A/N: I thought I'd write this in response to what happened here in Oregon, but also this takes place right before Dick reveals to his fellow bat clan that he's alive.

A Single Candle of Hope

By

AJ

Damian walked into the chapel. It was dark except for a single candle. All he could see was a dark figure against the glow.

"Drake is that you?"

The person sat up and pressed a contact to their eye then melted into the shadows.

"Who are you?" Damian demanded. "I know you're in here."

"I'm not going to hurt you." Agent 37 modulated his voice.

"I demand to know who you are! This is private property!"

"Can't a stranger come in out of the rain and light a candle?"

"Why?"

"I understand you lost someone a year ago."

"You don't know anything!"

"Come now, Damian. Being angry doesn't suit you any more."

"How do you know my name and why are you here?"

"Like I said, I came to light a candle."

Damian looked over at the candle sitting in the rack. "No one lights candles any more. They're a waste of time. Everyone still dies!"

"Not everyone," Agent 37 stated quietly.

"I only came here because someone called about a prowler."

"Why is the house empty?"

"No one lives here any more. My Father doesn't remember who I am. Drake has moved into an apartment. And Jason is doing his own thing. I'm on my own."

"What about Alfred?"

"You know about Alfred?"

"I am aware of this family," Agent 37 said evasively.

"He's with my father," Damian said quietly. "Everything's changed. Why did you light that candle?"

"Because I couldn't be here to stop a massacre, and there were too many losses."

"Who are you?" Damian once again asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Agent 37 kept his back toward his brother. He felt sad at having to deceive him like this. There will come a time to reveal himself but not tonight. There were others he had to visit with first. "A shadow, nothing more. Oh, one more thing, lighting candles isn't a waste of time. It represents hope."

"Hope?" Damian scoffed.

"Don't you believe in miracles?"

"I had a brother who did, he's gone."

Agent 37 gave a slight smile even though his little brother couldn't see it. "Don't let go of hope and miracles. Maybe you'll receive one." Agent 37 drifted into the shadows once more, leaping up to the open window where he had climbed in. He waited there for just one more moment.

"We'll see," Damian said. "The only miracle I want is my brother back."

Agent 37 nodded before exiting the Manor's private chapel. 'You'll get it little brother. Though the miracle that I want may not happen. Like you said, we'll see.'

End