Chapter Three
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows as Penny stood in her small but cozy kitchen, finishing the last bite of her breakfast—a quick plate of toast and scrambled eggs. Karen’s calm, robotic voice echoed softly from her smartwatch.
“You have approximately 42 minutes before your shift begins,” Karen reminded her. “Plenty of time,” Penny muttered, placing her dishes in the sink. Her eyes drifted toward Aunt May’s necklace, now resting on the counter beside her.
She picked it up delicately, her fingers brushing over the simple yet elegant design. Hanging from the chain were two rings: Aunt May’s wedding ring and Uncle Ben’s a set Penny had stumbled upon while sorting through Nellie’s belongings. Nellie being the name Penny decided to use for herself from this parallel universe, so she doesn’t go crazy talking about herself— the night before. For a brief moment, she felt the familiar pang of loss that came with thinking about them. “Guess I’m taking you both with me.”
She whispered, fastening the necklace around her neck. The cool metal rested lightly against her collarbone, and she adjusted it so the rings lay just over her heart. As Penny turned to glance at the small mirror by the door, her reflection caught her off guard. She leaned closer, narrowing her eyes. The same faint white streaks she had noticed before ran through her dark brown hair. She tilted her head, letting the light catch them, their stark contrast even more apparent now. Her gaze shifted to her green eyes—another difference from Nellie’s photos, which showed warm, chocolate-brown eyes. “Weird,” she murmured. “Wasn’t expecting a makeover from interdimensional travel.
” “Penny, you’ll be late if you continue staring at yourself,” Karen teased gently. “Right, right. No time to obsess over… whatever this is,” she said, stepping away from the mirror. She grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder, mentally preparing herself for her first day of work. Just as she reached for the doorknob, the sound of the doorbell startled her. “Seriously?” she muttered, glancing at the time. “Karen, who could that be?” “No relevant data available,” Karen replied. With a sigh, Penny opened the door, only to find herself face-to-face with a man she recognized from Nellie’s diary. Commissioner James Gordon stood before her, his kind yet sharp eyes scanning her with a mixture of curiosity and familiarity.
“Commissioner Gordon,” Penny said, her tone polite but guarded. “Good morning,” he greeted, his voice calm yet firm. “I thought I’d check in before heading to work. Mind if I step inside for a moment?” Penny hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping aside. “Uh, sure, come in. Can I get you some coffee?” “No, thank you. I can’t stay long, and you look like you’re in a hurry yourself,” Gordon said, glancing at her bag. Penny laughed nervously, a sound that felt both natural and forced at the same time. “Yeah, first day at my new job. Don’t want to be late.” As Gordon stepped inside, he took in the modest apartment with an approving nod.
“Jason Todd’s place, right? The coffee shop?” Penny paused. “Yeah, that’s the one. You know him?” “Good kid,” Gordon replied. “A little rough around the edges, but he’s got a good heart. He’ll look out for you.” “I’ll keep that in mind,” Penny said, filing the name away. Gordon’s tone softened as he leaned against the doorframe. “How’d the scholarship test go?” Penny shrugged, keeping her expression light. “Not bad. I think I might’ve done okay.”
“I’m confident you did more than ‘okay,’” Gordon said, a small smile crossing his face. “It’s good to see you making an effort to work on your future. I think it’s going to be a bright one.” Penny felt a lump form in her throat at his words but forced herself to nod. “Thanks. That means a lot.” He straightened, adjusting his coat. “I won’t keep you any longer. Good luck at work today.” “Thanks,” Penny said, walking him to the door. As she closed it behind him, she let out a long, shaky breath. “Karen, remind me to thank Nelly for leaving me someone like him to deal with.” “Noted,” Karen replied dryly. Penny adjusted her necklace one more time, grabbed her bag, and headed out the door.
Penny stepped into the coffee shop, her sneakers squeaking faintly against the polished floor. The warm aroma of roasted beans greeted her, but so did the intense gaze of the man behind the counter. Jason Todd looked like he belonged in a motorcycle magazine—sharp features, a leather jacket slung over a chair nearby, and a demeanor that practically screamed, Don’t mess with me. “Hey,” Jason called out as she approached. “You’re the new hire?” “Depends,” Penny replied with a smirk.
“Are you the boss? Or just the broody guy they keep around for atmosphere?” Jason’s lips quirked into a half-smile. “Penny, right?” She nodded. “That’s me. Here to make coffee and avoid existential crises.” Jason handed her an apron, but as she slipped it over her head, his eyes lingered on her for a moment longer than usual. “Your hair,” he said, gesturing toward the white streaks. Penny instinctively reached up, running a hand through the strands. “What about it? Stylish, right? It’s called stress chic.”
Jason chuckled softly, but his eyes sharpened. “And your eyes. Green?” She shrugged. “Yeah. Why, jealous?” Jason’s smirk returned, but there was a flicker of something else in his gaze—recognition. “Not really. Just... familiar.” Penny tilted her head, narrowing her eyes at him. “Wait a minute...” She squinted dramatically. “Is this one of those we’re-not-so-different-you-and-I moments? Because—hold on—are those streaks in your hair too?” Jason raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, what of it?” “And your eyes! They’re green too!
” Penny leaned in slightly, mock conspiratorial. “Jason, are you secretly my long-lost evil twin? Or, plot twist, am I yours?” Jason blinked, caught off guard by her audacity, before bursting into a low chuckle. “Evil twin? You think you’re the evil one?” “Well, I wasn’t the one brooding by a coffee machine five seconds ago,” Penny shot back with a grin. Jason shook his head, still smiling. “You’re gonna fit right in around here.” “Is that code for ‘I’m already your favorite employee?’” Jason snorted. “Let’s see how you do first.”
Jason leaned casually against the counter, arms crossed, watching Penny settle in behind the barista station. She seemed comfortable, if a little nervous, but there was a spark in her—a sharp wit and confidence that reminded him of someone. “So,” Jason began, nodding toward her. “What’s this test you’ve been studying for?” Penny glanced up from adjusting the coffee grinder. “Oh, just a scholarship exam for Gotham Academy.” Jason’s brows lifted in faint surprise.
Gotham Academy? That’s Tim, Duke, and Steph’s School. He didn’t say anything but filed it away in his mind. “Big deal,” he said casually. “Not many kids from Crime Alley head over there.” “Yeah, well,” Penny replied with a shrug. “I figured I’d give it a shot. Worst case? I bomb the test and come back to making lattes.” She grinned. “At least I’d be the best barista in town.” Jason chuckled, though his mind was elsewhere. Crime Alley kid trying for Gotham Academy? She’s got guts.
Or something to prove. “You’ll do fine,” Jason said, his voice softer now. “And hey, Sarah tells me you’ve been putting in the work, so don’t sweat it.” “Thanks, boss,” Penny quipped, throwing him a mock salute. Jason winced. “Ugh, don’t call me that.” What should I call you then? Oh! Mr. Todd?” she teased, dragging out the name with an exaggeratedly formal tone. Jason groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Just... Jason, okay?” Penny laughed. “Whatever you say, boss.” Jason shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips despite himself.
Jason stepped out of the café into the cool Gotham morning, the usual hum of Crime Alley starting to stir. He didn’t work at the café, not really—it wasn’t his style. But he was here today to meet Penny and ensure she felt welcomed. Sarah had vouched for her, and Jason trusted Sarah to run the place. Besides, Penny had taken time off to study, and he didn’t want her stressing about her job. She’s a kid. She shouldn’t have to carry the weight of the world.
But now Jason couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her story. The white streaks in her hair, the green eyes... it was too familiar. Lazarus Pit. The thought hit him like a freight train, twisting his gut. Jason shoved his hands into his pockets and started walking, his mind spinning. If the Pit had touched Penny somehow, it was a problem—one that concerned the whole Bat Family. But how the hell was he supposed to explain this? Bruce would grill him, Tim would dissect it, and Damian would probably accuse her of being an assassin sent to kill them all. Still, they deserved to know. The Pit wasn’t something he could haid.
Jason strode into the Batcave, his boots clicking against the polished floor. The cavern was alive with the familiar buzz of activity: Bruce at the Batcomputer, Tim, and Barbara debating a new program upgrade through the comms, Duke and Stephanie sprawled on the couch sharing a laugh over a video, and Cass perched silently on a high ledge. Dick leaned casually against the training mats, sipping water after a workout. Damian sat apart, meticulously sharpening a batarang.
“Yo, Brat,” Jason called as he entered, breaking the noise. “Still compensating for your height with those tiny knives?” Damian scowled without looking up. “Still compensating for your lack of intellect with obnoxious remarks, Todd?” Dick chuckled. “You walked right into that one, Jay.” “Yeah, yeah,” Jason muttered, rolling his eyes. “Alright, listen up. I’ve got something we need to talk about.” The casual atmosphere shifted as everyone turned their attention to him. Bruce straightened from his seat, his expression unreadable. “What is it?” Jason hesitated, shifting on his feet.
“So... there’s this kid. Works at my café. From Crime Alley.” Barbara’s voice came through the comms, arching a brow in her tone. “You’ve got a kid working for you? That’s... unexpected.” “Not a kid-kid,” Jason clarified. “She’s, I don’t know, sixteen, seventeen? Old enough to hold a job. Anyway, she’s new in the area, sharp.” “So why bring her up?” Tim asked, already reaching for his tablet. Jason sighed. “Because she’s got Pit streaks.” The room went still.
“White streaks in her hair and green eyes,” Jason added. “Not normal green—Lazarus green. I see it every day in the mirror.” Barbara’s voice was measured through the comms. “You’re sure? Because that’s not something to assume lightly.” Jason shot a look upward. “Trust me, I’m sure. The streaks, the eyes—it’s the same. But she’s just a kid. Hasn’t done anything suspicious.” “She exists with Lazarus Pit signs,” Damian said sharply. “That’s suspicious enough.”
Cass tilted her head, her gaze on Jason, and simply said, “Not dangerous?” “Not yet,” Jason admitted. “And maybe never. Look, she aced her scholarship test for Gotham Academy, so she’s not just some street punk. She’s got brains. But yeah, I’m telling you because I don’t think it’s nothing.” Duke frowned, leaning forward. “Gotham Academy? That’s not exactly close to Crime Alley territory.” “Bruce gives scholarships to kids from rough neighborhoods,” Barbara said over the comms. “It’s part of the Martha Wayne fund,” Jason said. “Results aren’t out yet, but she seemed confident. Gordon convinced her to apply for the Martha Wayne scholarship.”
Barbara’s voice shifted slightly. “Wait—Gordon? As in my dad?” Jason nodded, wincing. “Yeah. He’s been checking in on her. It’s not something she brought up like it’s a big deal. More like... normal.” Barbara said through the comms. “If Dad’s involved, this is serious. He doesn’t get personally involved without a good reason.” Tim’s fingers were already flying over his tablet. “What’s her name?” Jason hesitated, glancing at Bruce. “Do we need to go there already?”
Bruce’s voice was calm but firm. “We need to know what we’re dealing with, Jason.” Jason sighed. “Penny Parker,” Tim repeated the name under his breath as he typed it in. Jason’s jaw tightened. “Are you serious right now? You’re already digging into her life?” Tim didn’t look up. “If she’s tied to the Lazarus Pit, we need information immediately.” “She’s just a kid,” Jason growled. “Not some case for you to crack.” “She’s a potential risk,” Damian interjected, his tone sharp.
“Enough,” Bruce said, his voice cutting through the tension. “Tim, gather information but don’t overstep. Jason, you were right to bring this to us. But we’ll handle this as a team—carefully.” Cass dropped down from her perch, her quiet voice breaking through. “We help her?” “If we can,” Bruce replied. Duke spoke up, his tone thoughtful. “Jason, how did she end up working for you?” “She came in looking for work,” Jason said. “Needed money and Sarah gave her a shot. Today was her first day at work.” Dick leaned against a nearby console, his expression curious. “And she’s aiming for Gotham Academy? That’s impressive.
Not many from Crime Alley even consider it.” “Yeah,” Jason said. “She’s got potential. I don’t want her dragged into anything because of her hair and eyes.” Steph chimed in, her tone light but serious. “If she’s got that kind of drive, maybe we should be thinking about how to help her, not just what’s suspicious.” Cass nodded in agreement. “She’s trying.”
Tim hesitated for a moment, looking up from his screen. “Alright. I’ll keep it minimal—for now.” Jason muttered under his breath. “Unbelievable.” Dick patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, Jay. We’ll figure this out—and keep her safe.” The group gradually returned to their tasks. “Now,” Steph said brightly, “can we go back to pretending we’re a functional family for like, five minutes?” Duke chuckled. “Define functional,” Jason smirked. “Pretty sure that ship sailed the day Bruce put on a cape.” “Hey,” Dick protested, grinning. “We’re a little dysfunctional, sure, but it works.” As the banter picked up again, Jason felt a flicker of relief. The family had his back—no matter how messy things got.
Tim leaned back in his chair, his fingers moving swiftly over the keyboard. The Batcomputer’s glow cast sharp shadows on his face as files and records zipped past the screen. Barbara’s voice came through the comms, steady but curious.
“Found her,” Barbara announced. “Penny Parker. Parents: Mary and Richard Parker. Both deceased.”
Tim paused, glancing at her avatar on the screen. “How?”
“Plane crash,” Barbara said quietly. “She was only a kid—5 years old. After that, custody went to her uncle, Ben Parker, and his wife, May Parker.”
Barbara hesitated, her tone shifting. “Wait a second…” There was the sound of rapid typing on her end. “No way. Tim, you’re not going to believe this.”
“What?”
“Ben Parker,” she said, her voice tinged with surprise. “He was in the same police academy class as my dad.”
Tim sat up straight, his eyes narrowing. “You’re sure?”
“Positive,” Barbara replied, pulling up an old photo on her screen. “Here it is: a class photo from the Gotham Police Academy. Ben Parker is right there, next to my dad.”
Tim leaned closer to his screen as Barbara sent the image over. There they were—Jim Gordon, looking as sharp and determined as ever, standing beside a tall man with kind eyes and a warm smile.
“Huh,” Tim muttered. “Small world.”
Barbara continued, her tone thoughtful. “Dad never mentioned him. But he didn’t stay a cop for long moved to New York after graduating.”
“Why?” Tim asked, his curiosity piqued.
Barbara pulled up more records. “Looks like he wanted to be closer to family. Took on odd jobs to support his nephew and, eventually….”
Tim’s brows furrowed as he digested the information. “And what happened to him?”
Barbara sighed. “He was shot in a robbery gone wrong when Penny was thirteen.”
Tim’s stomach sank. “Shot? He was a cop—didn’t he have any way to defend himself?”
“He wasn’t on duty,” Barbara explained. “From what I can tell, he retired from law enforcement years before it happened.”
Tim shook his head, staring at the screen. “That’s rough. And after that?”
“She was left with May Parker,” Barbara said softly. “But it didn’t last long. May Parker died 2 years later during the collapse of their apartment building. Penny was trapped under the rubble with her.”
Tim exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “And She survived?”
“She did,” Barbara said softly. “But May Parker didn’t. She died slowly, trapped in the wreckage with Penny. And Penny was stuck there with her aunt’s body for three hours before rescue teams got her out.”
Tim’s shoulders slumped. “That’s… a lot for one person.”
“It gets worse,” Barbara said grimly. “After May’s death, there were no other living relatives. Penny ended up in the foster system—Child Protective Services.”
Tim frowned, the wheels in his mind turning. “How long was she in the system?”
“A year,” Barbara replied. “At sixteen, she applied for emancipation and got it. After that, she’s been on her own.”
Tim leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. “She’s been through hell. No wonder she’s so closed off.”
Barbara’s voice softened. “There’s something resilient about her. Surviving all that and still pushing forward? That’s impressive.”
Tim’s fingers hovered over the keyboard. “I feel like there’s more to the story. We should dig deeper, find out why she left New York and hasn’t been in school for a year.”
Before Barbara could respond, a familiar voice cut through the comms.
“Don’t even think about it,” Dick said, stepping into the Batcave with a casual smirk.
Tim turned in his chair, raising an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Dick said, crossing his arms. “Going full detective mode on a kid who’s just trying to live her life? Not cool.”
Tim frowned. “We need to know what we’re dealing with, Dick. If she’s tied to the Lazarus Pit—”
Dick held up a hand, cutting him off. “She’s been through enough. Do you think digging into her past is going to help? Or do you just want to satisfy your curiosity?”
“It’s not just curiosity,” Tim argued. “If there’s something dangerous—”
“She’s a kid, Tim,” Dick said firmly. “She doesn’t need us prying into every corner of her life. Jason’s already going to blow a gasket when he finds out you’re even considering this.”
Tim leaned back, crossing his arms. “Jason’s too close to this. He’s not thinking objectively.”
“And you are?” Dick shot back, his tone sharp but teasing. “Come on, man. You know how Jay gets when he’s protective of someone. You don’t want to be on the receiving end of that.”
Tim sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m just trying to make sure she’s safe.”
“We all are,” Dick said, his voice softening. “But we don’t need to push her away in the process. Let her come to us if she needs help.”
Barbara chimed in, her voice light but pointed. “Dick’s got a point, Tim. Sometimes the best way to help someone is to give them space.”
Tim hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. “Fine. I’ll back off. For now.”
“Good,” Dick said with a grin, clapping Tim on the shoulder. “Now, let’s get back to pretending we’re a normal family for once.”