A/N: A guest wondered why I hadn't written a story in response to what happened in Boston. That person however wrote something, lets just say less than flattering. So, in response to that person I did write a story, a far different one then they probably expected. Once again, I DO NOT ASK for reviews. If you choose to respond that is up to you.
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A Single Candle For All Who Serve
By
AJ
"Lighting another one I see," Bruce mentioned as he saw Dick standing by the rack of candles that they started a long time ago. "Who is it for this time? I'm sorry I wasn't here when it happened."
"That's okay, Bruce. I know you had to be away," Dick replied. "Actually, this isn't for what you think."
"I don't understand, didn't someone . . ."
"Yeah, three actually, but it's not for them. There are just too many people out there dying. When you think about the numbers of people across the globe, the numbers are staggering. There just aren't enough candles in the world to light for everyone who is lost."
"I am still a little confused," Bruce said.
"This isn't for the victims,' Dick stated.
"Then who is it for?"
"It's for those who saved lives. I thought they needed to be honored."
Bruce thought for a moment on Dick's words and realized his son was right. Too many times a candle was lit for those who died, either from accidents, from murders, from disease, from natural disasters, and from terrorists bent on making a name for them-selves. So much death, but very few were lit for those who survived, for those who helped, for those every day heroes who risked their lives to save loved ones and total strangers.
Bruce was reminded of something his parents had taught him when he was a boy. It was an affirmation of hope, one that he had forgotten, and now Dick in his wisdom reminded him.
The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others. The taking of a life does no one honor. Do no harm.
In the oath that Batman and Robin shared, there was a hidden oath not spoken, but yet both followed it as surely as the words they had spoken out loud. "PROTECT."
There were many times out of the corner of his eye while Batman was fighting a criminal, Robin was protecting the would be victim, either taking that person to safety or trying to protect them with his own body. "Protect and Serve" are part of the words that a police officer says as part of his oath.
Looking at that candle that Dick just lit, Bruce could not help but be proud of his son. There was a light within him a flame that shown just as brightly as that candle.
'May his light never go out and may that light give hope to others.'