Light Amidst the Chaos

Ch 2

San Francisco was nothing compared to Gotham. It was about the same size and had the same business about it, but it was calmer. I was still on edge and still wary about this whole thing. I didn't think I was being followed but I can never be too careful.

My dad had enemies, I knew that. Him and Bruce would work cases together on occasion. My dad was a retired detective and his expertise combined with Bruce's made them all the more smarter. My mom didn't like my dad meddling with Bruce, as she called it. Only because it was never anything sane or safe. She couldn't stop him though, no one could.

My dad talked about his work but would spare us all the details. The doors were always double locked and we all had self defense training. Besides, my entire family had powers so my parents knew my sister and I would be okay. Well, one of us is okay, the other is six feet under.

How was I going to explain this to Maverick? Being with the Titans is the safest option no doubt, but it's a big change. Maverick is only 4 and has little to no idea about the concept of death. All he understands is he's never seeing his grandparents or mother again; I'm all he has left.

I pulled up to Titans Tower and saw Dick Grayson waiting out front. I gave a small wave and paralell parked the car. I took a deep breath and looked at Maverick, who was already unbuckling his seatbelt. I chuckled and climbed out.

"You changed your hair back to blonde." Dick pointed out, holding out his arms for a hug.

I rolled my eyes and embraced him, "Red just wasn't cutting it anymore."

He pulled away and looked at Maverick. "You must be Maverick."

"Say hi to uncle Gray." I told my nephew.

Maverick smiled up at him, holding his stuffed tiger Rosco tightly in his hand. "Hi uncle Gray."

Dick ruffled his hair and went to the trunk of my car. He grabbed the two suitcases out of the trunk before closing it. I grabbed Maverick's hand and followed Dick inside.

I had been to Titan's Tower once before. It's been a really long time and it looks a lot different than I remember it. I was only maybe 7 or 8 when Bruce brought us here for a week long training session. I miss those days.

Dick lead us into the elevator. "I want you to know that we'll get to the bottom of this. I promise."

I sighed and nodded my head, "I hope so." I gently squeezed Maverick's hand as the elevator door opened.

Dick motioned us out and Maverick practically ran out. The poor thing had been cooped up inside the car for nearly three days, I can't blame him. I was happy to be out of that thing too, excited to finally sleep in a bed.

I followed Maverick out and stepped into the kitchen/dining area. It was a lot more classy and very upgraded from the last time I saw it. It was very Bruce Wayne but it also looked lived in, well lived in.

"Make yourselves comfortable, help yourselves." Dick announced, motioning to the kitchen.

"Auntie Eli, can I have a snack?" Maverick asked, looking up at me.

I patted his head, "Sure buddy."

"Goldfish are in the cabinet, I'll go put your bags away." Dick told us before walking off.

I walked into the kitchen and after some searching I found a bowl and the goldfish. I poured some into the bowl and handed it to Maverick. He grinned and went to the table, climbing onto a chair. He happily munched the goldfish while I grabbed a cup so I could give him water.

I remember being a kid and standing in this kitchen. My dad insisted on teaching me how to make homemade brownies as a reward for a good training day. I can remember him helping me mix the ingrediants and pour them into the pan. Even standing in this kitchen today I can still smell them.

I snapped out of my thoughts when I heard footsteps. I turned around and spotted a boy with green hair, probably a little younger than Jason, standing there. He looked harmless and had a warm presence about him.

"Woah, who's tiger is this?" The boy asked, picking up the stuffed tiger from the table.

The stuffed tiger was a gift from my sister. He got it for his first birthday and has slept with it ever since. Sometimes he takes it places with him but usually he keeps it in his room at home. I think this is the first time he's actually taken it out in a really long time. Though that wasn't really his choice.

"His name is Rosco." Maverick replied, looking at the boy.

The boy smiled, "That's the coolest name for a tiger ever." He set it back on the table and looked at me. "You must be Loreli. My name is Garfield, but you can call me Gar."

"Garfield? The cat?" Maverick asked, putting a handful of goldfish in his mouth.

"Chew that good, Maverick." I warned.

Gar chuckled at Maverick's comment and shook his head. "Something like that, little dude."

"It's nice to meet you Garfield. Thanks for letting us crash here." I replied, giving a small smile.

Garfield simply waved his hand, a smile spreading across his lips. "Any family of Dick's is family of ours. Besides," he looked at Maverick, "I could use a change of pace."

I chuckled and looked around. "Aren't there supposed to be more of you?"

"Rachel is out training with Kory and Conner. Jason is almost finished showering and Dick's doing whatever Dick does." Garfield replied, sitting down next to Maverick. "Goldfish? Nice choice."

"Jason?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Like, Jason Todd, Jason?"

Garfield raised an eyebrow in return, "You know him?"

Jason Todd was, well is, my best friend. Ever since Bruce introduced us when he was about 14 and I was 13. He was a puckering asshole, he still is, but less than when we met. He pushed me away for months until I showed up to his room crying over a fight with my mom. I don't remember what that fight was about but I do remember Jason just letting me cry in his chest. Since then, we'd been inseparable.

I hadn't spoken to him in months. He said he was going out of town on business and would try and keep in touch. We communicated for about two weeks until he suddenly stopped. I never understood why. I figured he was busy saving people or maybe he drowned in his own ego, I don't know. I missed him though, a lot more than I'd like to really admit.

"No fucking way."

I looked up in the door way.

"Jason?"