Heroes aren't supposed to cry. Heroes aren't supposed to show weakness. I guess you could say that a hero isn't supposed to be human. That's the way it is. Or the way it should be. At least, that's what I was taught.

And now I felt as if I might break those rules. I had... destroyed my friends, and my world, from the inside out. Unknowingly or not.. I had helped the Brotherhood of Evil... and it was my fault that everyone was now doomed.

And I was being forced to watch the destruction.

I know what my friends would say. That anyone would have done the same thing in my situation. That I had no way of knowing. And they would be correct.

But it doesn't matter. Because I am a leader. I'm supposed to be strong. I'm supposed to be smart. And I'm supposed to never make mistakes. Now I had made one that may cost everyone I ever cared about their lives.

I know that the Brain is speaking to me. I've been trying to tune him out for so long, but it hasn't worked. And now that my own thoughts are bringing me closer to ... tears, I need something to distract me.

"Together you may be formidable." I try to keep my face from showing it, but I'm possessed by a sudden burning hatred. For a heartbeat, I cling to the feeling, let myself go. I know this is the end, so why bother with controlling my emotions? Why bother, when soon, the world will...

No, Robin! No doubt. No fear. No...

"But apart, you are lost.." I'm attempting to drown him out, but then I stop myself. This is my fault. This is my mistake. It's only fair I must listen and suffer consequence.. "Who among you can save you now?"

As my face contorts, I can feel the tears brimming in my eyes, through the mask..

Get a grip!, I tell myself hurriedly, Remember what Bruce taught you. Heroes cannot cry..

Gradually I realize. I'm not working with Bruce anymore. And although his lessons were valuable, perhaps there are some of them that are less important.

No!

I can't show weakness, I can't let my emotions get the better of me. I am Robin, and I am a hero. I'm supposed to be strong, not weak. I'm supposed to be brave, not timid..

The mask will hide it, my mind offers. Excuses.

Of course this is all happening in a matter of seconds. Painfully long seconds. And finally, I give in, give up, and let the tears fog up my vision momentarily. I hadn't cried since my parents' deaths...

Heroes aren't supposed to cry. Heroes aren't supposed to show weakness. But I'm not just a hero. I'm human, too.

Some rules are meant to broken.