A/N: Written for my friend, Viet Devil. WARNING: This is a continuation of an Elseworlds story.

Nothing else seemed to matter. He knew the funeral was today and in the Joker's mind, he had won. There was nothing left to challenge him in this dark place we all called home. Dick thought to himself, would there be anyone to challenge him?

Dick left his car, the sky was dark and rain fell, like tears from the sky. Bruce Wayne was dead, and it seemed that Gotham knew it- and whole city wept for him. Dick looked to Barbara, as she took his hand, walking with him towards the coffin. Dick shook his head. Maybe if he had done something, things would have been different. Maybe if he had done something Bruce would still be alive.

Dick could feel Barbara squeeze his hand tighter as the ceremony started. She wouldn't look at him, even as he gazed at her.

"Bruce Wayne was a great man." The voice of the priest carried through their ears, "He was loved by all who surrounded him. Like his father before him, Bruce was a caring man who helped Gotham in her darkest times."

Dick knew Bruce as a caring man, more than most could say was common knowledge. The people of Gotham knew him as the generous but sketchy businessman of Gotham. A select few knew he was more than that. They knew that behind his mask of normality, he was one of the good Gods of Gotham.

"Although he walks through the valley of death, he will fear no evil." The Priest finished.

Dick paced in front of the bat-computer, his arms crossed.

"Master Dick, might I ask what is troubling you?" Alfred walked towards him.

Dick stopped pacing.

"I can't deal with this Alfred." Dick said, "Bruce's death- and Barbara-"

Alfred frowned.

"What is wrong with Ms. Gordon?" Alfred asked, concerned.

Dick sighed.

"She wants me to leave this all behind." Dick shook his head, "And I just can't let all Bruce did die overnight."

Alfred nodded, politely.

"What are you going to do, might I ask?" Alfred asked.

Dick politely smiled.

"I'm not sure." Dick said, "But I'm not going to let Bruce's death be in vain. I won't let the Joker win."

"And Ms. Gordon?" Alfred asked.

Dick patted Alfred on the back.

"Don't worry about that, Alfred." Dick said, "I'll have a talk with her."

Barbara waited impatiently at the front doors of the Wayne Mansion. The doors swung wide open as Dick approached her.

"Dammit, Dick, I don't know if I can go on like this anymore." She said, walking inside.

Dick's eyes lowered.

Barbara stood inside the bat-cave, pacing like Dick once was. Dick watched her frustration.

"I don't know why you choose to stay here, Dick." Barbara complained, "Doesn't it just remind you of him?"

Dick stood from his seat.

"Barbara-" Dick's voice broke.

"I just still- I can't believe-" Barbara wiped her eyes clean, "That he's-"

Dick walked over to Barbara, who collapsed into his arms, sobbing.

"I wish he was here…" Barbara spoke in-between sobs, "I wish he would tell us what we should do now…"

Dick rubbed her head, but then suddenly stopped. He turned from her, in a moment of realization.

"That's it, Barb." Dick said, "That's what we have to do."

She frowned at him, shaking her head, tears still falling.

"People know that Bruce Wayne is gone." Dick said, "But everyone thinks Batman is still alive."

Barbara frowned.

"And you are saying what, exactly?" she asked, a bit concerned.

"I was his heir." Dick said, placing his hand on Barbara's shoulder, "Barb, I was like a son to him, and I am going to take his place."

Barbara closed her eyes tight.

"Dick, please, no." Barbara said, looking back at him, "What if you can't handle it?"

Dick shook his head.

"I am going to be fine." Dick said, "I learned everything I know from that man. I am going to use it."

Barbara wasn't so sure.

"Dick, Bruce went through a lot." Barbara said, "You know that more than most. With Jason's death, and what Bane did to him- the constant harassment and absence of any kind of a normal life- Dick- know what you're getting into. Please."

Dick smiled at her.

"Honey." He said, stroking her cheek affectionately, "This is the right thing to do. I just know it."

Barbara smiled at him. She knew deep inside, it was fake, covering for her worry and concern.