Why We're Here

Little Bird, Fly Away Home

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to celebrate the life of Jason Todd," the pastor read, "A courageous boy, taken from us much too soon. He will forever live in our hearts, and be forever on our minds."
It was raining that day. I remember watching the raindrops bounce off the top of the casket. Jason's body was in there. It hurt to know I would never hear his voice, see his face, or even be with him ever again.
Everybody came. Nearly the entire Justice League showed up in their civilian identities. Dick and Barbara were close to the casket. They were gripping each other as if their lives depended on it. Bruce was off to the side, his eyes on the casket. He hadn't said a single word to any of us.
Dick had filled me in. Jason tried to save his mother, but The Joker was there. He beat Jason to death with a crowbar, and then blew up the building he was in. Both Todd's died. The Joker killed Jason, and he was still allowed to live.
It was hard to know which were tears and which were raindrops tracing down my cheeks. Most people had umbrellas, but I stood out in the rain. I didn't think rain mattered, not when everyone was crying.
They began to shovel dirt onto Jason's casket. At that point, I wasn't sure if I would be able to hold myself up. There was no one I could go to. Dick kept Barbara up, and Barbara kept Dick up. Bruce had no emotions, and wouldn't support others. Alfred was doing his best to comfort Bruce, though it would do no good.
That left me, alone. I wanted to sob, I wanted to scream, I wanted to jump in and shock Jason back to life. The best I could do was stand there and watch as the dirt was loaded onto the casket.
The funeral was over quickly. Most of the attendants left. Diana and Clark both patted my shoulder as they left. Dinah gave me a hug and whispered, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call."
"Ditto," Oliver weakly smiled.
I nodded, unable to say much. Eventually, only Bruce, Dick, Barbara, and I remained. We stared at the newly dug grave. Jason was under there, never to see the sun or feel the wind ever again.
Bruce left first. I watched him go, fully knowing what he was going to do. There would be a surplus of beaten criminals showing up at GCPD tonight. Batman had a lot of anger he had to get out.
Dick and Barbara left together. I'm not entirely sure if they realized I was still there. This family had issues with dealing with emotions, especially grief. Bruce would never show his emotions. Even Dick would bottle them up, though I hoped Barbara would help him release his issues.
I, on the other hand, had a different method. I took one last look at the grave and left. I had to get out, to go somewhere. I needed to get out of Gotham, just for a while.
I went home and packed a small backpack. Making sure to bring my costume, I left. Barbara wasn't at home, making me believe she went to stay with Dick. That was good, they needed each other.
I was on the next train to Metropolis. At that time, I had no better solutions. There was no where else to go, nothing else to do. I wanted to get away, and at least I knew someone in Metropolis. It would be good for me.
"Is this seat taken?"
I glanced up to see a beautiful blonde girl looking down at me. She wore black glasses over grey eyes. She carried a case and wore a pencil skirt and white blouse. I shook my head.
"Thanks, all the other seats are taken," she extended her hand, "I'm Kara Danvers."
I shook it, "Lucille Brimsey."
"Well, Lucille, what brings you to Metropolis?"

Lucille Brimsey will return