Chapter 20

Due to the seizure, Dick has undergone yet another test of his brain to ensure all is normal. They aren't sure what caused it, but they will monitor him in case it happens again. All Dick wants to do is go home and sleep in his own bed finally. Barbara and Artemis come to the hospital right after school to see him. He sleeps often though, but they stick around, doing homework usually. He still dreams of the Labyrinth, being lost, but it makes so much less sense now that it's just his subconscious in control, not some drug in his system piloting his mind. He keeps seeing the shadows, hearing the voices, those terrifying golden eyes… One dream in particular, he starts whimpering, tossing and turning.

"Dick… Hey…" Wally says softly, shaking him. Dick wakes, startled, and nearly smacks Wally in the face if he didn't block it. "Easy there. Bad dream?" Dick lowers his arm and lies back, nodding a little.

"My eyes… they're not gold… are they…?" He asks.

"No, why would they be?" Wally asks.

"My grandfather's eyes… they're gold… I keep seeing visions of myself with gold eyes and this marbled skin… it's terrifying… I just… wanted to make sure…" Dick explains. Barbara pulls out her phone and activates the camera, so it can be used as a mirror of sorts, showing him that his eyes are the same stormy blue they've always been, his skin also the same. "Man… I look like crap…" He mumbles, he places a hand to the scratches on his cheek, sighing softly.

"How'd you get those scratches?" Barbara asks. "If you don't mind me asking."

"I shoved him and he slapped me… The fingertips on his gloves are pointed…" Dick explains. Wally places a hand on his back. Dick looks up at him and smiles a little, then his smile falls and he looks at his casted wrist and hand. "And he caused this… all of it… I can't even move my fingers… I don't know if I'll be able to write again or…"

"Or…?" Barbara asks.

"I have a hobby of doing art projects… I'm not that great, but hey, it's fun." Dick admits. "It helps relieve some stress."

"It's good to have hobbies." Barbara says. "Here I thought all you did was read. But how come you never told me?"

"Because then you'd want to see them and they're terrible." Dick answers.

"I doubt they're that bad." Barbara argues.

"They're bad…" Dick mumbles, handing her phone back. "Guess I gotta learn to be left-handed."

"You're being dramatic." Barbara says.

"I am always the drama, Babs, you know this." Dick says, smiling widely. She rolls her eyes, shaking her head.

"Bet you're great in theatre class." Artemis comments, arms crossing.

"Oh no, I'm a terrible actor…" Dick mumbles, smiling a bit more nervously.

"He is. He can't act to save his life." Barbara says.

"I think it's because I'm a terrible liar…" Dick says softly.

At the Manor, Alfred is cleaning and tidying when there's a knock on the door. He didn't expect company with Bruce at the hospital with Dick. He approaches with caution, opening the door to see a young girl with long black hair and stormy blue eyes.

"Uh… Hi." She says a bit nervously, waving a bit.

"Good evening." Alfred states.

"Um… I learned that there's a Richard Grayson that lives here?" The girl questions, unsure.

"May I ask who you might be?" Alfred asks.

"My name is Melinda." She answers. "Uh… Melinda Zucco…?" She says very quietly, not really sure how he'll react, if he knows who Tony Zucco even is.

"Zucco hmm?" Alfred repeats. "May I ask what it is you're here for, Miss Zucco?"

"I… was hoping to talk to Richard." She says quietly, looking down, evidently tense and scared.

"Why are you so afraid?" Alfred asks.

"Because… I know the weight my last name carries to Richard… I know what Tony Zucco has done…" Melina explains. "But I promise I would never hurt him." She looks back up at Alfred. "I'm his sister." Alfred raises an eyebrow at the young girl. "I know, and it's a long story… Something I was hoping to discuss with Richard. If he's available, if he even would want to see me."

"Master Dick isn't here at the moment. Why don't you discuss it with me over a cup of tea?" Alfred offers, figuring there's no harm in allowing the girl in. He can easily defend himself should she try anything. And the masters aren't home. "If you're comfortable with that, Mistress."

"Screening me, huh?" Melinda asks, smiling a bit, placing a hand on her hip playfully. "I'd love some tea, and I'll answer whatever questions you have."

"Excellent. Come with me." Alfred says, stepping aside to allow her entrance. She steps in and looks around in wonder, fascinated by the architecture and rustic warmth the manor gives.

"It smells so nice here, so…" She trails off, sighing a bit. "Safe…" Alfred shuts the door and leads her to the kitchen. She looks around in amazement at everything. "When I heard my brother was taken in by a billionaire, well… I didn't know what to expect, but not this."

"This home has belonged to the Wayne family for generations." Alfred explains.

"Cool… I wish I had something like that. I had to move around a lot." Melinda mentions. They enter the kitchen.

"Feel free to have a seat in that chair over there while I prepare the tea." Alfred offers. "You can start explaining when you're ready."

"Ok." She says. She walks to the chair and takes a seat. "Well… To start, I guess… Do you know who Anthony Zucco is?"

"Yes, I am well aware of that man." Alfred answers relatively plainly, not making his disdain for the man known, but she can sense the dour…

"I may have his last name, but he's not my biological father. My mother was married to him when I was born, and he believed I was his daughter, so he signed the birth certificate. Well, he said he believed I was his daughter, I think he knew I wasn't." She explains while Alfred prepares the kettle, setting it upon the stove and lighting the flame. "He's the only father I knew, but he wasn't a good man… I don't think you can even call someone with such a black heart a man…" She explains. She grips her long skirt with her fists. "I hate him… For everything he did..."

"Hate is a very strong emotion, can be put to good use." Alfred states. "Can give you the power and motivation to do things you never expected."

"Exactly… Which is why I mustered the courage to seek out my real family. Not only to spite him, but so… I'm not alone…" Melinda explains. "My mother died not that long ago…" She closes her eyes. "So… I tried to find John Grayson, my biological father. I found out he died, but that his son was alive, so I tried to find him. Learned he was taken in by Bruce Wayne. So, I drove here from Blüdhaven to see if I could meet him."

"That is very brave of you. But you seem like a very courageous and driven young lady." Alfred compliments. She smiles warmly, her smile basically matching Dick's.

"I try. I'm kind of skittish at the best of times, but after my mom died, I realized I had a lot of growing up to do. I couldn't be some scared little kid, because how is that living?" She questions.

"You're much like your brother in that regard. He puts on a brave face whenever he can, and a bright smile that warms even the coldest heart." Alfred states. She relaxes, releasing her skirt.

"What's my brother like?" She asks. Alfred thinks a moment, the best way to describe Dick Grayson.

"He's a very kind and endearing young man, willing to do anything for anyone. He's brought life into our lives, a warm light amidst a cold, dank city." Alfred praises. The kettle starts to whistle, Alfred takes it off the heat and pours it into cups, bringing one over to the young girl. "Careful, alright?" She nods and takes the cup, smiling, it smells so nice.

"If feels so peaceful here." Melinda mentions. She looks up at Alfred. "Thank you for the tea."

"It's my pleasure, Mistress." Alfred says.

"Mom told me I have uncle also named Richard Grayson, but I found out that he's been paralyzed from the neck down." Melinda mentions.

"Indeed." Alfred says. She looks into the dark amber liquid.

"All because of Anthony…" She mutters, closing her eyes tight, shoulders tensing.

"Indeed…" He repeats.

"We had an aunt named Karla. A cousin named Johnnie… Who was only fifteen and a half when he died… He was still a child…" She mutters, eyes closing tighter.

"Rest assured Batman brought Zucco to justice." Alfred says. Melinda relaxes a bit, opening her eyes. She looks up at Alfred.

"I've heard of Batman. A bat-themed vigilante protecting Gotham, part of the Justice League. They've always fascinated me. Kind of wished Blüdhaven had its own hero to protect it." Melinda says. She brings the cup to her lips, blowing into the liquid to cool it enough to sip.

"Perhaps one day." Alfred states hopefully, taking a sip of his own cup.

"What's Bruce Wayne like?" Melinda asks.

"He's a good man. It's my honor to serve the Wayne family. He faced tragedy at a young age, much like Master Dick. Believed he would understand the boy in ways no one else could." Alfred explains. She smiles softly, sighing with relief.

"So, it sounds like he's good to him. I'm glad. I'd hate for my little brother to be unhappy…" She says softly, taking another sip. "But a home like this, if all there was fear and contempt, you'd feel it in the air. This is a loving home."

"Indeed, it is. We do our best to keep it that way." Alfred explains.

"Where is he, anyway? You said he wasn't here right now." Melinda recalls.

"Master Dick is currently in the hospital." Alfred answers. She immediately pales, eyes growing wide, almost dropping her tea.

"What…? Why? What happened?! Is he gonna be ok?!" She asks, panicking.

"Easy, Miss. He will be alright." He answers. "Why he is in the hospital is a long story. One that I believe would be better explained at a later date. For now, rest assured he is recovering well."

"Ok…" She says, trying to settle herself. "I want to see him… Can I visit him?"

"That may not be the wisest course of action. I can make no guarantees on his mental state, and learning he has a long-lost sister may cause strife." Alfred explains. "I can call Master Bruce about it, however. He is the one in charge of Master Dick's well-being." Melinda nods, agreeing to that at least. With that, Alfred steps aside and makes a call on the housephone.

At the hospital, Bruce hears his phone ring. He takes it out of his pocket, seeing it's Alfred. He looks a bit confused and remembers he forgot to call and update him. He's mentally cursing himself and answers the phone.

"Hey, Alfred." Bruce answers.

"Evening, Master Bruce." Alfred answers back. "Seems you have forgotten something."

"Right… Yes… Dick's ok. He's awake. Has been for about an hour now. He's been awake off and on most of the day." Bruce explains, standing up and walking to the window.

"Good, very good." Alfred states. "We have a new development. A young lady has appeared on your doorstep claiming to be Master Dick's sister. I have spoken with her and she seems genuine. Would like to meet her brother. I told her I would ask your permission first." Bruce's brows knit in confusion.

"A sister…?" Bruce asks. Everyone behind him looks over in confusion.

"Indeed, claims John Grayson was her father." Alfred explains.

"Then a certain test is in order." Bruce states. They all look at each other now, wondering what he's talking about. Wally places a hand on Dick's shoulder in reassurance. Dick smiles at him.

"Already in the works, sir. What shall I say in the meantime?" Alfred asks.

"Allow her to stay for the time being. Once we have results, we will go from there." Bruce answers.

"Understood. Keep me appraised, will you?" Alfred requests.

"I will do better about that." Bruce agrees. They say their farewells and hang up. Bruce turns to look at the confused kids behind him.

"What's this about a sister?" Artemis asks, looking a bit concerned and slightly panicked.

"Once I have results, I'll let you know what's going on." Bruce answers. Back at the manor, Alfred hangs up and returns to Melinda.

"Master Dick is currently at rest, Master Bruce would like to prepare him for your arrival. In the meantime, he has permitted you to remain here. Feel free to explore the manor while we wait." Alfred offers.

"Oh, sure. Yea." She agrees. "Is there a library?" She asks. Alfred smiles and nods, leading her to said library. Her eyes light up at the number of books. "Whoa…" She steps in further. "I said Library, not an archive!" She smiles widely, looking back at Alfred. "I could spend eternity in here and never be done!" She giggles and then sees a picture over the fireplace. Two men, one with black hair and blue eyes, holding a woman with fiery red hair and green eyes. The other has black hair and brown eyes, holding a woman with light brown hair and brown eyes. Between them are two boys, one with black hair and blue eyes, the other with black hair and brown eyes, arms over the other's shoulders. Her smile falls, stepping closer, staring at the man with black hair and blue eyes. "That's him… That's John…" She says softly, pointing. "And… That looks like Mary. I forgot how beautiful she was… Uncle Rick, and that must be Aunt Karla. And those two are their kids…" She points between Dick and his cousin Johnnie. "My brother and our cousin John…" Her voice has grown quiet.

"Have you met them before?" Alfred asks.

"No… I almost did though." She turns to face Alfred. "After mom left Anthony, she tried to introduce me to my dad, at Haly's Circus. She wanted to go back to him. But she figured out he was married to Mary, and that they had a son. She didn't want to disrupt their happiness, so we left, went back to the Maroni Family…"

"I never met them myself, other than Master Rick, but from what Master Dick has told me, they were good people, well respected and honest. Kind and loving." Alfred explains.

"That's what mom had said too. That no matter how busy my dad was, he'd always make time for her, would be so affectionate and warm." She says. She looks back at the painting. "She said Mary and Rick were like siblings to her, Mary was even the one who scared Anthony off, until he found Mom again and took her away… By then she had been two months pregnant with John's child… Me…" She explains. "They look like such a lovely family… I'm happy they were together. I like to think that when my mom went to heaven, she was greeted by them with open arms, that they can all be a family together."

"That is a lovely thought, Mistress." Alfred comments. "I shall leave you to it. If you need anything, there is a rope by the door, it shall ring a bell to alert me." She turns to look at him.

"Those things actually exist?!" She asks. Alfred smiles, finding her amusing.

"Indeed, they do." He states, stepping to the rope he described, grabbing it to show her.

"Oh my God, that's amazing…" She comments. "Ha… This place gets better and better." She then thinks of something. "Are there secret passages…?" Alfred chuckles.

"You will just have to find out for yourself, won't you?" He asks. She giggles and turns, heading down a row of books. Alfred smiles fondly, "Oh how I hope you and Master Dick get along." He leaves the room, heading back to the kitchen and grabs her teacup. He places it in a plastic bag and brings it to the bat cave, there being a secret entrance in Bruce's office. All entrances are accessible to those who know about that as they require a specific sequence to open, so he's not concerned about her learning of the Batcave.

Once in, he approaches the Batcomputer, taking a swab and wiping it along the rim of the cup, placing it in the analyzer. The process takes a while, sequencing the strands found of her DNA. Once analyzed, he compares it to known DNA data. Which is a process in itself… Which seems to take quite some time given their database. Sure enough, there's two matches, and only two. A twenty-seven percent match with Dick Grayson, and a twenty-two percent match to Rick Grayson. They have Tony Zucco in their database as well, but she didn't match. She's the genuine thing… Alfred calls Bruce immediately.

"Master Bruce, tests confirm the probability of relation between this girl and Master Dick is twenty-seven percent. Twenty-two percent between her and Master Rick. Both of which align with the possibility of Niece and half sibling." Alfred explains. "Unless by sheer coincidence, sir, this girl appears to be Master Dick's sister."

"Well… That's certainly something, Alfred…" Bruce says. He can tell Bruce is just as shocked as he is. Confirmation… "There's still time. Feel free to bring her here."

"Are you sure that won't be too much on Master Dick?" Alfred asks.

"I've thought of that… But considering all that's happened lately, this may help." Bruce says.

"I see your logic, sir. Please warn the boy ahead of time, however." Alfred more or less orders than suggests.

"Of course. I planned to." Bruce says. "Just trying to think of the best way to do so."

"You'll figure it out, sir. I know you will." Alfred assures. "Deep breaths, chin up. I will be there shortly."

"Sounds good, see you then." Bruce states. He hangs up, turning to the rest of the group, they continue to look confused. Bruce sighs heavily, stepping to Dick's bedside.

"What's wrong?" Dick asks.

"Dick… Um… There's been a new development." Bruce starts. He sits on the edge of Dick's bed. "It would seem… you… have a sister." Cue the gobsmacked faces, from everybody. Most prevalent of course being Dick's, brows knit, mouth slightly gapped in shock. Then he looks down.

"How…?" He asks quietly, looking back up at Bruce.

"I'm not entirely sure, to be honest. Alfred said that she is claiming John is her father." Bruce explains. Dick looks down again, losing himself in thought. Wally places a hand on his shoulder again.

"I really have a sister…" Dick mumbles.

"Alfred confirmed it." Bruce says. "Are you alright with meeting her?" It takes a moment for Dick to answer, brows knitting and relaxing several times, then he sighs.

"What harm could it do…?" Dick asks.

"Dude… Famous last words…" Wally comments. Dick just looks up at him, staring at him. "What? I'm right."

"Not the time, Wally." Artemis states. Dick looks down and sighs again, laying back.

"This is a lot…" Dick says quietly. "A lot a lot… I hate to say it but I'm feeling overwhelmed…"

"Damn… That's bad…" Wally comments. "But are you at least feeling the aster?" He asks.

"Trying to get traught right now…" Dick answers, closing his eyes. "What's she even like…? Will she even like me?"

"She'll like you. You're totally likeable! Question is, will she approve of me?" Wally asks.

"Doubt it." Dick states.

"Hey…" Wally remarks. Dick smiles, opening one eye and looking at him. He pokes his head.

"That didn't end well for you last time…" Dick reminds.

"Yea, I made you blush." Wally teases, smirking. Dick crosses his arms, slightly blushing. Wally laughs, hugging him. "You're always cute when you blush." Dick smiles, especially as Wally nuzzles him a bit catlike.

"Wait, so… Are you two… together…?" Barbara asks. Dick opens his eyes and looks at her, smile falling a bit, then nods. "Oh…" Is all she says.

"Are you mad…?" Dick asks. She breathes out, then looks at him, cobalt meeting stormy, then smiles softly.

"I'm happy for you, Dick." She says. "And now stuff makes a lot more sense."

"What do you mean?" He asks. Barbara doesn't answer. "Babs?" She just smirks. He gives up, knowing he won't get an answer.