Light Amidst the Chaos

Ch 22

Damian was a bit odd, no doubt. Very articulate for someone who had to be no more than 12 or 13. He was mature, punctual, and was obviously not used to working in a team setting. I took pity on him.

Bruce came back in sometime later and explained that Ra's al Ghul had been killed. Talia left him with us for his safety. Bruce seemed more warmed up to the idea of having Damian around. He was a sucker for helping troubled kids.

Jason was somewhat avoiding Damian. He's kept glued to my side and far away from him. I know Jason probably understands his situation in a way I do as well, all of us do. Losing your family and being forced to find a new one. It's not easy, especially for someone in his age bracket.

"Auntie Eli! Auntie Eli! Look!" I heard Maverick's voice yell throughout the cave.

I turned around and smiled at him. "What do you have?"

He smiled at me and held up a picture. "It's mommy!"

I raised an eyebrow and took the picture from him. Sure enough, it was Charlotte. She looked different, but there was no doubt that it was her. Her hair was cut really short and she had burn scars going down her neck. The picture was black and white but it was definitely her.

"Who's the kid?" Damian asked.

"This is Maverick, Loreli's cousin/nephew." Dick replied. "Maverick, this is Damian."

"Hi Dami!" Maverick cheered.

"Damian." Damian replied. I could picture him scowling at Maverick. "It's Damian."

"Dam...Damin? Da-Damen?" Maverick tried to say. Poor kid just couldn't get it out.

I motioned for Jason to come look at the picture. He peered over my shoulder and I could see his face turn into one of confusion. It was a surveillance video screen cap. She was in a clothing store buying something. It looked like some sort of suite, I couldn't really make it out.

I was worried because if this was really her, which it looks just like her, then that means Levin has resurrected her already. That must've been why his henchmen came after Maverick a few days ago. It was a reckless move on Levin's part which means he's growing desparate.

I bit the inside of my cheek. I wasn't really sure what to do. Do we investigate? Do we go around town and ask if anyone's seen her? Surely the news of my family's deaths would have been broadcasted. Someone else has to think this is strange besides us.

"Where did you get this?" I asked Maverick, kneeling down to his height.

"Uncle Gar found it." Maverick replied, smiling. "Can we see her?!"

"Not right now, little man." Jason told him, ruffling his hair.

"Why?" The child replied, frowning deeply.

"Because mommy is sick." Jason replied, putting a hand on his shoulder. "We have to wait until she gets better. Okay?"

Maverick thought for a second before nodding. "Okay uncle J."

Jason patted his shoulder gently. Maverick seemed satisfied with Jason's justification and walked off. I was relieved that it was that easy. I stood up straight and looked at the picture again. I missed Charlotte dearly but I don't think I missed her as much as Maverick does. This whole situation is the most unfair to him. He didn't deserve this.

I felt hands on my shoulders and I looked over to find Jason looking at me. He gave me a reassuring nod and hugged me from behind. I felt comforted by his embrace. It was warm and it felt like home.

"So, that's her?" Damian piped up, taking the picture of her.

"That would be Charlotte." I replied, raising an eyebrow.