Ok, you demanded it, so here it is; the next update! You guys have really inspired me to get these out fast. I was a little nervous about posting this, because I really wanted to get it right, but your responses have really kept me going. Thank you!!!

Disclaimer: see waaaay back in chapter 1 – if you haven't read that, why are you here?

A/N: Again, many thanks to my wonderful beta, Arlene! :Blows kisses: Thanks, chica; you're the best!

What are you waiting for? Go read the chapter already!

            The ride back to their secret base seemed to take an eternity, but in reality only fifteen minutes had passed by the time they barreled out of the elevator at the top of the building. Dr. Leslie Thompkins, who had aided Batman in the past and was a friend of both Barbara and Alfred, immediately whisked Barbara into the medbay where Alfred was waiting, and the door closed firmly behind her.

            With her mentor in capable hands, the Huntress fled, and Helena sank into a chair with a sigh. Lifting a trembling hand to her head, she stopped short as she realized it was stained with blood. Barbara's blood . . . Suddenly, tears were streaming down her face. A hand touched her shoulder briefly, and then Dinah was there, gently wiping her hands with a wet cloth and helping her out of the coat she wore, also stained with blood. The two women sat in silence for a long moment, waiting.
            "What if she doesn't make it?" Surprisingly, the question came from Helena, her tone conveying such stark fear that it tore at Dinah's heart, echoing the feelings already there.

            "She'll make it," she replied, trying to inject confidence into her voice and failing miserably. "Barbara's strong. She'll get through this."

            "But what if she can't?" Helena asked plaintively, the tears resuming. "I can't do this again, Dinah. I've already lost one mother to a thug with a knife, I can't lose another . . ." Dinah laid the cloth on the floor as Helena's voice failed. Wrapping her arms around her friend, she let her own tears come.

            It was an hour before the medbay doors opened again; Helena and Dinah had calmed slightly, and were sitting together, waiting. They both leapt to their feet as Dr. Thompkins approached. "Well? How is she?" Helena asked quickly.

            "I won't lie to you girls; it was a bad wound." Leslie spoke without preamble, her voice calm and serious. "Thankfully, it missed the heart and lungs, although there was considerable blood loss. The next few hours will be critical," she paused, and her face softened slightly, "but she's going to be fine."

            A wave of relief swept over Helena, almost staggering her; she hugged Dinah tightly, and then Leslie as well. "Thank you, Leslie," she said softly.

            "I was happy to help," the older woman replied. "I've left instructions and supplies with Alfred. He should be able to handle things from here. She should wake up sometime within the next twenty-four hours. If she doesn't, or if anything goes wrong, call me."

            Once she had departed, Helena and Dinah headed into the medbay. Alfred was standing by the bed when they entered, holding Barbara's hand and stroking her hair as he spoke softly to her. "She'll be all right, Alfred," Helena said softly as she approached, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Leslie said so."

            "Of course she will; Miss Barbara has always been a strong young woman," Alfred said quietly. Patting Barbara's hand, he turned to go, and Dinah could have sworn she saw tears lurking in the butler's eyes. "She is one of the three strongest women I have ever known," he continued, smiling at them. "I'll go and make some tea."

            The two girls settled into a comfortable silence as they shared the vigil by Barbara's bedside. For her own part, Helena was deep in thought, reliving memories of Barbara over the years they had been together. She was brought out of her reverie by an exclamation from Dinah. "What is it? What's wrong?" she asked. Checking her watch, she realized with a start that nearly the whole day had passed.

            "I think we should call Dr. Thompkins," Dinah said, her voice shaky. "Barbara still hasn't woken up, and it's been almost a whole day already."

            Helena leaned over Barbara, taking one hand in hers. "Barbara?" she called loudly. "Barbara, wake up! Come on, we've gotta go get the evil criminals!" There was no response. Helena tried shaking her friend, even slapping her, but nothing worked. A strong sense of dread filled her, and she looked up at Dinah to see the same dread in the other girl's eyes. "Get Leslie over here," she said firmly. "Now."

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:walks away, debating the merits of dark vs. milk chocolate for use in smores: