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The Batcave. Many years ago…

In one of the deepest, darkest parts of the many catacombs that made up the Batcave Bruce Wayne, wearing the uniform of Batman but with his cowl down, and Dick Grayson, wearing his circus outfit of red and green with a yellow cape, sat in the darkness. All was pitch black until Bruce had lit a match and used it to lite a nearby candle, bringing some small illumination to the area.

“You’re sure about this?” he asked Dick, the most serious question he could ever pose to the boy of only twelve years.

Dick’s response was “More than anything.” showing how equally serious he was.

“I can’t change your mind?”

“No way.”

A small sigh escaped Bruce’s lips before he pointed out “I only want to be sure, Dick. Unlike you I didn’t have this chance. I never found my parents killer. You had the satisfaction of seeing him brought to justice. You still have the choice to walk away from it.”

“I could have walked away when the circus left. Or when I found out about Zucco. Or even when you went out all those times before I knew the truth. I’m not walking away now.”

Another sigh accompanied by a nod before Bruce then said “You should at least rethink the costume.”

“I like the colors.” Dick smirked. “They were my parents’ after all. Although I guess an upgrade from tights wouldn’t be out of the question.”

Bruce then asked “Have you thought of a name?”

With a confident smile and a bold look Dick, pointing to the patch with an R on his chest, which stood for Richard, answered “Robin.”
With a final nod Bruce pulled up the cowl to his outfit. At the same time Dick placed the mask offered to him to cover his eyes. Now Batman, looking to his new protégé, held one hand out flat, palm facing down, with the other hand held in the air as a salute. The young boy did the same and held it as steady as he did.

“Alright then.” The Dark Knight proclaimed. “We are Batman…”

The Boy Wonder, happier than ever, gave a low but confident “…and Robin.”

**********

Two Years Later…

It was late into the night before Barbara Gordon, dressed as the new vigilante Batgirl, returned to her room. The window was cracked enough for her to slip her fingers through and sneak in without anyone noticing. Quietly and carefully she snuck back in before closing the window behind her. A little sigh of relief escaped her before she removed her cowl, a little sweat on her head from all of the freelance crime fighting she’d accomplished tonight.

Suddenly she heard her mother call from outside her room “Barbara?”

She gasped before hurrying to the door, cracking it a bit and saying “Uh…yeah, mom?”

“Are you still up?”

“No. I, uh, just had to go to the bathroom.” She quickly answered, hoping her mother wouldn’t investigate further.

“Well get some sleep. You have that big test for your computer sciences tomorrow. And I will not have my daughter fluking because she had to be such a night owl like her father.”

“Alright, mom. I’m going.” She called back, closing the door and giving a heavy sigh of relief.

Just as she turned she gasped as the dark figure of the Batman stood at her window. He’d made no noise when he entered which surprised her the most, given how even she had made some sort of noise to gain her mother’s attention. The shock of it made her drop the cowl of her handmade outfit.

“Ms. Gordon.” Batman began. “We need to talk.”

**********

Three Years Later…

Inside the Batcave Robin was busying himself in the training area. His mentor, Batman, was away on some important mission with the superhero team known as the Justice League. For the time being Gotham was quiet and the young hero was forced to busy himself as best he could. He went through the obstacle course over and over, trying to keep himself in shape, while boxing with dummies awkwardly dressed as some of the city’s biggest criminals; including Two-Face, Riddler, Scarecrow and the Penguin.

It wasn’t until he stopped for a moment that Robin heard “Not bad. I remember when I had trouble sitting still while Bruce was away from Gotham.”

He looked and, seeing who it was, gave a surprised “Nightwing!?!”

With a chuckle he replied “Only when on duty.” He walked up to him, holding a hand out while showing he wore all but the mask of his outfit, and added “You can just call me ‘Dick’.” As the two shook hands he pointed out “So you must be the new kid. Jason, right?”

“Yeah. That’s me.”

“Bruce mentioned you. I stopped by just to check in but had to see for myself. So is it true he found you actually trying to swipe the wheels off the Batmobile?”

With a shrug Jason replied “Hey! I had a mouth to feed. Besides not like he couldn’t afford more.”

Dick smirked “I always said the same thing whenever I managed to tear up my costume.” He then pointed out “The new one looks good on you. Liking the job so far?”

“Compared to what I came from, couldn’t be happier.” Jason replied, if a bit coldly. He soon changed the subject to “How about you? Bruce told me you were running with that new group of sidekicks, right?”

“Well we don’t like to throw the term ‘sidekicks’ out there. But basically. You know, if you play your cards like I did, I could see about branching out a membership to you.”

Jason only shrugged and replied “I’ll think about it. But, to be honest, I’d rather be making a name just for me. My time with the Bat will end eventually and, like you, I’m hoping to go off on my own.”

Dick nodded and gave a friendly shrug “Well my offer still stands.” He then checked his watch and quickly said “Oh boy. Hate to cut and run, kid, but I’ve got to get going. Promised an old friend I’d visit while I was still in town.”

“Babs?” Jason smirked, surprising Dick to silence. “Yeah. Found out about that.”

Dick only huffed a smirk before giving a final handshake, Jason taking it, and saying “I like you, Jason. Keep up the good work. Maybe one day you’ll make a better Robin than I ever did.”

As Dick eventually disappeared out of the Batcave Jason stood there with a now more encouraged look on his face. Maybe what he said was true. Maybe he might even be the next hero Gotham needed if something ever happened to Batman. Just maybe…

**********

Ten Months Later…

In Gotham General hospital Dick Grayson burst through the doors of the emergency surgery hall only to find nearly everyone he knew standing outside the window of one of the rooms. Bruce, Alfred, Jason, Detectives Harvey Bullock and Renee Montoya, even Barbara’s gymnastics friend Carrie Kelly. They all looked to him but he ignored, hurrying to the window to see his fears about the terrible news were true.

Barbara sat in the medical bed, passed out and breathing steadily. Commissioner James Gordon stood there with his griever wife and their son, James Jr. while trying to comfort the both of them.

As Dick fought back tears, not looking to anyone, he asked “How…? Who did this to her?”

“I found her.” Carrie admitted. “We were supposed to meet for a class but she was late, so I-”

Dick, looking at her with a tempered fury, insisted “Who?”

“It was the Joker.” Bullock answered. “Caught her by surprise. Shot her right through the spine. Sick bastard even took pictures and sent them to Gordon just for a laugh.”

It was then that Alfred solemnly added “I’m afraid, Master Grayson, the doctors say the damage could be permanent. Ms. Gordon….she may never walk again.”

For the longest moment Dick had to hold back how terrible he felt, rubbing his eyes and constantly breathing through his nose, before finally looking to Bruce and asking “Did you… Did they find him?”

“No.” he answered, a dark look coming over him. “But someone will.”

Bullock stepped in and said “Look, Mr. Wayne, I know you and the commish have been friends ever since you made all those nice donations for the force, but leave the police work to us. Got it? Don’t need Gotham’s richest man going out there and acting like that Bat nut.” After that he looked to Montoya and indicated “We should probably head out.”

She nodded, walking up and giving a quick “I’m so sorry.” to everyone, especially Dick, before leaving with Bullock.

After they left Dick looked to Bruce. The both of them seemed to have a silent debate between them. The look on Dick’s face indicated the want for finding the Joker and hurting him more than ever. Bruce’s look however was one that said otherwise, reminding him of the oath they both made when deciding to become Gotham’s protectors.

A moment later Gordon, appearing from the room, looked to everyone present and said “She’s starting to wake up now. You can come in and see her if you want.”

Carrie was the first to enter, soon followed by Alfred. Bruce waited for Dick who, after needing a minute to breathe and calm himself while bracing to face his crippled friend, eventually entered.

Before Bruce himself entered he stopped and looked to ask “Jason?”

The entire time Jason had stood in silence. He’d been watching how Barbara just sat there, barely surviving after what the Joker had done. He watched her mother cry, her father hold back his sadness to try and be strong for his worrying son. All of it a painful reminder of the sort of family he’d come from and how he’d never wanted to return to it.

“They’d better find him soon.” Jason said aloud. “Because if they don’t I will. And I’m going to make him pay. I’ll make him hurt.”

**********

Six Months Later…

The Batmobile raced through the outer country of Bosnia as Batman prayed he wouldn’t be too late. In his mind he assured himself he would be able to save Robin as they’ve done for each other for years. He knew Jason well enough to know he could get out of it. But the feeling in his heart screamed that he needed to hurry.

In the distance he could see the small warehouse where he’d discovered where the Joker had taken him. All looked quiet. He may have been lucky and Robin was still alive. He prayed to all above that he was.

Upon arriving he stopped the Batmobile with a hard halt, practically jumping from it as he hurried to the door to the warehouse. He didn’t get too close however as everything soon went up in a massive explosion. The shockwave sent Batman flying on his back, skidding through the snow.

Getting to his feet Batman cried out “JASON!”

As everything settled Batman pushed his way through the debris and rubble. He desperately searched for any sign that Jason may have escaped. A piece of clothing. A note. Something!

A moment later Batman found the only horrible clue he needed. Half buried in the rubble was the remains of Jason Todd. Coming closer to confirm this Batman dropped to his knees and uncovered what he could before holding the lifeless body of his partner in his hands.

Robin was dead…

**********

Four Months Later…

Inside the Clock Tower, the hidden base of Barbara Gordon/Oracle, both she and Helena Bertinelli, the second to take the name of ‘the Huntress’, watched the latest newsfeed from around Gotham. All the reports spoke of how the Batman had returned after disappearing for nearly three months. During that time a new crime fighting group, calling itself ‘the Birds of Prey’, had taken up the role of Gotham’s protectors and maintained order until the Dark Knight’s return. The city thanked the female heroines, wherever they may have been, for defending the city that needed it most.

Barbara, turning her chair to face Helena, added to the news “And we can add getting a personal thank you from Batman on top of all that. All-in-all I think we did a pretty good job.”

Helena, crossing her arms, rolled it off with “Sure. Fun while it lasted.”

“Lasted?”

“Come on, Barb. The Bat’s back in action so Gotham doesn’t need us anymore. Besides, Canary already went back to Starling to handle things in her neck of the woods. I told you before this whole ‘team’ thing wasn’t going to last.” She then sighed while turning for the door and saying “I should be going too.”

“Don’t think it’s over just yet.” Barbara said to draw her to a halt. “I talked it out with Batman and while I know you two haven’t been on the best of terms, I thought it better to give it to you instead.”

A second later she held out small beeper-like device. Helena took it before examining it, seeing it had the symbol of a bird on the back; the symbol for their group, the Birds of Prey.

“I already gave one to Dinah before she left.” Barbara explained. “Both devices are connected back here to the Clock Tower. So we’ll all still have a way to keep in touch.” When Helena asked why she went on to explain “Even Batman knows he can’t be in Gotham all the time. He needs people he can trust to keep things safe when he’s not around. Like Dick. Me. Dinah. Even You.” Seeing the look on Helena’s face made her add “For the record, those were his words. Not mine.”

Helena was surprised to hear those words were from Batman. It was true, as the Huntress her methods were not what Batman had always agreed with. However with the recent events and coaching from both Oracle and Black Canary she’d learned to soothe her more vengeful side. If Batman had truly trusted her so much then perhaps she’d consider the offer.

Pocketing the communication device Helene nodded “I’ll keep in touch then.” Before exiting the Clock Tower, leaving Barbara with a bemused look as to what the future would hold for the Birds of Prey now.

**********

Two Months Later…

In the middle of the day inside Wayne Manor Bruce sat in the studying, looking at the picture of himself with his parents over the fireplace. As Alfred walked in he could not help but peek out the nearby window to see standing outside, was the familiar face of Tim Drake; a boy who’d been around the mansion for the past week.

“I take it you’ve failed to convince him not to join in your little crusade, Master Bruce?” Alfred could not help but ask.

“He doesn’t know what he wants, Alfred.” Bruce replied. “He’s not like Dick. Or Jason. He still has a family. He still has a life. A choice.”

“And yet neither of them, nor even Ms. Gordon, were able to deduce that Bruce Wayne and the Batman were on in the same.” He glanced back outside before commenting “I’m surprised he hasn’t tried posting the news all over the internet by now.”

Bruce sighed deeply before saying “I can’t go through it again, Alfred. Not after Jason. And not after what happened to Barbara. I can’t have more blood on my hands.”

Alfred, walking over to him, placed a comforting hand on Bruce’s shoulder and said “I remember when Master Grayson first came into this house. It was almost like stepping into the past when you were around his age. How much more happy you were.” He looked up to the picture of the Waynes and continued with “After your parents were gone that boy was gone. But when Richard was here, and even Jason, I noticed how different you were with him. I could not help but see that same little boy I helped to raise since I first heard his cries through his house.” Bruce finally looked up to him as Alfred smiled “I don’t think that Mr. Drake needs you so much as you need him, sir. After all, what is Batman without a Robin?”

After hearing all of that Bruce sat in silence for a moment. Finally, almost without warning, he rose from his chair and made his way to the front door. As Alfred heard him calling Tim inside a small pleased smile came over his face.

**********

Five Months later…

In the penthouse home owned by the Kane Family, the second wealthiest family in Gotham only to the Waynes, Kate Kane threw a newspaper on the table in front of her younger cousin, Bette Kane. The girl was dressed a yellow and red street punk, even to wearing a pair of bat ears and painting over her eyes with yellow. She looked down at the paper which read “Vigilante Street Gang More Harm than Good”.

Kaye, angrier than her cousin had ever seen, near yelled “You see, Bette? This, right here, THIS, is what I warned you about! I mean what were you and your friends thinking?”

“We were only trying to help.” She defended. “Just like Batman. Just like you, Kate! We were inspired just like you were inspired.”

“My inspiration didn’t come with painting my face and taking bats and crowbars to people. I had training and I had the funds for what I did. All you and those other punks thought was you could dress up and play hero.”

“We are heroes!” Bette now stood at defense. “We saved people. We stopped crimes.”

“You put firecrackers in people’s pockets, nearly got yourselves arrested or killed, and now you have half of Gotham looking for all of you. And calling yourselves ‘The Children of Batman’ doesn’t make it any better.” Bette crossed her arms and pouted, making Kate say “Tomorrow you’re going to tell Harper, that Thomas Kid, and the rest of them that this is over.”

As Kate turned to walk away Bette retorted “We won’t stop. Even you can’t make us.”

She turned and groaned “Dammit, Bette, stop it! I get it, okay? I do. You’re angry. You want to make things better. But all you’re going to do is get yourself in more trouble. With the police, the media, even Batman might one day try to find you! And I won’t be there to protect you.” Bette still didn’t seem convinced before Kate sighed, saying “Alright, I’ll make you a deal. If I agree to train you, so that maybe, MAYBE, you can see what all of this crime fighting is really like, do you promise to stop all of this crazy gang stuff?”

Hearing the offer Bette perked up, thinking for a moment, before nodding “Yeah. Okay. Yeah. I can do that.” With all of that settled Kate then asked if she had a codename, to which she posed and proclaimed “Call me: Flamebird.”

Kate merely rolled her eyes and said “It’s a start.”

**********

One Month Later…

Batman gave chase to the vigilante known as the Red Hood. For all the so-called good he did for Gotham it involved killing criminals and turning gangs against each other all for the sake of making the city better. The Dark Knight planned to put a stop to that tonight but there was more to this chase.

Eventually the Red Hood was cornered, Batman looming nearby and calling “It’s over! Stand down now!”

The Red Hood laughed, holding his arms up, before saying “Is this the part where you read me my rights? We both know you even when trapped there’s always a way out.”

Batman stopped in front of him before demanding “Take off that mask.”

“Why? What are you hopping to see, old man? Your long lost partner, a friend, back from the grave?”

In response Batman slowly reached up and removed his cowl to show the face of Bruce Wayne. The Red hood almost went still from surprise. Finally, as if to confirm they were on equal ground now, he removed his helmet, revealing an all too familiar face.

Seeing him again after so long Bruce uttered “Jason… What happened to you?”

With a cold look he replied “It’s a hell of a story.”

**********

Three Months Later…

Inside her room of Wayne Manor Cassandra Cain was packing the last of her things into her suitcase. As she was starting to finish she took one last look around her old room and sighed, knowing she was leaving for the best.

Already sensing him at the doorway she looked as Tim Drake said “You know I don’t think this place is going to be the same without you around.” She gave a bashful smile before he asked “Are you sure you have to go? It’s not like Bruce is kicking you out or anything.” She responded with a shake of her head, finally closing her suitcase as a clearer indication. “Well if you’re sure.” Tim walked up to her, the two sharing one final hug goodbye, before he said “Take care of yourself, Cassandra.” She nodded before he then quickly said “Guess Hong Kong will have to worry about its own Batgirl now, right?”

In response she shook her head, showing she left her Batgirl suit behind to be put back in the Batcave, before then simply stating her new name; in the rare instance where she could speak.

“Blackbat.”

**********

One Year Later…

Standing before Bruce and Alfred in the study was Tim along with Stephanie Brown, the daughter of the recently incarcerated villain Cluemaster. During her time helping Batman take her father down she’d adopted the identity of Spoiler. Now she was here with Tim, holding his hand as both of them anxiously awaited Bruce’s response to their proposal.

He looked to Alfred who merely shrugged as if to say ‘what can it hurt’. He looked back to the two, already aware of the relationship growing between them, before sitting back and sighing. He stood, walked over to the two, and held a hand out to Stephanie.

As she took it he smiled “Welcome to the team…Batgirl.”

As the two excitingly kissed at this news Alfred commented “I’m sure Ms. Gordon will be ecstatic by the news.”

**********

Six months later…

Both Tim and Stephanie waited for Bruce to return to the Batcave after whatever strange business went on between him and the League of Shadows. Both knowing how dangerous the League was they hoped that he would return in one piece.

Only a few moments later the Batmobile finally pulled into the cave, both relieved to see he was alright. The top opened to reveal Batman at the wheel. But to their surprise he wasn’t alone. A young boy, no more than ten years old, dressed in what looked like ninja attire, hopped out of the car along with Batman.

As the two walked up to the crusader couple Batman, addressing his team, said “Tim. Stephanie. This is Damien.” There was a brief pause at the two wondered why this boy was here, prompting Batman to reveal “He’s my son.”

**********

Five Months Later…

“You’re done, Damien!” Bruce said as both he and his son argued alone in the Batcave.

Both of them were in costume, Damien as the recent Robin in Gotham, with the mask and cowl off to reveal their true faces. However his methods of using a sword and wanting to kill rather than imprison were too much for Bruce to handle.

“I’ve told you before, father, letting them live is not the way to make them stop!” Damien spat back. “Besides he deserved it after everything he did.”

“Wesker was a sick man with an extreme personality disorder. He needed help, not a sword through the chest.”

“Help from where? Arkham? You of all know better that that place is just another sad excuse as to why the city needs more than you defending it! You’re not the man I thought you were, father!”

Coldly Bruce replied “And you’re not the son I’d hoped for…”

Damien was hurt by this. The look on his face said it all. In his anger he threw down his mask and walked off. Bruce did not stop him. He knew that this was the end between the two of them. He would contact his mother, Talia al Ghul, and see to it he was returned to the League of Shadows. That was where he belonged.

With Damien too far away to hear it Bruce, picking up his mask, said “I’m sorry, Damien….”

**********

Two Years Later…

Night was close to falling as Bruce watched from the window to his bedroom. He would have to leave soon for another night of battling crime in his never ending crusade, all for the sake of making Gotham a little better.

“Bruce?” he heard the voice of Selena, his wife, from behind. He turned as she smiled “I…have some news.”

Hiding behind her back in her hands was a pregnancy test that read positive.

The End