Batman: Man Made of Nothing

Chapter 13: Game Plan

Dick Grayson was jolted awake by smelling salts provided by Alfred. His vision returned as he slowly got up from the couch feeling like he was pummeled by a truck. He rubbed his eyes as Alfred handed him a bottle of water.

"Thank you Alfred", he said, as he opened the bottle to take a big gulp.

"Think nothing of it Master Dick. I hope you got what you wanted after confronting Ms. Kelley the way you did", said Alfred, in a subtly disappointed tone.

"I'm sorry Alfie. I hope I didn't hurt her too bad. I'll also clean up the mess", said Dick in an embarrassed tone.

"You say that as though there was a choice in that matter. Master Bruce explicitly told me not to touch a thing from your little skirmish. There's a broom and pan outside the door of the den when you're ready", said Alfred, before he started to make his way out the door.

"Is she awake yet by chance? I'd like to apologize", asked Dick, in a shameful tone.

"Due to receiving a larger dose of the knockout gas Ms. Kelley is still resting. And before you ask, Master Bruce is also not here. He had a meeting to attend to discuss plans on how to deal with their current adversary", said Alfred, as he exited the den.

Dick took a moment to get his thoughts together now that anger no longer guided his hand. He stared at the den carpet before burying his face in his hands as he still felt light headed from the gas. Dick could hear a familiar sound enter the den as a voice was heard.

"You had to go and start trouble here didn't you? You couldn't have just talked about your frustrations instead of creating a mess you knew Alfred was going to make you clean", asked Barbara, shaking her head in disapproval.

"I know, I know Barb. I guess I just....had to see for myself. See if she's capable", said Dick, ashamed.

"I know you don't want what happened to Jason to happen to anyone else. But remember Dick. Jason was a great capable hero, but he always wanted to be independent before he was ready. His mistake cost him his life and cost all of us a good friend. Bruce misses him as much as we do and I listened through your earphones. He didn't replace Jason. Carrie is his new soldier who put her life on the line before being officially made Robin. I believe like he does that she'd be saving lives regardless of being Robin or not. And he saw that in her the same way he did Jason. He seems to be doing everything possible to make sure she is ready. Now that you two have had your scuffle you can learn about her and become her ally. Maybe even her friend", said Barbara, in a calm compassionate tone as she saw Dick take a long deep breath.

"Okay......I agree. I need to apologize to her. I didn't even say anything. I didn't have too. She took one look at me and knew my intentions", he said, in a tone of clarity.

"Well we were all trained by the best and she is no different. Now that you're no longer angry, go make it right when she's up", Barbara said, giving Dick a sweet smile before kissing him on the cheek.

"I honestly feel bad. She was supposed to be at the meeting tonight with Bruce and she missed it because of me", Dick said, in an embarrassed shameful tone.

"It'll be okay. Knowing Bruce he'll probably record the whole thing on some device he has with him so she'll be up to speed. And the rest of us for that matter. If Basil Karlo can beat you and have enough confidence to challenge literally everyone at once. We're going to have to do our best and watch out for one another. We have friends and allies, but so does he", said Barbara concerned.

"Let's just hope whatever plans they make will be enough. Either way we will be there to help them with whatever they need", Dick said, ready for a fight.