Summary: Sacrifices are a necessary evil, every soldier worth their title know this. AU set after invasion features an emotional vulnerable Nightwing, heroes to concerned with their own grieve and a manipulative Deathstroke.
Disclaimer: don't own
-wow this got more feedback than I expected^^
-as for the characters, before you cry OOCness:
-Dick: he is emotional hurting, the personal loose and that the others, people he respects and admires paint him as a monster, is very hurtful. So Slade's explanation of the others behaviour as well as pride are like a glass of liquid for a man near dehydration, at this point you just don't care anymore if it water or poison
-Wally: Dick acts as if everything is fine outwards while he is grieving, wanting to make the seemingly heartless person suffer is human, no bashing intended
-Slade: well the man knows an opportunity when he sees one
Inhale 'weak', exhale 'civilian' , it was like with every breath he took Slade said those words again to him.
'Weak civilians'
He walked down the halls of the tower with a new self-confidence, he had saved the world hadn't he?
'Weak civilians'
Ignoring the dark looks or pointed show of looking away from him he continued on his path.
'Weak civilians'
Yes his methods might have been crude, but didn't he fight everyday with the knowledge it might kill him?
'Weak civilians'
And it would be an honour to die during a fight, that was the only respectable way for a hero to die wasn't it?
'Weak civilians'
He respected his fallen friends for their sacrifice.
'Weak civilians'
Weren't the other heroes with their behaviour almost disrespectful to their sacrifices, their death?
'Weak civilians'
People he once thought equal to gods, those he put on pedestals, trying but never actually expecting to become like them.
'Weak civilians'
With every breath he took those pedestals seemed to crumble...
'Weak civilians'
Yes, they were weak civilians, nothing more, nothing special...
'Weak civilians'
But as Slade said, they were just civilians, they didn't understand.
'Weak civilians'
He couldn't blame them for their ignorance either could he?
'Weak civilians'
If stupidity would be considered a crime, they wouldn't have enough prison cells. The thought brought an entertained smile to his lips, the look of disgust on Wally's face was simply ignored
'Weak civilians'
A hero shouldn't judge the behaviour of others if it didn't break a law.
'Weak civilians'
Strange how he seemed to be the only one to actually follow those rules...
'Weak civilians'
They let their emotions cloud their integrity as heroes didn't they?
'Weak civilians'
Yet he couldn't blame them for their weakness, what else could one expect from a bunch of civilians?
'Weak civilians'
They didn't have the spine to fight in a real battle.
'Weak civilians'
No as angry and hurt as he was, he wasn't one to let his emotions rule him, he wasn't so weak.
'Weak civilians'
Weakness was a civilian trait...
'Weak civilians'
So he simply smiled a small polite smile and hold his head high, clam self-confidence radiating from him like light from the sun.
'Weak civilians'
Disgusting.
If you asked Wally West to describe his former best friend in one word it would be the disgusting. Their friends were killed because of Nightwing and what did the man do? Smile like everything was alright in the world, as if it wasn't his fault that they were death...
Revolting.
How could Dick be so heartless, when had his friend become such a monster?
Slade smiled down at the younger male. It had been a week since his last visit and things were already changing. Previously Dick had seemed like a beaten dog, suffering through its owners actions with a smile, no matter what was done to him. Now he walked with a new self-awareness, reminding him of himself when he had been new in the army, when he life gained for the first time a purpose.
"I don't tolerate murderers in my city", stated the hero, ready to start a fight.
One week ago you wouldn't have struggled, would have welcomed death by my hand boy, he thought slightly amused. The new blood was always over-confident. It took a few beating to humble them, it had taken a few beatings to humble him...
"I am actually looking for a place to rest and Buldhaven does have his charms", he replied smoothly, "being a wanted man would be slightly contra productive so I would like to offer you a truce."
"A truce", repeated the hero, sounding more than a little wary, intelligent boy. "Tell my why should I agree to such a thing?"
Asked the boy wo gave everything for justice without a second thought, good he was gaining a sense of self-worth.
"Were do you train?" Slade asked, even though he already knew the answer.
Something dark flashed across the younger man's face, yes it couldn't be relaxing to train in an environment were most people hated you...
Instead of waiting for an answer he continued, "I have high standards for my personal training and with our truce in place you would be more than welcome to train there, too" , train with me, learn from me and a big sleeping-room for you will be there, too.
"It would be useful to learn more of your fighting style", Dick agreed slowly, making it sound as if it had been his own idea.