Eternal Flame Chapter 4 by Marcie Gore and Lee Hughes After Christina's "death" Dick and Jean Paul both begin to unravel. DISCLAIMER I DON'T own any of the Bat-family except Christina Williams AKA Pegasus. IF I did I would treat them better than DC does sometime or maybe I wouldn't. :} The song Hazard belongs to Richard Marx. It's from his Rush Street album. Eternal Flame is by the Bangles from their album" Everything." Thanks to my friends in the 80s Yahoo group for there help tracking down the Lyrics.

Seeing the anger and unreasoning fury in his sons eyes, Bruce laid a restraining arm across him. To the observers it appeared a comforting hug, but Dick could tell what it was and the knowledge infuriated him all the more.

"You!" the words erupted from Dicks throat with a feral scream as he launched himself out of his fathers restraining embrace at the avenging angel again, hitting him with a flurry of punches. He found himself being pulled off of his victim and restrained by 4 police officers.

"Mr. Wayne, We understand that your son is deeply upset but if he cannot control himself he will find himself in trouble with the law, Please take him away from here, please."

Keeping tight control of the distraught young man the four police officers stood up and virtually dragged Dick away from their prone witness towards his father.
Looking at his face Bruce could tell his son was beyond caring but it wasn't until he caught his eyes that he understood the depths of his desolation. Gone was the spark of life from his eyes, gone was his heart, and gone was his soul.

Knowing what he would have to do Bruce took a deep breath as he hugged his son tight, feeling the tension and the raw anger vibrating through his son's body. Bruce whispered in his ear his voice hoarse.

"Dick lets get back to the manor and leave the police to do their job, please son lets go."

Knowing his words where falling on deaf ears as Dick glared daggers at his foe, Bruce did as he always did what had to done, and slipped into his bat persona.

"Richard back to the manor, NOW!"

Hearing the voice that he was so used to obeying took the anger from the young hero and allowed his grief to rule his body. As he collapsed into a heap on the floor he felt two strong arms that had held him through so many other nightmares encircle his body and lift him from the floor.

Leaving Dick under Alfred's watchful gaze, Bruce returned to his guests with a heavy heart. Finding it hard to admit and confront his emotions he unconsciously fell back into his Bat persona, his voice void of all emotion his body under the strictest control. Entering the room he assessed his opponents rather than viewed his friends and let lose the dreadful burden he carried.

"I have bad news, Christina's body has been found at the site of a automobile accident. She was dead before the emergency teams could get there. Richard is distraught and now sedated upstairs. Please leave!"

Ignoring the shocked faces of the friends and family that where gathered around in the dinning room Bruce strode the room and sought solitude to confront his own raging emotions.

A few hours later, Tim entered the cave gingerly after hearing what had happened when Bruce had tried to reason with him earlier that day. Deciding to take a light approach he walked over to his brother. Seeing Dick like this was killing him, killing them all, He was the heart of the bat family the one who shared his emotions and showed the rest how to feel and be human, this new cold dick was like watching the Bat multiplied by ten, no emotion no rest no mercy. "Hey Bro want to take a break and grab a little food and maybe some shut eye?" "I'm working if you can't handle that then maybe I was wrong in thinking you where cut out for this line of work!"

"I'm only trying to do what's best for you " "What's best for me, WHATS BEST FOR ME! "? I am not important only her crusade is important only finding her is important!"

"Dick I know you miss her, we all miss her but you have to accept she's gone bro, she's dead." The resounding echo of the punch sounded like a gunshot as dick lashed out at his friend, "DON'T YOU EVER SAY THAT AGIAN, GET OUT! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT, Dick shouts so loudly it seems to scare the bat population.

Tim reluctantly does as he's told. Leaving by the secret back entrance. After the boy leaves Dick, dressed as Nightwing climbs on his motorcycle and heads to Ossaville to talk to an "old friend" Finally Dick drives up to foreboding castle Jean Paul Valley calls home. It's bigger than he remembered; still he'll search every inch of it for any sign of his beloved Christina. If the madman has her he'll bring her home and the assassin, will be punished! Not surprisingly, the main door is locked. This however is not a real obstacle for Nightwing. He unlocks it in seconds with his lock pick kit. He still has to use everything Bruce and his own experiences have taught him about dodging even the most elaborate security systems to get past Valley's. .

Once inside he begins his search. He searches through drawers and closets in several rooms. He finds nothing until he searches some drawers in a hallway. There is a pair of her socks. They used to be white but now they're dotted with blood.
Suddenly he notices a trail of blood. He follows it to what appears to be Jean Paul's bedroom. He's extremely hesitant to consider whose blood it might be and how it gets there. The detective in him knows he needs to collect samples. He has to find out what really happened to the woman he loves. It's looking less and less like a standard car crash. The first thing he sees is what can only be called a shrine to Christina Michelle Williams. The pictures are from magazines or Polaroids. Some he recognizes some are unfamiliar to him. In all the photos he was in Dick is cut or either completely or just HIS head. Candles and flowers surround the pictures. Next to the candles is what appears to be Christina's engagement ring, The sight of the ring that meant so much to both of them causes Dick to shake as tears run down his face. She wouldn't have given it up without a fight. Around the candle in the middle is a cross he gave her with both of their birthstones and the stone representing their February wedding date. She wouldn't have voluntary surrendered the necklace either. He turns on his night vision lens to search the rest of the room. The scene only gets worse the further he goes into the room. There's what appears to be blood on the sheets. He decides to cut off a small sample for analyse. Almost on instinct Dick looks under a pillow where he finds a woman's sleep shirt also with what appears to be blood. He's seen a gown like it at Christina's house. He cuts a small sample from it too and places both samples in a bag. Before leaving it for the police he checks to see if the blood or whatever it is fresh. He smells the gown for a moment; despite the blood it still smells like her, her sweet Vanilla cologne. He wants to cry again but he has things he needs to do to bring her home or failing that get justice for the love of his life. Dick can't help but ponder the oddest thing about the scene, which is despite the signs of horrific struggle; the cross was not tainted with blood like most of the other things he 'd found. The gold was still as beautiful and shiny as when he gave it to her on their first anniversary of dating. It was almost like a sign for above that that their love would last forever, that in some way she lives on. Suddenly Dick notices soft footsteps behind him. His heart is pounding in his chest as he turns around to see who it is. He assumes a defensive posture ready to protect him from whoever is behind him. If it's who he thinks it is he'll do more than defend himself

It's Bruce, or to be more precise Batman. Standing behind him with something in his hand. It appears to be letters. They have to be related to her disappearance. He wouldn't go all this way just gives him mail. " I found these in the room Christina used at the Manor. They may help you find some answers. I've though about what we saw at the accident site since I brought you home. When Tim told me you left the house, I had a strong feeling where you went. I would've though you were over reacting if I hadn't read these letters first. They seem to point to someone we both know having caused this tragedy. If you chose to confront him when he comes in, which I'm sure you will, you have evidence now. "I have other evidence too." Dick shows him the samples also the clothing and Jewellery. As you see the cloth has what appears to be blood. We have both Christina's and Jean Paul's DNA patterns on file, along with their blood types and medical histories," Dick reminds his mentor. "Of course you know son, if we involve the police they will need to keep her ring and necklace as evidence for a while. I can use my influence to make sure it's for as short a time as possible. "I will do whatever it takes to make sure justice is served for her. If I have to bring down a member of our family to do it I will." Dick shouts.
" I haven't though of him as a member of our family for a long time Dick"
The door opens and Jean Paul says, " So, the truth comes out at last. I always knew deep down in my soul I was expendable. You only sent me after the monster called Bane to spare the life of your true son and heir Richard Grayson. To think it was him who felt slighted, when the boy was the only one you really cared for, not I." The Frenchman's up upper body has bandages interspaced from his hands to his forehead. None of his injuries seem to be too severe, just small, burns and minor abrasions. "You have some questions to answer Azreal," Dick snares " I had nothing to do with Christina's car accident. I don't remember how I got outside in the snow much less near the burning car, Jean Paul pleads with his comrades to believe him. "If you are innocent how do you explain these? Dick," asks angrily He shows Jean Paul all of the evidence they've collected one piece at a time. First he shows him the cross, then the ring on the shrine. JP's facial expression doesn't change. Then Dick brings out the bloody gown, socks, and then leads him to his own bed. When he sees the bloody Cloths and sheets his expression changes to one of horror. He seems to be on the verge of tears. He asks, "Do you know whose blood is on them my friend?"
"As if you didn't know, it's hers," Dick shouts. He seems to have supreme confidence that the untested substance is blood, Christina's maybe even Jean Paul's. His would have to be there if she fought the way Dick knows his love was capable of. Not was, she's still alive I don't care what the evidence says. I still feel her near me, Dick thinks to himself.

"Recognize these," Dick asks as he shoves the pile of letters under his nose. "Shall I read you some and refresh your memory?" " My dearest Christina," Nightwing reads, "I can't stop thinking about you since that night on the rooftop. You looked so lovely even with your face covered by a mask. You are beautiful in every way nothing can hide your real beauty. Come away with me, my love to a place where we will no longer need masks. He is not good enough for you. He is not a true warrior, but a mere shadow of his mentor. You need a man who is your equal in every way."
"How about I read some more?"

"My darling, I must be with you soon, or I will die. Our souls were made to together to be one, for all time. I will do whatever it takes to make you mine. Our Time will come soon. "

"That jogs your Memory, My Friend? Maybe this will?

"I will kill for you. His Blood will sanctify our union. It will baptize us and purify our souls for the next life where we will be together for all eternity."

"Richard I will admit two things. You know I love your Christina. I did write the first letter but never sent it. I don't know how it was found at Wayne manor in the lady's bedchamber." "How do you know where the letters were found? Neither of us told you." Dick asks.

" I overheard you and Batman talking before I entered the room I did not write the other notes. I accepted that she loved you not me I was going to love her from a far not interfere in your marriage. I promise if you let me I will help you find out if she was murdered and together we will visit vengeance upon the killer," Jean Paul pleaded. " No, I will avenge her myself. He starts punching him hard. Dick's blue eyes were like ice daggers with a raging fire behind them. He finishes up with a double phoenix punch, his hand to his side; his middle knuckle extended and digs both his fists into Jean Paul's throat till he passes out. He thinks how easy it would be to kill him this way but he wants the police to have him. Next Dick calls the GCPD and says, " I have new information on the accident that killed Christina Williams. It was no accident. I have evidence. Then he gives them directions to Jean Paul's Castle. " This better not be a joke that girl was the comish's niece. Who is this? I need a name for my records. How did you find this evidence? "I'm not wanting to leave my name. I do not have to, no? , Dick says in a well-rehearsed French accent. "Gees, I guess So Frenchy" Bullock says in frustration.
Then Dick hangs up and leaves, He can only hope there's enough there to hold him in Jail. Maybe he'll confess to a lawyer. Yea, sure he'll confess, only Bruce going into Super-Bat mode on him will make him confess. What if he didn't do it? He did you saw the evidence with your own eyes Dick thinks. Dick gets on his Motorcycle and Batman in the Batmobile and leave before the police can arrive. After he's arrested and booked Jean Paul Valley is setting alone in a holding cell He's alone with his tormented thoughts. I can't believe she's dead. Was she murdered as Richard thinks, Could I have done it? I still have no idea why I woke up near the highway where her car was found or how I got these burns. The last thing I remember is going to sleep in my own bed. I loved her so much how could I be responsible for her death; did the "system" somehow take over my mind again? He suddenly remembers a song her heard in college before his life was taken over by the Cult of St Dumas, It was about a man accused of killing the woman he loved, Mary was her name. "I remember when I was last one every one in the family's list to associate with. She was one of the few people who had any time for me. She proably knew what I tried to do to her fiancée but forgave me. She'd always have time to talk to me. She seemed to sense when I was troubled.

My mother came to Hazard when I was just seven Even then the folks in town said with prejudiced eyes That boy's not right Three years ago when I came to know Mary First time that someone looked beyond the rumors and the lies And saw the man inside

I'd use any excuse to see her, If Oracle couldn't find her and He wasn't available, I would be the man to find her for her cousin. Some nights we'd find ourselves by the docks. It was so peaceful, just her and me. If we weren't by the docks we'd be on a rooftop. Most of the time I'd be content to watch her in flight or on rooftops of the city, like a true angel of mercy. Azreal the Angel of vengeance would never be good enough for her.

We used to walk down by the river She loved to watch the sun go down We used to walk along the river And dream our way out of this town

"I'll Never forget when they told me what happened. I though I was hallucinating, or they were lying when they told me. How could she be dead she had so much to live for? She was supposed to get married, even if it wasn't me, and have children. I know that was what she always wanted. She loved children and I have to admit she loved him. " No one understood what I felt for Mary No one cared until the night she went out walking alone And never came home Man with a badge came knocking next morning Here was I surrounded by a thousand fingers suddenly Pointed right at me "Did I kill her? Did I loose control completely and destroy the only woman I've ever really loved I have lost control before, killing people, when it wasn't a part of my duty as St. Dumas' Angel of Vengeance. It caused me to loose the trust of my new mentor, Batman and his other followers. Those men were evil. She was goodness personified I swear I left her by the river I swear I left her safe and sound I need to make it to the river And leave this old Nebraska town

I think about my life gone by How it's done me wrong There's no escape for me this time All of my rescues are gone, long gone

I swear I left her by the river I swear I left her safe and sound I need to make it to the river And leave this old Nebraska town.
I Promise my beloved if I am freed I will search the globe to find your killer. I will make that person pay some how, whether legally or at my own hands. I will kill him if it comes to that. I will not care if the others approve, you were the one I cared about. With that He falls into an uneasy sleep. Later, that night Dick again dons his costume in hopes of releasing some of, the pent up anger he's feeling. So far no major crimes, a mugging here, a small time drug deal there. So far he's been able to handle them without loosing his temper too badly. About 1 a.m. He hears a woman's scream from the alley. He sees a dark haired woman having her clothes ripped off. He has to stop it. He can't let her loved ones lose their daughter, their sister, and possibly some man's lover. He screams "Christina!" as he rushes to the woman's aide. The enraged vigilante grabs one of the would be rapist's arm and pulls it behind his back. It snaps and the man drops to the ground in severe pain. The other man runs. Dick trips him and hits him on the head with his escrima stick, knocking the second man out cold. He ties the men up for the police. After he leaves the scene Nightwing decides it's time for him to try to sleep. After he showers and changes He tries to sleep for a while then decides to turn on the radio to his favorite soft rock station. He listens to it when he can't sleep Much to his dismay the station is doing a tribute to Christina Williams. "Tonight we're dedicating our entire show to the memory of Gotham's own musical sweetheart Christina Michelle Williams, who we lost today at the age of 24, on what would've been her wedding day. In addition to her music we will be taking your phone calls on your feelings and memories of this remarkable young woman. We'd like to hear from her fans and anyone who knew her, friends, classmates, whoever. The phone lines are open. "We have our first caller. What's your name," the DJ asks. "Connie, I've been a fan since I4. I'm her age now. It's like we grew up together. This isn't supposed to happen to people our age. She was going to have it all. She was getting married." She starts to cry. Then the girl hangs up. The next Caller is Melissa. "I'm 6 and I have Spina Bifta like she did. She was my role model. She accomplished so much in just over ten years. She was going to be hotter than ever I think. I don't believe for a minute she was running off with another guy. She really seemed to love Dick. I think when her autopsy comes out we'll see that she was murdered or at least attacked before she got in or was put in that car. I think the guy they saw near by kidnapped her. I hope he's arrested and put under the jail for what he did to her." Melissa hangs up. The next phone call is a guy named Joey. "Oh grow up kid. Your role model was a big old Ho. She was running off with her lover. I say it serves her right, dying that way. He had to be S... "
Dick is about to throw the radio when the DJ. Interrupts the jerk's tirade "Excuse me, Joe'" The DJ cuts him off mid sentence "but we have a news bulletin about the case." The DJ hangs up on Joey. "There has been an arrest in the death of Christina William. A man named Jean- Paul Valley was arrested at his home in Ossaville on suspicion of kidnapping and murder earlier today. GCPD will not comment on what prompted the arrest but say they do have evidence against the 23-year-old man." This catches Dick's attention and he sets the radio down. He starts to sob. "She's gone; she's really gone!" He cries himself nearly to sleep. On the Radio the announcer says, "Next up we have her last number one hit, her remake of the Bangles, Eternal Flame, from her CD," Two hearts, and my favourite songs from the 80s."

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling Do you feel my heart beating Do you understand Do you feel the same Am I only dreaming Is this burning an eternal flame

I believe it's meant to be, darling I watch you when you are sleep Suddenly Dick feels a gust of wind. The odd thing is it's warm, not cold. He notices the scent of vanilla in the air, much like a perfume Christina liked to wear. It's like she's in the room. He feels a light touch on his shoulder, then the unmistakable touch of lips on his cheek. Then he hears a woman's voice.