I awoke with my heart pounding hard against my chest, breathing heavily. A dream was still replaying behind my eyes.
I was in between two memories. In one memory was my mother walking down the path from my house, I would call to her from the front entrance steps. No matter what I said, she wouldn't turn to look back. Her hair swinging and bumping into her back with every step further away. I wanted to run to her. In the other memory, I was back on the Star City bridge. I was standing safely on the bridge, while my father was still behind the wheel, trying to escape the car before it fell off the side. I wanted to run to him.
Divided between two memories, the given opportunities to save one or the other. But then in between, was Batman. He held out a hand for me, giving me his option. To forget the past and look on to the future.
Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, I found my room dark, the only illumination was from a yellow glow from the window. I slipped off my bed and peeked through my blinds to see the bat symbol floating in the sky. Unfazed, I glanced at my digital clock: 11:43.
I sighed, my mind was foggy from sleep and I made my way back to my bed when my throat suddenly went dry. With a tint of annoyance I opened the bedroom door and made my way down the hallway towards the stairs.
From habit, I looked towards Dick's room; his door closed. I didn't bother seeing if he was there and slowly made my way down the staircase, leaning against the railing lazily.
Bumping into the wall several times, I managed to get to the kitchen. I would've hissed when I turned on the light since it stung my eyes, but I was way too tired to exaggerate.
I strode to the large stainless steel fridge, my feet sticking to the cool tiles with every step. I shivered and felt prickles go up my spine as the nippy refrigerator air embraced my skin. Reaching far into the fridge, I grabbed one of the many types of milk. Placing the jug on the island I went to the cupboards for a glass. I poured as gracefully as I could muster, my eyes couldn't seem to focus since my lids were so heavy. I felt sleep deprived, when really it just takes me a while to fully waken.
I placed the cup of milk into the microwave and fumbled with setting the time. Once it began to start I leaned over the island, feeling the smooth glass on my stomach, hearing the soft hum of the microwave. I rested my chin on my crossed arms, feeling sleep pull me in once again.
Gotham City:
October 4, 04:33 EDT
I yawned, stretching my arms far behind me. I smiled when the tension in my tight back muscles loosened. Once I opened my eyes I looked around my brightly lit room.
The red digital numbers blazed a way too early of time. I surprised myself by feeling wide awake and at peace. Then that's when I remembered something, but I couldn't be sure if it was a dream or not.
"I heard them last night. Didn't I go get some warm milk?" I mumbled, talking to myself. Laying back down, I rolled on to my side, thinking of last night's happenings.
"But I don't remember coming back to my room..."
"Dick and Bruce; I was sure I heard them... but what was it they were saying?" I shut my eyes trying desperately to hear their voices and remember the night.
"So you told her?" That was Dick. His voice had been distant.
"No, she found out herself. Her mind is strong, she just doesn't know how to use it to its full potential." Bruce. His voice was close.I remember the feeling of being carried.
"So you knew she was going to find out? Does that mean we have to gas her?"
"What's to say she wouldn't find out again? We have to find a place where no one can hurt her now that she is even more vulnerable. You said Catwoman confronted her."
"Yeah. I guess you're right."
My eyes snapped wide open. I knew there was something important I had forgotten about. Whether or not these thoughts were dreams: I was right all along.
But what was Bruce talking about when he said I haven't used my mind to my full potential? And what did Catwoman have to do with any of this? I sighed, there were so many unanswered questions on the table. And today I was going to find them out. No if's or but's permitted.
I heard a knock and I jumped out of bed, swinging the door open. He seemed shocked at how roused I was, yet he smiled in the end. "Good morning, Miss Candace. You seem in high spirits."
I nodded, "That's a fancy word it. Today will be a good day." I then passed him and walked to Dick's door and banged hard. I heard a shocked gasp and smirked while opening the door.
Dick was sitting up, tangled in his comforter, his body shaking with each pant. His now alert ice eyes hidden behind his black hair that sprayed around his head. I know I had seen Dick without a shirt on before, but I couldn't help but blush when I saw his toned chest and arms.
"Ups Richard." And I turned and bounced downstairs for breakfast before I did anything I would regret.
I knew I was more happy than necessary but I couldn't help myself. I was finally getting my questions answered, it was a lift off my shoulders.
Dick walked in while I plucked out the burnt bread from the toaster, already half-finished my breakfast. He was slouching and had circles under his eyes, he must have been up late.
"Here eat, I'm not hungry for toast anymore." I placed my buttered toast on the island as he leaned against it. I couldn't help realizing he was in the exact position as I was last night.
"Thanks Dacey..." I paused when I heard his mumbled words.
"Dacey? Where did you come up with that name?" I asked lightly. I walk back over to him, leaning against the island waiting for his answer.
He glanced at me quickly through his still messy black locks. "Candace... so Dacey." He took a bite out of toast.
I smiled softly, it was a cute nickname that hadn't been used for me before. Jaime calls me Candy, my mother used to call me Cammy and now Dick with his nickname, Dacey.
"It even goes well with your last name too. Dacey Way." He grinned at his concept. I smiled back, feeling sheepish. "Yea, I guess it does."
We ate the rest of our breakfast in silence and then both went our separate ways to get ready for school. I quickly slipped on my uniform, wearing my jacket today knowing it would be chilly. When we met at the garage, Bruce was waiting there. His atmosphere irregular.
"Dick, Candace. There are a few things I would like to discus. So it is necessary that you both stay home today." I nodded and smiled hesitantly while closing the car door.
"You can go change. When you're ready, I'll be waiting in the meeting room." Then Bruce turned and walked out of the garage.
"There's a meeting- of course there is, by now I shouldn't even be surprised." I stated walking through the same door Bruce excited, Dick right behind me. I heard him snicker and I couldn't help but smile. "Meet you there?" He said when we stopped at the top of the staircase.
I rolled my eyes playfully, the smile still on my face. "That's not even a pun, Dick."
He simply shrugged and then went into his room, I went to mine.
I had a pretty good guess about what Bruce wanted to talk about. But how would it be talked about? It was still too complicated for me to fully comprehend that my best friend was my hero.
Pulling a shirt over my head I stopped to stare at myself in the mirror. My life has turned upside-down... but this new life is good, so theoretically speaking my life has turned right-side up.
I excited my room and sighed, I didn't know where the Meeting Room was. So my first stop was Dick's room, hoping he was still there. Knocking twice I twisted the handle and entered, also hoping I wouldn't bump into him half-naked again.
"I'm guessing you don't know where the Meeting room is?" He was shrugging on his regular sweater. I nodded sheepishly. I noticed he grabbed some black glasses, I would have to ask him about them later.
"Do you mind escorting me?"
He walked over and stopped in front of me and I frowned. Comparing to Dick, I didn't realize how short I was to him. He was at least a head taller than me. I had sworn we were the same height not even three days ago.
"Shouldn't be a problem." Then he raised his arm so I could hold on to it. When we became so formal, I have no idea.
We walked in silence, neither of us seemed to mind. I was happy to know that we were close enough to not always have to talk and just enjoy each others body company. Dick and I passed Bruce's study and turned down a new hallway and stopped at a door that resembled all the others in the mansion. Except this one wasn't locked.
Like a boss, Bruce was sitting at the far end seat of the large table that seated around twelve. There was a side table at the end that held a stack of papers and a bouquet of flowers. Three large windows let the full light come in on the opposite side of the room.
I let go of Dick's arm and we sat across from each other. Feeling self-conscious, I cradled my legs and putting my chin on my knees.
"So we'll need to find a safe place for Candace. There are only a few options." Bruce paused glancing at me and I spoke up, "why can't I just stay here? Just because I know what I know doesn't mean I have to leave." I took a steady breath. "I don't want to leave."
Dick shook his head, "No one wants you to leave but Bruce is right, you're not safe here anymore."
I looked between the two boys, "I don't understand. I'm not going to say anything, I have no reason to." Bruce leaned forward, looking directly at me now. "Catwoman was looking for you and she knows what residence you're living under. Now that you know these secrets, you'll be ten times more useful to the other side."
I frowned, my shoulders slouching as I spoke. "So where am I supposed to go? A foster home and go through the shit of a system?"
"Bruce, could she go to Mount Justice?" Dick spoke up urgently and I cocked a brow, Mount where?
Bruce paused, his complexion twisting as he thought of that possibility. "That is the most reasonable place to go. I'll speak with Superman and the rest of the Justice League. For now, help Candace out with the rest of the system."
I sat up straight, sitting on the edge of the chair very much alert at my caregiver's words. "Wait a minute, on a regular basis you can talk to Superman? That is so cool!"
Bruce smiled softly while Dick smirked widely at me, "it's going to take a while for us to adjust to you knowing that we're Batman and Robin." I nodded slowly, it finally could set in without any questions. I was living with superheroes!
We all stood up and headed for the door, Dick and I parting with Bruce. As we walked back to our rooms I couldn't help think back to our first encounter. Dick as Robin. It was hard to tell whether it was a good or bad memory. "Y'know before that first night, I didn't believe you and Batman were real."
Dick chuckled looking down at me, "Why's that? We're we just too good to be true?" I laughed, "I just never believed what I couldn't see."
He shrugged, taking his time to reply. "Must have been a whole new experience that night."
I replayed the night through my mind and stopped at the Batcave. I felt my ears redden. "What? What did you remember?" Dick obviously noticing my discomfort.
"If you don't remember it, I'm not going to bring it up."
"You mean when you kissed me as a thank you?"
My face reddened and my pace quickened as well as my heart. Dick laughed at me. Listening to my words I knew this was a poor declaration, "I didn't know it was you at the time! If I did things would've been different."
"So you're saying you wouldn't kiss me? Not even now?" I gaped at him. That little...
"I'm not going to answer that," I spoke up again before he could speak, "and it's not up for discussion either."
A wave of relief washed over when we reached our rooms, I quickly entered mine but found Dick leaning against my door frame.
"Not now, but later." He flashed me his signature grin and turned leaving my sight.
I exhaled hard. Sometimes I couldn't keep up with that boy.
I felt someone shaking me and I opened my eyes coming face to face with Dick. I stretched awkwardly, not having much space because he was sitting on the bed.
"Hey, you fell asleep. It's noon and Bruce talked to the Justice League. He'll give you the rest of the news when we go down to eat." Dick kept his voice soft which was nice to my rousing ears. I nodded while Dick and I walked out of my room. "So what is this 'Mount Justice'? Is it like the Hall of Justice?"
Dick shook his head. "No, Mount Justice is a secret place where... I'll let it be a surprise to you." I pouted jokingly, not wanting to wait.
Once we entered the dining area Bruce was already there with Albert. Original spaghetti and meatballs, one of my favorite foods! I smiled, thanking Albert for the preparation while taking a seat. I didn't even take my first bite before Bruce spoke up, clearly wanting to get this situation under control and out of the way.
"So let's get to the point. I was speaking to Superman about the happenings between Candace's family mishaps, to her discovering mine and Dick's alter ego's, to Catwomen. So in comprehension... and a little sympathy, he agrees to letting you stay at Mount Justice."
Astounded, I believed it was the best news to get. I wouldn't be here at the Wayne Manor as much or even at all, but at least I'd still be with Dick. I hoped at least.
"When is she allowed to go?" Dick asked happily while twirling the noodles around his fork. Bruce nodded "she could now, if she is ready."
Both boys looked at me and I shrugged, "Sure why not. But can I ask a few questions?" Bruce simply nodded again but Dick spoke up.
"You just did."
Albert and Bruce both gave Dick a warning glance. "What? It's true!"
"Go ahead, Candace." Bruce said, shrugging off his foster son's comment.
"What is this 'Mount Justice'? Will I be the only one there? Am I ever going to see any of you again?" My words flowing out quickly, I think my mouth was getting tired of holding back so many questions that it finally needed to spill them out.
"Mount Justice is where the Justice League originally used to reside. Originally known as the Secret Sanctuary, now it`s being occupied by Young Justice. Dick, or Robin, is a member of the Team so you will see him there often."
I glanced at Dick who smiled. "How come I've never heard of Young Justice? And isn't Robin always with Batman, he wouldn't have extra time with another team."
This time Dick spoke up. "Well the Batman isn't always fighting crime, so in my spare time-when there's no school-I go over to the Cave, Mount Justice. Young Justice usually does the side jobs the Justice league either can`t get to or need another team to help."
I nodded in comprehension, things were making sense. I smiled and stood up. "One last question." Dick nodded. "Shoot."
"Can I see the Batcave?"
Gotham City:
October 4, 14:23 EDT
The Batcave seemed to have a completely different mood this time. It was a lot larger than I remembered.
The boys showed me all the possibilities to get to the Cave. The first and main was the Grandfather Clock. You had to change the time and the clock would magically move to the side revealing a door. The next were the Shakespeare books. It opened the bookshelf to two poles leading to darkness. Another was the large iron maiden in the lobby, which lead to a spiral staircase. And last was the grand piano. You had to hit three specific keys in order.
I felt quite intelligent two suspect three out of the four passages.
All way too cliché, might I add.
There was a hall and in each glass case held a different Batman suit. At the end was Robin's. I grabbed the cape, feeling the soft fabric between my fingers.
"Chick's always dig the cape." Dick's voiced blared out from behind me, I grinned. "I bet they do."
"I'll show you the computer system here, it's amazing." Dick turned and I followed him to the large monitor, several smaller ones beside it. There was a large keyboard on the bottom and I felt the urge to try them out and figure which did what. I definitely have a knack for technology.
"I think now would be best for you two to head over to Mount Justice. The sky is at twilight so either Zeta Beam or bike will be fine." Bruce said walking in, he wore the Batman suit yet no mask.
I gaped, this was too weird. Finally knowing who was under the mask that saved many and brought justice to many. And I was almost a daughter to him.
"Zeta beam?" I asked looking back between both boys. Dick walked over from the computer to explain. "The Zeta beam is a teleportation technology that the Justice League uses to transport you to designated headquarters."
"So where are they kept? Is there one here?" I asked giving a quick glance around the Batcave."No, to get to the Cave from Gotham is an old telephone booth." I nodded, these things sounded really cool.
"So how do you get there without being seen?" Dick smirked, "Rooftop of course." I paled, I hated heights. "Is there another option?" I asked Bruce nervously.
Dick chuckles, "Right you're afraid of heights" I glared at him and he covers his mouth to suppress his laughter. "You could always go by bike." Bruce adds walking over to the computer.
"That sounds a lot better to me." Dick's fit of laughter cuts short when he looks at me. "I wouldn't drop you! Am I really that untrustworthy?" I shake my head, "No it's not you, I just don't like heights." Dick gives me a look, "You'd be safe. I've already saved you from falling before."
I look down at my feet and nod. Dick was right, I would be safe with him but if there was another option in which there was, I still choose the bike.
Dick finally nods, "Bike it is, c'mon I'll get you a helmet." I followed him towards a door that most likely let to the Batmobile and Robins bike. Before entering I turned back to Bruce. "What about you? Aren't you coming?"
Bruce answered simply without turning away from the screen. "I may later. For now you and Dick will go."
I nodded the exited the Batcave to find my black-haired friend next to a beautiful red and black Kawasaki Ninja. My jaw hit the floor.
"Dick, this bike is amazing!" I cried out rushing over to it in awe.
He was grinning widely, he held a matching red helmet. I noticed he was wearing those shaded glasses. "Why are you wearing those?"
Dick touched them with his free hand, "These? Well Bruce, Batman, doesn't want the team knowing my true identity."
"Doesn't that seem kind of unfair to the rest of them? Assuming they have given there's out to you?" I replied snatching the red helmet from his hold.
Dick simply shrugged walking over to a set of other helmets. "I don't really have a choice. I mean Batman has the same hard emotion and set mind as Bruce."
I was about to slip on the helmet when Dick snatched it out of my grasp, replacing it with another. We both placed our helmets on and I fumbled with the strap, Dick chuckled at my clumsiness. He reached out, pushing my fingers out of the way, "Here I'll do it."
"Sorry, I've never ridden on a motorbike the proper way before." I said watching Dick's hard concentrating visage as I felt his fingers brush against my neck. He suddenly smirked, "What, surely you've ridden a bike before."
When he finished I shook my head and he frowned but it was quickly replaced with the same smirk, "Well this definitely won`t be the last of bike rides with me."
I smiled the putting my attention on the motorbike. I jumped when the visor slammed shut. Dick's laugh muffled through the helmet, but I still heard him. I gave him a playful glare and he closed his own visor.
He slid on the bike and looked at me, waiting. I pit my lip, I didn't exactly know how to properly get on the back of a motorcycle.
"It's not as complicated as it looks, just-" I cut him short, I didn`t always need help, "I got this, you just put your leg over the seat. It's not hard"
It's not hard. Yeah, it's not hard to make a complete fool of yourself.
I quickly hopped on to the back and exhaled, glad I didn't tip the bike over or slide off the other side and fall on my face.
"Okay then" Dick replied smoothly, revving the engine. I wrapped my arms around his waist and was happy to have the back seat on the tail of the bike so I could see over Dick's shoulder.
When we took off I knew Dick was going slower than he normally would. I smiled and placed my chin on his shoulder so he could hear me. "So where is Mount Justice?"
I could barely understand him. "...Happy Harbor"
I nodded, my chin bumping against his jacket. Dick sped up and my grip tightened around his torso.
"One thing you should know," yelled Dick, "Is that you can't say mine or Bruce's name. You have to call us Batman and Robin."
I frowned, that would take a bit to get used to. But I knew there was not time to get used to it, I would have to adapt to it instantly. The longer we drove, the more butterflies entered my stomach. I think I was nervous for the fact that if they didn't like me, I'd be stuck with them or a foster home.
Shortly after, we passed a sign welcoming us to Happy Harbor. I took a deep breath when I saw over the hill, the giant mountain that would be my home for the time being.
The start to another extravagant chapter to my life.
Yay, Chapter 6! I plan on continueing right in to when Robin becomes Nightwing... So this will be a long story. Thanks for reading! ~ WittyApple
