Chapter 9
1:30 PM January 20th 2011, Watchtower
Entering the recovery room, I see a slightly dazed Dick sitting up in the bed. Seeing him awake sends waves of relief through me. When Dick notices me, he appears to pull out of his haze and whispers
"Bruce?" His voice breaks and I see a few tears run down his face. Memories of the six year old boy I took in all those years ago resurface in my mind. Richard's scared expression reminding me of all the nights he would crawl into my bed after a nightmare, seeking comfort.
Rushing over, I pull the fragile boy into a hug and say "Yes Dicky. It's okay, you're safe now."
"Where…where's Jasmi…Jasm"
"Shhhh. Both she and Joey are fine. They'll be here in a minute."
Dick clings to me and lets out a sob, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I should have told you, but I didn't want you to get hurt. I'm sorry."
"Calm down" I try to soothe the boy. "I understand. Joey explained most of it to me. He told me about Daniel…" I'm interrupted by Dick's gulp of a cry. Another set of sobs pour out of him. Pulling my son closer to my chest I whisper "He can't get to you. I'm here, I won't let him hurt you ever again, okay?"
"Jasmine and Joey…they…they told me about Daniel. I didn't be…believe them at first when they…they told me stories about him. But…but then he when Jasmine and I were on the road he…the way he talked to us. He shot…how could he hurt his own…"
"Shhhh. He's not here. You, Jasmine and Joey are out of Daniel's reach. The League and I…"
"No!" Dick cries. "Daniel will hunt us down. He'll kill anyone who gets in his way, I've seen it. I can't let you or the League or anyone die because…"
Before Dick can continue, I push up on his chin to tilt his head to look me in the eye. Dick stops talking as his teary ice-blue eyes look up at me. Now more than ever does he remind me of the tiny six year old I took in. "I'm not letting you go again" I state. "I don't care what has happened, you are still my son and I will protect you at any cost."
Dick buries his head into my chest, cuddling closer into my embrace. He lets out more sobs, at one point sniffling "Thanks Dad." My heart melts when I hear that and tighten my hold even more. We stay like this for a long time. Happiness at having my son back safe encompasses me, but there is also much sorrow seeing how broken he is. We both need this time right now, just it being the two of us. I need to hold him, protect him from the terrors happening around us and he needs to let out all his emotions. Eventually Dick calms down enough so he isn't crying anymore. Neither of us move from our embrace though.
A soft knock sounds from the door. It slowly opens, reveling a concerned Selina. Dick looks over to see her and chokes out "Mom?"
I can see a tear slide down Selina's face as she runs over to Dick's other side and join in on the hug. "Thank god. Thank god" she whispers and kisses Dick's forehead. Joey and Jasmine are standing in the doorway but quickly slip out, allowing us to have some more time alone. While brushing Dick's hair out of his face Selina asks him "How are feeling? Do you hurt anywhere?"
Dick sniffles and answers "I'm not hurt, just sore."
Selina nods and whispers "You scared us there kitten."
"I know, I'm so sorry" he says, on the verge of tears again.
"Shhhh" Selina tries comforting him. "All that matters now is that you're safe" she pulls him back into a hug.
The three of us spend the next hour or so together, Selina and I never leaving Dick's side. We don't talk much. I feel the weight of Dick's absence lift off my shoulders as I savor each second I have with him. I never want this time to end; I want to stay in this room where I can know Dick isn't in danger at the moment. Where we don't have to face the problem that tore us apart. Right now all I want to do is relish in my son's return.
But eventually, the blissful time comes to an end when Jasmine and Joey come knocking at the door. As Jasmine peaks in, Dick nearly breaks down into tears again. The seriousness of his condition returns into focus.
"Hey Richie, how are you doing?" Jasmine questions concerned as she enters the room.
"Jas, where's Joey?" Dick frantically asks.
"Don't worry, I'm right here" Joey answers as he walks into sight.
"Did Daniel…he said…are you…" Dick stutters between tears.
Jasmine gently approaches and says soothingly "Calm down. You need to rest. Now tell me, how do you feel?"
"Sore, everywhere is sore."
Pity fills Jasmines eyes as she says "That will go away eventually."
"How…how are you guys?"
Joey and Jasmine exchange a look before Joey answers "We're fine. All we care about now is you feeling better." He walks up to the end of the bed and stands there awkwardly, not knowing quite what to do. It is becoming more obvious to me how little interaction he has had with Dick. He is clearly concerned, but not like Jasmine who's watching Dick with an intense sorrow. Something seems to be holding Joey back from expressing much emotion.
"I'm so sorry Richie" Jasmine whispers.
"It's not your fault Jas, you couldn't have done anything" Dick replies, trying to sit up.
"Don't" Jasmine stops him. "The pain will go away the more you rest."
Dick nods and lays back down on the bed. When I shift away, he clutches back only my arm and pleads "Don't go."
"I'm not going anywhere Dicky" I say, settling down next to him in the bed. He clings to my side and I put an arm around him, pulling him into another hug. Selina, who is sitting next to Richard, gives us a soft smile. Joey nudges Jasmine and nods towards the door.
"We'll give you guys some more time to catch up" he states. Hesitantly the two make their way out of the room.
Before exiting out the door, Jasmine looks back and tells Dick "Glad you're awake Richie." Then closes the door behind her as she leaves.
After a brief pause I say "Interesting siblings you have there."
Dick smiles "They have some rough edges, but deep down they're good." He then frowns and asks "So how much have they told you?"
"Not much, Jasmine has been pretty secretive" I explain. "Joey seems to be more willing to let us get involved, well at least me. I think he has been waiting for you to wake up to try and convince Jasmine."
"That is if you help him convince Jasmine" Selina implies.
Dick takes a moment to think. After a while, he finally says "I don't want to hide any more secrets from you."
5:00 PM January 20th 2011, Watchtower
Selina, Dick and I spend the hours together talking. We discuss the past few months, Dick's experience on the road with Jasmine and what the League and Team has been up to. From speaking to Jasmine, I knew she took care of Dick while they were on the run. But it still gave me great comfort hearing it from Dick. Apparently they went all around the country, moving every day unsuccessfully trying to keep Daniel off their trail. From what Jasmine had figured, Daniel probably had figured out Joey's powers a bit and was tracking her mind since Joey knew it so well. A strange concept, but I guess it makes sense.
Alfred joined us at around three o'clock, escorted by Jasmine who left right after. Alfred was beyond happy to see Dick who was just as glad. I had kept Alfred updated with all the information Joey had told me, so he was up to speed with what has occurred.
After hours of the four of us reconnecting, Joey walks in. He is carrying and eating out of a bowl of food, the delicious smell drifts through the room. "Hey you guy's hungry? Jas just made some pesto gnocchi."
Dick's eyes widen. "With the breadsticks?" he asks eagerly.
Joey smiles and nods. "I take it she's made this for you before. Yeah, she made the breadsticks along with some stuffed peppers."
"Jasmine can cook?" Selina inquires.
"Yes and no. She has worked as a cook at a couple restaurants over the years, so she can make the food on their menus very well. But when it comes to making dishes of her own invention…let's just say we ended up ordering pizza those nights. Although Jas only makes big meals like this when she is internally stressing out about something. If you want any food though, I suggest you hurry. Most of the others have gotten over the fact Jasmine made it and are starting to chow down."
I have to hold Dick back from practically leaping out of the bed. Before I can say anything to him Joey cautions "Careful there. You really shouldn't be moving too much until you're feeling better."
Richard gives Joey a sheepish look. "I'm not as sore as I was before."
"Are you sure?" Joey asks unconvinced. "I can bring you a bowl."
"No, that's okay. I want to see everyone. Thanks though."
Joey shrugs and takes a bite of his gnocchi before walking out of the room. A few seconds later his voice calls from down the hall "You coming?"
Selina, Alfred and I frown staring at the open door. Dick speaks up "Like I said…rough edges."
After Dick changes clothes, the four of us make our way to the kitchen-dining room area. I notice Dick is moving slower than usual. He is obviously still not feeling one hundred percent back to normal. Hopefully he will heal soon.
I can smell the food before we are even close to the kitchen. The aroma fills the halls of the Watchtower. Suddenly I remember that I haven't eaten almost anything today. My stomach grumbles from hunger. Entering the kitchen, the first thing I see is a counter full of Italian food. There are trays of the stuffed peppers and breadsticks next to a giant bowl of the gnocchi. Jasmine and Joey are standing by the stove and oven eating, Jasmine checking on a pot and whatever is cooking in the oven every once in a while. The Justice League members are sitting in clumps around the room, all with plates of food. As for Young Justice, the only ones eating are Connor, Zatanna, and Kaldur while the others are sitting in a group glaring at Jasmine. I notice Connor and Kaldur are standing closer to the kitchen, trying to join in on Jasmine and Joey's conversation.
The room goes silent as we enter. The next second a blur slams into Dick, revealing Wally who scoops him into a hug. Seeing the force crash into Dick causes Selina, Alfred, Jasmine, Joey and I to gasp. Jasmine yells "Stop!" as Dick crumbles in Wally's hold. Wally, along with everyone else in the room, freezes when Dick screams in pain. Selina snatches Wally away as I swoop down to comfort my son who is breathing heavily on the ground.
"Where does it hurt Dickie?"
"Oh my god Rob. I'm so sorry!" Wally yells regretfully.
Dick inhales and whispers "I'm fine, just give me a minute."
Next thing I know Joey is at Dick's side with a glass of water. "Drink this" he tells Dick. The others in the room are all giving Dick worried looks, their eyes filled with concern. But not knowing quite what to do, they all stay back.
Taking a sip of the water, Dick tries to stand up. Joey and I help and walk him over to an empty table. I see Roy glaring at Joey, obviously wanting to be the one helping. Jasmine rushes over and places a plate of food in front of Dick who gives her a thankful smile.
"Made your favorite" she winks.
Joey makes a displeased face "This is your favorite? Really?"
Offended, Jasmine scoffs "What is wrong with it?"
"Nothing, but I you can do better" Joey smirks teasingly.
Glaring at her older brother, Jasmine sneers "Yeah. Well I was disappointed when I couldn't find any krill in the fridge. You know how my kind loves those."
Joey's smile drops into an irritated frown, "Oh would you get over that? It's been years!"
"You called me a whale" Jasmine says stone-faced. I notice a few people in the room, mainly Young Justice, holding back some chuckles.
"Because I knew it would upset you" Joey jokingly defends himself.
"Well it worked."
Dick gives Joey a disapproving look, "You called her a whale!"
"Yeah, and he was the like third person" Jasmine frowns, but I can tell she even finds the story amusing. "I must have just looked really bad that day."
"Well that's what happens when you steal my sweatshirts" Joey says.
Jasmine scowls at him, "Jerk."
"Dweeb."
"Eejit."
"Stranzo"
"Prat."
"Whale" Joey smirks as Jasmine's mouth drops open in an offended shock. Joey pulls her into a hug and says "You know I'm just kidding." Jasmine elbows her brother in the stomach, causing him to release her. As she walks back to the kitchen area, Joey painfully gasps "I deserved that."
Everyone in the room is in a state between wanting to laugh at the entertaining display and not approving. Looking down at Dick I ask "Are they always like this?"
Shrugging he answers after swallowing a bite of food, "Ever since I've known them. I learn about five new insults every time I talk to them."
"Don't let it fool you" Joey adds. "We care about each other deep down. Isn't that right sis!" He sends his sister a teasing smile.
Jasmine, still upset about the whale comment, sends Joey a glare in return as she begins brushing a buttery looking sauce over some breadsticks she just took out of the oven. Seeing the food reminds me of how hungry I am. Selina, Alfred and I walk over and make ourselves plates just as Jasmine pours a fresh batch of gnocchi into the serving bowl. The group of teens who haven't eaten anything are starting to eye the food. As I sit down next to Dick, I take a bite of the gnocchi.
"This is excellent Jasmine" I comment.
She smiles and says "Thank you."
Connor, who is still standing near the kitchen, nervously inquires "Where did you learn how to make this?"
Jasmine's smile quickly fades away. "Switzerland" she answers while moving away. Connor dejectedly looks away.
Joey quickly distracts the room from the odd display by asking "So anyone got a smoke?"
Most of the mentors in the room roll their eyes. Barry answers "As we have told you before. We don't allow smoking in the Watchtower."
"You smoke?" Dick asks curiously, looking up from his plate of food.
"Not all the time" Joey shrugs. "But every once in a while I enjoy a nice cigar or a few cigarettes. Our bodies don't get addicted, so it's not like I have a need. By the way, you feeling better after getting nearly squished to death?" He asks before taking a bite of a breadstick.
"Yeah, just a little dazed."
"Drink some water" Jasmine recommends from the sink where she has begun washing pots. I notice Joey smirk at her comment, as if it is some joke. Finishing up his plate of food, Alfred heads over to help her. When he begins cleaning up some of the bowls and plates, Jasmine tells him "That's okay…Alfred? I've got this, you go sit."
"I am happy to help young miss. Besides you cooked this meal and judging by Master Richard's state, you should also be resting."
"No, really it is alright. I can clean up my own mess."
"He's right" Connor intervenes. He begins helping Alfred by putting ingredients away. Hmmm, acting more like Clark by the day. Connor continues "You should go sit down."
Instead of arguing as I expected her to, Jasmine seems to shrink away from Connor. What is up with her? At first I thought her strange reaction to the boy was because of her encounter with Clark. But yesterday she didn't seem fazed by being around the man of steel or even uncomfortable asking him a question about that day. As Jasmine quickly scurries away from him, Connor sends a hurt look after her retreating form.
Jasmine sits down next to Selina in the chair previously taken by Alfred. Dick sighs "Jas, you really should tell…" He stops as Jasmine sends a glare with the not so hidden message 'Shut up!'
Roy doesn't let the comment go unnoticed. "Tell what?" he asks demandingly.
"Nothing" Jasmine snaps.
Joey argues "I agree with James. It's time we tell them everything Jas."
"They know enough" she states sternly.
"Obviously not if you are trying to hide something so badly!" Artemis comments irritated.
"Not helping" Joey tells her. Looking back at Jasmine he says "Look. I'm tired Jas. I'm sick of dealing with all of this, I have been for a while. Just wait, you will be too soon. It's always just been you and me against what felt like the world. Before it was always we didn't want anyone to get hurt, or we didn't trust anyone, or we thought nobody would care. Don't you see, it doesn't have to be that way anymore."
Jasmine argues "It's not that easy Joey and you know it."
Sighing Joey asks Dick "Do you want to let these guys help?"
"Yes" Dick states firmly. Directing his answer more towards Jasmine than Joey.
"Two against one Jas."
Speechless, Jasmine only stares at her brothers in disbelief. I reassure her "You can trust us, we want to help."
The League joins in on our campaign. All saying pretty much the same thing as I. Some are trying to be more comforting than others who are basically demanding her cooperation. Jasmine remains silent, staring between Dick, Joey, me and…Connor for some reason. Eventually the room grows quieter, Jasmine still doesn't say anything.
Joey sighs again. He looks at me and asks "So where should we start?"
"I guess from the beginning. What are you?" I hesitantly add "Are you human?"
"From what I can tell yes" Joey explains. "Or at least half, our mother didn't have powers. We inherited those from Daniel. But I'm pretty sure we're human. We were born the same way, grow at the same rate until we turn sixteen/seventeen, basically we have all the same qualities. It's only the powers that make us different."
The League and Team all sit up in their seats, eager to learn the desired information. After months of being in the dark, everyone including me is relieved to finally find out what is going on. Having to go with our best guess on everything for the longest time was unnerving. Finally our minds will be at peace.
Clark who has been silent up to this point, inquires "Do you have any idea why you your family has these powers if you're human?"
"Nope. But from what I could gather while living with Daniel when I was younger, it's been in our genes for generations."
"How do your powers work?" Kaldur asks, his eyes scrunching in thought.
"Well I can't speak for Jas or James since all of ours work differently. I had explained to Wayne earlier, my abilities involved minds. I don't really know how to explain how I work them though. I can just feel others minds and their presence. The only thing I can compare it to is getting shocked and feeling electricity going through your body. It's kind of a mild buzz connecting me to others minds."
"Same" Dick adds. "Except for me it's my body. Whenever I shape shifted it felt like I was getting shocked all over. How about you Jas?"
Jasmine doesn't respond, she is staring at the table with an angry yet somewhat fearfull expression. After a long moment of quiet, Zatanna speaks up "You said it feels like electricity?"
"Yeah. Kind of" Dick answers.
"Do you have to use any chants or objects when using your abilities?" Aquaman asks with an intensity.
Frowning Joey says "No. Why would we?"
Kaldur, Orin, and Zatanna exchange looks. "Do you think…?" Kaldur begins.
"Except for the chanting, it sounds like magic" Zatanna finishes.
"I agree" Orin adds.
"Wait a minute!" Joey exclaims. "We have been trying to figure out the great mystery of our powers for years when all we had to do was read fricken Harry Potter!"
"No, well…maybe" Orin tries to explain. "I have heard of magic users such as you, but I didn't think they existed."
"Great, we're the Sasquatch of sorcerers" Jasmine mumbles, still staring at the table.
"That is actually a very accurate description" Orin smiles. "If you are what I am thinking of, I only know of a few who believe in your existence. My people call you Eternals. Unfortunately, we don't know much about you're kind since we thought you were of only legend."
"What exactly is an Eternal?" Dick asks.
"Pretty much a magician except instead of controlling magic around you, it is inside of you" Kaldur explains. "When I was a child I heard many tales of Eternals."
"My father also told me stories of similar beings, except he referred to them as wizards" Zatanna adds. "I never took them seriously though, I don't think he did either."
"What do you remember your father saying about them?" Diana asks urgently.
Zatanna frowns apologetically, "Not much. Like I said, I didn't think much about the stories. To me it was just a fairy tale my father told me before falling asleep."
"If your father knew about these wizards though, that would mean Doctor Fate would too" I state. "In fact, Doctor Fate probably knows more. Where is he currently?"
"We don't know. I'll go send him an alert, he is good about answering those" Barry answers, heading out of the room. As he passes Dick, he pats the boy on the shoulder, "Glad to have you back Dick."
"Thanks Barry, I'm happy to be back too" Dick says finishing up his last bite of food. Barry smiles and exits the room to go contact Doctor Fate.
As the speedster leaves, the atmosphere goes back to the awkward quiet it was before. Joey tries to break the tension by asking, "So while we wait for Gandalf to show up, anyone have anymore questions they want answered?"
"I have one" Roy speaks up. "Well I have a lot, but this one has been bugging me and Walls. Dick, out of everyone on the Team or League, why did you go to Superboy for help after Jasmine got captured when any of us would have helped? No offense Connor."
"None taken" Connor mumbles from the kitchen where he is currently putting the last of the dishes away.
Dick stays stone faced instead of responding. Jasmine is the one who is next to speak. Her eyes widen as she hisses at Dick "You did what!"
"I wasn't going to leave you in Daniel's clutches Jas" Dick defends himself. "I knew I couldn't take on Daniel alone and I figured Connor would eventually…"
"I told you not to!" Jasmine angrily yells. Joey also sends Dick a disapproving glance. Jasmine continues "You should have never gone after me. You promised me you wouldn't. Then to bring him in. What if Daniel had found out? He could have been in serious danger."
"Wait!" Connor interjects. "I would eventually what?"
"Nothing!" Jasmine snaps.
"Jas, he's going to find out eventually" Joey tries to reason.
She shoot him a betrayed glare, "You approve of what he did!" she points at Dick.
"No. I think what he tried to do was irresponsible and wrong, but that doesn't matter now. The fact of the matter is, we've agreed to tell the League everything. That means we will eventually have to tell them abo…"
"I've agreed to nothing!" Jasmine yells, standing up from her seat. "Like you said Joey, two to one. You and James decided to tell them everything, not me. Just because you two decided to spill every single one of our secrets to these people, doesn't mean I approve!"
I try to calm the girl down, "Your brothers only want to let us help. We need to know everything if we are to do that. You can trust us with the information."
Jasmine whips her head towards me, her blue eyes glaring. "Trust you? Not going to happen; why should I?"
"I raised Richard" I reason. "You even told me before that you know I care about him, everyone here does. I would risk everything to keep him, and now you and Joey, safe. Isn't that enough? If you don't trust us, then trust your brother. Dick wants our help, and he grew up with us."
"Joey and I grew up with mobsters, thieves, and every type of criminal you could imagine. Are they trustworthy?"
"Jas, that is different and you know it" Joey intervenes.
Returning her attention to Joey, Jasmine snaps "Oh really. How? How exactly is this different than Austria, or England, or Portugal? You know damn well what happens when we tell other's our secrets" she sneers. Suddenly Jasmine's speech turns Italian, causing everyone in the room, except for a few, frown in confusion from not being able to understand. Richard and I had learned the language a few years ago, so luckily I can understand what she is screaming. "Why are you so eager to get their help? Aren't you happy right now? Aren't you glad? Your powers are gone, isn't that what you always wanted?"
"Don't you dare!" Joey roars in what I guess is his and Jasmine's native tongue, his face twists into a furious scowl. Even I am taken aback, this is the first time Joey has shown any anger towards his sister. "I gave up what I wanted a long time ago because I had to. You have the option, and frankly you are being an idiot for making the wrong decision."
"I'm making the same one you did!" Suddenly Jasmine breaks out into tears "Out of everyone you should understand. You're supposed to understand."
"I do Jas" Joey says more calmly. His scowl lightening, "I know why you're acting this way. But things are different now. If we do turn out to be whatever the Dumbledore guy says we are, we could maybe figure out how to finally bring down Daniel. Think about it, we could both have lives other than constantly being on the run. Yes telling them everything puts them in danger but…"
Jasmine interrupts him, "Well I don't have a choice now do I? You and James have already taken that away." With that she storms out of the room, muttering in English "I want off of this stupid floating rock."
Chasing after her, Joey calls out "Wait. Jasmine slow down. I'm not done talking to you." I'm assuming they are heading to the recovery room; there really isn't anywhere else they would go. Everyone in the room listens to Joey's pleading voice disappear down the hall.
The room remains still for what feels like centuries. Nobody really knows how to react to the blowup or what to even make of it. I myself got lost halfway through their argument and I could understand what they were saying the entire time. Everyone except for Dick is in a state of confusion and shock. Superboy is the most confused out of us all.
Slowly Dick turns to me and states, "Rough edges."
-30 minutes later-
After the League and Team recovered from witnessing the confusing fight. Everyone began welcoming Dick back and asking him questions about the last few months. Dick doesn't seem too keen on speaking about his adventure with Jasmine or explain what Jasmine and Joey were screaming at each other, stating he will talk about it later. I decide to go check up on Jasmine and Joey, leaving Dick to reconnect with the others.
I head towards the recovery rooms, since that is where I figure the two most likely are. Before I reach the area though, I pass Joey watching earth through a viewport. Walking over to him, the smell of smoke hits my nostrils. Immediately I notice the small white stick in Joey's hand.
"I see you finally got yourself a cigarette" I state. Joey turns when he hears my voice. I continue "Who gave that to you?"
"Sorry, my dealer requested to remain anonymous if I was caught" he smirks, taking in a drag.
"You know smoking can kill you eventually."
Joey shrugs, "I'll take a nap later, no damage done."
I decide to drop the subject. Joey is obviously not changing his viewpoint and considering the fact he is twenty-six, I shouldn't be trying to tell him what to do. I am interested in who gave him the cigarette though. Many of the Leaguers have come and gone from the dining room, so it could be any of them.
"Any idea when Merlin is getting here?" Joey asks.
"Barry said Doctor Fate would arrive in a few hours" I answer. "Where is Jasmine?"
Joey sighs, "Locked herself in a recovery room. She's pretty upset."
"I don't see why" I comment. "She is the one who is fighting everyone."
"Give her a break, Jas has her reasons and they're pretty good ones" Joey defends his sister. "Everything she said back there was true, we've had a lot of very bad experiences with trusting others."
"You don't seem to have any problems with us" I point out.
"I do, I'm just handling all this better than she is" Joey states. "A part of me always thought you would find out about us one day. Jas was determined to make sure you never did." He adds with a sad smile "It was so much easier when she was the little kid who did what I told her. Now she's so god damn opinionated."
"Why is she so against accepting our help?"
Joey sighs, "It's not you or your team; Jas hates getting anyone involved. She has a bad way of showing it, but it's because she's scared. Believe it or not, Jas thinks she is keeping you all safe by not letting you get involved."
"What do you think?" I inquire.
"I think we don't have any other option. If things were different and we still had our powers, I'd have grabbed Jas and James and we would be on the road again. But it's not like it was before, Daniel has our powers and that scares the crap out of me."
"Do you think Daniel will come after you three again?" I ask. The thought of Daniel getting his hands on Dick, or any of the three, worries me for many reasons. I don't want any of them to be in danger again.
"Yeah. Even if he has our powers, Daniel doesn't like loose ends. He'll try to get us again just for the sake of having an eye on us. That's why he was keeping us under anesthesia, so we couldn't interfere with his plans."
I raise an eyebrow, "Have you and Jasmine done that in the past?"
Joey smirks and takes another drag, "Over the years sometimes we would find out about some scheme he was doing around Europe. I would have fun and create some for him. Jas never approved though, Daniel really freaks her out."
"And not you?"
Frowning Joey answers "He does, but it's different for me."
"How so?"
Joey bites his lip before saying "It just is." An awkward silence takes place between us; Joey not wanting to elaborate.
"It's good she has you then" I say, trying to be comforting.
"She didn't always" he frowns. "I wasn't kidding earlier when I said that I'm a crappy older brother."
"I find that hard to believe after seeing how Jasmine reacted when she saw you awake. I didn't even need to see her face to know how happy she was."
Surprisingly my statement doesn't lighten Joey's mood as I expected it to. Instead his frown deepens, now with a hint of guilt. He mumbles half to himself, "I got better, but that doesn't make up for how awful I was before leaving England."
"You were only a child in a very bad situation."
Joey's frown remains as he takes another smoke. "Don't think of me as a good guy Wayne. I'm not. Yeah I can use the excuses; I had a rough childhood, my daddy didn't love me, I didn't know better. But I've done a lot of things I'm not proud of. Remember when I said I didn't regret giving up James, but did regret why I did it?"
I nod cautiously, "Yes."
"I gave James up because I didn't give a damn about him. The only reason I brought him and Jas along when I escaped was to piss off Daniel. Otherwise I would have left them there." Joey waits for me to respond. I can't; I'm in too much shock over what he just said. Joey continues "Both Jas and I were messed up after leaving Daniel. We didn't understand loyalty or family. We weren't raised to even know what family meant. I'm surprised we could even function as a normal people. Frankly it was good that we left James with the Graysons. He would have turned out just as screwed up as us if Jas and I raised him. Imagine that, it's good I didn't give a damn about my own brother. Still think I'm a good guy Wayne?"
I take a moment before answering "Yes, I do."
"What?" Joey asks shocked. "Seriously, did you not hear what I just said?"
"I did. I've been listening intently to you and Jasmine ever since you have woken up. Sure you didn't have the best start, but I also know you got better, you said it yourself. Richard was right when he told me you are good deep down."
"Kid thinks way too highly of me."
I raise an eyebrow, "Does he? Because from what you have told me, you practically raised Jasmine. You both worry about other's safety over your own, and frankly Joey you would rather not use your powers than mess with someone else's mind. You know how dangerous someone with your abilities can be?"
Joey argues, "The only reason I hate using my powers is because I don't want to turn out like Daniel. Don't paint me like a freakin saint because of that!"
"I'm not. I'm highlighting the truth. You not wanting to be like your father proves my point. I've fought a lot of people who would have turned out much differently if they were in your position. You figured out on your own that you wanted to be better than Daniel; that takes a special type of person. As much slack you give Jasmine, you have to give yourself too. " Joey stares out of the windows again, thinking. He takes a drag as I inquire, "What did make you want to be different than your father?'
Smirking Joey answers "Joining the circus actually. The three months we spent there were good for Jas and I. Seeing Richard be so…innocent, made us rethink about the type of people we could be."
I place a hand on Joey's shoulder, "You and Jasmine deserve a better than the life you got dealt."
A moment passes in quiet. Joey turns from the window to look at me, "Thank you for taking care of James…or Richard…or Robin, whatever he wants to be called. Thanks. You don't know how big of a relief it was knowing how happy he was with you."
"No need to thank me, Richard is my son."
Joey smiles, "I'm glad he has you."
"I'm glad I have him. I know I didn't raise you or Jasmine and you are both grown adults. But know that I'm also here for you two also. After we figure out how to bring down Daniel, I'll help you and Jasmine start over."
"You don't need to do that Wayne" Joey states seriously. "Just because we're Richard's siblings doesn't mean you have to have any loyalty to us. Besides Fast boy was right, we aren't his family, you and everyone else on this floating conundrum is. I don't want to be a bother to you."
I chuckle, "You sound like Richard when I first took him in."
"Great, now I sound six years old" Joey jokes. He looks back out the window, turning serious again "So is this Dr. Who like Jas, Richard and I?"
"Well first his name is Doctor Fate. For your own sake I suggest you don't call him anything other than that in front of him. No, he's not a 'wizard' or 'Eternal.' He's a Lord of Order. If these 'Eternals' do exist, he would know."
Joey nods and takes another drag. He holds out the cigarette towards me and asks "Want a try?"
"No. Put that out!"