Dick is 17. Jason is 13.
Chapter 89: Into the Nothing
Dick's POV
"Robin, watch your back." I growled as Aquagirl easily disarmed him.
"Shut up Nightwing!" He yelled as he glared at me on the observation deck.
I shook my head as Speedy tackled him to the ground. He's got to learn to stop getting distracted and focus.
"Nightwing."
I turned to find Roy and Garth coming towards me.
"Red Arrow. Tempest." I greeted.
"Something bad has happened." Garth stated.
"How bad?" I asked.
"General Zod's back. The Justice League is preparing for a war. Hundreds of thousands of people will die." Red Arrow answered.
"What do you want the Titans to do?" I asked.
"The League needs you, Kid Flash, Raven, Starfire, Supergirl, and Wonder Girl." Garth replied.
"What about them?" I asked, gesturing to Robin, Speedy, Superboy, and Aquagirl, who were currently training below us.
"They're too young. They need to be somewhere safe and out of the way. Just give them some bullshit mission." Roy replied.
*******Break********
Jason's POV
"You mean it?" I asked, stunned.
"Of course. I'm sure you can handle it. You've been working hard and I think it's time you led your own team." Nightwing replied as I smiled.
"I get to lead my own team!" I exclaimed.
"Robin, calm down. Remember, you are responsible for Aquagirl, Speedy, and Superboy. It's your team for this mission and you call the shots. But, you are to report directly to me every hour on the hour and-"
"Relax! I can handle this. I won't let you down." I confidently replied.
"I'm sure you won't, but I need you to be careful. This is serious, Robin."
"I will." I replied.
"And one more thing."
"What?"
"Just don't die. Okay?" He stated seriously.
"Nightwing-"
"Promise me, Jason."
I sighed as I rolled my eyes. "I promise."
********Break********
Dick's POV
"The junior members are out of the way." I stated as Raven, Starfire, Red Arrow, Tempest, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, and Supergirl came into view.
"Good… Are you sure they're safe?" Supergirl asked unsteadily.
"I picked their location myself." Red Arrow replied.
"But, General Zod and Ursa are Chris' biological parents. If General Zod finds them-" Kara began before Tempest interrupted her.
"They'll be fine. We need to move out. The aliens will be here any moment and they're out for blood. Nightwing, take your team and head to this location."
********Break********
Dick's POV
"Nightwing! Behind you!" Starfire screamed as I turned in time to see Batman tackle a Kyrptonian that had been inches from my back.
"Watch your back and blind spots." The Dark Knight growled as he tossed me a shard of the glowing green fragments.
"Yes sir." I muttered as the last alien fell.
"Batman, status report." Superman's voice crackled over Batman's com link.
"No sign of Zodd." He grimly replied.
"Keep searching." Clark ordered as Batman turned to me.
"Nightwing, where's Robin?"
"Underground." I replied.
"The ground is being covered by those of us that cannot fly. The sky is covered by those that can fly. The Atlantians are covering the water. And you assigned the junior Titans to watch the underground without protection?"
********Break********
Jason's POV
"Ugh. I can't believe we get stuck underground. It smells!" Aquagirl exclaimed as she wrinkled her nose.
"Why are we down here again?" Speedy asked.
"Because, we're supposed to watch the abandoned subway in case they come down here." I replied, slightly annoyed.
"Who are they?" Superboy piped up.
"Uh… Nightwing didn't tell me that part. All he said was to make sure no one gained access to these tunnels and made it into the city." I answered.
"What do you think's happening up there?" Tula asked uneasily as we looked up.
"What do you think the other Titans are doing and why are Tempest and Red Arrow with them?" Chris asked.
"I don't know." I replied.
"Do you think the Justice League is up there?" Connor asked.
"I don't know, but I'm tired of sitting here!" Aquagirl snapped. "I'm going to patrol the tunnels."
"No way! Nightwing said to stay together. And either we all go or we stay here. And all the tunnels merge into this area. So we stay." I ordered as her eyes narrowed at me.
"You are not the leader, Jason." She hissed.
"Nightwing put me in charge, Tula!" I snapped back at her.
"The only reason he put you in charge is because you're brothers. You'll never be half of the leader he is. Now, if you'll excuse me." She said before heading down one of the tunnels.
"I hope you don't come back!" I yelled.
"Me too! Then I'd never have to see you again!" she screamed.
"Aww, a lovers' quarrel." Connor mocked as I shoved him away from me.
"Shut up Speedy." I growled.
"Don't worry Robin. You know Aquagirl gets moody when she's kept in the dark. She just needs to cool off." Chris calmly replied as I sighed.
"I guess you're ri-" I replied as a bloodcurdling scream echoed throughout the tunnels.
"Aquagirl!" I yelled as Superboy flew on ahead as Speedy and I ran as fast as we could in the direction of the scream.
I froze as I two red beams hurtled towards us. Before I could react I was tackled by Connor. I could feel something wet and sticky coating my torso as I carefully rolled him off of me.
"Connor?" I whispered, laying him on the ground.
"Jjjason… I… I dddon't wwwanna dddiiie." he cried as I took notice of the two gaping holes in his chest.
His hands gripped at my costume as tears poured from his masked eyes. Immediately, I supplied pressure to his wounds as he wrapped his hand around my wrist .
"It's gonna be okay. You're gonna be okay." I promised as tears began falling from my own eyes. "Stay with me. Just stay with me."
"I'm scared." He whispered.
"It's okay. You're gonna be okay."
"No!" Chris yelled somewhere up ahead.
I bit my lip in hesitation before turning back to Connor.
"You're gonna be okay, Connor. I won't let you die. I've got you. You're okay." I whispered as his grip started to slacken.
"Go." Connor whispered as I stared at him in shock.
"No. I… I can't leave you… You're my best friend."
"Go... They… they ne-need you." He murmured, releasing my wrist.
"I'll be right back. You're gonna be okay. Back up's on the way." I promised.
I quickly pushed myself away from Connor. Hold on. I'm coming. I can't let them die. Running towards the noise, I stopped as my eyes fell on Tula. No.
She lay face down in a pool of her own blood and some type of matter… Her heart! Dropping down beside her, I gingerly turned her over and found her neck broken and a wound similar to Connor's in her chest. Her eyes were open as she looked dead at me in betrayal... My girlfriend's dead. She's gone. She's dead.
"Tula. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! You gotta wake up! I didn't mean it! Please… I love you. You can't leave me! You can't! I didn't mean it! You have to come back! Please." I pleaded as I gathered her into my arms. Her blood mixed with Connor's, until I was coated in crimson liquid as I cried.
"No!" Chris screamed somewhere up ahead.
I lowered her to the ground and closed her eyes.
"I'll always love you. I'm so sorry." I whispered before leaving her body.
Peering around the next corner, I looked through bleary eyes to find a man and a woman before Chris. They're Kryptonian!
I watched as they reached for Superboy. He struggled against them as I slowly reached for an orb in my belt. Batman had given it to me when I first met Chris. He said it was almost as dangerous as kryptonite. It was only to be used in case of an emergency if Chris had gone rouge or something and tried to hurt me. It's a gateway to the Phantom Zone. But, I can use it to save Chris. I can trap Ursa and Zod in it.
"Lor-Zod." The woman whispered as Chris fearfully backed away from her.
"Wwhat? Wwhy?" he whispered through his tears.
I slowly clicked the lock and carefully raised it as I gasped in pain as the orb slipped from my fingers. I was separated from the orb as something smashed into my torso. I struggled to breathe as my body collided against the wall. My ribs were broken and mangled. Looking up through tear stained eyes; I could see General Zod smiling darkly at me.
No!
I watched as the orb hit Chris instead. No! He screamed as the swirling vortex opened, sucking him into a black hole as Zod and Ursa were thrown aside.
Less than a second passed before all was quiet. General Zod screamed as he slowly approached me. His eyes were red. Murder present in his eyes. Before he could touch me a blue blur zoomed by and Zod collided with the wall as another blur followed and forced Ursa into a wall. Superman and Supergirl.
"Where is my son!" Clark demanded, his hand tight around the Kryptonian's neck.
"Dead, just like you'll be!" he hissed.
Superman screamed mournfully before snapping his neck as Kara mercilessly beat Ursa. Fighting unconsciousness, the last thing I saw was Superman on his knees crying before a black cape blocked my vision.
*********Break********
Bruce's POV
I ran my fingers threw Jason's hair. No one should have to experience a loss of a child… And now Clark, Arthur, and Oliver know what it's like to feel that pain. Three innocent lives are gone. Chris, Connor, and Tula. They're not coming back.
The laser beam hit Tula's heart; shattering it and killing her instantly. Connor died alone slowly and painfully as he bled out. And Chris… Clark couldn't find him. He was in the Phantom Zone for days… his son isn't coming back.
"Bruce?"
My head shot up at the sound of Jason's voice.
"Hey Bluejay. How you feeling?" I gently asked.
"It hurts, Daddy. It hurts."
"Where son? Where does it hurt?" I asked, hovering over him and looking at his bandaged chest.
"Everywhere… What happened?"
"You don't remember?"
"Was I hit by Scarecrow's toxin? Cause I think I was having a nightmare." he murmured, looking up at me.
"Jason-"
"I need to talk to Chris, Connor, and Tula. It's important. They were in the dream. They-"
I gently took his hand as he stopped talking.
"Bruce?" he asked as tears formed at the corners of his eyes. Cupping his cheek, I gently slid my thumb back and forth, catching his tears.
"Jason, I'm so sorry."
"No! You're lying! They-"
"They're gone, son. I'm sorry."
********Break*********
"How's Jay?" Dick asked as I entered his room. I could tell he'd been crying.
"Alfred had to sedate him."
Tears slowly fell from Dick's eyes as he turned towards his window. "Oh… I… I need to patrol for a while." He murmured, trying to walk past me as I pushed him back into his room.
"No. You're not going out again."
"What? I don't understand." He whispered as he looked up at me.
"It's over. No more Nightwing. No more Robin. Not now. Not ever."
"You can't do that!"
"I can and I already have."
"You can't! Who do you think you are!"
"Your father! I am not going to bury my children! I won't!" I screamed as he took a step back from me, heavy tears sliding down his face.
********Break********
Dick's POV
With heavy hearts, we approached Titan Tower for the viewing. The Titans, the entire Justice League, and family members were already there. I could see Roy staring at the casket containing his little brother with hollow eyes as Mia tugged at his shirt. Yet, he ignored her. Dinah cried into Oliver's shirt as Artemis attached herself to her parents. I could see tears silently flowing down Oliver's face.
Lois and Kara were crying into each other's arms as they wailed beside an empty casket. Clark's parents cried as they held each other and placed a hand on their son's shoulder. Clark stood silently, staring at the empty casket, as if he were waiting Chris to magically appear inside it. They weren't given closure.
Arthur stood solemnly beside Merra, who held her head high as she refused to show any emotion. Arthur Jr. held onto Garth's hand as the three year old stared at the scene in confusion. I could see Garth shaking as he struggled to remain composed.
Everyone moved to offer their condolences as Bruce started to lead Jason and I towards the line. I could see Jason trying to hold back tears as he slowly walked towards the line. He's injured and trying not to show it.
Jason suddenly stopped as he quickly turned and bolted.
Jason's POV
I couldn't take it anymore. My girlfriend and my best friends were gone. They're dead. Tears flowed free as we approached the three caskets. I can't do this. I can't say goodbye. Knocking Bruce's hand off my shoulder, I ran and didn't stop until I couldn't run anymore.
I collapsed under a tree somewhere on the outside of the tower as sobs racked my body. I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Little Wing, it's-"
"This is your fault!" I scream at Dick while knocking his hand from my shoulder. "You killed them! It's your fault they died! You killed them. I hate you!"
********Break********
I hadn't spoken to Dick since the viewing nine days ago. I refused to talk to Bruce or Alfred. They can't make the pain go away. No one can. It's been nearly two weeks since they… died. Nothing is getting better. I haven't even left the house I nearly two weeks. Bruce is scared. He's been keeping me and Dick at home.
He's suffocating me and I can't take it anymore. I quietly opened the window to my bedroom and carefully climbed down. I had to be cautious of my ribs. They're still not in the best of shape yet.
********Break********
Dick's POV
I can't take it anymore! I can't do this! I have to get out!
I silently climbed down from my balcony. I have to get out of here. I just can't deal with it more! I ran until I reached the city limits and kept on going until I came to a stop in front of the tallest building in Gotham.
********Break********
Jason's POV
I took a seat at the edge of the docks and stared at the water. They're gone. They're not coming back. They're dead… and it's all my fault.
Tears fell from my eyes as I watched the calm water. I took a deep breath before standing up. Before I could turn around, an arm wrapped around my waist as I yelped in pain from the pressure on my ribs. I screamed as I was pushed into the water. Another body began dragging me down as I passed out.
********Break********
Bruce's POV
"Master Batman." Alfred's frantic voice came over my com link.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Master Richard and Master Jason are missing, sir."
"Do you know where they went?" I growled between clenched teeth.
"No sir. Their costumes are still here. They've gone out as themselves."
"I'll find them, Alfred. Don't worry."
********Break********
Jason's POV
I opened my eyes slowly to find myself lying on… rocky coral? Where am I? What happened? Why am I wet?
I gasped as I pushed myself up. That hurt… Roy!
I could see Red Arrow leaning against the wall of the cave we were in. My mouth nearly fell open as I recognized the object in his hand… a syringe with heroine. He rolled up his sleeve before plunging the needle into his skin as he shuddered.
"Roy?" I called out softly as his head slowly lifted in my direction.
"You're awake." Another voice responded behind me.
I turned to find Garth behind me.
"Garth? What's going on?" I asked, slowly backing up.
He latched onto my shirt as he yanked me towards him. I could see the anger and hurt in his eyes.
"You killed Tula." He hissed.
I shook my head as tears spilled out. "I didn't mean it. I swear."
"It's too late for that now." He hissed.
"Where… where are we?"
"A grotto, ten miles from the shore. There's nowhere to run. You're going to pay for what you did… You both will."
*********Break********
Dick's POV
This is my fault. I killed them. I'm a murderer. I'm a killer. I killed them. Chris. Connor. Tula. I killed them... Jason almost died because of me. I could have killed my own little brother… This is my fault.
I stared down at the traffic below me from the tallest building in Gotham. I should have died with my parents that day. I shouldn't be here. I don't deserve to live.
It would be so easy; to fall. No more pain. No more suffering. No more living. I wouldn't have to keep fighting anymore. No one else would be hurt because of me.
I took a step closer to the edge. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply. No more pain. No more suffering. No more hurting others.
A sudden vibration disturbed me. I reached into my pocket and pulled my cellphone out before flipping it open to see Jason calling. But, we haven't talked in nine days. I hesitate before answering.
"You killed her."
My eyes widened in shock as I recognized Garth's voice on the line. His voice sounded desperate and cold, almost distant.
"Garth?" I asked.
"You killed her. You killed my sister." He accused.
"Garth, where's Jason?"
"I have him, Grayson… Why is he the only one that made it out alive? Why are you the only one who didn't lose someone you care about!"
"Where's Jason?" I ask, fear hanging in my voice.
"He's going to join my sister… Don't worry, I'll let you say goodbye."
"Please don't hurt him. Listen, he has nothing to do with this. Let him go. I'm the one who killed them, not Jason-"
"Be at the pier in ten minutes."
Bruce's POV
I swallowed as he stepped closer to the edge. I prepared myself to catch him if he chose to jump.
Not my child. He… he can't. Not this way. I don't care if I have to lock him in his room for the rest of his life, I can't lose him. I won't lose him!
My heart felt like lead as he looked down at the traffic below. His emotionless face. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
Dickie, please. Don't do this. I can't lose you.
I watched as he opened his eyes and drew his cell phone... Something's happened.
********Break********
Jason's POV
"I'll be back. Watch the kid." Garth ordered before disappearing into the surf.
I could see Roy shoving another needle into his arm. I shuddered. He'd kill himself if he kept going. He'd die… just like Mom did.
"Roy, please don't do this. Just let me go. You don't have to do this." I pleaded as his cold eyes met mine.
He dropped the empty syringe onto the floor of the grotto before coming to stand before me. His hand reached out and grabbed my hair, forcing me to look up at him.
"I don't have to do this? You really think you can get out of this alive? You're the reason my little brother is dead." He growled before continuing. "You're the reason I'm addicted! You're the reason Oliver beat the Hell out of me! He said I wasn't anything to him! That I wasn't his son! I'm only a junkie! And do you know what's worse?"
"Roy, please-" I began before he snatched my head back, forcing me to stay silent.
"Dinah came home with Artemis and Mia as he beat me. They saw him doing it! She tried to get him off of me. She yelled at him to stop. And do you know what he did? He hit her too. He hit his own wife. He hit her in front of Artemis and Mia. Artemis is almost eight. Mia is only five. They're scared of him. They're scared of me. Dinah and Oliver are getting a divorce-"
"Roy-"
"Shut up! My father doesn't want me anymore! My mother doesn't care! My brother is dead! My sisters are scared and they don't understand what's happened! They don't understand why Connor can't come home! And it's your fault! Why do you get to keep everything import to you! Why does your family remain intact! Why are you the only one who doesn't get to suffer!" he screamed before taking a deep breath. "You're going to die tonight, Jason. You're going to die and your brother gets to watch."
********Break********
Dick's POV
I gasped for breath as I surfaced alongside Garth as he dragged me onto the rock of the cavern.
"Dick! Do something! Help me!" Jason screamed as I looked up.
Roy had Jason's hands pinned behind him as he held Jason back. Jason looked terrified as Roy looked dark and distant. It was then that I noticed the needle marks scattered alongside his arm.
"Let him go!" I shouted as Roy shoved Jason towards me.
Seconds later, Jason was pressed against me as he cried into my chest. I held him in a death grip, not willing to let go.
"They're gonna kill me." he whimpered as I tightened my grip.
"No. I won't let them hurt you." I whispered, combing my fingers through his hair.
"I'm sorry I wasn't a good brother... I didn't mean what I said at the viewing. I'm sorry, Dickie." He whispered as I squeezed him.
"Little Wing, you're the best brother I could have asked for. I love you so much. It's gonna be-"
"Time's up, Dick." Garth growled before pulling Jason from my grasp as Roy held me back.
"Garth! Roy! Please! Don't do this! Kill me! Punish me! I killed them! It was me! Punish me! Kill me!" I screamed.
"And this is punishing you." Garth snarled as he dragged Jason over to the surf.
"You hurt him and I'll kill you!" I shouted.
Jason's POV
I had heard Dick threaten people before. I had heard him make death threats, but I had never heard him mean it. Dick's too good to be a murderer. He's too good to sink to that level. And taking a life would kill him on the inside. I can't let that happen.
"Dickie, it's okay. It's my fault and I have to pay for my mistakes… I'd die for you, big brother. And I love you too." I said as Roy suddenly released Dick and drew his bow.
"Garth stop! I can't do this anymore! Let Jason go! This isn't right!" Roy shouted.
"They killed my sister! They killed your brother!" Garth snarled.
"No. They didn't." Roy softly replied seconds before Dick collided into Garth.
I was knocked onto the floor of the cave as Dick and Garth began trying to kill each other. Seconds later, I felt something wrapping around my ankle. I glanced down and found seaweed attached to my ankle.
"Dick!" I screamed, moments before I was dragged across the floor of the cave and finally under the water.
The last thing I saw was the look of terror on Dick's face as he was pinned to the floor of the cave by Garth before I was dragged under.
It's funny. I'd never thought I'd die by drowning. I struggled as I was dragged deeper and deeper towards the ocean floor. I soon felt an arm wrap around my waist as something cut the seaweed away from my ankle. I was hauled back up to the surface of the water.
I gasped for breath as my savior lugged me through the treacherous waters until we reached the cavern. I soon felt another pair of arms hauling me out of the water and onto the rocky floor of the cavern.
"Jason! Jason! Come on! Don't you dare die!" Dick screamed, before leaning over me to start CPR.
"Kiss me and I'll punch you." I muttered as I found myself cradled against his chest.
I could feel his tears running down my neck as I looked over his shoulder and found Garth lying unconscious on the floor of the cave with a knife wound in his chest. Dick had stabbed him, but didn't kill him.
That's when it hit me. Dick wasn't the one who jumped into the water after me. He had been fighting Garth. It was Roy... Roy saved my life?
I searched the cave for him and found him crying as he shoved needle after needle into his arm... Suicide. He was going to try to kill himself. No.
"Roy! Stop!"
I looked up to see Black Canary snatching the syringe from his grasp as she wrapped her arms around her eldest. She cradled him as he slumped against her unconscious... or worse.
"Oh God! My baby! My baby!" she cried.
I soon felt a well-known fabric draping over Dick and I as strong arms wrapped around us. Batman. Dad's here.
Bruce's POV
Leaving my cape wrapped around my boys, I stood as Aquaman rose from the surf. I watched as Arthur gathered his child into his arms. We exchanged understanding glances as they were consumed by the waves.
I could have stopped them, but I didn't. They've suffered enough. We all have. He can get Garth the help he needs.
"Dinah, is there anything I can do?" I asked as she shook her head.
"Bruce, my baby. And Oliver. He… He… What am I going to do?" she whispered.
"Dinah, I'm sorry."
"There's nothing you can do Bruce. Just take your two and go." she whispered.
"Oh God… Roy." The two of us looked up to find Green Arrow moving towards us.
"Stay away from him!" she hissed, hugged Roy tighter to her chest.
"Dinah, I'm sorry. I-" he began before she cut him off.
"You're sorry? You hurt my baby! He needed you and you hurt him! You hit me. I needed you and you hurt me! You hurt all of us!" she venomously spat.
"I… I… was drinking. I didn't know what I was doing. Pretty bird-" he began.
"Don't call me that! And that's no excuse! We're all hurting, Oliver! I accepted Connor as my own child and he's gone now! You could've killed the only son I had left!"
"Dinah, please. I want to come home. I miss you and our girls and our Roy." He pleaded. "I'm so sorry. I'll never drink again. I'll never hurt you or our son or our girls again. I'm so sorry. Please forgive me."
"I don't know." She began as I moved away from them and back over to my own children.
"Dick, let go of Jason." I softly ordered as Dick continued to rock back and forth with Jason held tightly against him.
"Nu te atinge de fratele meu!" he screamed at me in Romanian.
"Richard, enough! It's me, Bruce."
"Tati?" he whispered as his grip slackened slightly around Jason.
"Yes Dickie. Come on, Chum. We're going home now." I replied before helping them up and leading them over to the Batboat.
I glanced behind me to see Oliver standing with Roy in his arms with Dinah beside him.
********Break********
Jason's POV
Walking downstairs, I could hear Dick talking to Roy.
"Dick, I'm sorry. I didn't know what I was doing. I swear."
"You could have killed him, Roy."
"I'm sorry! You have to believe me! Please! Just let me talk to him for a minute-"
"Why should I?" Dick snarled.
"Dick, it's okay." I called out softly as I approached them. "He did save me from drowning."
Dick nodded before adding, "If you need me-"
"I'll be fine!" I snapped as Dick reluctantly left us alone.
"Um, hey." Roy stated as he ran a hand threw his hair.
"What are you doing here?"
"Look kid-"
"I am not a kid! I'm thirteen!" I snapped.
"My bad… I'm sorry."
"I know." I mumbled. "You didn't know what you were doing." I added, glancing at the needle marks on his arms.
"I'm off of it." he replied, rolling his sleeve down to hide his scars.
"I know. I heard Dinah took care of your rehab needs."
"Yeah, she did a lot for me…" he stated, adding to the awkward conversation.
"I don't blame you for what you did, Roy." I whispered.
"What? How do you not hate me? I tried to kill you."
"You lost your brother. Your dad hurt you. Your family almost split up. You got addicted. You turned to the drugs because it took away the pain. You tried to end your own life… I'm sorry, Roy. If I woulda made better choices, they might still be here. If I woulda just stayed with Connor, I could have saved one of them and you would-"
"Jason, we're all hurting. It's not your fault." He softly replied, forcing back tears.
And that's where you're wrong. It is my fault.
"Jason, I… I told Dick to give you that mission. The League wanted all of you out of harm's way. None of ever dreamed that-" he began before breaking off.
"It was a lie?" I whispered. "They died for a lie?"
"No. They died in battle. A hero's death."
"Oh." I replied, not believing his lies.
"Yeah."
A moment of silence passed between us before I spoke. "You should know that Connor loved you a lot, Roy. He said that you were the best big brother and that he was sorry he wasn't good enough to carry on your mantle of Speedy."
"No. He was better than me. That's why I gave it to him." he replied as tears slid down his face. "I never even told him that."
"He knew. I know he did."
"Jason, thank you for being his best friend. I'm sorry I tried to hurt you. I should have known you wouldn't have hurt Connor."
"It's okay." I mumbled, trying not to cry.
"If you ever need anything, all you have to do is ask."
********Break********
Bruce's POV
I glanced down at the sleeping forms of my children. My only children… I could have lost them. I could have lost them both.
Jason lay squished in-between Dick and the back of the sofa as Dick held Jason in a death grip. I pulled the discarded blanket around them before turning the TV off and moving towards the cave.
Dick's on antidepressants and now has a therapist. And Jason acts okay on the outside, but on the inside, he's broken. He refuses to talk to anyone… Both of them are broken. They'll need time to heal.
What if the older Titans hadn't gotten there in time? Who saves our children, when we can't?
********Break********
I took my seat and waited for Clark to begin the meeting. He solemnly took his spot as leader before beginning his speech.
"The Teen Titans need to be disbanded. They are… were our protégés, our children. It is too dangerous to allow children into the game. As of today, the Titans are forever-"
"No."
Soon all eyes were on me as I stood.
"Batman-" he began before I interrupted him.
"None of us are there to keep our children safe. Who protects our children when we are too busy protecting other innocent lives? The Titans will not be disbanded. They're the only ones who can save each other." I stated.
Green Arrow stood next. "I call for a vote."
"I second." Aquaman stated as he rose.
"Alright. We'll vote on the issue. All those in favor of allowing the Teen Titans to continue, rise." Superman stated as I rose.
Seconds passed before I was joined by Green Arrow, Black Canary, Aquaman, Green Lantern, and finally every hero in the room.
********Break********
Jason's POV
I glanced around at everyone in the tower. What was left of the Titans stood with their mentors. I could see Green Arrow with his arm around Black Canary and his hand resting on Red Arrow's shoulder. I guess they worked it out. Garth stood with Arthur and a… replacement? Who is that? Superman and Supergirl stood grim-faced and silent.
Bruce squeezed my shoulder as Dick left our side and took his place in front of a giant curtain. I watched as the curtain was withdrawn. Statues of Aquagirl, Speedy, and Superboy were revealed behind Nightwing.
Screaming on the inside
I am frail and withered
Cover up the wounds
That I can't hide
Walls that lie between us
The saint within the sinner
I have lost the nerve
But it's all right
This is my last day as a Titan. I can't do this anymore. It's not the same without them. I remained emotionless on the outside, while I broke down on the inside as my brother began his speech.
Carry the wounded and shut your eyes
All will be forgiven
None will rise
Bury the fallen and lead the blind
I will fight the loss
Dead inside
"Today we gather together at Titan Tower to erect statues in honor of those who have fallen, to honor those who have travelled into the nothing-"
Into the nothing
Faded and weary
I won't leave and let you fall behind
Live for the dying
Heaven hear me
I know we can make it out alive
"Today, we say goodbye to the ones we have laid to rest. Although, the dead never truly die, for we carry them with us. We live with the memory of the dead and the dying-"
Leave me at the bottom
I am lost forever
Letters from the dead
Say goodbye
Sorrow falls upon us
This will be the last time
Days begin to end
But I'll get by
"Hope is not lost. We shall continue on. They would want us to-"
Follow the hopeless
And shut your eyes
All will be abandoned
None will shine
Gather the broken and leave this life
Lying in the earth
Side by side
"One day we will all be reunited. No one can live forever. We will leave this life side by side. But, until that day comes-"
Into the nothing
Faded and weary
I won't leave and let you fall behind
Live for the dying
Heaven hear me
I know we can make it out alive
"No one else will fall behind. No one else dies. No one else shall be forgotten-"
I'll keep you inside
Where I lead you cannot follow
Straight into the light
As my breath grows still and shallow
"We shall keep the fallen in our hearts and together, we can make it out alive. We are the only ones who can save each other. We're all that's left. I know we can make it through this, together. Together we can do anything. Together, I know we can make it out alive."
Into the nothing
Faded and weary
I won't leave and let you fall behind
Live for the dying
Heaven hear me
I know we can make it out alive
As soon as he finished, he moved to stand beside us. I wrapped my arms around his waist as he held me. I could feel Bruce's hand on my shoulder as I looked at the statues.
Stay with me
You're all I have left
I know we can make it out alive
Stay with me
You're all I have left
I know we can make it out alive
I really didn't want to kill Connor, Chris, and Tula. But, I thought it was necessary. I wanted the characters to come to realize how precious life really is and I wanted them to realize how much they need each other.
At first, no one wanted to take responsibility for the deaths, so everyone placed the blame on each other. But, they came to realize that they have no one to blame but themselves. Roy used drugs to take away the pain. Dick considered suicide. Garth tried to use revenge to take away the pain. Oliver turned to alcohol. Dinah almost divorced the man she loves. Clark killed Zod. Bruce almost ended Dick's and Jason's vigilante career because he was so afraid of losing them. Jason blamed Dick at first before shifting the blame to himself and he keeps it locked inside himself. Jay realized that if Connor hadn't had pushed him out of the way, he'd be alive and Jason would be dead. Everyone lost someone. Sometimes, the loss becomes too great for any one person to bear. But, together they'll get through it. Together, they'll make it out alive. (And yes, I had to include the lyrics from Into the Nothing by Breaking Benjamin. It's what inspired this chapter.)