OOC: I didn't take it off in front of you, YOU burned the thing and I had to continue on.
IC:
"It's okay...it's okay...
I hear the voice of my mother. I'm still shocked that this is happening. Being held in my mother's arms again seems too good to be true. Usually I would doubt something like this, but at this moment I don't care. Whether it's a delision from a dying mind or not, I'm just going to let it happen.
After a few moments I sit up, the tears dried on my face. She sits next to me.
"Now will you tell me what happened?"
"He...he betrayed us..."
"Who?"
"Tim...the third Rob--"
"I know who Tim Drake is."
"How...why..."
"I'm dead, there isn't much for us to do but look at the lives of the living. Why am I asking you to tell me what happened then? Because talking about the bad things that happens...letting your personal demons out...helps. Now, how did Tim betray you?"
"He...became someone else. Calls himself the Red Hood. He tried to kill us...we think he killed someone. I...I just don't know how this could have happened."
C'mon, Bruce, don't cry. Stop it. You've done too much already. She reaches over my shoulders and conforts me again.
"Shh, it's okay. He made his own dicision, you couldn't do anything to stop it."
"I...I should have..."
"Stop it. Don't do what I know you're going to do. Don't blame yourself for Tim. You blame yourself for so many things you'll go crazy. You already have so much of it: you blame yourself for Jason Todd, Barbra Gordon's paralization...us. You had nothing to do with it."
I calm myself and a question comes to mind.
"Why isn't Father here?"
"Mr. Corrigan said that he had only enough power to bring one of us. Not to mention your father...he's not too pleased that you tried to do this. In fact, Thomas asked me to say this to you: 'What in the hell is wrong with you? Are you going to quit living, quit doing some good to the city and the world just because someone hurt you like that? You have to take it like a man, accept it, and move on!' While his version is fairly vulgar, I happen to agree."
"Wait, what did he mean by 'doing good for the city and the world?'"
"Well, certinly you becoming a costumed vigilantie was one of the last things we thought you'd do, and we defiantely not too supportive of it at first. After a few years, though, we saw what you were doing. You've saved so many lives, and have practically saved the world a couple of times. Not to mention...you're our son, and no matter what happens, we'll always love you."
"It is almost time to go, Batman." I turn and I see the Spectre next to me.
"One of your enemies have taken over your home, and have commited murder on an unborn child."
I think about his cryptic responce and I realize what's happened...Harley. Joker. Oh God.
"I have to stop him."
"No kidding? Your assistence is direly needed. When you go back, your wound will be healed completely. Stop him, before he brings another to God's kingdom before their time."
I turn to her.
"I have to go..."
"I know. Just get him out of our house." She walks to me and embraces me in her arms...for the last time.
"I love you," I utter, "I just need to say that before I leave you again. I love you."
"I love you too, Bruce. Both of us will. We always will."
I relenctly let go and I turn to the Spectre.
"I'm ready."
"Good luck, Bruce, from one sprit of vengence to another."
With that, he snaps his fingers and I end up back in the real world. The puddle of blood under me hasn't progressed. I feel down to where the wound was and I don't find it there anymore. The Spectre was always good at his word.
I stand up and run towards the stairs to the Manor. I open the door in and I see.
The Joker. He's in my home and has shot Harley in the stomech, killing the unborn child.
Anger fuels me, the sheer hate fuels me...tragedy fuels me...
"You dare..." I mutter at the Bastard Clown. "You DARE..."
I turn the Joker around, take the gun from his hand, and I pistol-whip him across the face.
"YOU DARE TO MURDER A CHILD IN MY HOUSE?!"
OOC: Translation: He's coming for your ass.