For the Victims
Paris Lights
128 lights have gone out. They will no longer shine in the dark or in people's hearts. They were someone's lover. They were someone's friends. They were someone's Mother, Father, brother, sister, daughter, and son. So many lights that were extinguished before their time, lights that should never have gone out.
Tim Drake-Wayne went around the family chapel lighting candles. He had been to Paris so many times. The first time he went was when he was 13. He was just starting out as Robin. He hadn't been there that long before he and his martial arts master was attacked. The second was when Batman and Nightwing took him to the city of lights to find a cure for the Clench and to stop the virus from being released on the unsuspecting masses. In the close quarters of a Paris street, that would be disastrous. The third time was when he searched for clues that Bruce was alive. He didn't find much, but what he did find, a piece of Bruce's utility belt, did lead him to that next clue.
"I'm glad to see that someone is doing that."
Tim was startled by the unexpected voice and almost dropped the lighter.
"I'm sorry little brother. I didn't mean to startle you."
"I still can't get over the fact that you're alive. I was getting used to the fact that you were dead."
"I'm sorry," Dick said. "You know Bruce insisted I stay dead to be able to go undercover."
"I can't see why he couldn't have told at least one of us. I can keep a secret."
"I know. I've missed you, too," Dick said. "I can't stay long. They don't know I'm here."
"Have you seen Damian?" Tim asked.
"Not yet. I thought I would come here to see Bruce, but he's not here."
"He's changed Dick," Tim stated. "He doesn't know anyone except Alfred. He doesn't even live at the Manor any more. I came here to light these candles because . . . "
" . . . Because it's a tradition to honor those who are lost to extreme violence," Dick replied. "A tradition that Bruce and I started."
"Yes," Tim answered. It's a good tradition and someone needs to do it."
"I'm glad you're doing it Tim. Well, I should go."
"Will you be back?"
"Always Timmy," Dick replied. "Will you don one more favor for me?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Light a candle for me."
"You got it big brother," Tim replied. He then pulled out one more candle and lit it. Not because that light was gone, but because that light was for a beacon to guide the other home.
End