Disclaimer: I own nothing of the DC Universe. Young Justice belongs to DC Comics and Cartoon Network, I only own my OC's and plot.
AN: I'm back! This is my lovely sequel to Light Laboratory! I'm really excited becuase Young Justice is back too. I want to thank my amazing beta TheWickedWizardOfOz (~Wicked~). Happy Reading! :)
Summary: Nicky survived being kidnapped by the Joker, that would be the least of her problems. She'll embark on another journey that will lead her to the truth of who her real family is, what is important to her and if all's fair in love and war. Between crazy ex's, a hopeful new flame and entering a whole new world, Nicky's screwed. [And not in the good way ;)]
Nicky's POV
I opened my eyes to see the face behind my storyteller. Tilting my head to the left I saw Dick Grayson, adoptive son of Bruce Wayne. Raising an eyebrow, I clutched at his hand hoping that he'd look at me and tell me that everything that happened was a dream. That I really wasn't kidnapped by the Joker. That maybe I just passed out and had a really trippy, drug induced nightmare.
Dick seemed to be awed that I woke to his story. He had wide beautiful sapphire eyes. Eyes you could get lost in, but I seemed to be immune. Mainly because I wanted to know how the hell I ended up in a hospital when I knew for sure that I was on the floor of an old factory, I think. Was it the next day? How long was I out for?
I vaguely remember the promises I made to myself while "battling" in the factory. Wait, was I fighting someone? I promised to be nice to the next person I saw, hug them even. Dick seemed sweet enough; after all he took the time to sit at my bedside. How did he know that I loved hearing about stories? Didn't matter, I don't like going against my word. I scooted up with as much energy that I could muster and slowly wrapped my arms around the young teen.
He chuckled, "Not that I mind but, what's with the hugging?"
I smiled. It was nice having someone around that didn't know me. It was very refreshing. I pulled back and looked him in the eyes. Common sense smacked me back into reality. What the hell was someone like Dick Grayson sitting at my bedside for? I know for a fact our paths have never crossed, he's the son to the richest man in New York. There is no such thing as coincidence.
"You must be asking yourself why I'm here, right?" Dick smiled.
"Yeah, I'd really like to hear that explanation." I said.
"Well...I don't know how to say this but…"
"I only remember bits and pieces of what happened; so if you could hurry up, that'd be great."
"No need to be distraught, I'd rather you be traught. Long story short, you're my cousin." He beamed.
"Besides your improper use of the English language…what are you talking about?"
"Bruce is your Uncle. Here, it's on the news. They've been talking about it every hour on the hour." Dick pressed buttons on the remote.
"This is Vicki Vale reporting live outside of Gotham Memorial hospital. Superman has just addressed the media on the condition of Nicole Schwartz, half-niece of Bruce Wayne. I've been notified that her cousin Dick Grayson has been sitting at her bedside for several hours. Wait…I'm getting some new information…yes, I'm getting inside reports that Miss Schwartz is awake. I'll have more on this interesting development in the next hour."
"Ugh! I hate Vicki Vale," I rolled my eyes.
He chuckled, "You believe me now, my dear cousin?"
One report from Vicki Vale was not going to convince me. I would need hard solid proof. A DNA test would suffice. Anything other than a report from that media tramp. Dick was still observing me, waiting for my next reaction.
"I'm going to need a bit more evidence, to prove that I'm somehow related to Bruce Wayne."
Dick grabbed a newspaper behind him. He flipped to the first page of it and plopped it in my lap.
"There, that's this morning's paper. I'm sure you'll find all the evidence you need, Jolene."
I started skimming over the headline and article, "Why are you calling me…"
Gotham City's New Heir
Bruce Wayne's tragedy and story is well-known, but what no one knew was that he still had family left. After losing his mother and father in a seemingly senseless double homicide, the young mogul was thought to be the last of the Wayne family. There are documents proving this wrong.
Thomas Wayne had a child before he married Bruce's mother, Martha Wayne. Damita Jenkins was born May 13, 1972. Romeo and Juliet straight to the core. Bruce Wayne had an older half-sister, Jenkins, who went undetected for her whole life.
She later married chemical engineer, Jack Morrison. Only more sad news would follow that Damita died during child birth, the child survived but seemed to be lost. Jack Morrison had gone missing from all good society shortly after his wife's passing. So what became of the child?
Nicole Schwartz, born Jolene Nicole Morrison, was documented living at St. Katherine's orphanage since age five. Schwartz threw her time into her studies and her love for the fine arts. She attended the Catholic school run by the orphanage, excelling in all activities she took up, including theatre, choir and the piano. The girl was quite ambitious; she fought to become emancipated by the state at sixteen years of age. She also graduated from St. Katherine's at sixteen. Nicole then enrolled into the Gotham University School of Business. Schwartz paid herself through college and living expenses working long hours at the Devil's Alehouse bar.
Yes, it seems the family business ran through her veins without her even knowing it. Imagine the surprise someone would have when overhearing Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's butler, talking to the dean about Schwartz. Pennyworth, was inquiring about Schwartz's classes.
Until Bryn Thorne, computer science major and Schwartz's apparent best friend, filed a missing persons' report, all leads were cold. Thorne had raised all sorts of calamity at Gotham City's police department. Genuinely worried about her best friend. It wasn't until this afternoon that everyone received information which opened this case beyond recognition.
DNA tests have come into light, marking Schwartz as Wayne's niece, both of them sharing a rare genetic marker which was pass down from Thomas Wayne. Schwartz was transported to Gotham Memorial hospital, via helicopter, late in the night to be monitored. Her condition is not known at the time but, where was she flown in from? It is confirmed: she was flown in from the Hall of Justice.
What could warrant an eighteen year old the attention of the Justice League? One thing's for sure: Gotham City has a 'Billion Dollar Princess' in the making.
Written by: Vicky Vale
"Okay…I believe you," I murmured.
He patted my shoulder, "Knew you would, I know that it's a lot to digest but you have me and a whole waiting room full of people who care about you too."
"Waiting room?"
"Oh yeah! I could hear them fighting this whole time too" Dick chuckled.
"I really don't feel like dealing with people right now."
"Well that's too bad because you're going to have to see me," said a baritone voice.
Looking up I saw a tall, muscled man coming towards me. His has medium brown hair with cat-like, stormy eyes. Who the hell was he?
"You must be confused, naturally. I'm Dr. Leland Pierce; I'm going to be monitoring you for a few more days," he said, smiling
"Why can't I leave now?" I asked
Dr. Pierce frowned, "Because you were exposed to a highly corrosive chemical. The fact that you survived is a medical miracle. Besides, Batman would have my head if I let you go without a proper diagnosis."
"Please listen to the doctor. I've sat by your bedside once, I don't want to have to do it again." Dick said sternly. After a momentary silence, he began silently pleading with a puppy dog pout.
Oh no! I don't think I'll be able to resist that face. He's just so, so, so... cute. Aw man, I have to give in. I don't think I can take much more of this face. Damn him for looking like a cherub. Wait…BATMAN! Batman saved me or was involved with saving me?
"Fine. But I won't like it," I sighed, defeated.
"Knew you would!" said Dick, smiling.
Dr. Pierce beamed, "I'm glad that she'll have someone to keep her in bed then. Make sure she rests and isn't put under any stress."
Dick and I watched as my doctor left. Most likely to alert the waiting room that I was alive and kicking. I hope Dick was joking about there being a room full of people. I don't think I have the energy to deal with anyone else today.
The Waiting Room
Dr. Pierce walked back to the waiting room with good news. It's always good to tell the family that their loved one is well. Slowly turning the knob of the door, the doctor used quick strides into the room. All eyes were trained onto him.
"I've got great news!" He beamed.
"What is it?" Bruce asked.
"Nicole has woken up and is resting comfortably!"
"That's great! Can we see her?" Bryn asked.
"I don't see anything wrong with that but my patient has expressed that she'd rather spend time with her cousin at the moment." Dr. Pierce said.
"As long as she's alright. I've got to get back to the Alehouse, the place doesn't run itself you know," Ethan nodded, leaving the waiting room.
"I need to go get Nicky some stuff from the gift shop. She loves those big teddy bears. I think I'll get her one," Nathan smiled.
"Doctor, does Nicole require anything else?" Bruce asked, still concerned.
Dr. Pierce stared, "Yes: do not stress her out. She's gone through a traumatic experience I'm sure. I don't think a police interrogation is going to help with lowering stress."
"Doctor, this is a police matter. Unfortunately, that is my job, interrogating people. Even if they're in the hospital." Commissioner Gordon said.
Jason smirked, "Sounds like a shitty job to me."
"I agree." Nathan said.
Bryn fumed, "Don't agree with that asshat! He shouldn't even be here. Nicky doesn't want to see him."
"How would you know, little girl?" Jason scoffed.
"Because she told me so and if you don't want this whole room to know of what you've done to her, I suggest you get out. Now." said Bryn, glaring daggers.
"That a threat?" Jason asked, a mocking laughter in his eyes.
Bryn laughed, "No bitch, it's a promise!"
No sooner had the words fallen from Bryn's lips, she launched herself at Jason. Attempting to choke him out, but was pulled off from Jason by her twin brother and Dr. Pierce. The whole room fell into a very awkward, unsettling silence.
Nicole had spent a few more hours getting to know her little cousin. If anything he made her laugh so hard that her sides hurt. Yes, Dick Grayson was the perfect distraction. Despite the media lurking outside, Nicole felt calm and happy around her cousin. His aura was omnipotent and mirthful. Nicole had no problems with that. She didn't want to bring up the fact that she knew virtually nothing about her new "Uncle". She guessed that it was time to face her visitors.
Nicky sighed, "I think I'm ready. Can you get Bryn for me? I'm sure she's in there raising hell trying to see me."
"Sure. Just her?" Dick smiled.
"Yeah. Knowing her she wouldn't want me being seen like this." Nicky motioned to her poor appearance.
"No problem, be right back." Dick flitted out of the room and down the hall to the waiting room.
The Boy Wonder opened the door to find the room had an unsettling vibe to it. Between all of the glaring done by the occupants of the room, Dick almost wanted to shut the door and run. Dick looked to his right to see his big brother, Jason Todd, glaring at a pretty blonde.
"So not traught." Dick thought.
"Um, Bryn?" Dick asked, looking at the only female in the room.
"Yeah? You're Dick, no wonder Nicky wanted to see you. You're too cute," she said, pinching his cheeks.
"Yeah, she wants to see you and you should probably bring that huge bag with you." Dick said, rubbing at his cheeks, while attempting to smile.