Chapter 7. Jason: Calls, Draw, Talks

Jason

I made sure that Abigail took a shower. She really looked like a mess. Dried blood everywhere, and dirt and grime plastered on her.

While we were waiting, Daniel went to the room in case she needed any help with stitching old wounds. Damian was sketching at the table; he had changed last night. He went to another safe house and brought back clothes for himself, Abby, and Daniel. I was on the couch, calling the family. They needed to know. This... this might make us a family again.

I called Golden boy as he is the best at making quick get togethers on short notice. After three rings he answered.

"Jaybird? Are you good?"

"You automatically assume I'm hurt just because I called you?"

"Actually yes. You basically never call."

I sighed. He was right. I typically avoid the family, especially since we aren't really a family anymore. "Look I do need help, but not like life threating help."

"OooKAy? Do mind explaining?"

"I am not going to explain now. It would be better in person. Can you please call in the family for an emergency dinner?"

Emergency dinners in our language means 'we need to talk, just not in the cave or in our night job attire.'

"Why Jay? What is going on?"

"Please just do it. We need to meet in like two hours. Tell the girls one hour so they arrive on time."

"Does this meeting include friends outside of Gotham?"

"No. Not yet. The family just needs to hear it first. Make sure the prank princess and Barbie get an invite to the party. Baby bat already knows."

"Alright Jay, I will do it, so long as we get an explanation."

"You will when we're all there."

"Jay where at?"

"Manor."

"See you soon then."

I ended the call. I looked over at Damian, he changed into a dark green sweater and a pair of jeans. "What are you drawing?" I rose from the couch to look over his shoulder. An excellent sketch of Abigail was staring at me, her expression full of fear.

"Tt. None of your business Todd."

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "Damian, please talk to me for once. I know I'm in shock. I bet you are too; you just refuse to show it."

I waited for some response. I was about to leave when he spoke, not looking at me. "Is she the reason you were thrown out of the league?"

He didn't outwardly show emotion, but the pain of betrayal hung in the air. I know I was his big brother when I was in the league. He may have even mistaken me for his father at the time. He must have been devastated when I left.

"Considering her story, I would say that is likely."

"Why did you go there then? Why did you follow grandfather?"

I rubbed my neck. "I... one, your dad taught me to be suspicious of everything and everyone. I was and still am. Second, I had this gut feeling that someone was hurting. I kept thinking 'What if it is Damian?' I knew you were not there, but seeing how many clones of you there are it kinda makes sense I felt that."

Damian was staring at his drawing. "If you had managed to escape with her, what were your plans after you succeeded?"

"I didn't think that far ahead. If I had managed to escape with her, I probably would have hidden her, gotten answers, and then came back for you."

He opened his mouth to say something when the bedroom door opened to reveal Abby hiding behind Daniel. Daniel was still in his borrowed clothes, which consisted of black jeans and a royal blue shirt, his white hair popping against the color of his clothes.

Abby was reduced to wearing boy's clothes, which were hanging off of her thin frame. She was wearing beige cargo shorts held up by a rope.Do they not own a belt?Also, a dark green shirt that was slipping off of her shoulders. The pair of them were not wearing shoes or socks.

Both had numerous scars, burns, and cuts showing. Abby was undoubtedly worse. Her feet were so tough that I'm sure she could walk on just about anything and not be bothered by it. Old whip marks were on the back of her legs, showing through like sand on colored tile. Abby's wrist and ankles were scarred from chains. Abby was trying to make the shirt cover her shoulders.

"You don't have to be so shocked." Abby mumbled.

I coughed into my hand. "Sorry, seeing that many scars on kids is-"

"We're not kids." Daniel said. He may be different than Damian, but he can't get rid of his upright attitude.

"You are teenagers who have the knowledge of eight-year-olds. So, you are kids."

Abby spoke up, "The league doesn't care if you're a kid. You're trained either way. "

"Tt. I was raised to take up the mantel of the Demon's head. You are just some faulty clones that managed to escape death. "

Abby sent him a death glare. In a cold voice she said, "Everyone has a purpose, even if they don't want it."

"Your purpose was just an attempt to clone my mother, Talia Al Guhl. You-"

"Do not compare me with that woman. A woman who let kids be hurt! A woman who wants to rule the world through bad means! A woman who ... who never gave us a name." Abigail had started shouting in rage, then her voice fell to just above a whisper. "A woman who gave kids away to be hurt, just to please the man who raised her. "

A heavy silence hung in the air. Hearing her... testimony, brought to light just how willing Talia is to rule the world. Sacrificing at least six kids, just to make the perfect playbook to control the world.

Daniel broke the silence. "Ab's, you barely ate. You need to eat before we go."