Jason feels the anger brewing inside him—one which carries undertones of helplessness, grief, and loneliness. It was one thing for Bruce to perpetually fail and betray him, it was another for Bruce to use you as a means to stop him. Jason sees that as the ultimate form of disrespect. You were the only one who grieved for him, the only one who attempted to avenge him and find a semblance of justice in his “death” and torture. He still remembers the comfort of having you by his side, your presence alone eased him in ways nothing else could.

His initial plan was to lead his militia to success by any means possible—to fulfill his twisted sense of justice. Then, he’d come back for you. You didn’t deserve to be caught up in any of this. He knew that, it’s why he hoped to reunite with you once the dust settled.

Bruce’s idea to use you as a bargaining chip had severely affected his planning, an inconvenience that further infuriates him. The idea of corrupting you and making you see the idiocy that is the no-kill rule momentarily tempts him, but he disregards the idea almost immediately. You deserve better, he knows it—but that doesn’t mean he’ll let you go.

As Bruce enters the main lobby, the lights of the Wayne Tower cut out, replaced by red emergency lighting as explosions shake the building, placed meticulously by Jason to ensure little to no collateral damage—he’s not a monster.

Over the comms, Jason’s distorted voice rings out, cold and biting.

“You made this personal the moment you involved them, Bruce. Did you think I wouldn’t come for them? Did you think I wouldn’t come for you?”

It all goes silent as Bruce navigates the darkened hallways, before being ambushed with a smoke grenade, courtesy of Jason. Jason lands a harsh blow to Bruce’s head with the butt of his rifle, causing him to crumble down. He wants Bruce to feel powerless—just as he feels when it comes to you. His imposing figure stands over Bruce, a promise of violence and destruction.

“Where. Are. They?” Jason seethes.