On the way home, Baia clung tightly to Tim, clearly feeling uneasy. Even though being kidnapped by criminals is a terrifying experience, at least it's in a familiar world where someone will come to rescue her. However, the loneliness of being abandoned in another dimension is unimaginable. Reflecting on Iron Man Tony Stark's resilience, Tim couldn't help but feel the weight of Baia's distress.
Tim had returned to Gotham earlier than expected. With Baia nestled beside him, he worked on his laptop, handling various matters. Even though Barbara was around, some case details still required his attention.
Baia hadn't brought much with her. She was still attending school in Metropolis and couldn't stay in Gotham permanently this semester. She contemplated whether to take a day off next Monday, but with a rehearsal and performance scheduled with Jasmine and the others from the drama club, she decided against it.
As the car crossed the bridge, the system beeped again.
[Side Mission] The Vampire Queen Assist other members of the Bat Family in capturing the Man-Bat, Francine Langstrom. Reward: 10 Skill Points.
"I'm exhausted, can't I get a break? I just got back to Gotham," Baia complained wearily.
System: Batman and the Robins don't get vacations either.
Thinking about it, Baia had to agree. She sighed, realizing her schedule in Gotham was going to be tight. Usually, she would banter with the system, but now she didn't feel like talking to it.
Despite the system sometimes being annoying, it had been very helpful in the matter with the angels. According to it, the "Doctor" it found was the one who provided assistance, not to mention it also offered information about the angels. However, Baia recently felt discontent towards the system; it had kept too many secrets from her, making her feel overly passive.
She was really frustrated.
The system seemed to pick up on her feelings: You didn't care about these things before, did you?
Baia asked, "Did I?"
Of course, the system replied. You never asked what I am, where I come from, or what my purpose is. Haven't you always been avoiding these questions? ...Perhaps, until last month? Otherwise, why wouldn't you open that box?
Baia puffed her cheeks, "You always have an answer."
Back at Wayne Manor, Alfred stood at the door to welcome them. Baia, no longer looking so troubled, ran over to Alfred, hugging him and acting playful.
At least in this tangled mess, there was one thing that made her happy.
Use Reward [Stolen Ten Years], Target: Alfred Pennyworth.
Years had left many marks on Alfred. He had been there since Bruce was just a baby, watching his young master struggle and fight in Gotham's darkness. He had witnessed so much growth and loss—Dick, Jason, Tim, Damian...
He was the guardian of this manor, though without superpowers or being one of Gotham's caped crusaders, he had a magical ability to keep everyone in the family united.
For Baia, sometimes she couldn't rely on Bruce or Tim to be attentive, and Dick wouldn't always be in Gotham. It was this gentle, warm-hearted old man who took care of her, looked after her, and prepared everything for her.
Alfred's aging was visible to the naked eye. He often lamented that his physical and mental strength were no longer what they used to be, unable to shield the kids from storms as he once did.
She gave the ten years stolen from the angel to Alfred.
"Oh," Alfred's transformation was immediate, though he thought it was a temporary boost. He looked at the young Swallow with warm eyes, "It seems Miss Baia has mastered a new magic."
Baia smiled bashfully, "Where's Bruce?"
System: When you're in trouble, it's 'Dad'; when you're not, it's 'Bruce'.
Baia: "Not exactly... It's still a bit awkward to call him that in front of him."
"Master Bruce is waiting for you and Master Timothy in the living room," Alfred replied.
Tim watched Baia act playful with Alfred. While he was happy they were close, he couldn't help feeling a bit of inexplicable disappointment. After all, he was the one who had saved her, yet he hadn't received a proper thank you. She had been listless all the way, just curled up next to him, looking pitiful.
Even a bit of affection would be nice.
Despite the trouble they had caused in New York, Bruce was unaware. Although Baia had left a message in the Batcave, and Tim had used many resources to search for her, this timeline had already been erased.
As Baia and Tim walked towards the mansion, they were greeted by Ace and the Great Detective. Ace ran towards them, wagging his tail furiously and barking excitedly, almost knocking Tim over. It seemed like they had been separated for ages, even though it had only been a day. The Great Detective, more reserved, walked gracefully from the house and rubbed against Baia's leg, marking her with his scent.
"You've gained a lot of weight," Baia said as she struggled to lift the Great Detective, who she guessed weighed about sixteen or seventeen pounds. The big cat meowed in displeasure, seemingly annoyed by the comment.
Since being kidnapped by Talia, Baia hadn't returned to the manor. She considered taking the Great Detective with her to Metropolis, thinking it might be good company. However, living in a skyscraper wouldn't be convenient for a cat that likes to roam outdoors.
Thinking of Talia made Baia worry again. Talia was a determined woman, and this matter was far from over.
"Are you thinking of taking the Great Detective?" Tim noticed Baia's thoughts.
Baia thought for a moment. "Forget it, he might not like Metropolis." Besides, there was already a horse at home now.
Seeing Bruce after a long time, Baia immediately noticed how thin he had become. She quickly adorned the tired-looking Bruce, who hadn't stopped patrolling even after her disappearance, with Goldfinch and Moon Dew, feeling that it brightened his complexion a bit.
"We're back!" Baia called out, peeking into the living room.
Putting down the reports he was reading, Bruce smiled, "It's good to have you back. How's school?"
There was a hint of parental concern in his question. Bruce had been worried about Baia. He had missed a lot while battling the Court of Owls in Gotham's underground. Thankfully, the Robins had done well during his absence, with Dick standing in and Jason helping a lot.
His biggest worry, however, was the only girl in the family.
But, in truth, Bruce trusted Tim and Baia the most. They were the most well-behaved of the children, unlike Damian, who constantly raised his blood pressure.
Baia lightly discussed her school life, deliberately avoiding any mention of being bullied. She also talked about Tony, which Bruce was already quite aware of, even more so than Tim. Finally, she recounted the situation with the angels.
With Tim's help, they pieced together the entire story. Despite Baia's assurances that everything had been thrilling but ultimately safe, Bruce still frowned deeply.
Taking back his earlier thoughts, Bruce realized there wasn't a single worry-free child. He sighed inwardly, casting a disapproving glance at Tim.
Tim stared at the ceiling, pretending not to notice.
After Bruce finished his questioning, Baia asked him about the incident where he fell from Wayne Tower. Bruce thought for a moment, deciding it was necessary for Baia to know about the Court of Owls, as it would make Gotham even more dangerous for her.
"The Court of Owls is a secret society formed by Gotham's elite to control the city from the shadows... I once thought it was just a myth."
No wonder Bruce was in such poor condition.
Tim added, "Now you see why we didn't want you to come back?"
"If the Talons can be stopped with cold temperatures, should we contact Mr. Freeze?" Baia suggested.
Bruce petted Ace's back, "We've already contacted him. The Court stole Mr. Freeze's cryogenic technology, including the means to manufacture the freezing equipment. Since Nora woke up, he's changed a lot. You should visit Nora when you have time; she really wants to meet her savior."
Baia knew Nora's story. She had met Mr. Freeze in college, and they both studied cryogenics.
Rather than a "savior," it was more accurate to call them "saviors." Without those famous doctors and experts, Baia could never have saved Nora.
Thinking of this, Baia decided she needed to go out in the afternoon.
Bruce still had other matters to attend to. He wished he could spend more time with Baia, but maybe after dealing with the Court of Owls, he would have more free time. The tall man stood up and patted Baia on the head. "You did very well."
Though it was a simple compliment, it was rare coming from him. However, his patting technique was more like how he petted Ace.
Bruce probably went down to the Batcave to organize information on the Weeping Angels. Baia told Tim she needed to go out in the afternoon. The boy moved closer, his blue eyes focused intently on her. "Do you want me to come with you?"
Baia froze.
"No... no need," the girl stammered, her gaze darting everywhere except to meet Tim's eyes. "I'll go by myself."
"Alright." Tim sounded somewhat disappointed, though Baia couldn't quite understand why.
Using the excuse of packing her things, Baia hurried back to her room. Once she closed the door, she leaned against it, her mind in turmoil.
System: Your heart is racing, you know?
Baia felt her face burning. "It's all Tim's fault!"
System: But he didn't do anything!
Baia: "I know he didn't do anything!"
The girl rolled around on her bed for a while, trying to calm herself. Eventually, she took a shower to wash away the grime from her trip back from New York, got dressed again, and prepared to head out.
Before leaving, she peeked upstairs. Seeing no sign of Tim, she hummed a tune as she made her way down.
Damian wasn't home during the day. He had gone to hang out with Jon, conveniently missing Baia.
Mrs. Berlantree and Professor Green's house.
On her way, Baia bought some gifts to bring along. Professor Green quickly answered the door. It had been about two months since they had last seen each other, right before Christmas.
"What brings you here today?" The silver-haired Professor Green smiled, pouring Baia a glass of orange juice.
"I'm attending school in Metropolis now, so I can only come home on weekends." Baia observed him, sensing that he didn't seem as lively as before. She also noticed that Mrs. Berlantree hadn't appeared yet.
Professor Green shook his head, explaining that Mrs. Berlantree no longer recognized people. Apart from him and their granddaughter Jenny, she had forgotten everyone else.
Baia's eyes sparkled. "I brought a gift for Mrs. Berlantree."
"Did you?" Professor Green opened the study door and wheeled out a quiet Mrs. Berlantree. The literature professor still had an air of elegance and grace, but her eyes were filled with confusion.
"My little bird," Professor Green leaned down, "look who's here."
Mrs. Berlantree often described Professor Green as a disheveled, unkempt old man too absorbed in his work to take care of himself. Yet, he had been taking excellent care of her. Mrs. Berlantree smiled gently. "I don't recognize her. Is she your friend?"
Baia stood up and ran over to kiss her hair.
The other ten years stolen by the angel found their new home.
"Wait, I feel—" Mrs. Berlantree's speech quickened. She rubbed her eyes, then paused and slowly recognized the person in front of her. "Baia?"
"Do you remember?" Professor Green said in disbelief.
"It feels like I've gone back ten years... this is unbelievable." Mrs. Berlantree stood up from her wheelchair and looked around.
Professor Green, his eyes brimming with tears, hugged her tightly.
In that moment, Baia felt a bit out of place. The Green couple likely had much to say to each other, so Baia took her leave, departing from Professor Green's house.
This kind couple had been kind to her, and Mrs. Berlantree's illness had always weighed on her mind. Now, she had finally resolved that worry.