Under The Blue Hood (Discontinued)

Stages of Grief

(A Few Weeks Later)

Sobs echoed throughout the Mountain, belonging to both adults and children alike. The Team huddled together in the front of the cove, tears streaming down their faces as they stared at the holographic image of their fallen friend. The image of Robin stood tall, arms folded over his chest and a defiant expression worn on his face. Behind the younger heroes stood the League, who simply stared at the figure with matching looks of mourning and exhaustion. The despair over the young bird's death was shared between all generations of heroes, some taking it harder than others. Everyone in the Team was in hysterics, and the Leaguers who were closest to Robin were in similar conditions. Superman had his head bowed, Black Canary had her face buried in Green Arrow's shoulder, and Wonder Woman had silent tears falling from her eyes.

Every once in a while, someone would glance at Batman, who stood far away from everyone else. The brooding man kept his eyes on his protege's image, but his brain failed to process the meaning of it. No matter how he looked at it, it was impossible to comprehend that his partner was no longer present. The memories of his quirky ways were still fresh in Batman's mind, and he couldn't bring himself to acknowledge that those days were over. Even being dubbed one of the world's coldest men on Earth didn't shield him from the shock that his ward's untimely demise brought him. Instead of sharing the heroes' depression, all he could feel was numb.

Batgirl appeared at his side. "I know you're taking this harder than the rest of us, Bru- Batman. Do you want to leave?" She asked softly.

Months prior to this, Barbara had started dressing up in her own costume, claiming to be a new vigilante by the name of Batgirl. Batman had originally planned on simply telling her father about her activities, but after some pleading on Dick's part, he decided to train the girl. The Dynamic Duo soon revealed their identities to her, and Bruce told her that the only way she would be allowed to patrol is if she went through the necessary training beforehand. Barbara agreed without much argument, and even said that she knew she was too inexperienced to make much of a difference anyways. After that, Dick and Barbara became closer than ever. The two of them were good friends before, but sharing a common interest such as theirs brought them even closer.

Barbara unfortunately heard about her friend's demise from the news, and Gordon personally told Bruce that she was inconsolable for hours after hearing about it. She of course eventually came to the Manor, and the two of them silently grieved in each other's company. Ever since then, she came over a lot more, to either help Bruce cope or to help herself, he wasn't sure. Either way, her presence calmed him down a lot, and she became one of the few who was welcome in his home.

Barbara also made an appearance at Dick Grayson's funeral, and she even wrote a short speech in his memory. After the casket was lowered into the ground, and everyone else had left, the two bats remained. It was then that Barbara quietly requested that she be invited to the funeral for Robin, and Bruce could not deny her.

When the two arrived at the Mountain, there were several curious glances towards her, but they were far too upset to raise any questions. Batgirl had stayed towards the front with the younger heroes for the most part, and remained there until looking at the holographic image of her fallen friend became too much for her to handle. The question she asked was directed towards him, but he knew that in reality it was her who wanted to leave. He understood her pain, of course he did, but that didn't mean he was going to leave. "We should stay," he said quietly. "He deserves that much."

She nodded, and lowered her head. "I know. It's just... I miss him," she choked out. Batman put a steady hand on her shoulder, nodded in understanding, and returned his gaze to Robin's image.

Superman suddenly cleared his throat. "Robin was one of bravest heroes I have known, and his young age only emphasised his strength. His death will not go unheard: the criminal responsible for his death will be caught and brought to justice."