Chapter 3-A Midnight Memory

Richard's funeral was held four days after he died. Rachel wiped away her tears for what seemed like the millionth time that day. She glanced around at her mother, the Logans and the Stones. They were all wearing black. (Except Cyborg obviously because he doesn't wear clothes) Tears poured down her mother's face. Had Richard been there, they never would have been so long neglected. In the row behind her stood Bruce and Diana, hands laced together. The Hawkins' and the Foleys were there as well.

'Daddy wouldn't want me to cry,' Rachel scolded herself.

She looked up at Kori, who was still crying freely. It was clear a large part of Kori had died along with Richard that night. Kori's once vibrant eyes seemed dull and tired now. Rachel almost wanted to yell at her mother and tell her she wasn't the only one who had lost someone important. Kori needed to be there for her daughter and she wasn't.

Suddenly, Rachel couldn't take it any longer. She ran as fast as she could from the site where the coffin was being lowered. No one tried to stop her as the scared little girl ran past, not even Bruce. She stumbled over a large tree root but didn't care, not even when her scraped knee began to bleed. She collapsed under the tree, shaking. She let herself cry, wanting only her Daddy to come back and make everything OK.

Gently, someone touched her shoulder. She looked up, expecting to see someone she'd grown up knowing. She instead saw a boy, about her own age.

"Your Daddy?" he asked, his voice just as gentle as his touch.

Rachel nodded, still trembling. She observed him carefully, as if trying to remember if she'd seen him before. He had jet-black hair and kind light gray eyes. She decided she hadn't, but to keep an eye out for him.

"I'm sorry," he murmured and he truly sounded it.

"It's not fair," Rachel muttered. "Why are you here?"

"My great-aunt died. It was of natural causes, which is no surprise as she was 82."

"What's your name?" she questioned, feeling a bit shy all of a sudden.

"Terry," the boy replied. "Yours?"

"Ra-" Rachel began, but was cut off by a woman.

"It's time to go back to Gotham, Terry," she said.

"Mom," he said. "I-"

"It's OK," Rachel said. "I have to go."

"Bye," Terry said quietly.

As Rachel approached the funeral party, Bruce and Diana came up to her. Diana gave her a hug, which made Rachel feel a bit awkward.

"Rachel, there is something I need to discuss with you," Bruce said in his ever serious tone.

"We've already spoken to your mother about this, but we think she'll keep it from you," Diana added.

"Keep what from me?" Rachel questioned.

"Well, your father was like a son to me," Bruce began. "Had he not died before I did, he would have inherited everything: The company, the house, everything in the bank."

"What does that have to do with my mom keeping something from me?" Rachel asked.

"Since your father has died, you will get everything when I go," Bruce said quietly.

"You were his only child, so it only seems right that it should go to you," Diana added.

"I don't want it," Rachel said.

"Sweetheart, you're eight years old. One day you'll be very happy you've got everything Bruce has," Diana replied gently.

"I don't want it," Rachel repeated. "Leave everything to Diana, who obviously cares. I just lost my Daddy and you're telling me about something I can't even have until I'm eighteen, assuming I even want it, which I don't," Rachel spat.

"Your father was like a son to me. I want to make sure his family is taken care of."

"I can take care of my own daughter, Bruce," Kori interjected, coming up behind him.

"Well, it's there and it will be when I go," Bruce said. "I'm sorry for your loss. If you need me, you know where I'll be." Without another word, he turned and walked away, Diana following.

"So, I suppose you know that Bruce has made you his heir," Kori said casually.

"I don't want it."

"I did not wish for him to tell you, Rachel. Come on, we have to get going. Tomorrow I have to start looking for an apartment and try to decide who to let go from the shop."

"We're still staying with the Logans, right?"

"Until we have a new home, yes. We have to start over again, Rachel. I need you to be strong for me, and I shall be strong for you. I know how much you loved your Daddy. I loved him too, very much. Part of me has died with him, Princess. Please forgive me for being distant these past few days," Kori said in the most serious tone Rachel had ever heard her use.

"Of course, Mom. It's gonna be OK, right?"

"Yes, Rachel. We were Daddy's Grayson Girls, and we always will be."

"Always."

…Two Years Later…

"Mom?" Rachel whispered.

Kori rolled over and looked at her daughter.

"Rachel," she groaned. "It's-oh, sweetheart." She knew her daughter was upset, seeing the tears glistening in Rachel's eyes.

"Come here, Princess," Kori said, scooting over to make room for her. "What happened? Did you have a bad dream?"

"It was…a memory. The night of the fire. I heard everything all over again: The evil laughs, Daddy's coughs, falling beams. I want Daddy."

"I want your Daddy, too. But I made a promise that everything would be alright. Remember the old TV show we watch sometimes, Gilmore Girls?"

"Yes…why?"

"We're the Grayson Girls, Rachel. But we're going to be just like Lorelai and Rory, starting right now."

"You're gonna date a guy who runs a diner?"

"Alright, you're joking, so I know you feel better."

"It's my fault, isn't it? Tell me honestly," Rachel continued softly.

"No it isn't. Don't even think for one minute that it is, Rachel. Daddy was a hero. He loved what he did and he loved you more than anything. If you were actually sleeping as a baby, he'd run to your crib to see if you were still breathing."

Rachel gave her mother a watery smile. "Really? I can't see him doing that."

"I don't lie, especially not to my Princess."

"I don't understand why anyone would do that to our family. From what I know if Slade, I never thought he would do that. Never in a million years."

"I admit, I thought he was slightly above that. But anyway, rest. I'll be right here." Kori managed a half smile.

Rachel settled herself and her mother pulled the quilts over her shoulders.

As her daughter slept, Kori reflected.

'How could anyone take this little girl's Daddy away from her, as well as her innocence?'

Finally she decided to sleep as well. The next morning, she could have sworn someone's arms had wrapped themselves around her that night.

Pretty short, I know. I'm sorry. After this, there will be one more Chapter. Then Pt 3 will be posted. Again, it's about Rachel, and will be posted under Batman Beyond. For more about Rachel as a teenager, see profile.

Also, please don't hate me for killing Robin/Richard. It had to be done :( I hated writing it as much as you hated reading it.

As always, R&R!

-iluvrobbie