Red hood Legacy

Chapter 10 :Into the shadows

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As Jason and Izuku descended into the Batcave, the vast underground chamber loomed around them like a cold, endless abyss. Shadows clung to the towering walls, and the hum of advanced machinery reverberated softly, casting an air of controlled silence over the legendary sanctuary. Here, where Bruce Wayne—the Batman—built his crusade against Gotham’s criminals, every inch held a story, every tool a purpose, and every figure a legacy.

Izuku swallowed, taking in the towering presence of the Batfamily gathered around them. Batman stood at the helm, his stoic expression unreadable as he surveyed Izuku. Beside him was Alfred, his usually warm face marked by a stoic neutrality, and Batwoman, her sharp gaze cutting into Izuku with wary skepticism. Even Nightwing, who’d shown a hint of warmth earlier, stood back, his eyes dark with caution.

Jason stepped forward, his posture tense yet defiant, standing protectively beside Izuku. He could feel the weight of their judgment—of Batman’s judgment—settling heavily over him, like a shroud. They were all staring, assessing, questioning, each silent second another reminder of the fractured history Jason had with them. And now, his son was caught in that same web.

“Jason,” Batman’s voice cut through the stillness, low and measured. “You brought him here, into the Batcave. Into our world. Do you understand what you’re asking?”

“I know exactly what I’m asking,” Jason replied, his tone unyielding. “Izuku deserves to be here as much as any of us.”

Batwoman raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms, her voice laced with incredulity. “Deserves to be here? Jason, you can’t just waltz in with some kid and expect us to hand him a place in the family—”

“He’s not ‘some kid,’” Jason snapped, his voice slicing through her words. “Izuku’s my son. He’s part of this family, whether you accept it or not.”

“Being your son doesn’t mean he belongs here,” Batman interrupted, his voice as cold as stone. “The Batcave, this legacy—it’s a weight few can bear. Do you honestly believe he’s ready for it?”

Jason’s fists clenched, his anger simmering. “And what gives any of you the right to decide that? Just because you’ve put on the cowl, Bruce, doesn’t make you the judge of who’s worthy. Izuku’s been through hell and back just to get here, and you all stand here, looking at him like he’s some kind of intruder.” His gaze narrowed, especially on Batman. “None of you have the right to treat him like that.”

Nightwing shifted, glancing at Batman, before speaking up, his tone careful. “Jason, it’s not that we don’t respect what you’ve built with Izuku. But you know better than anyone the cost of this life. We just want to make sure he understands what he’s stepping into.”

Jason shook his head, his patience finally wearing thin. “Don’t give me that, Dick. You think I don’t know the cost? I paid it in blood, more than any of you.” His gaze hardened, fixing on Batman, his voice lowering with raw anger. “You all stood by while the Joker took everything from me. I’ve lived this nightmare, and I’m still here, still fighting. And for you to stand there and judge Izuku, because he’s my son—” His voice cracked, but he forced himself to go on. “It’s a hypocrisy I won’t stand for.”

Batman’s expression remained unreadable, but the tension between him and Jason was unmistakable, years of pain and resentment surfacing between them. The silence grew heavier, the words left unsaid filling the space between them, until finally, Alfred stepped forward, his eyes softened with a rare sympathy.

“Master Jason,” he said quietly, his tone a delicate mixture of caution and warmth. “Perhaps you’ve proven your point. The boy… your son… if he truly possesses the same determination as you, then perhaps he does have a place here.”

Batwoman let out a reluctant sigh, her shoulders loosening as she regarded Izuku with a less hostile gaze. “Fine. But if he’s here, he’s got to be ready. And he’s got to be tougher than this.”

Izuku looked up, his gaze steady, though his hands were clenched at his sides. “I know what I’m getting into. And I’m here to stay—not to fulfill anyone’s legacy, but to support my dad. To be a part of this family.”

Jason’s eyes softened, a fierce pride blazing within them. He turned back to Batman, his voice unwavering. “Izuku’s not here to earn your respect or prove anything. He’s here because I trust him, because I believe in him. And that’s all there is to it.”

Batman held his gaze, his expression unyielding. But as he looked from Jason to Izuku, something shifted—an understanding, a silent acknowledgment of the weight Jason bore and the unbreakable bond between him and his son.

“Then let him prove it,” Batman said, his tone still laced with authority but softened by a rare, quiet acceptance. “If he’s to be part of this family, he’ll have to stand on his own.”

Izuku nodded, his heart steady, the spark of determination reigniting within him. He didn’t need their approval, but he would show them—show all of them—that he was worthy of being here. Not just for Jason’s sake, but for his own.

As the tension in the room began to dissipate, Nightwing stepped forward, extending a hand to Izuku, a small smile breaking through his cautious demeanor. “Welcome to the family, Izuku. It’s… complicated, but you’ll get used to it.”

Izuku shook his hand, a sense of belonging finally settling over him. He glanced at Jason, who gave him a small nod, his gaze filled with pride and gratitude.

Together, father and son stood in the shadows of the Batcave, ready to face whatever lay ahead, as equals, as family, in a world where darkness and light blurred into one.