Chapter 3
Jason was not having a good week. And it was only Wednesday! First of all, Bruce kept pestering him about something or other, then when he went to check out some suspicious activity, he finds fucking Lazarus machines! There was no one else there so now they have 4 zombies with Pit rage just running about the streets of Gotham. You know, just a regular Tuesday.
And another thing, Dick has been acting weird since Tuesday. Looking sad but also guilty and stressed. Then Babs sees two kids enter an alley and a shady man follow. No one left. But when Duke got there, the man was unconscious and the kids were nowhere to be seen.
Now as he stands on a roof, he sees a kid appear and sit on the ledge. When he was about to step out of the shadows, an object came flying at his face, hitting him smack in the face. He picked it up to see it was a fucking can. Someone just yeeted a can at his face. Gathering himself together, he looks for the kid. He sees them jumping over the edge of the roof before landing on the next roof over. They then proceeded to face plant into the ground. Eeesh, that looked painful.
He jumped over and crouched down by the kid as they grumbled and sat up, frowning at the ground. They looked up at Jason and stared intently at him. The kid was a small boy, maybe 7 or 8. He had black hair, but he couldn't see much because it was so dark.
“Ya good?” Jason asked while the kid rubbed his face. He got a nod in response. He held his hand out and the kid grabbed it and they both stood up. “I'm Redhood, what's your name?”
“Milo,” the kid signed. It was a good thing he learned because of Cass. “Sorry for throwing a can at you,”
“Nah you're all good,” he signed while talking. “Now what are ya doin’ up here?” Milo rubbed his neck and smiled sheepishly.
“Enjoying the view?” It looked more like a question than a statement.
“Yeah, sure,” he started to walk to the fire escape. “Ya coming?” He called over his shoulder. Milo began to follow him but stopped. Jason looked back and his breath hitched. He could see him clearly now. His eyes were dark grey and a toxic green, Lazar- nope, probably a coincidence, he only has one eye and no streak. He had tan skin and freckles and a large scar across his face. But what made him stop was the fact he looked so much like Dick. It was uncanny.
He snapped himself out of it and turned back to leave. He glanced over his shoulder again, but there was no one there. He panicked and searched the roof. Milo couldn't have gone far, it was like a millisecond. But he was gone.
“Babs, you saw that too right?” He asked the comm in his ear.
“Yeah, he does look like Dick,” Babs said on the other side. “But that's not all. Earlier today I saw someone in the library who also looked like Dick. I'll look into it and let you know.”
“Should we tell Dick?”
“We should wait till we're sure. He already looks stressed enough lately, he doesn't need two possible children on his plate,”
“Okay,” he sighed before returning to patrolling.
Jason walked into the library the next day. Babs was at the front desk. He approached her and joined her behind it.
“So Babs, whatcha got?”
“No ‘hey Babs, how was your day? Really appreciate you doing this for me.’ Rude,” she exclaimed.
“Fine then. Hey Babs, how was your day? Really appreciate you doing this for me. Happy now?”
“Very,” she replied, turning back to her screen. “Okay, so here's what we got:”
Name: Peter Benjamin Parker
Gender: Male
Birthday: August 10th 2016
Birth parents: Mary Parker and Richard Parker
Siblings: Milo Parker, Catra Applesauce Parker, Kipo Mulholland Parker
Family info: His twin is Milo Parker, his parents adopted Catra and Kipo. Parents died 2 months ago in a car crash
Appearance: Dark brown hair, one green one orange eye, Caucasian
Name: Milo Parker
Gender: Female
Birthday: August 10th 2016
Birth parents: Mary Parker and Richard Parker
Siblings: Peter Benjamin Parker, Catra Applesauce Parker, Kipo Mulholland Parker
Family info: Her twin is Peter Parker, his parents adopted Catra and Kipo. Parents died 2 months ago in a car crash
Appearance: Black hair, one green one dark grey eye, tan skin, scar across face
Name: Catra Applesauce Parker
Gender: Female
Birthday: October 28th 2016
Birth parents: Unknown
Siblings: Milo Parker, Peter Benjamin Parker, Kipo Mulholland Parker
Family info: Got found by Mary and Richard Parker who adopted her. Abandoned by birth parents.
Appearance: Unknown
Name: Kipo Mulholland Parker
Gender: Female
Birthday: March 26th 2016
Birth parents: Lio Oak and Song Oak
Siblings: Catra Applesauce Parker, Milo Parker, Peter Benjamin Parker
Family info: Parents were murdered but perp got away, got adopted by Mary and Richard afterwards
Appearance: Pink hair, One green one pink eye, purplish (?) skin
“This is all the info I gathered, but the thing is,” Babs paused, “Everything but appearance is fake. It was all fabricated and pretty well might I add. If I were anyone else I would've been fooled.”
“So you're saying that all that is fake. The only reason we have any real information is because we've seen them, apart from Catra. How? Are they in danger?” Jason questioned.
“I don't know,” she sighed. “If there was any information before, I would've been able to find it. It's like these kids just appeared out of nowhere.”
“Shit, does that mean they might be clones?” Jason grumbled.
“Possibly, but we can't be sure. We would need a DNA sample and that is not something I'm doing,” This was getting frustrating.
“Let's keep it between us for now. The less who know the better,” they both agreed.
“Keep what between us?” A voice startled them from behind. “Are you guys scheming?” Babs hurried to cover the screen.
“None of ya business Replacement,” Jason growled out. Tim was standing there holding a massive cup of coffee and looking unimpressed.
“Does this have something to do with the two mini-Dicks?” They both froze.
“How do you know about that?” Babs questioned him.
“I can read minds!” Tim deadpanned. “Seriously though, you should pay more attention. They both just entered like 5 seconds ago.”
Jason scanned the room and sure enough sat by one of the computers was a boy with brown hair and a shorter boy standing behind him. wait-
He looked at the screen again and smacked his face.
“What?” Babs asked, giving him a concerned look.
“I thought she was a boy!” He grumbled “Now I feel bad.” Tim began to choke on his coffee from laughing. “Shut it Replacement!” He smacked him on the head with a book.
About 10 minutes later they both came up to the desk with a stack of books.
“Hey Miss Barbara, could I borrow these books, please?” The boy, who he was assuming was Peter, asked. Jason was taken aback. The kid had a massive bruise on his face. Not one you can just get from falling.
“Are you okay? What happened?” she asked, glancing at the yellowing bruise.
“Oh, that,” he said, touching his forehead. “It's fine. I just walked into a wall,” Babs looked doubtful but didn't push
Jason looked away to see Milo staring at him, a hint of recognition in her eyes. Why did she recognise him? Did she know? How could she know? She smiled and waved at him. He was surprised but gave her a tight lipped smile.
“Oh these or my friends Jason and Tim,” Babs interrupted, “Guys, this is Peter and…”
“Milo,” Peter answered, “It's nice to meet you both but we have to go. Thanks Miss Babs!” he called as he left. Milo shrugged at him and followed Peter out.
“Where are their guardians?” Tim asked, looking worried, “And what was with that massive bruise? He acted like it was nothing.”
“Most of their info was fake. That means someone had to make it. Do you think they're in trouble? Maybe they were trafficked or something,” Jason asked.
“The clone theory is looking even stronger,” Babs added, “Whatever the case may be, they definitely need help.”
“Clone theory? What are you guys on about?” Tim interjected, staring at them helplessly. They ignored him.
“You know, if Bruce finds out, he’ll whip out the adoption papers without a word. 4 traumatised kids, he won't be able to resist. Especially if they look like Dick,” Babs continued.
“Heck, if B doesn't adopt them, I will!” Jason was prepared to help these precious little kids, whatever the cost.
“Woah, Bruce’s adoption tendencies really are contagious!” Babs said gleefully, a teasing smirk on her face.
“WHAT ARE YOU GUYS GOING ON ABOUT?!”
Catra and Kipo watched from a roof near the library as Milo and Peter climbed down the side. They landed in an alleyway and Peter, being Peter, walked straight into a wall. Catra snickered as he glared at the wall before walking into the library.
“I have a question for you,” Kipo said from beside her.
“Shoot,” she responded.
“So you know how we're all from different dimensions? What was your's like?” After Catra gave her a confused look, she elaborated, “I mean like, Milo and Peter’s seem to be pretty similar to here, mine was like the future or something. What about your's?”
“Oh um, mine was like a different planet I guess. It was called Etheria. I mean there I didn't have to pretend to be human. There were princesses with magical powers. Oh and the heart of the planet was a weapon that could wipe out the entire universe!”
“You're kidding me,” Kipo said in disbelief.
“Nah, I'm telling the tr-” The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. Something was with them. She stood up and sniffed around the roof.
“What is it?” Kipo asked, standing up and following her.
“Something else is here,” she whispered. Just then something came flying out and tackling her to the ground. She was about to wrestle it off, when she felt licks. There, above her was a burgundy-coloured cat-like creature with blue energy around its head like a mane. Two glowing blue, pupil-less eyes stared down at her.
“Melog!” She smiled and hugged the creature. She had missed Melog so much. “How are you here?”
“Mew,” It said in return. ‘Because I imprinted on you, when you died I came with you,’
“Uhh, what's going on?” Kipo questioned.
“Oh, this is Melog. Melog, this is Kipo,” She introduced.
“Oh my gosh, I need to stroke it!” Kipo squealed. After Catra gave a brief nod, Melog went over to Kipo.
“What'd we miss?” They all snapped their heads to the source of the voice. Peter and Milo stood there, the former carrying books.
“Guys this is Melog. Melog, Peter and Milo,” she introduced again. “Melog is from my dimension,”
Milo sat on the ground and Melog went over, excited for more cuddles.
“Nice. Come on now, we can finish introductions back at the apartment,” Peter said. The five of them made their way back.
“Hey, now that we're back, I feel like I should mention I have a water parasite kinda thing living in my head,” Kipo announced upon entry.
“What?” Peter and Catra said in unison.
“Yeah,” she said, rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly. “You can come out now,” she called.
Catra stared as water came out of her ear and formed a snowman shaped ish thing, with multiple arms.
“This is Tad Mulholland,” it took its water hat off and bowed.
“Please call me Mulholland. It's nice to meet you all,” Mulholland said. Catra and Kipo looked surprised whilst Milo just looked like she knew. Catra wouldn't be shocked if she did at this point.
“Whilst we're on the topic of companions, I have one too.” Milo signed. “This is Luuna,” a small wolf-like floating creature appeared out of nowhere.
“Hi, if you try to do anything, I will kill you,” a rough growly voice said. They did not look like they were joking. Catra turned to look at Peter.
“What?” He asked, still looking confused.
“Well, I mean did you drag something along with you?” Catra asked.
“Umm, I guess I did,” he responded before touching his ear. “Hey Karen?”
“Yes Peter?” A robotic voice said.
“I'd like to introduce you to Milo, Catra, Kipo, Melog and Mulholland,” he said. “Everyone, this is Karen, my AI.”
“What the heck is an AI?” It was certainly not anything on Etheria.
“Oh, she's basically a robot with feelings,” Peter explained. Pretty cool. “I have a question though. What are your powers? Because I don't think we've actually said apart from what animal we are,”
“I have the usual. You know super senses, enhanced strength, other jaguar abilities. I can also transform into a 40 ft tall Jaguar or a 100 ft tall Mega-Jaguar!” Kipo said and transformed her fist to demonstrate. It was a massive pink jaguar Paw with a leopard print-ish design.
“Please don't ever transform inside,” Peter breathed out.
“Wasn't planning on it,” Kipo shrugged, “And Mulholland can go in your head and help ward off toxins and stuff like that or create dream-like things. He used to use the dreams to eat people but he's reformed now. In fact that was how we met!”
“He tried to eat you?” Catra asked. “Okay, not even going to question it.”
“That’s cool,” Peter said in return, “I have spider themed powers, so super strength, enhanced senses, I can stick to stuff, I have venom and what I call a spider-sense. It's like a sixth sense that warns me of danger,”
“Didn't warn you of that wall earlier,” Catra snickered.
“Ignoring that. What about you Catra?”
“Ugh, you guys have such cool stuff. All i have is enhanced strength and senses and cat-like grace,” She complained, “I mean Melog can turn themselves and others invisible, shapeshift, create illusions telekinesis and that's only what i know of. It's so unfair!” she grumbled.
“Milo’s turn,” Kipo announced.
“Well, I have the usual, i can turn into a wolf and i have some shadow related powers,” Milo listed off.
“Care to elaborate?” Catra asked, knowing there was more considering she could teleport (?).
Milo shrugged and picked up a purple iris coloured beanie to continue embroidering butterflies on it to match her navy hoodie. They were never going to get much out of her, were they?
Catra sighed and stood up. “I'm gonna get some fresh air,” she declared. She headed for the window and climbed out, Melog joining her. Melog had turned small and was sat on her shoulder.
She strolled across the rooftops in silence, enjoying the peace. The noises of the city, a distant buzz. It was weird being in a world so unlike her own. The buildings were odd and there was a pretty big lack of plant life. There was also a great lack of magic. It was there, just not in the same way. On Etheria and Krytis it was in the air, the ground, the people, everywhere. But here just a few people had it and even then it was different. She could imagine Sparkles being all weird about it considering Krytis. She never told the others she could sense magic in some ways.
She jumped over to the next building. She froze. Someone was standing in front of her. The person’s face was completely covered by a black mask with points at the top to resemble a bat and white lenses over the eyes. She had a full body suit with a yellow outline of a bat on the front. On her back was a black cape shaped to look a bit like bat wings and a yellow belt was around her waist. Around the mouth the mask had stitches, probably to be able to open up. If Peter’s info was right, then this should be Black Bat.
Melog’s mane turned red and spiky as they growled. She and Black Bat stared at each other as they stood on the rooftop. Then she noticed it. Black Bat’s body language was so open unlike normal people’s. They were the same. Able to read body language and express their own so easily. Not many people could do that. They both relaxed slightly and Melog went back to blue.
Black Bat waved her hand and Catra did the same in response. She seemed to ask if she was okay. Cat nodded. It was odd because she had never met anyone else who could do this before. Catra’s hearing picked up on the crackle of some device.
“Black Bat, RR needs back up and you're the closest,” a voice said. Black Bat looked back over at Catra who smiled at her. She nodded and grappled away.
She made her way back to the apartment, content after her little interaction.