Shadow

Prologue

4 years ago

Elizabeth's P.O.V.

I held Dad's hand as we walked towards the cemetery. Richard's parents are being buried today, and Dad said he needed to be around someone his age to help him out through this tough time. I understood what it was like to lose a parent in a way, but not by death and obviously not both of my parents. As we continued towards the grave site, I saw Richard already standing there waiting for us. Once we reached him, he didn't say a word. He just looked down and tried not to cry.

I walked up to him and hugged him. He hugged me back tightly. "It'll be alright. I can stay with you if you'd like."

He nodded and released me from the hug. I took his hand and we listened as the preacher continued his speech about Richard's parents. As soon as it ended and everyone started leaving, Richard stared at his parents grave.

"I never got your name." He said suddenly.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Elizabeth Wayne, but you can call me Lizzy." I said.

"That's a beautiful name." He looked at me. "I'm Richard Grayson, which you already knew, but you can call me Dick. Short for Richard."

I smiled at him. "Well, it's very nice to meet you officially Dick." He gave me a small weak smile. It was silent between us for a few minutes until I spoke up.

"I want you to know that you're not alone in this." I said. He looked at me with sad eyes. "I won't leave you to deal with this alone. If you need a shoulder to cry on, come to me."

He nodded. "Thank you. That means a lot." Suddenly Dad walked up to us.

"Come on you two; it's time to head home." He said. Dick gave me a confused look.

"Home?" He asked.

"Yes Dick. You'll be staying with us." Dad said. I saw Dick give the smallest of smiles. We headed to the limo and headed towards the manor. When we got there, Dick looked at the manor in awe.

"It's huge!" He exclaimed, causing me to giggle.

"I know right. I've gotten lost a few times myself." I said. I could tell that this was going to be the start of a great friendship. Dad opened the doors and Dick took a look around.

"This is amazing!" Dick said. Dad and I both smiled. Suddenly the clock chimed, signaling the late hour.

"I think the two of you need to get some sleep. It's been a long day." Dad said. "Elizabeth, will you show Dick to his room?"

"Of course, Dad." I replied. I turned to Dick. "Please, follow me."

I made my way to the massive staircase and Dick followed. I showed him all the different rooms so he could at least get familiar with part of the house. Once I stopped in front of his room I opened the door.

"And this is your room." I said. He walked in and looked shocked at how big the room was. "My room is just across from yours. If you need anything, just come to my room."

Suddenly he embraced me; I hugged back after a few seconds. "Thank you."

"What for?" I asked.

We separated from the hug and he looked me in the eyes. "For being so kind to me, and for taking me in."

I smiled. "No problem Dick. You deserve it after all you've been through." It was silent for a minute until I spoke again. "Well, we should get some sleep."

He nodded and walked further into his room. Before I could disappear into mine, Dick spoke up. "Goodnight Lizzy."

"Goodnight Dick." I said, and with that we disappeared behind our bedroom doors. A few moments later, Dad walked into my room.

"How's he doing?" He asked, referring to Dick.

"He's doing as good as he can be right now Dad." I said.

He nodded. "Come on. We have patrol tonight, remember?"

"How could I forget?" I asked. I love going out on patrol with Dad. It gives me time to spend with him since as Bruce Wayne he hardly has time for me. I still live him; I know it's hard balancing a real life with a vigilante one as well.

We headed down to the Batcave and got dressed in our uniforms; him in his Batman uniform and me in my Batgirl uniform. As soon as we were dressed we headed out in the Batmobile to go on patrol of Gotham.

***************
A few hours later, after patrol

Once we got back from patrol, Dad and I started to get dressed into our pajamas. We made our way to our rooms and before I closed my door, Dad spoke.

"Goodnight Elizabeth. You did good work tonight." He said.

I smiled tiredly at him. "Goodnight Dad. I love you."

And with that, he made his way to his room, shutting my door along the way. I quickly fell asleep after he left.