Drabble: Whatever the Cost May Be (PG)
"Gentlemen, it's been an honor." With those words, Batman presses the button that sends Flash and the Martian to safety.
He sees their shock, their protesting expressions. He doesn't expect them to understand.
He's not afraid to die. The first time he put on the suit, he accepted that risk. In piloting the Watchtower toward its doom and Earth's salvation, he has affirmed that choice one last time.
Alfred, at least, will know this. After all, he'd had Bruce memorize Winston Churchill's famous speech, words that are only too appropriate now.
"We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be."
He focuses on the Watchtower’s trajectory, adjusting for the likelihood of its breaking apart upon re-entry. Sweat trickles down his brow.
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing-grounds…”
The controls short out; smoke and flames fill the room. He coughs.
“…we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills.”
Metal screeches as it buckles around him. His eyes stream behind the cowl, he gasps for the room’s remaining oxygen.
“We shall never surrender.”
As oblivion engulfs him, he wonders if his soul will enter Heaven… or Elysium.
Notes:
Set during "Starcrossed"
comicdrabbles prompt: Beach
fanfic100 prompt: Earth