A/N: 2022.11.30

So, my current plan is to have this done in the next couple of weeks. We'll see.

Now, then, get ready for a rather emotional chapter.

Chapter 39

Two weeks later, the day of the funeral.

St. Peter's Tabernacle sat a few miles outside of Gotham. Its façade was snow-white in color and, while it was built to be a modern church, it bore a resemblance to gothic-style cathedrals. It was one of the largest churches in its section of the United States, and, today, it needed the space. The church was packed like no one expected. It was as if a sitting President of the United States had passed away. Terry was sitting in a private room with Dick, Tim, and Barbara, all mentally preparing for the service.

Max walked in and observed them all. "Uh." She cleared her throat, getting their attention. "Clark and Diana… saw some of the original League members."

"Even Wally?" Dick asked.

"Yeah, I think."

"Wow. He really did mend that fence."

"Max, why don't you have a seat?" Tim suggested. "You've been working like crazy on this."

Max smiled, "Thanks, Mr. Drake, but… I gotta work. I gotta… do something. Else… I'll just go to pieces."

"You get to go to pieces, too, you know." Tim smiled. "You were there for him as much as any of us."

"I'd say more," Dick suggested.

"No argument from me."

"I'll sit," Max replied. "Eventually. I'll… check to see when the pastor wants to start."

"Thanks, Max," Terry said.

"No problem."

Terry stood up. "I better go show my face."

"You sure?" Barbara asked.

"No. But I'm gonna do it anyway." Terry stopped. He smiled a bit. "It just occurred to me that you could sum up my relationship with Bruce that way."

Dick thought for a moment then slowly started to laugh. Tim eventually joined in while Barbara smiled and shook her head.

"Children," Barbara joked. "All of you."

"Oh, c'mon, Barb!" Tim smiled. "You love us!"

"For some reason…"

Clark walked outside and saw John, Wally, and J'onn standing in a circle. He walked up to them, patting Wally on the shoulder.

Wally looked up at Clark, tears streaming down his face. "He's not coming back. Is he?"

Clark shook his head. "No."

"This isn't a trick, right, Clark?" John said, angrily. Though his voice threatened to crack. "I swear to God, if this is him trying to get at some enemy or pull some trick…"

"I promise, John. He's…" Clark exhaled. "…he's really gone."

John looked away, squeezing his eyes shut.

Wally patted John's shoulder then looked at Clark, "Where's Terry and Helena? And everyone else?"

"Doing their best." Clark looked around, "Where's Shayera?"

"She went inside," J'onn replied. "I think she needed a moment."

"Can't blame her," Wally mused.

Having caught a brief glimpse of Shayera, Diana walked around the church, looking for her. After searching a couple of rooms, Diana walked down a hallway, until she came to a room with a door slightly ajar. She opened the door and found Shayera standing at the window, staring at the sky.

"Why wasn't it us?" Shayera asked. "Why didn't we go first?"

"Shayera…" Diana said, comfortingly.

"It's not fair!" Shayera turned around, immediately. "It's not! He finally had it all! He had everything! He had the life he deserved! He had a family! Children who loved him! He had you! You and he were finally together! He finally got everything he deserved and now he's just… he's… he's just…"

Diana walked up and hugged her.

"It should've been us," Shayera whispered. "It… should've been me…"

"No, Shayera," Diana whispered. "It's okay. The last thing Bruce would ever want… is for any of us to die."

"I betrayed you all! And he… still… cared about me…"

"Yes. Because that's who he was. At the end of the day, Bruce Wayne cared about everyone."

Shayera buried her face in Diana's shoulder, "I'm sorry, Diana. For everything!"

"It's okay, Shayera," Diana rubbed her back. "It's okay. I'm sorry, too."

Helena was sitting in the front row of the church, staring at Bruce's casket. The casket was jet-black in color with a silver trim. It had a simple elegance to it that was exactly Bruce's style. Helena had barely taken her eyes off of it since she arrived at the church.

As Helena gazed at the casket, Ollie and Dinah walked up to her, with Dinah sitting next to her and Ollie placing his hand on her shoulder. Helena B. walked in next, kneeling down in front of Helena, placing her hand on her surrogate daughter's cheek.

"He's not coming back," Helena whispered. "He's… gone."

"I'm sorry, my lovely," Helena B. replied, fighting back tears.

Helena looked at Helena B., Dinah, and Ollie. "All of you are here."

"We love you, kid," Ollie shrugged. "It's what we do."

Helena hugged Helena B. as hard as she could. Helena B. exhaled, trying not to cry as to stay strong for Helena. Dinah hugged them both and Ollie rubbed Helena's shoulder.

Dinah exhaled, "Hey!" She rubbed Helena's back, causing her to look up. "Hey!" She smiled. "We have a surprise for you."

Helena sniffed and looked up to see Connor and Laurel, Ollie and Dinah's children, and Mia, Ollie's daughter, approaching. Helena stood up as Laurel and Mia rushed toward her, all three embracing each other tightly.

"You all came…" Helena whispered.

"You better believe it, girl!" Laurel giggled through her tears.

"No way we wouldn't be here for you," Mia declared.

Helena giggled a bit and looked at Connor when he was close. "Hey, cuz," Helena replied.

"Hey, cuz." Connor placed his hand on Helena's head. "You actually got taller."

Helena laughed, "Shut up!"

Lincoln walked in and saw everyone around Helena. He was thrilled to see a smile on her face. Helena saw Lincoln and waved him over. Lincoln walked over to the group, confidently but respectfully.

"Hello," Lincoln greeted. "Good to meet you all."

"Everyone," Helena wrapped herself around Lincoln's arm. "This is Lincoln Fox. He's… really important to me."

Laurel and Mia smiled as brightly as they could.

"Boyfriend, huh?" Connor asked.

"More than that," Helena admitted, "but yeah."

"Hm." Connor walked up to Lincoln. "Well! Guess there's only one thing to say."

Lincoln held his smile.

Connor smiled and offered his hand. "Welcome to the family."

Lincoln shook Connor's hand. "Thank you." The rest of the group greeted Lincoln as well.

Helena B. went last, studying Lincoln. "So, you've been there for my niece?"

"Yes, ma'am," Lincoln replied.

"You have my absolute gratitude, Mr. Fox. Thank you."

"It was my pleasure." Lincoln looked at Helena. "Always."

The family was all taken aback.

"Did your dad know about this?" Ollie asked Helena.

"He did," Helena confirmed.

"And he passed that test?!" Ollie looked at Lincoln. "Who are you? The nicest guy on the planet?"

Lincoln chuckled a bit. "I try, sir."

"You succeed," Helena smiled. She rested her head on his arm, "All the time."

"Oh, I like what I'm seeing!" Helena B. smiled, ecstatically.

"Same." Dinah looked at the casket. "You crazy old man… you really did lighten up."

Standing at the door to the sanctuary, Terry and Max greeted a few guests but they both smiled in relief when they saw Zaria approaching them.

"Zee…" Terry whispered.

Zaria hurried forward and threw her arms around Terry, hugging him with all she had. "I'm so sorry! I'm sorry, Terry!"

"Zee, it's okay."

"I just… we had to go to the place and we were there forever! I just got back a couple of days ago and…"

"It's okay," Terry reassured.

Zaria released the hug then looked at Max. "Hey, Max."

"Hey, Zee," Max smiled as they hugged.

Zaria released the hug, tears falling down her face. "If… if I could change this…"

"We know. But don't worry. This is what he wanted."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there," Zaria looked at the ground in shame. "I… I should've been there."

"You have a life, too, Zee," Terry reminded. "It's all okay."

Zaria rubbed her face and exhaled. She studied them both. "What can I do?"

"Just sit with us," Max smiled.

"That I can do."

"Helena's inside already," Max explained. "We'll be right there."

"Okay." Zaria headed inside.

After Terry and Max watched Zaria sit next to Helena, picking up Warren who was reaching out for Zaria, Max turned and saw Chelsea coming in. But it was the person walking behind Chelsea that caused Max to gasp.

Terry turned around to see Dana walking in with Chelsea. "Whoa!" Terry whispered.

Chelsea smiled as she and Dana approached. "Look who I found," Chelsea motioned to Dana.

Dana looked, nervously, at Max and Terry. "I… didn't know if you guys wanted me here. But… I had to be! I heard what happened and-and I just figured maybe…"

Max grabbed Dana and hugged her as hard as she could.

Dana smiled, "I guess that means you don't mind I'm here."

"We're thrilled you're here," Terry smiled.

"And… I brought a few friends."

Dana separated and she motioned to the door. Approaching was a group of Hill High alumni, consisting of Jared, Howard, Blade, and even Nelson Nash.

"Nash?" Terry asked.

Nash approached Terry, looking off awkwardly before focusing back on him, "Listen, Terry… I know I'm the last person you wanna see but… I was a jerk in high school. And you've been through hell. Maybe… you just need to know you still got friends. Even a jerk like me."

Terry chuckled a bit.

"Long story short: I'm sorry. For everything."

"Thanks, Nash."

Nash extended his hand and Terry shook it immediately.

"I'm really sorry, man," Nash said.

"Coming from you?" Terry grinned a bit. "That means a lot."

Nash chuckled. The Hill High friends exchanged greetings and hugs with each other, doing everything they could to be there for Terry and Max.

After the last of the guests arrived, everyone began to settle down for the service to begin. Terry, Max, Helena, Selina, Diana, Zaria, Dick, Tim, Barbara, and Clark sat in the front row. Mary, Matty, and Basem directly behind Terry; Mary periodically placing her hand on Terry's shoulder. The rest of the team and other heroes occupied the first few rows on the congregation, including Ollie and Dinah's family; former JLU members such as the original members, Virgil Hawkins, and Richie Foley; and current JLU members, including but not limited to Warhawk, Barda, and Aquagirl.

For all of Bruce's choices for the funeral planning, Reverend Richard Clemens being the officiant for the service was a bit of a shocking choice. He had a pleasant personality, cheery outlook, and a constant smile; the kind of personality that Bruce seemed to, specifically, avoid at all costs. Bruce explained he and Clemens only met a handful of times; their first meeting was at a doctor's office after Clemens had first moved to Gotham, as Clemens had a few allergies appear after moving to the new climate. Bruce explained that, despite only meeting Clemens a few times, he found the reverend to be a genuine, honest person, who honestly believed and practiced what he preached. That was something Bruce found easy to respect.

The service went along, beautifully, with the New Vision Choir singing a couple of songs, which barely left a dry eye in the church.

Towards the conclusion of the service, Clemens came to the podium, wearing the same comforting smile he had since the service began. He opened his Bible and tapped his fingers. "You know…" Clemens began, "…I didn't know Bruce very well. But… in these last couple of months, after he reached out to me, I knew… it was an honor and privilege to do this for him. And I can think of no better scripture to describe him than 2 Timothy 4:7. And, since I'm old school, I prefer the King James version: 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.'" He stared at the scripture. "Hm. Kept the faith." He looked at the congregation, "I spoke with Bruce about his beliefs. True to his nature, he admitted he wasn't sure what was waiting for us on the other side. Despite this, he fully admitted to believing God is real and that there was, indeed, an other side. He just didn't know how he would be received there. But as I stand here…" Clemens focused on Terry and Helena, before scanning the rest of the crowd, "I see genuine tears and love for a man who seemed positive he would die alone. Perhaps his faith was evident, not any works for a church or a religion… but in the people he loved and who loved him. At least, that's how I see it."

Terry found more comfort in those words than he expected.

"Bruce asked me if it was a problem to let someone else speak on his behalf, in lieu of a traditional sermon. I told him, 'not a problem at all'. With that in mind, forgive me for that mini-sermon I snuck in. I'm a Baptist preacher; we can't help ourselves."

A bit of laughter was scattered through the crowd.

"Sorry, sorry," Clemens chuckled. "That was a terrible joke. I have no idea why Bruce liked me. But I digress. We have someone here who may have known Bruce the best. I understand he was more 'voluntold' than volunteered, but I'm more than certain he's the right man for the job." Clemens turned his attention to Dick. "Mr. Richard Grayson."

Dick smiled and stood up. He walked to the podium and shook Clemens's hand, who went and sat down afterwards.

Dick walked up the microphone, wiping his eyes. "Thank you to Rev. Clemens. And, for the record, I totally see why Bruce liked you. You're a nice guy." He looked at the crowd. "Uh… 'voluntold'." He scoffed. "Wow. That's a good word. It was more like… we all started flipping coins and, by process of elimination, it landed on me." He paused. "If anyone… I felt like Terry McGinnis should be here, since he was… at least, I feel, was closer to Bruce than I ever was. And rightfully so. They made their friendship work in ways me and Bruce didn't. So… when I talked to Terry about this eulogy, I… thought I was taking something from him. Now I know… he was giving me something. A chance to… tell the truth. Not about the great man Bruce was… but the good man. Anyone can be great. That's… that's not hard. Being good… that's way harder." He stopped. "I've… probably known Bruce the longest out of everyone. And," he mildly shrugged, "probably had the most problematic relationship with him. Though I can probably have a good debate with a few of you about that."

A light laughter was heard in the crowd.

"But… at the end of the day… I knew Bruce was a good man. He just did things that weren't always popular. He was a difficult man. I'm not… trying to judge him. I'm just giving it to you straight. It's what he would want. But him being difficult… didn't mean he was a bad guy. It meant he was real. But… being difficult. For a guy who lived the life he lived… difficult makes a lot of sense." Dick felt tears streaming down. "He carried a lot of weight. Weight he didn't need to. He was in pain all his life, and he just didn't know… how to handle it. And, I guess… some of us didn't know how to help him." He smiled at Terry, Helena, and Max. "I'm glad he found some people who did know to help him." He then to had to tell the one lie in his whole eulogy, "I know you're his daughter, Helena, but you and Terry were his kids. Same to you, Max. Thanks for doing what we couldn't."

Terry, Max, and Helena all smiled.

Dick exhaled. "I waited my whole life for him to get it right. He finally did… and it wasn't long before he passed away. But it happened. I knew it… at the end… he was… actually happy. He was at peace. I can't ask for any more than that." He took a breath. "He was a dad to me. And he always will be. I couldn't be more grateful."

Dick looked down at the casket.

"Bye, Bruce. I love you. Thanks. For everything."

Dick walked down from the podium. Terry stood up to greet him, both men hugging each other.

"Thanks," Terry whispered.

"Thank you, Terry," Dick whispered back. He then hugged Helena and Max before sitting down next to Selina, who took hold of his hand.

Clemens went back to the podium, "Thank you, Mr. Grayson. Bruce was right: I couldn't have done any better." He cleared his throat. "Well! At this stage in the program, we…"

"Actually," Terry raised his hand, surprising everyone. "I'm sorry, Reverend, but…"

"No, no," Clemens interrupted, quickly. "By all means, Terry, please!"

Terry stood up and walked to the podium. He caught sight of everyone's face. He saw it in their eyes. Each of them cared about him and he could feel their sorrow, for Bruce and him.

"I didn't think I'd be able to say anything," Terry admitted. "I mean… Dick said it all." He looked at Dick, "I hope I'm not stepping on your toes."

Dick smiled, "Not at all."

Terry smiled back, then becoming a bit lost in though. "But… I just wanted to make something clear. I wouldn't be the man I am today… I wouldn't have risen out of the… punk kid I used to be… if it hadn't been for Bruce. The job he gave me… I once told him that it made me worthwhile. He stopped me later said… it was the other way around. I still think… overall… he saw something in me… and, because of him, I became worthwhile. And I'm…" He swallowed down a few tears. "I'm gonna miss him. He was my father… in every way that mattered. I loved him. Still do."

This caused even more tears to fall from everyone in the congregation. Wally actually doubled over as he wept with Shayera putting her arm around him.

"He was one of the best. One of the greatest. The greatest. I'll miss him every day. But… I want everyone to do me a favor. Love each other. He did, but he didn't know how to show it. Not until… way later in his life. But he wanted me to learn from his mistake. And now… I hope all of you do the same. Follow his example. Get right the things he did… and get right the things he didn't. Show it. Care. That's it." He knocked his knuckles against the podium. "Thank you."

As he walked back to his seat, Terry heard clapping. Terry looked to see Clark standing on his feet, applauding him. The rest of the attendees all stood and applauded Terry, as well. Max and Helena met Terry as he got back to his seat, hugging him as tightly as they could. Terry sat down and Grace came over with her arms raised. Terry smiled and happily picked up her, sitting her in his lap. Grace kissed her dad's cheek and laid against his chest.

"I love you, Grace," Terry whispered.

"I love you, Daddy," Grace replied.

After Rev. Clemens concluded the service at the church, only a select few were permitted to attend the final part of the service at the graveyard. Aside from limiting the sheer number of people, the cemetery portion was considered intimate and private.

Especially considering where Bruce's final resting place would be.

The ride to the cemetery was almost harder for Terry than the funeral's beginning. There was a finality to it that Terry thought he was ready for, but it was for more real now that it was staring him into his face. After exiting the family limo, Terry watched as Dick, Tim, Clark, Basem, Hayate, and Michelle carried Bruce's casket. Terry wanted to be a pallbearer, but Dick and Tim told Terry he needed to be the one grieving. The two former Robins declared they would do what they should've done from the start: in their words, "carry Bruce's weight."

Bruce's grave was to the immediate right of Thomas and Martha's grave. And to the immediate left of Alfred's.

It only made sense. Bruce Wayne, resting peacefully between all of his parents.

Dick, Tim, and Barbara couldn't help but think that the Wayne family was back together. That was one of the few comforts they could hold on to.

After everyone was situated at the grave site, Clemens finished the ceremony. Terry didn't hear any of it. The rest of world had faded out. All he could do was stare at Bruce's casket. After the ceremony concluded, the mourners began to leave the cemetery.

All but one.

Terry just couldn't find the strength to get up and leave. He just stared at the casket. Every moment between himself and Bruce passed through his mind. From the day he met Bruce on that fateful night, running from the Jokerz, to just days ago when Terry held Bruce's hand as he took his last breath.

Becoming Batman. Meeting Max. Battling villain after villain, facing death more times than Terry even thought possible. Teaming with Basem. Learning Terry and Bruce were related. The team expanding to what it was now. Having Helena come into their lives.

All those memories. Now, it was all gone.

Terry cried. He remembered he never really cried before, not even for Warren. But that was probably another reason for these tears. He spent years being the tough guy, barely showing any emotion. But since his relationship with Max started, Terry began to let that side of himself show more often. He realized this was the drawback to opening up that side of himself. It wasn't the worst thing in the world, though. Admitting things hurt gave him the chance to deal with them. And this one hurt like he could never imagine. Terry didn't cry for long, quickly getting a hold of himself. He wiped his eyes and sniffed, looking at the casket again.

Terry stood up and walked closer to the casket. He stared at the already-erected headstone for a while, then he looked down at the casket. He took a step forward and placed his hand on the casket. "Don't worry, old man. You can rest easy. Your fight's over. I'll take it from here. I won't let you down. Ever. I promise. Just rest in peace. More than anyone… you deserve it. I… I love you." A few tears worked their way down his cheek. "Bye, Dad." He wiped his eyes and turned to see that almost everyone else had left the cemetery, leaving only Max, Basem, Sally, Hayate, Michelle, and Helena standing nearby.

He couldn't even fake a smile. He walked over to them and Max wasted no time, throwing her arms around him.

Helena walked up and hugged them both and Sally joined in. Basem patted Terry on the shoulder, as did Hayate, and Michelle rubbed Helena's shoulder.

Terry looked at them all. "Let's get outta here."

A/N: Man. This chapter took a lot out of me. But it was worth it.

Let's take care of few things.

The preacher in this chapter is based on Rev. Richard Cottom, the second pastor at my grandfather's church and the last name is based off a deacon at my current church. Both men are super nice guys. I explain about Ollie and Dinah's kids in "My Immortal". Also, Helena B. is the original Huntress. I know most of you probably figured that out, but, for clarity's sake, I had to point it out. I may do more interactions of them in "Chronicles – Part 3".

So, the next chapter may be the last one before the Epilogue. That's the plan anyway. Like I said, this story should be done in the next two weeks. That's my goal, anyway. Thank you all so much for sticking with this. See you all soon!