A Renegade Knight

CHAPTER I

The sun was setting across Gotham, the people finishing their day and retreating to the safety of their homes as the city's night-time inhabitancies slowly roused. In the outskirts of the city, a house stood. This wasn't any family home. This was Wayne Manor, the infamous dwelling of the city's richest man, Bruce Wayne.

The lights were on, the family at home.

In his room, the oldest of Bruce Wayne's children, Richard Grayson was packing. At 25 years of age, the young man had long since stopped living at home. However, the last year had seen that change when Dick had become the legal guardian for his youngest brother. The boy who was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed and infamous scowl on his face.

"You know, if you keep that look on your face, it will get stuck." Dick commented as he folded the last piece of clothing, the blue bird showing against the black.

Lifting the costume, he carefully placed it in his backpack before zipping up the trick bottom. Being a vigilante hero since the age of ten, Dick had long since gotten use to keeping his equipment close.

Behind him, eleven year old Damian Wayne tutted.

"Grayson, you are an idiot. It is physically impossible that a look can become stuck on someone's face."

It was such a Damian answer that Dick couldn't help but smile.

"Calling me an idiot Little D? You might want to be careful with that. People might start to think you don't like me."

"I don't like you Grayson. You continued to degrade my father's legacy by parading as Batman. It was truly embarrassing."

Dick rolled his eyes.

"Well kiddo, you don't have to worry about that anymore. Bruce is once again the only Batman and I will be going back to the Haven as Nightwing." He said as he glanced over at Damian.

The kid look conflicted. Sure he played the tough card, but in reality, he was a kid. And one who didn't have a stable home or loving family until recently. To be honest, Dick was worried for his little brother. It had taken so much work to bring the youngest Wayne out of his shell, a shell the boy was slowly retreating back into. Bruce just didn't seem to understand that. In truth, Dick was worried for the future of Batman and Robin.

Stuffing the remains of his clothes into the pack, Dick sighed.

"Look Damian. I am not really going anywhere. Sure, I won't be Batman anymore but I will be in the next town over. I promise I will be here whenever you need me."

Picking up the last piece of clothing, a blue hoodie, Dick pulled it over his head. Tugging down the edges, he carefully smoothed the yellow and red emblem over his chest as behind him, Damian mumbled something.

"What was that Little D?" Dick asked, turning to his brother.

"I said, your clothing is an insult to my father." The boy growled.

Dick glanced down at the jumper, Superman's famous 'S' Shield proudly stamped across his front. It had been a joke present from Superboy, aka, Conner Kent. A few years before, when Tim had been searching for ideas for a present for his best friend, Dick had suggested a t-shirt to replace Superboy's current costume. Conner had liked the black shirt with Batman logo so much; he had repaid both Tim and Dick in kind, getting them matching Superman hoodies. Tim had conveniently lost his but Dick continued to wear his, often to annoy Bruce and once to embarrass the Man of Steel himself.