Ashe's chest heaved with quick, shallow breaths as they rode up in the elevator of the Titan's Tower. Their mind was a battlefield, overrun with flashes of their fallen friends' faces. Friends that fell at Ashe's hands. Shaking off the thoughts, the elevator dinged sharply, signaling their arrival at their destination.

There was no plan, no coherent thoughts or strategies. Ashe was like a wild animal, moving purely on instinct and adrenaline. They weren't even sure what would happen when they saw Dick - would they lose control again? The thought sent shivers down Ashe's spine, terror mingling with guilt and regret. A part of them almost wished that Dick would put them out of their misery.

Ashe stepped cautiously into the living room, their heart racing as they took in the eerie silence. Dick was a well prepared individual, Ashe was sure he probably knew they were coming. Moving cautiously through the Tower, they entered the living room which appeared to be empty. Ashe's eyes darted around nervously as they turned the corner, catching a glimpse of the kitchen.

There he was, Dick Grayson, leaning nonchalantly against the counter. His dark hair was tousled but effortlessly styled, and he wore a fitted blue v-neck t-shirt that accentuated his muscular frame. He gazed solemnly at Ashe, his piercing blue eyes seeming to see right through them.

Locking eyes with him, Ashe could feel themselves losing control. They turned away slightly, trying to fight it. They felt far away from their body, like a bystander watching the events unfold. In a moment of desperation, they reached up and grabbed at their head, trying to hold on to some semblance of control.

But then Dick spoke, his voice soft and soothing. There was a hint of sadness behind his words as he reassured Ashe that everything would be okay. "You can fight this," he said firmly. "I know you can."

His words pierced Ashe's mind like a thousand needles, causing them to whimper in pain and fight back an overwhelming urge to commit violence. A foreign sense of aggression bubbled up within them, threatening to take over. Desperately, Ashe crossed their arms and dug their nails into their skin, trying to ground themselves. But the darkness was still creeping in.

Taking shaky steps back, Ashe curled in on themself, feeling small and helpless. Their voice was barely audible, "H-help."

"I'm here Ashe. I haven't known you for long, but I know you are strong. I know you want to do good." Dick said softly, he sounded pained from watching Ashe.

Gasping for air, Ashe could feel the darkness creeping closer, about to overtake them entirely. Their body trembled as they struggled to hold on to their sense of self.

They couldn't stop it. With their heart racing and adrenaline coursing through their veins, they lunged at Dick and pushed him backwards into the kitchen counter. A look of surprise and fear flashed across his face as he struggled to regain his balance. In a frenzy, Ashe felt the sensation of cold steel as they picked up a kitchen knife. Swinging wildly, Ashe moved closer to Dick.

Maybe they could let it take them over. Maybe Ashe could recede so deep into themself that they wouldn't even know what was happening. They could not fight this losing battle anymore. There were no more options, they were too deep in. It was hopeless. If they murdered Dick, then they were a truly unredeemable monster. If they failed and anything happened to the kids, that blood would be on Ashe's hands and the grief would eat them alive.

But everything was moving too fast for rational thought. All Ashe could see was a blur of red, blinded by their own anger and desperation. They barely registered when Dick kicked the knife out of their hands, sending it clattering to the ground.

Without hesitation, Ashe charged forward and pushed Dick into the living room, driven by pure instinct and adrenaline.

Dick grabbed both of Ashe's wrists and threw them onto the floor, pinning them down. "Ashe," he said sternly, "I want to help you. I can help you. But you have to want that help. You have to want to fight, you have to want to live!"

Ashe fought against the weight of Dick pinning them down, thrashing and writhing in a desperate attempt to break free. Their faces were inches apart, and Ashe could feel the intensity of Dick's gaze. It was filled with a mix of concern and desperation to save them.

They did want to live. They wanted to live here in the Tower with Dick and Jason and the others. They didn't want to constantly run and fight for survival anymore. But no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't seem to grasp onto any sense of control over themselves. The Boss's command held a powerful grip over their mind and body, making it almost impossible for them to resist.

"You said the world needs more heroes. I know you want to be that hero, Ashe." He pleaded.

Ashe focused on Dick's voice, trying to calm their racing heart and catch their breath. They wanted to be a force of good so badly. Ashe didn't want to be under the Boss's thumb forever.

In that moment, they longed to let go of all the pain and fear and just surrender to his comfort. Slowly, the racing thoughts in their mind began to quiet down. They were coming back to themselves.

Now, Dick's voice was barely a whisper as he pressed his forehead against Ashe's and closed his eyes. "All of us want to help you. Please just let me be here for you."

In that moment, a hush fell over the world. The clamor of thoughts and doubts and fears quieted. Ashe felt like they were slowly awakening, their senses sharpening as they focused on Dick's steady presence. Tears streamed down their face uncontrollably as they finally allowed themselves to release the emotions they had been holding in for so long. His steady gaze and comforting touch gave them the strength to let go. Dick gently released them and sat on the ground next to them, watching carefully. Overcome with gratitude and emotion, Ashe threw themself into Dick's arms in a tight embrace. He held them softly.

"Thank you, Dick." Ashe sobbed. In that moment, they knew that they weren't alone in their struggles anymore.