Bruce Wayne sat inside his manor, thinking. He took another short sip from his glass of wine, and then spoke. "It's intriguing, isn't it, Blake?"
The former police officer, then detective, nodded his head. "Yeah. I mean, I thought the Joker had disappeared. What has he been doing for ten years? The Scarecrow, well, he's never been so openly active before now. Usually, he works in the shadows. And his Fear Gas, it has a different make-up to before. It used to just bring out people's worst fears. But now, they just hallucinate. And Bane? Didn't Selina kill him? It's all just... Strange."
Bruce nodded. "I think it's time for the Batman to return."
Blake smiled. "I hope you don't mean me. I'm nowhere neae ready yet."
"No. You get to be my sidekick."
"Do I get a costume?"
"Of course."
"Made by Alfred?"
"No."
"Lucius?"
"No."
"Damn it."
Bruce smiled. "I'll get Selina to fashion you something more flexible. You need the extra manouverability." Another sip of wine. "Now, you need something. Something like the Bat, that can strike fear in these villains hearts."
Blake frowned slightly. "Thats easier said than dine, isn't it? I mean, these guys are heartless. They only fear one man. You." Blake then looked at his new mentor. "How did you come up with the Batman, anyway? I mean, it's..."
"Different?" Wayne said, a grim smile on his face. "Bats are my greatest fear, Blake. I hate them. Ever since i was a kid. They creep me out."
"Then, why-"
"I took on the guise of what I fear most, to strike fear in the hearts of those I fight against. If they scare me, they'll terrify them."
Blake laughed. "That made no sense. But, I guess it works." He then stopped.
"What is it, Robin?" Bruce asked.
"Don't call me that," Wayne's ward suddenly growled. "I hate that name. Robin. It seems so... Well, you know."
Bruce nodded. "I wasn't aware it was such a soft spot with you. I apologize, Blake."
"It's fine. I think I know what I could use. As a kid, I hated the darkness," he started. "If we didn't do what they wanted at the orphanage... They'd lock us up. Being all alone, scared, hurt... It can do some serious mental damage. The darkness terrified me, Bruce. It still does. Could I use that?"
"Yes, you could. The darkness is a great ally, especially in our... Line of work." Bruce contemplated this for a moment. "So, that is your only fear? The darkness? Not heights or anything?"
"No, I'm fine with heights. That's it. Well, that and people finding out my real name. Not particularly a bird fan either."
"Alright then, Blake," Bruce started. He then stood up, and began to pace. "How about... Black Feather?"
Blake shook his head. "Sounds like a stripper."
Bruce's laugh could be heard up in the mansion, a laugh that made Alfred Pennyworth smile. "You're right," he was finally able to breath out. "You try then."
"I know," Blake said, after sitting in thought for almost ten minutes (most of which Bruce was still chuckling through), "how about... Nightwing?"
"It'll work. Welcome aboard, Nightwing."
Unbeknownst to the new Dynamic Duo, another hero was in Gotham. He perched himself above the city, on the top of the Wayne Enterprises.
He called out below, "Look out, Gotham. Here comes your friendly neighborhood- Well, not your neighborhood, but- Well, you know what I mean." And with that, he threw himself off the building, and descended into the streets below.
