Chương 16: Chapter 16
Finally, as they landed on a rooftop far from the Clocktower, Barbara spoke. "We need to talk, Abel. About... all of this."
He nodded, removing his mask to face her. "Yeah, I guess we do... sis."
Barbara's eyes widened behind her cowl, then she sighed and removed it as well. "How long have you known?"
"I just figured it out tonight," Abel admitted. "Though I guess part of me always suspected." That was a complete lie, he would've guessed anybody else.
They stood there, two masked vigilantes, two siblings, facing each other in the pale light of dawn. The city below was beginning to stir, emerging from the long night of chaos.
"What happens now?" Abel asked, his voice heavy with the weight of all that had transpired.
"No more fighting is a start." Barbara's expression was masked with a sad smile, but its roots were of concern and determination. "Now... we figure out how to move forward. As a family, and as partners in this crazy life we've chosen."
As the sun rose over Gotham, casting long shadows across the battered city, Abel felt a glimmer of hope. The road ahead would be challenging, filled with moral dilemmas and difficult choices. But he wasn't alone.
For better or worse, the masks were off. And the real work was just beginning.
__________________________________________
As the sun climbed higher over Gotham's skyline, Abel and Barbara made their way back to the Gordon residence. The city streets below were a maze of police barricades and cleanup crews, the aftermath of the Arkham breakout still evident in the shattered windows and scorched pavement.
They entered through Barbara's bedroom window, a habit born from years of secret vigilantism. As they changed out of their costumes, an awkward silence hung between them.
"Abel," Barbara started, her voice soft. "We need to talk about what happened tonight. That moment with Dr. Arkham..."
Abel's shoulders tensed. "I know. I lost control. It won't happen again."
Barbara placed a hand on his arm. "It's not just that. This life... it changes you. Believe me, I know. We need to be careful, to watch out for each other."
Before Abel could respond, they heard the front door open downstairs. Jim Gordon's tired voice called out, "Barb? Abel? You kids home?"
Exchanging a quick glance, they hurried downstairs. Jim stood in the entryway, his clothes rumpled and dark circles under his eyes. The night had clearly taken its toll on him as well.
"Thank God you're both alright," Jim said, pulling them into a tight hug. As he stepped back, his eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Abel. "You okay, son? You look like you've been through the wringer."
Abel forced a smile. "Just a rough night, Dad. Couldn't sleep with all the sirens."
Jim nodded, but his detective's instincts were clearly piqued. "Right. Well, why don't you both get some rest? It's been a hell of a night for everyone."
As Jim headed upstairs, Barbara shot Abel a warning look. They'd have to be more careful. Jim Gordon wasn't Commissioner for nothing.
The next few days passed in a blur of news reports and citywide cleanup efforts. Abel and Barbara fell into an uneasy rhythm, sharing knowing glances over family dinners and having hushed conversations about patrol schedules and training regimens.
One evening, as Abel was heading out for a "study group," Jim caught him by the arm. "Abel, wait a second."
Abel tensed, his mind racing. Had Jim figured it out? "What's up, Dad?"
Jim's eyes were filled with a mix of concern and pride. "I just wanted to say... I've noticed the changes in you lately. I've said this before but.... I'm proud of you, son."
A lump formed in Abel's throat. If only Jim knew the truth. "Thanks, Dad. That means a lot."
As Abel left, Barbara watched from the top of the stairs, her heart heavy with worry. Once she heard the front door close, she retreated to her room, closing the door softly behind her.
Only then, in the privacy of her sanctuary, did Barbara allow her carefully constructed facade to crumble. Tears welled up in her eyes as the full weight of the situation crashed down upon her.
Her little brother – annoying, brilliant, stubborn Abel – was out there risking his life every night. She'd seen firsthand how close he'd come to crossing a line with Dr. Arkham. The memory of pulling him off the battered villain, of seeing the raw fury in Abel's eyes, sent a chill down her spine.
Barbara sank onto her bed, silent sobs wracking her body. She'd lived this life, knew its costs all too well. The scars, both physical and emotional, that came with putting on a mask and facing the worst Gotham had to offer. And now Abel was walking that same dangerous path.
"Please, please...." she whispered to the empty room, her voice choked with emotion. "Please don't let him end up like Jason. I can't lose him too."
For several long minutes, Barbara allowed herself this moment of vulnerability. To be not Batgirl, not Oracle, but simply a sister terrified for her brother's life.
Finally, wiping her eyes, Barbara took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. Falling apart wouldn't help Abel. He needed guidance, support, and someone to watch his back. And she'd be damned if she let him face this alone.
Moving to her computer, Barbara began pulling up files – training regimens, patrol data, psychological profiles of Gotham's rogues gallery. If Abel was determined to walk this path, she'd make sure he was as prepared as possible.
As the first stars appeared in the Gotham sky, Barbara Gordon steeled herself for the challenges ahead. The masks were off, the truth was out, and now the real work began. Keeping her brother alive, and his soul intact, in a city that seemed determined to destroy both.
__________________________
As the days passed, Abel found himself increasingly torn between his newfound vigilante partnership with Barbara and his strained friendship with Zoe. The weight of his secret identity felt heavier than ever, especially when he caught Zoe's worried glances in the school hallways.
One evening, as Abel was preparing for patrol, his phone buzzed with a text from Zoe:
"We need to talk, again. Meet me at the park in 20?"
Abel sighed in annoyance, tempted to just ignore it. But Zoe was someone he cared about. His fingers hover over the screen. After a moment, he replied:
"Sure, gimme a sec."
The park was quiet, streetlights casting long shadows across the grass. Zoe sat on a swing, her blue hair a stark contrast against the dimming sky. As Abel approached, she looked up, her expression a mix of determination and vulnerability.
"I'm not giving up, you know," Zoe said without preamble. "I meant what I said. I want to help."
Abel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Zoe, we've been over this. It's too dangerous."
"And what you're doing isn't?" Zoe stood, her voice rising. "Abel, I've been watching the news. I know what's been happening in this city. The Arkham breakout, the masked vigilantes... I'm not stupid. I know you're involved."
"Zoe, please—"
"No, you listen," she cut him off. "I care about you, Abel. More than... more than I probably should. And I can't just sit back and watch you risk your life every night without doing something to help."
Abel felt his resolve weakening. The earnestness in Zoe's eyes, the tremor in her voice – it was all breaking down the walls he'd so carefully constructed.
"What exactly are you proposing?" he asked cautiously.
Zoe's face lit up. "I'm good with computers. Like, really good. I could be your eyes and ears, help with research, monitor police scanners. You wouldn't have to face everything alone."
"The chair guy thing again... seriously?" Abel, however, considered her words. Having someone in his corner, someone outside the complex web of the Bat-family, was admittedly appealing.
"It would still be dangerous," he warned. "If anyone found out you were helping me..."
"I can handle it," Zoe insisted. "Please, Abel. Let me in."
In that moment, looking at Zoe's determined face, Abel made a decision that would change both their lives.
"Okay," he said softly. "Okay, and no more park meetings. I'll pick the locations from now on."
Zoe's eyes widened in disbelief, not caring for anything other than 'Okay', then joy. Without warning, she closed the distance between them and pressed her lips to his.
For a split second, Abel froze in surprise. Then, almost instinctively, he found himself kissing her back. It was a moment of connection, of shared secrets and unspoken feelings finally given form.
As they broke apart, both slightly breathless, Zoe smirked nervously. "I-I'm sorry, I was just-"
"Just stop." Abel couldn't help but smile back, he wouldn't let make a random awkward comment. it would ruin the moment.
"Since you want to help so bad..." he said, taking her hand. "There's a lot you need to know."
As they walked through the park, heads bent close in conversation, Abel felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. He was bringing Zoe into a dangerous world, one that had already cost him and his family so much.
Would he regret it? Only time will tell.
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực