Batman: The Rise of Lynx

A Matter of Family [3]

When Bruce arrived, he was greeted by Alfred.

"Let me guess, Master Bruce, dinner for two more people?"

"Yes." He replied.

"It will be good to see Masters Dick and Timothy." Alfred smiled. "Master Todd didn't answer, did he? Or did he refuse?"

"He didn't answer."

"No matter, we will make do with who is coming." Alfred smiled as they walked to the kitchen.

Soon after, Selina joined them. "I left Damian tending to Helena's face. It's only fair since he was the one to punch her."

"That's nice." He smiled as he pulled a barstool out for her.

"Such a gentleman." She smirked. "You know, things are beginning to make sense with how those two are behaving right now."

"What do you mean?" He raised his eyebrows in confusion.

"Damian began challenging our authority on our choices about Helena." She answered. "Before that, I found out Helena was crying about something. She was trying to hide it but her eyes were puffy."

"Crying?" His concern showed. "Did she tell you why?"

"She said that a girl at school tripped her and she just walked away." She replied.

"Do you believe her?"

She sighed "Yes, but I think there's more she's not saying. I asked about it but she remained silent. I think she could be frustrated and upset with us. We are keeping her away from the fight to protect her but she may not see it that way. Technically, all of this started for you from the time you were eight when your parents were murdered. Dick started at ten. Even Damian started at ten."

"Tim started at thirteen." He stated.

"Yes, but that is not the point." She expressed. "Most of you started around that time and she's currently ten. Maybe she thinks we don't believe in her or that we see her as less than she is."

With a heavy sigh, Bruce nodded. "I think we are a bit overprotective of her. I believe we should at least let her go on patrol with us sometime soon."

"Wise move, Master Bruce." The butler voiced. "Looks like I didn't have to say anything about this after all."

"Looks like it." She smiled.

Later
After Dinner
"Helena, Want to tell me what happened to your face?" Dick asked as he sat close to her. His jet black hair and his bright blue eyes enhanced his expressions.

"Dad made me spar with Damian and he punched me in the face, twice."

"Ouch!" He winced. "That sounds kinda harsh. Are you okay?"

"It hurts but I'll be alright."

"Well, you gave him some damage too right?" He inquired.

"Yup!"

"Good girl." He pulled her into a hug. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you." She smiled gently.

"Next time, don't let him strike you in the face," Tim advised from the corner of the room. "It would be less painful. By the way, I heard what you did at school when that girl tripped you. Walking away may have been hard but it shows your maturity and growth. I too am proud of you."

"Thanks, Tim."

After hugging Dick, she walked over to Tim and hugged him.

"I love both of you." A small tear fell down her face. "You know, I really missed you guys a lot. You don't visit often."