Hey, guys. So, this chapter is a little less than satisfying, but I'm hoping it's not awful!

Ok, so, Alex, before we go on . . . I realize I have forgotten to put a disclaimer in the last couple of chapters, so, just so no one reports me for anything . . . would you mind?

ALEX: Pressprincess does not own anything ever Published/Trademarked by the genus minds at DC: COMICS. Enjoy, and please review.


Chapter: 6

Strength

A Bat symbol; a cape; a set of long, pointed ears, atop a scowling cowl: this described the Dark Knight, the Caped Crusader: Batman. A true hero, who would sacrifice even himself for the sake of his Mission. At times, his mortality was questioned. But in that moment, the world realized just how mortal he really was.

Nightwing stood before the tall statue, which the team had saved from the ruins of the Hall of Justice, looking up at the forever scowling face of his Mentor; his hero; his father. The feeling of guilt that had hung over him since that moment, was now mixed with a fierce longing, and anger.

Longing to fight beside the Bat one last time, and hear the gruff voice scold him for some seemingly minor mistake. And anger at the monster who had taking the life of such an incredible hero.

"You've been down here for a while."

Nightwing sighed, "Guess I just needed some time to think."

Raven stepped up beside him, also looking up at the statue. "It's sad that we can't display this where it belongs," she said, solemnly. "All of these" - she gestured to the many fallen heroes - "should be out in the open."

"For the time being, that's not our call."

Raven set a hand on Nightwing's shoulder, "Dick, we can do this," she encouraged. "We've saved the world before. I know we can -"

"Every time we saved the world, we've been against villains," Nightwing said, taking a few steps away. "And we've never been faced with a decision like this. Raven . . . you know as well as I do, that the only way to take them down, is to kill them, and I . . . I don't think I can do that. It goes against everything I was taught; everything I believe in."

"You won't have to," Raven insisted. "The kids will succeed."

Nightwing pressed his lips together in a tight line, squeezing his eyes shut. "If we don't get to them in time . . . they won't."

The sound of someone clearing their throat, made the two turn around.

"Flash says he is ready for us now," Starfire announced.

Taking a deep breath, Nightwing nodded.

If things went well, the kids would be home safe and sound, and the world would be free of it's dictators.


Alex watched his sister as she slept soundly on the stark white bed. Her uneven breath, and pail complexion worried him. He was exhausted, but too afraid to close his eyes - what if something happened?

"She'll be fine."

Alex looked up and across the bed at Damian. "Are you trying to reassure me, or yourself?"

Smirking, Damian responded with a simple shrugged.

Rolling his eyes, Alex looked back down at Violet. He knew Damian would never admit to actually feeling a strong emotion. Some times, he was too much like Bruce.

"Maybe you should get some sleep," the youngest Wayne suggested. "I'll stay with her. Go lay down somewhere."

"I don't think -"

"Alex," Damian's tone was stern, "you need sleep. Go on."

Reluctantly, Alex sighed and stood from his chair. As he reached the door, he turned back to take one final look, before leaving the room.

The room was engulfed in silence, and Damian quickly took the opportunity to get a better look at the girl. Her long black curls were in dire need of a good wash a brushing, and there were splotches of dirt over her face. But no matter how grungy she was, she was still the most beautiful thing Damian had ever laid eyes on. Nothing could change that.

Reaching forward, he gently brushed a stray curl from her forehead, before sinking down in his chair. He tipped his head back against the back rest, stretching his legs out in front of him, and closed his eyes.

He was almost asleep, when there was a soft moan. Eyes snapping open, Damian sat up and leaned over the bed slightly.

"Vi'?"

The girl stirred, a pained groan escaping her lips. After a moment, her eyes fluttered open. She looked up questioningly at the boy.

"What happened?"

"You lost a lot of blood," Damian explained. "And you passed out. But you'll survive."

Violet forced a smile, "Fantastic," she said, with absolutely no enthusiasm.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, Damian," Violet muttered, turning her face away. "Never mind."

Slightly hurt, Damian set a hand on the girl's shoulder, "You know you can tell me anything, Violet," he told her softly.

"There's nothing to tell. Anyway, I'm hungry . . . would you find Raven or something and have some food brought in?"

After a short moment of silence, Damian sighed and stood from his chair. "Of course."

Violet waited until the door had slid shut, before quickly sitting up. She ripped the IV from her hand and quickly peeled the monitoring wires from her skin. Carefully, as to keep herself from getting dizzy, she slipped out of bed and onto the floor.

Now was her chance to carry out the mission. It was so obvious what she had to do, for the mission to be a success. She could do it alone. Maybe it did go against everything she had been taught, and maybe it would make her father hate her, but at least the world would be safe.

And really, wasn't that all that mattered in the end?


Ummm . . . yeah, a little less than satisfactory. But I was so stuck! Sorry it's not the best chapter. Anyway, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please REVIEW. I NEED to know what people think, or I won't have a reason to keep going :'(