[Western Crossover] The Only Guide

Xiao is an ordinary guide. The only unusual thing about him is that after he dies, he is reborn in another universe.

But in the universes he visits, Xiao is anything but ordinary.

After all, he is the only guide in the world.

And nothing is ever easy. The richest man in New York has PTSD, and the American sweetheart's mindscape is a desolate battlefield. Oh, and there's Arkham. A legendary place packed with violent Sentinels. To stay safe, Xiao has to go there every week to soothe their minds, and Gotham's criminals have seen their recidivism rate plummet.

"Mr. Xiao, have you considered finding a new job?"

"No. I don't want to be the head of an asylum. Thanks," Xiao said.

"Then it's settled, Director. Good luck at work." Gotham's sweetheart gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder.

"Some people have more than one spirit animal by their side. That's because when someone they love deeply, or someone who loves them deeply, leaves, that person's spirit animal stays behind to keep them company."

"And you have a red robin by your side."

"..."

"You have to trust your therapist, Bruce. ... You have to trust your guide."

"...Jason. His name is Jason."

Reader's notes:

1. More sweet moments than angst. Pairing with Jason Todd. Happy endings for everyone.

2. Lots of timeline and alternate-universe shenanigans, so don't overanalyze the details.

3. Sentinel/Guide setting, which will be explained in the story.

3. They belong to each other; any out-of-character moments are on me.

Theme: Healing from pain