DC: The Brave and the Bawdy

Robin & Batgirl: Manning Up

Batgirl leapt up to the bar, grabbed it with both hands, swung forward, and leapt several feet through the air before landing in a crouch. Then she jumped up to the monkey bars and swung herself forward bar by bar at impressive speeds before reaching a wooden wall with a rope. She quickly grabbed a hold of the rope and walked her way up the wall, jumping down onto the other side and standing up proudly.

All that and not a single wedgie! thought Batgirl.

This was thanks to the new suit Batman had put together for her. It largely resembled her makeshift costume, but with some practical changes. It was closer to indigo than black and was made of a heavy, almost armored material. The yellow utility belt was hooked to the spandex pants and of course was armed with actual weapons and tools. Her boots were still yellow but were now sturdy, laced up combat boots. Her cape was larger and heavier, but carried with it some utility functions as well.

"That was awesome!" cheered Robin.

"It was an improvement over your last time," said Batman.

The three were gathered around an obstacle course set up in the batcave. Batgirl had been working alongside Batman and Robin for a week or so now, but Batman was still very much treating her as a probationary ally. She had a feeling that would be the case for some time.

"Let's move on to combat training," said Batman, "Robin, this way."

Batman and Robin walked into a small clearing beside the obstacle course. The batcave was much larger than Batgirl had taken it for at first. There were entire areas of it that Batgirl hadn't seen yet. This training area was located in a cavern under the main room and consisted of an obstacle course, a clearing for sparring, target practice, and more.

"Batgirl," said Batman, "watch closely. Robin, attack me."

"Attack you? How?"

"Any way. It doesn't matter."

Robin shrugged. Then he took a step toward Batman and swung at him. Batman ducked under Robin and thrust his shoulder into Robin's gut, knocking the wind out of him as he stood up and lifted the Boy Wonder into the air. Batman grabbed one of Robin's legs and one of his arms, spun around, and slammed him onto the ground. Batgirl winced in sympathy.

"Direct attacks leave you open to reversals," said Batman, turning back to Batgirl.

Robin slowly got to his feet behind Batman.

"Was that really necessary?" coughed Robin.

"Now come at me from behind," said Batman.

"Do I have to?"

Batman grunted.

"Fine."

Robin brought his arm up and went for a chop to Batman's neck. Without turning his head at all, Batman effortlessly caught the blow. Robin yelped out in pain as Batman clutched his wrist. Batman then spun around, twisting Robin's arm and forcing him to bend forward. Batman then delivered a knee to Robin's chest, causing him to cry out and fall over.

"If you're going to attack an opponent from behind," said Batman, "be prepared that they might have the training to turn it back on you."

Batman pulled a batarang out of his utility belt and turned to Robin, who had just gotten to his feet.

"Disarm me," said Batman.

"...fine."

Robin swiftly swung his leg into a crescent kick that struck Batman's wrist and knocked the batarang away. Batgirl was impressed with Robin for a moment. Then Batman caught Robin's leg with his other hand and stepped back, pulling the leg. Robin was forced into the splits as he let out a squeal of pain.