I'm so excited for the next couple of chapters!!
Dick couldn't hold back his smile as he held his new suit in his hands. The material was seamless and vibrant; just the way he imagined it. "Did you make this?" he asked Bruce.
Bruce, who was already in his Batman suit, eyed Alfred, who was approaching the two with glasses of water. "No, it was actually Alfred," he admitted as he was handed the cold, moist glass.
The corners of the butler's lips quirked upwards. "Ah, yes. I had also created Batman's first and original suit, as well."
Dick grinned at him. "Wow, you're good at everything!"
Alfred modestly inclined his head. "I do my best."
"He is a man of many hats," Bruce complimented. As he walked towards his chair in front of all his computers and gadgets, he said, "And he's been with me through thick and thin. Supported me since I was a child, when I first put on the cowl, and he's still helping to this day."
"Wow, Alfred! Not everyone can say that they were there when Batman and Robin became vigilantes!" Dick commented. His eyes sparkled as he beheld the suit. "Can I put it in on now? Please?"
Bruce's mouth formed a line. "Did you finish your homework?"
Dick held back an impatient groan. "Yes," he drawled.
The man began to think of another way to stall. "Maybe you should let that bruise on your knee heal before you do anything."
"No way," Dick replied. "It's just a bruise, Bruce. C'mon, you said I'm ready! Besides, I'll probably get other bruises in the future. So can I please just do it?"
Alfred gave Bruce a reassuring smile. "I believe you've trained him for long enough, Master Bruce. He'll be safe under your careful watch."
Bruce swallowed before answering, "okay. Go ahead and change, Robin."
Dick let out an excited squeal and ran to the changing room.
Alfred let out a soft laugh. "He's very eager," he noted.
"It might not last. I can't imagine a child enjoying fighting crime for long. Once Tony is put behind bars, the fire will probably die down, and he'll continue to live as a normal child," Bruce theorized as his fingers lightly drummed the desk in front of him, and his eyes looked over the computer screens.
"That's what you're hoping for, I presume?" Alfred questioned.
"Yes," Bruce truthfully said.
Alfred shifted slightly. "That's unlikely, sir. If you continue to be Batman, he will most likely continue to be Robin. After all, you are the greatest influence over him of all the people in his life."
The billionaire knew he was right. And although he knew Dick was ready, his chest tightened with fear at the thought of him getting hurt. He couldn't help but feel like a horrible guardian. To allow a child to fight on Gotham's streets...
Then again, he trusted himself to keep Dick safe more than Oswald or even Selina. And most certainly more than social services.
Though Bruce had to give Oswald credit. He didn't want to admit it, but maybe he misjudged the man. Maybe he wasn't as bad as he thought. And maybe he really did care for Dick. For what reasons, he didn't know. But then again, Oswald was still a sociopath, regardless of how he behaved around and towards Dick. And contrary to what Alfred had just said, Oswald's influence on Dick could rival Bruce's. Actually, the same went for Selina. He needed to watch out for that.
Bruce was surprised that Dick had been willing to let go of his relationship with the criminal underworld mobster to become Robin. It turned out to be a good thing for Bruce, definitely. If he made Dick quit being Robin, then he'd probably go back at it again. Not that Bruce planned on doing that, of course. That wouldn't be fair; Dick hadn't done anything wrong.
However, a corner of his mind kept telling him that Dick never really did cut ties with Oswald.
"So cool!" Dick hollered as he skipped towards Bruce and Alfred from the changing room. He extended his arms out and twirled happily, his cape swishing behind him, as he inspected himself in his new vigilante uniform. Bruce did a double take. Dick really looked like... like a hero. Well, a very jumpy one.
"Don't I look like I could kick a bad guy's butt?!" The child asked as raised his fist in a fighting pose.
"Indeed, Master Dick. You'd make quite the formidable opponent," Alfred humored with a smile.
Dick giggled almost shyly as he observed himself. He couldn't believe that this was real! Wait, what if it wasn't? He pinched himself. Ow... nope, totally real!
"The only thing you need left-" Bruce said as he got up "-is a mask and belt." He grabbed something from the desk and pulled something else from his belt. He walked up to Dick and brought both hands up to give him said items.
Dick took the belt first and put it around it waist. Oh, he understood why Batman always wore it now. Yes, because it carried their supplies, but also because it completed the look. Along with the mask. Dick slowly grabbed it from Bruce's hand and put it up to his face, covering his eyes, the most revealing part of his identity.
The boy smirked at Bruce and tried to crack his knuckles (which didn't work). "Ready to save the day, Batman?"
Batman also put on his cowl before returning Robin's smirk. "I sure am."
- - - - - - - - -
Robin sighed dramatically as he propped himself onto a random roof, sitting crisscross. "So far nothing has happened!"
He looked up at the sky hoping to find the bat signal calling for them, but there was nothing. It was still day, so it he wouldn't have been able to see the signal if it were even up, anyways.
Batman scanned the area before looking down at his partner. "Remember: patience. Now get up. You make yourself vulnerable when you're not aware of your surroundings or aren't ready to move at all times," he ordered in his signature gruff voice.
Robin reluctantly stood back up. "We've been looking around for, like, hours," he complained. "When are we gonna see some real-"
The abrupt sound of alarms made Dick jump. Robin and Batman's head both snapped to the source of the noise. Robin froze as recognized that sound. That was the sound of a bank that had just been broken into.
It had once been him committing that act. Now he was doing the opposite by stopping the perpetrator. Robin's eyes dropped downward in shame as he swallowed the bile threatening to creep up his throat. Did he have the right to stop these people when he was just as guilty as them?
"Robin, focus," Batman sharply reminded. "We need to act quickly. Whatever it is you're thinking, you need to let it go and focus on the present. Follow my lead."
Robin shook the other thoughts away and obediently nodded his head. He couldn't disappoint Bruce now that he had the chance to make him proud. The two of them got their grapple guns and headed towards the bank.
A group of men with black balaclavas over their faces held guns as they walked out of the front entrance with duffle bags stuffed with cash. Someone waited in a car for them to hop in so they could drive away. They had no clue that Batman and Robin were spying on their every move.
"We'll need to disarm them before getting the cash away. Make sure the driver doesn't get away," Batman instructed quietly. "If you can't handle something, then retreat or call for help. If they start shooting, I'd rather you hide than take them on."
Well that's dumb, Robin thought, why train me to dodge bullets if I'm supposed to just hide? He nodded only to ease Bruce's worries. He also gave a silly, confident grin and a thumbs up. Bruce would've relaxed, maybe even offered a smile of his own, but Batman was different. Batman remained tense and serious, and made his attack.
Robin watched, almost paralyzed, as Batman leaped over their cover up spot and threw punches and kicks at the men.
"Damn it, it's Batman!" A man growled.
You're supposed to join him, dumby! Robin's brain reminded him.
Ah, right!!! He internally replied through the sound of his racing heart.
He grabbed two Batarangs and aimed at two men's guns. To his delight, he didn't miss even an inch, and managed to strip them of their weapons.
"What the-!" one of them shouted.
"Who threw that?!" Another cried. "Batman's right in front of us! UMPH!" Batman took the opportunity Robin had given him to brutally knock them down.
Another man tippy-toed behind the hero with his gun ready to shoot. Robin yelped as he hurried to help. Before he knew it, his instincts from countless hours of training kicked in, and he had disarmed the man, had him sprawled on the floor, and dodged a stream of bullets.
With both Batman and Robin working together, they had taken down the men (including the one in the car) within a short couple of minutes, tied them up, and secured the money.
"What do we do with them?" Robin questioned breathlessly as he wiped his forehead from sweat.
"We wait for the police," Batman answered. He didn't seem even a little tired. "Good work, Robin,"
The boy broke into a proud smile. He did it. He saved the day. Even if he had robbed a bank before, maybe making sure others didn't make the same mistake justified things at least a little, right?
Wow, he felt so proud and happy right now that all his other worries seemed to vanish. He was doing something good for the city while spending time with Bruce. All those times when Bruce said he was at work or busy, he was actually doing stuff like this. Now Robin was joining him. It was such a strange way to bond, but Dick loved it.
Shortly enough, several police cars drove up to them and took the men into custody.
"Thank you, as always, Batman," a cop said as she tipped his hat to the brooding hero. She glanced at Robin but kept silent.
Robin contemplating saying something, and he decided to. He helped, so he deserved a 'thank you', as well!
He cleared his throat and puffed his chest.
The cop scratched her head. "Who's the kid? Want us to take him for you, too?"
A wave of panic washed over Robin. His eyes went wide beneath the mask and he stepped backwards.
"No," Batman spat at the woman. "He's my partner, and took part in having these men detained."
Robin slackened before crossing his arms with a huff.
The cop blinked in surprise. Slowly, she awkwardly said, "oh. Sorry, kiddo. Thought you were a cosplayer or something. Well, uh, thanks for your service." Before Dick could say, 'you're welcome', she walked away, talking on her radio.
Robin was offended, but unsurprised by the confusion and lack of respect. He was sorta young, after all.
He and Batman moved away from the scene and ventured through other parts of the city. They stopped other minor crimes, which were mainly muggings and street brawls.
"Thank you, Batman!" A woman and her child said with relieved smiles after a crook had attempted to pick pocket them. "We'll be more careful for now on."
"Your the best, Batman! This is all the money I have. I'd be ruined if that guy got away with the money," a man explained gratefully after someone had taken his wallet by threatening to stab him.
"You've gotta believe me- he started it, Big B!" A half drunk man argued after he'd been charged of starting a fight in public.
Robin hadn't gotten any recognition from the people he helped! It's not like he expected it when he decided to do this, but it was a bit hurtful to be ignored while Batman received all the gratitude. The closest thing he got to a thanks without asking for one was:
"Those two have been causing a ruckus all afternoon. Scaring all my customers away! Thanks for the help, Batman. Oh, you, too, I guess..." The manager of the bar (where the fight had started) said to Robin. "Not like you did much, though..."
How rude! Robin was getting sick of the disrespect, and certainly wanted to tell them off, but he knew that it didn't really matter in the end. They'd forget all about him, anyways. Also, Batman would expect professionalism from him. Overall, though, those thoughts melted when he saw their grateful and relieved smiles. Even if they weren't directed towards him.
He was just glad to help.
"It's getting dark," Batman noted. "I think it's about time we head back."
Robin agreed. He gave the city one last look from the top of the building before turning back. The view was nice from where they were; the sun was beginning to set and the light settled over the buildings in a way that almost made Gotham look peaceful. Almost.
He paused. "Do you hear that?" He asked.
Batman didn't reply. He was already looking over the streets where the sound was getting louder... more psychotic.
Laughter.
The man spun around and put his hands on Robin's shoulders. He squeezed tightly and sternly ordered in his gravelly voice, "I want you to stay here. Actually, if anything comes up, go back home. Make sure you're alone. Just keep you're guard up. I don't want you following me."
The mask rose to Robin's forehead as he quirked a brow. "Wha-? What's happening? Why can't I come?"
Batman began to swiftly walk away without an answer.
Robin sputtered. Did Batman think he could just leave like that without the boy getting curious and concerned? He followed the Caped Crusader.
Batman halted to a stop. "What did I just say?" He hissed. There was more laughter in the background along with a couple of words he couldn't quite catch. A crowd of fearfully screaming followed.
Robin flinched at both the screaming and his mentor's harsh tone. He seemed to shrink slightly as he defended himself, "you're not even telling me why you're leaving! You said we'd do stuff together, and now you're just walking away... What's happening?"
Batman turned his head to the side as if looking for someone and then looked back at Robin, his lips pressed together anxiously. He seemed to be in a rush. "Robin, there are bad people in Gotham. I... they're bad. Much worse than the average criminals. I don't want you near them. You only wanted to stop gangs and criminals, so that's what you'll only be doing."
Robin wasn't weak. He might be small, but he didn't train just to be disregarded of his skills. He had enough of that tonight. "It's okay! I want to help. Let me follow you, Br-Batman. It sounds like people need our help! I'll be right behind you, and I'll follow your orders." He raised a pinky finger to prove his point but then another session of fearful screams for help occurred, and he worriedly scanned the area, wondering just what the heck was happening out there.
"Fine," Batman said quickly. "Stay close." The man was beginning to wish that they had never gone on patrol together. Not when someone this dangerous was out here tonight. He just hoped The Joker wasn't feeling the mood and decided to go home.
Who was he kidding? The Joker always found a way to cause enough havoc to entertain himself.
Robin followed Batman, just as he had been doing all evening, and jumped over buildings to follow the echoes of increasing laughter and shouts. He didn't understand what was going on, but he noticed how tense Batman was, and understood this was serious.
As the duo stealthily slithered through Gotham, they could now hear the words that the laughing man was announcing through what Robin assumed was a megaphone.
"Aw, come now... why the gloom faces? Ah, no worries. Soon you'll all be smiling and having a great ol' time! Hmm, I wonder if Batsy-poo will come to have some fun?" The overly excited male voice sung tauntingly.
"Yeah! The big grumpy Bat hasn't visited us in quite some time!" A female voice in an accent pointed out. "But since he's been out and about today, I'm sure he won't mind giving us a visit!"
As they moved into the more public areas of the city, Robin could finally see what was happening from above. It was at a local grocery store where a man was sitting on a lemonade stand that the female with the childish voice stood, holding the megaphone. The man had skin so pale, Dick was certain that it was paint. He wore a purple suit, and his hair was green. He looked like a... clown? The woman wore a red and black jester outfit, and like the man, her face was marble white. Unlike the man, however, she wore a domino mask.
Dick didn't give himself much time to stare at the strangely dressed couple. He turned his direction to the inside of the grocery store where people screamed for help and fought against the rope tying them in place. He almost sprinted to the automatic doors to save the civilians, but remembered that he needed to follow Batman's cue to do so. He looked at Batman expectantly.
"Stay here. When I call for you, you enter the store and free the victims," Batman muttered. "Knowing Joker, he'll have something up his sleeve, so be cautious."
Robin grunted a confirmation. So the clown's name was Joker. Weird.
Batman, as swift and quiet as ever, leaped off the building. Robin inched closer to the edge to get a better look at what was happening.
"Batsy! I knew you would come!" The Joker shouted gleefully. Robin grimaced as he looked at his hideous, overgrown smile that came before a moment of ear-piercing cackling.
The female mouth made a 'o' shape. "Well that was quick! I'd say that's a new record!"
"See, Pooh?" The Joker said, "he wouldn't miss a chance to- OOF!" Batman had cut his sentence short with a punch directly to the face. The clown fell to the floor.
"Mistah J!" The woman squealed with concern. She glared at Batman and reached under the table to grab something. When she stood back up, the megaphone was gone and replaced with an oversized hammer in her hands. "Wait until he gets a load of this!"
The Joker put a hand on the table as leverage as he got up. Despite the painful hit, he still had a toothy grin on his face. "Now, now, Batsy. You shouldn't be so pushy! What if I accidentally hit the trigger? That'd ruin the whole game of scavenger hunt I have planned!"
Batman clenched his fist. "What trigger?"
The deranged man let out another signature laugh. "This one, of course!" He took out a remote with one large, red button. "One push of this and everyone in this building will get a whiff of what's cooking in the vents! Heheha! The only way to save them is to play the game!"
The Dark Night growled. As much as he didn't want Robin involved in this, people's lives were at stake, and they needed him. He took in a breath and yelled, "Robin, go!"