Shadow of the Bat: A Symbol of Justice
Earth Two:
On Earth Two, The Huntress (Bruce's daughter) has taken over his cause. Richard Grayson, even after Batman's death still retained his identity as Robin. Before Batman's death, I imagined this scene. Talia tries to persuade Richard (Robin) Grayson to leave Batman.
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"You need to be your own person," Talia crooned. "I've seen you work. You could be greater than him."
"Why are you doing this?" Robin asks.
"Your mentor isn't what he seems."
"And you think you know him?" Robin retorts.
"I've known him longer than you," Talia states. "Should I tell you the story?"
"I already know it," Robin replies.
"Then you know that to be with the League of Shadows you must be willing to kill. That is justice. Everyone who commits a crime must die. And there are those who must die because it is the way of the world. Killing balances what nature intends."
Robin remained silent, thinking on Talia's words.
"Are you willing to fulfill your potential?" She asks.
Robin turned his back on the woman. "I already have. My place is with him."
"You are a fool Richard Grayson," She uses his full name.
"No," replied Dick as he took off his mask. "It's you who is the fool, Talia. I am Batman's partner, and no amount of persuasion is going to change that. Batman and Robin are more than just people who can be manipulated. You might manipulate Bruce into loving you, but I know better. Bruce isn't a man to be toyed with. He knows who and what you are, but he will not sacrifice his principles. That is one thing he will not do for anyone."
"He is my Beloved."
"You think he is just because he fascinates you. That's not love."
"And you think you know what love is boy?"
"I've seen it," Dick recalls the love his parents had for each other. Though they were murdered, they had not let go of each other. They died together holding on to each other so neither would die alone.
"Do you use the Lazarus Pit?" Dick asked
"Yes. Why should I not?"
"Why?"
"We are not meant to die," Talia stated. "Dying is for the weak."
"Would you have Bruce use the pit?"
"Of course. I would not want my love to die any more than you would your mentor to die. Why deny him that?"
"Death is a part of life. We cannot live forever," Dick argued. "To do so is an abomination against nature. That's playing God, and even Bruce knows to play God isn't right."
"Will you become Batman when HE dies?" Talia asked with disgust.
"If that is Batman's wish. There will always be a Batman," Dick said replacing his mask. "And there will always be a Robin."
"Why?"
"Batman and Robin are a symbol," Robin replied.
"Symbols can be tarnished," Talia retorts. "And 'sidekicks grow up. Eventually, little birds have to leave the nest."
"I am human, I am not a bird, and I choose to stay," Robin argued. "I am Batman's partner. I became Robin because I chose this path just as much as he chose his. We are a team, and a symbol of justice."
"A symbol or a pawn?"
"So long as Batman lives, there will always be a Robin. And so long as Bruce Wayne lives, I'll make sure of it."
Robin walks away leaving Talia to her own devices. He doesn't hear her last words.
"Be careful little Bird. Your wings can be broken. No one will take my beloved from me, even if I have to kill you to ensure it."
The End?
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Tell me if you would like to see this story expanded upon.