“Hero” Version 1.2

It was a simple robbery.

The robber twirled toward him, the arm blaster aimed precisely. Wildwing didn’t even have time to raise his ice shield, and the only thought that fluttered through his mind was Nosedive wasn’t there.

Nosedive wouldn’t see him die.

A shot cut through the air.

An unexpected force slammed into his side.

And Nosedive screamed.

When Wildwing saw his brother on the ground, crimson seeping from his forehead and side, he hollered. His fear and desperation only exacerbated when Nosedive didn’t answer him, didn’t move.

The boy’s injuries weren’t life threatening, but Wildwing still held his brother’s hand, simply watching Nosedive breathe. A macabre message had been sent.

Nosedive was always in danger.

As he trailed his hand through Nosedive’s hair, all Wildwing thought was: This was not what he wanted for his brother. He had brought the teen with him into war, but he didn’t want Nosedive to be in constant danger.

But that was the life he chose for his brother, and short of locking the boy in his room until the war was over, this was the life his brother would lead.

“Wing?” Nosedive mumbled, his voice strained.

Wildwing smiled, touching his brother’s cheek. “I’m still here, baby bro.”

Nosedive returned it, albeit weakly. “And so am I…