After considering it carefully and from all angles, I've decided to accept your offer.
Batman, I... I'm so sorry. And I know those seem like worthless words but, /really/. I /really/ mean them. /I'm so sorry/. And I know you're going to try to cover it up, because that's what you always do. I'm telling you, that's the worst thing. You have us, the team. We're here for you. You can talk to us. And I know... I know I'm just a kid, but you've got to trust me. -tears start to cloud my eyes- I /know/ how you feel. I've been though this... I /understand/ how you're feeling. Please... don't just shrug me and the team off like we don't understand, 'cause we do.
Batman: -walks down the stairs to the Cave, in workout clothing, flipping light switches to illuminate the space-
Jason Todd: -sit up when the lights come on, climbing off the stool and clench and unclench my hands-
Batman: -sees you when I step down, looking at you for a moment, then walking to the training area, setting up equipment- Are you ready to begin?
Jason Todd: -walk towards the training area, nodding- Been ready - look at all the equipment, seeing new ones I haven't seen with training with Dick-
Batman: -turns, nodding once- Good. Warm up, then we'll start with basic defense moves.
Jason Todd: -raise a brow- Warm up. Right. -place a hand onto my waist and with the other bend slightly to the side, raising the arm above my head, stretching-
Bruce Wayne: -does the same, stretching, then running two laps around the cave-
Jason Todd: -drop my stance and run after you-
Bruce Wayne: -finishes the laps, dropping to the floor and stretching, watching you follow-
Jason Todd: -try to mimic your warm ups, different than the ones I usually did with Dick-
Bruce Wayne: -stands, finished, looking at you expectantly-
Jason Todd: -stop, a push up short, and get up, not used to the work out so I feel my face hot- So that it?
Bruce Wayne: What do you know about self-defense?
Jason Todd: When a guy comes after me with a knife, gun or his fist, I try to fight for my life- I mutter in a matter of fact tone, having done this before-
Bruce Wayne: -takes a step towards you- How? -Takes another-
Jason Todd: -frown slightly, taking a step back- By either running, or when backed into a corner, fighting. Hitting him where it hurts the most.
Bruce Wayne: -takes another step- Show me. -Launches myself at you-
Jason Todd: -tuck and roll out of the way, giving you a look of confusion before trying to hit you with my leg to bend yours-
Bruce Wayne: -back flips, then runs again at you again-
Jason Todd: -give a 'you've got to be kidding me' look and run at you again, sliding down, ducking from any sort of attack with your upper body and hit at your stomach-
Bruce Wayne: -angles my body so the blow glances off, bringing my fist around to hit you-
Jason Todd: -fall back onto the floor, rolling out of range of your feet and once at a safe distance, I get up on my feet-
Bruce Wayne: -stands, not even breaking a sweat- Again. -launches myself towards you-
Jason Todd: -grit my teeth and run at you, pushing up in mid run with a leg to grab a bit of height and reel back my fist to aim at your head-
Bruce Wayne: -reaches out, hitting a point on your arm, effectively stopping your hand-
Jason Todd: ah! -pull my hand back- Okay, new trick. Got it.
Bruce Wayne: -shakes my head- What did I just do?
Jason Todd: Hit some nerve on my arm, right?
Bruce Wayne: -shakes my head- I saw the movement of your body and I predicted what you would do next.
Jason Todd: Oh. Right. Anticipated my move and all that.
Bruce Wayne: -nods- And I effectively stopped your strike before it came anywhere near me.
Jason Todd: -flex my arm looking down at it- And also hit a nerve.
Bruce Wayne: That is the basis of your training. Fighters of your size and weight cannot afford to take down opponents with heavy-handed strikes that leave you open to counterstrikes. You have to be fast and light, and more importantly, you have to fight smart.
Jason Todd: -nod, looking up at you- Right.
Bruce Wayne: The ability to predict must come instinctively for you. In order to see how an opponent must fight, you must first learn how to fight. -gestures towards you- Attack me.
Jason Todd: -sighs and come running at you, throwing a similar punch aimed at your head-
Bruce Wayne: -stops it again, shaking my head- You cannot rely on the same stroke more than once. People learn. They adapt.
Bruce Wayne: -jumps back, giving us some space between us- Again.
Jason Todd: -grumble, then go at you again, a bit irritated, and mock a hit to your head but pull back and sit at your side, faltering back a step, then raise my leg to hit yours-
Bruce Wayne: -moves my head to dodge your hit, then suddenly twists to avoid the unexpected hit to the side-
Jason Todd: -fall back at a safe distance- Like that?
Bruce Wayne: -nods, straightening- Feints are a powerful tool. -walks towards you- Next exercise. I want you to tell me what I'm about to do.
Jason Todd: -take a step back instinctively, nodding- Okay.
Bruce Wayne: -shifts my weight onto my right foot, clenching my left hand into a fist-
Jason Todd: -falter back into a stance, feet apart, preparing to duct-
Bruce Wayne: -nods, relaxing my hand, bending my right knee slightly, beginning to lift my left foot off the ground-
Jason Todd: -turn to face your left foot, racing my arm to brace a blow-
Bruce Wayne: -nods, straightening again- You will need to learn how to detect these miniscule movements in real time during a fight, so you can better prepare yourself to block or dodge.
Jason Todd: -nod, lowering my arms with caution- Okay.
Bruce Wayne: -nods at the equipment at the far wall- You will also be working in strength and endurance training. I will speak to Dick about coordinating our training efforts.
Jason Todd: When will you and I train again? -relax, standing straight again-
Bruce Wayne: I anticipate three times a week, depending on the schedule I design and how fast you progress. For now, I've placed a written schedule of your strength training near the equipment. That's what you'll be doing now.
Jason Todd: -grimace- Great, homework.
Bruce Wayne: -raises an eyebrow- This does not come easily.
Jason Todd: Don't worry, me complaining doesn't mean I'm not going to do it. But honestly....what person doesn't complain about homework. -try to make a joke of it, seeing as you notice my distaste-
Bruce Wayne: From what I've heard at League meetings, not even metahumans can handle a bit of homework. -walks to the monitor, turning it on, then turns- I'll be here working on case files if you need anything. -nods at the equipment, with the waiting list of exercises-
Jason Todd: -notice you dismissing me and sigh silently, nodding- Aye Aye, B-man. -walk towards the list, looking at the 'homework' with a critical and place it back, beginning with the first task-
Bruce Wayne: -turns to watch you for a moment, then gets back to work-
Jason Todd: -begins to hum to a song as I work, trying to break the silence of the cave-
Batman: -pacing in front of the table, arms crossed, focusing on the miniscule movements of the two teenagers working on the hardware-
Robin: -eyebrows knit in concentration as I piece together the micro computer, switching between screwdrivers when necessary, my other hand holding pieces in place-
Batgirl: -not glancing to yours I piece together the computer carefully looking to my small array of parts I had left-
Batman: -glances at the red blinking timer, then returns my attention to the disassembled wrist computers slowly being put back together as the time counted down-
Batgirl: -smiling softly to myself I put mine back together the next few pieces fitting easily- Photographic memory. Gotta love it. -I say softly smirking as I continue-
Robin: -finishes tightening the last of the screws, sliding the backing in place and spinning it in my hands, setting it face-up on the table in front of me with a smirk- Skills help too.
Jason Todd: -watch from a distance, trying to piece together some stuff-
Batman: -my dark eyes flicker back and forth- And...time.
Batgirl: -finishes second later- You could probably do without the flair. -I tease before looking to Batman-
Jason Todd: -watch the exchange, arms crossed as I evaluate the interaction between you three-
Robin: -snickers- Jealous?
Batman: -walks silently back to the table, picking up each wrist computer and examining them, looking up a moment later- Barbara's was more accurately constructed from the original blueprint. -sets hers down- However, Dick modified the inner processer to include a faster voice activation panel. -sets his down- You both pass.
Robin: -eyes widen in shock as you start speaking, grinning after a moment and crossing my arms- Aster.
Batgirl: Not in your dreams Boy Wonder. -I whisper to him before Batman speaks. Beams at first and then laughs softly- Hey I call cheating on modifying. That wasn't part of the deal. -I tease poking Dick's side- Show off doesn't even begin to start with you.
Jason Todd: -mutter under my breath, counting how many times you have said the word in a day, reaching the 19th time-
Robin: Ow, hey! -uncrosses my arms and swats your hand away, still grinning-
Batman: -clears throat, bringing out the next boxes, containing parts of 2 different types of batarangs, setting one before each of you- There are components of both an explosive and sound-hacking batarang in these boxes. Use the parts to build a functional batarang. -clicks a button, starting the next time-
Batgirl: -laughs softly smiling before looking to Batman and trying to look solemn again. Taking the parts in front of me starting to separate them-
Robin: -starts pulling pieces from the box, immediately fitting a base together before focusing on the finer details of the modifications-
Batman: Make sure you know what you're attempting to build. Have a set plan in mind before just putting together parts.
Robin: -glances up for a split second and shooting you a look before swapping out a couple pieces to make room for the molding aspect-
Batgirl: -smiles to myself- May not know my way too far around this stuff yet but don't think you're gonna beat me. -I tease grabbing another side of a batarang to match up working fast-
Batman: 15 seconds.
Jason Todd: -shuffle a bit closer-
Batgirl: -finishes just a few moments later snapping a few things into place- Done.
Robin: -moves on to fit together the pieces of the specialized mechanisms, setting the base aside for a few seconds before reaching for it again and attaching the two together, checking it over and finishing a few minor tweaks-
Jason Todd: -Is now a table away, leaning on it as I stare at the gadgets on the table, frowning at the complexity of them-
Robin: -raises an eyebrow at Babs, setting my batarang down next to hers- Not bad, BG.
Batgirl: -smiles- Thanks. I may not be able to modify them but I can work with what I've got.
Batman: -picks up both batarangs, raising an eyebrow, then turning suddenly and throwing them at targets across the cave, noting the aerodynamic and accuracy of the metal-
Batgirl: -smiles as mine flies and emits a sonic sound as it flies that hurt the ears-
Robin: -grimaces at the noise the batarang emits, watching both critically-
Jason Todd: -ignores the loud sounds, fascinated at seeing them fly into the air-
Batman: -turns around- Dick, yours had proper spin to promote accuracy. Barbara, the modification was creative, as well as powerful. -nods- Pass.
Robin: -grins-
Batgirl: -smiles-
Batman: -nods, pulling out the third and final container, containing two grapple hooks with some kind of damage, setting it in front of the two of them- You'll have a minute to find and fix the damage. -resets the timer and starts it-
Robin: -frowns, pulling the hook towards me and examining it quickly, running a glove over the chips and cracked anchor-
Batgirl: -picks mine up furrowing my brow and assessing it. Comparing it to the mental image of the one on my own utility belt. I immediately pull the hook off and pulling the cable lightly noticing it slipping out. I grab a screwdriver and undo the body of the gun opening it and redoing the cord before redoing the body and replacing the hook sitting it down and smiling- Done.
Robin: -grabs some repair putty and pushes it into the cracks, wiping away the excess and tugging off my gloves with my teeth to wrap my bare hands around it, applying a small amount of heat from my palms to seal it in place before lifting it by the once-broken anchor, smirking at the successful hold- So am I.
Batman: -raises an eyebrow, then steps back, gesturing at the balcony railing a floor above- Then test it.
Batgirl: -glances to you- Wait now?
Robin: -stands, checking the gun mechanisms and taking a few steps back before aiming and firing, tugging once to make sure the line is secure- Why not?
Batman: -watches Robin intently, my arms folded- It's the only way to confirm the correctness of your repair.
Batgirl: -shrugs a little grabbing the gun- Alright... -I say aiming for a moment before shooting. Once the hook lands target I tug a little glad that the line was tight and not loose like before-
Robin: -grins, watching Babs before releasing the catch on the gun and letting it pull me upwards, swinging in an arc and flipping as I near the balcony, detaching the line at the last second and landing in a neat crouch- Works fine, Bruce! Good as new!
Jason Todd: -look at you guys go up, a bit impressed but don't let it show-
Batman: -nods- It's vital to be able to repair your equipment in a short time. You will have neither time, light, nor the patience of your opponents to escape from a situation.
Batgirl: -pulls myself up on my hook swinging gracefully on the balcony- The flip was a little much. -I tease Robin-
Robin: -laughs- Habit.
Batgirl: Habit to show off. Seems it's all you do. -I joke looking down and seeing Jason- And exactly why do we have an audience tonight anyway?
Robin: -rolls eyes- I happen to /like/ my style. -follows your gaze and smiles- Why not?
Batman: -clears throat, noticing Jason inching closer to the table with the repaired wrist computers, checking the time on my own wrist computer- It's time for patrol. -walks to the main screen, pulling up a map of Gotham with highlighted patrol routes for both of you for you to study before leaving-
Jason Todd: -ignore being looked at and peer at the gadgets on the table, flipping a batarang in my hand-
Batgirl: -using the grappling hook I get back down and head over to the main screen-
] Robin: -jumps from the balcony, catching the hook to slow my fall before somersaulting and landing on my feet with a quick hop, walking over toward the computer- Any specifics to watch out for tonight?
Batman: -zooms in on certain corners and intersections- I've flagged notable hot spots based on recent crime statistics. -hits another button- The information has been sent to your wrist computers. -straightens- Stay vigilant. Keep your comm lines open.
Robin: -nods, looking over the screen one last time before heading back over to the table, pulling on my gloves and smirking- I'm sure we can manage to stay whelmed. -looks over at Jason- Try to stay out of trouble, Jaybird.
Jason Todd: You try to stay out of trouble. -smirk-
Batgirl: -smiles softly going over and ruffling Jason's hair- Don't let him mess with you too much. -I tease before heading to the R-Cycle- We leaving sometime tonight Boy Wonder? -I call grabbing my helmet-
Jason Todd: -grumble, and comb my hair back-
Robin: -walks over to the R-Cycle, picking up my helmet off the seat- Patience is a virtue, Barbara. -snickers, swinging a leg over the bike and starting it, revving the engine-
Batgirl: -wraps my arms around your middle- That's Batgirl to you. -I tease- Bye Jaybird. -I call-
Jason Todd: It's Jason! - I yell-
Batman: -watches them leave, then turns to see their blinking icons on the screen make their way into the city-
...for now. B-man took me in. It's...uh, more than I expected to happen. Ever. It's what every homeless kid eventually dreams about, being taken in by someone, into a good home. I have a roommate too. Dick. He's interesting. Smart. Short. With interesting extracurricular activities.
I'm not sure what they want of me or expect of me. But I hope not to disappoint them. Damn it, I'm becoming attached.
(Congratulations to childish-remarks, my 300th follower!
Yes, it's true, despite my distinct unquality-ness, I have reached 300 followers and I am so thankful for each and every one of you. You make this whole experience worthwhile and it really makes me happy that you approve of my interpretation of the classic Dark Knight.
In an act of shameless self-promotion, never hesitate to, you know, bring me up in casual conversation with other tumblr-ites. (Just kidding.) (No, but really.)
Once again, the Completely Whelmed rp group and I thank you for all your support for this time. If you ever have any questions, comments, submissions, or suggestions, my ask box is always open to you.
