A Hero or a Talon?

A New Home

It was a new day and Dick Grayson found himself standing within the dark and gloomy Batcave.

"What am I doing here?" Robin asked as he looked around. Batman had asked him to come here, but he hadn't given an explanation as to why.

Well, actually, it had gone a bit differently, Batman constantly asking Robin if his wounds were okay- much to Dicks annoyance. Yes, they did hurt to some extent, but he could still walk and (possibly) run. Eventually, Batman then gave in and told Robin to follow him, and that's how he ended up in the Batcave once again.

"I wanted to ask you something." Batman stated simply. Wow, pull me all the way over here just to ask a question, Dick thought.

"What?"

"...I wanted to know if you wanted to be my protege. I could train you and you would stay with me, and possibly even join the team." Robins eyes widened. Well, he wasn't expecting that. Batman didn't even know Robins real name and he was asking for a partnership. Was this guy crazy?

"Uh... But.... You..." He suddenly felt himself at a loss for words. Batman just asked Robin if he wanted to train and with and even live with him, meaning that Batman would be taking care of Robin. Sure, it seemed like a great offer, but all the disadvantages seemed to be sticking out and calling for attention.

"You can take your time to decide, but know that if you say yes, than that will mean revealing your identity."

"I want to," Robin blurted out before he could change his mind,"But, I shouldn't risk it. You doing this puts your life in danger, and I don't want you to get hurt for trying to help me. You'd be better off without me."

"You let me worry about that. If you want to be my partner, then you should, without worrying about the Court."

Dick hesitantly nodded somewhat accepting that he really shouldn't let the Court stop him from doing something. They didn't control him anymore. They never did. Yes, his Uncle was there, but he had no right to take Dick and raise him.

He then sighed as he realized that he now would have to take off his mask. So, looking down, he slowly and carefully peeled the thin mask off of his face, revealing his light blue eyes,"My name is Richard John Grayson, but I prefer the name Dick."

A look of shock passed Batmans face.

"What's wrong?" Dick asked sensing Batmans stress. Had he done something wrong?

Batman shook his head,"Nothing, but if we are going to have a working relationship, I need to you to also trust me." And before Dick could reply, Batman pulled off his cowl," My name is Bruce Wayne."

Dick almost immediately jumped back,"No, no, no, no! Y-You're the man I- I was supposed to k-k- How do you know that you can trust me? Why did you tell me your name? You knew and you still told me?"

Bruce out a reassuring hand on Dicks shoulder. This seemed to install calm him down,"It's obvious that you don't want to hurt anyone, Dick. You are a kind person who has no intention of becoming a killer."

Dick was about to argue with Bruce- that was so weird to say- before a voice interrupted them.

"Master Batman, I- Oh, I did not know we had a guest over. Would this be Master Robin?"

Master?

The sudden noise caused Dick to reach for his weapons. He turned only to see an old man with thin grey hair and a small grey mustache. He seemed to be dressed somewhat formerly and his posture was perfect.