People always said I was cursed.
Gwen Stallone is a Realm Walker with a lot of family drama and a mysterious connection to Jason Todd. They share a terrible secret, but one that will draw them together.
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A.N. This chapter is dealing with themes of death and violent. There is also a heavy reference to Christianity, it's an important part of Gwen's identity and culture (like Daredevil), but I'm not trying to force it on anyone, or make you feel uncomfortable.
"You alright, Gwen?"
"Hm?"
"Are you okay? That's the third time you haven't heard me today." Gale gave me a concerned frown as he leaned on the counter the next day, watching as I had been absently staring at the heater full of hot pockets I was standing in front of.
"Yeah - sorry. Just got some stuff on my mind."
"Thinking about a boy?" The teasing comment came from the shop owner, Zio Ben, as he putted about, restocking the shelves at the back. A little Italian man whose age was impossible place - though it was somewhere between dementia and Ra's al Ghul - he often reminded me of Dani DeVito. He was a practical creature with a thick accent like a 1930s mobster, a strong dislike of modern technology, a love of his city and a bitter rival of the café next door. Not for any good reason, but he seemed enjoy his morning routine of kicking the outdoor table out of his way as walked by. I liked him from the moment I set eye on him.
"You'll make me jealous." Gale chuckled as he pushed himself up to help his employer reach the top shelf. I kept a close eye on him as he moved judging the distance between me and my baseball bat. "I thought I was only man in your life."
"How's Kylie by the way, I hear she walks into a few doors?" I said humourlessly as I shook my head. I watched Gale's face shift. "No, just - I heard from an old friend last night, kind of."
"Old flame?" Zio Ben grinned mischievously, the expression creasing the soft lines of his face and exposing a row of teeth yellowed from years of smoking.
"Something like that." I couldn't even muster a smile as I moved to the register, and closer to my bat.
Jason was... something else. But I couldn't focus on him right now.
"Eh, we'll see." The old man shrugged, pulling out of packet of cigarettes from inside his jacket and shuffling to the open storefront. "Finnish up kids, it's nearly closing time."
I knew it was one of those nights he would wait for us out front before leaving, but it didn't help the uneasiness in my gut. It was one of those day where I almost didn't come in to work or remember any interaction I had through the day. Nor did I feel anything but fear, at least this time it was rational, real fear, and not one that had been cooked up by anxiety. My mind was still turning from last night's conversation over, examining it from every angle as I tried to make sense of it. As I tried to figure out my next move.
Jason hadn't told me everything, but he told me enough. The rest I could figure out myself, that the rest of Gale's gang was probably also working for the Joker. Freaks. Killers. Jason wanted them gone, he had himself and others to protect.
