Fighting Game Therapy

Damian's Enlightenment?

On her chair, Dr. Rainey wrote her notes regarding the emergency visit from Noob Saibot. Something tells me I'll have more visits from the Mortal Kombat personnel. Then, a knock on the door grabbed her attention. "Come in."

A man in his sleek Nightwing costume walked in. The dark blue and black suit hugged his athletic frame, and the iconic bird emblem stood out boldly on his chest. His mask concealed his identity, but he couldn't hide his intense green eyes.

"Damian Wayne, what a surprise," Dr. Rainey said.

The estranged son of Bruce Wayne glanced at his surroundings before facing the psychiatrist. "Your office looks different from what I expected. I thought it would be more sterile and clinical."

"A warmer, more inviting environment helps my patients feel more at ease and open during our sessions. It allows for more effective communication and therapy."

"I still don't see how talking about my problems will make me feel better. However, the Regime recommended you because they believe your innovative approach might help me. I'm skeptical but willing to give it a shot."

"Well, I appreciate your honesty. Please sit on the couch or lie down."

Damian hesitated, staring at the couch like a foreign object. Eventually, he sat down, his posture rigid and defensive. "This feels strange."

Dr. Rainey offered a reassuring smile. "It's normal to feel that way at first. Let's start by discussing whatever is on your mind without pressure or expectations."

"Well, where do I begin? I guess the most pressing issue is my relationship with my father. It's complicated, to say the least."

"Is it because your father is Batman?" Dr. Rainey asked.

Damian's eyes flickered with surprise and frustration. "Yes, and no. It's about more than just his alter ego; it's about the expectations, the legacy, and the constant shadow I live under."

"If I remember correctly, you're trained as Robin, right?"

"Yes, and that comes with its own set of challenges and pressures. I must strive for perfection to live up to a legacy that sometimes feels impossible to reach."

"Damian, no one is perfect, not even Batman. It's critical to acknowledge your strengths and limitations without comparing yourself to an idealized version of someone else."

Damian's expression softened as he absorbed the psychiatrist's words, feeling slightly relieved. "Yes, you're right, but I still feel judged against my father's achievements. It's like I'm always in his shadow, no matter what I do."

"Well, that's the consequence of the life of a sidekick."

"Oh, doctor, sidekick is a terrible word. I prefer the term 'partner' instead. It implies a more equal standing, a sense of collaboration rather than subordination."

"Partner it is, then."

"Back when I trained with my grandfather, Ra's al Ghul, the expectations were different but equally demanding. He saw me as the heir to his empire, someone who would carry on his vision of the world. Balancing those expectations with my father's ideals has been a constant struggle."

"And what visions did your grandfather have regarding the world?"

"Ra's al Ghul believes in a world purged of corruption through extreme measures. His vision is destruction and rebirth, a cycle where only the strong survive."

"I see, and this clashes with your father's ideals of justice and moral integrity?"

"Exactly. I'm pulled in two directions, each with goals and expectations."