Birds of a Feather

A light rain pattered against the great bay window of Wayne Manor. The side room, one of the many found in the fortress like estate of Bruce Wayne, could be found comfortably tucked away in the east wing, and the towering glass window presented a breathtaking view of Gotham Bay. The room was sparsely, though comfortably furnished, with only a small dinette table, three chairs, and a small bookshelf lined with old law books, encyclopedias, and a smattering of classical works. In such a large house small rooms like these might go unnoticed, but the butler and caretaker of Wayne Manor lead a daily crusade against all manner of dust and dirt, ensuring that even this small forgotten nook was in pristine condition.

At the window sill a crusader of a different sort flipped idly through a rather large, rather old law book, pausing every now and then to gaze out the window. Dick Grayson peered out at Gotham City, taking in the familiar landmarks of the city he grew up in. He'd discovered this nook many years ago, when he'd first arrived at Wayne Manor, and it was one of his favorites. The rain blurred the window, but his hawk like vision could still make out the details of old dilapidated roofs of Old Gotham. He knew each one of those roof tops well, as he'd spent countless nights jumping, climbing, and swinging from one to another, alongside his mentor, and adopted father, the two of them on constant vigil for criminal activity.

Batman, known as Bruce to Dick, patrolled Old Gotham relentlessly in their early years. In the oldest and most rundown parts of the city criminal activity surged, running rampant through every dark alleyway and poorly lit street. Gangs, murderers, and thieves created fear and hopelessness in the down and distraught of Old Gotham. Bruce Wayne had taken on the role of the Batman to seek out all criminals, and bring them to justice. In time, those who had once stricken fear into the hearts of the innocent, had found something of their own to fear.

Dick came to live with Bruce after his parents were killed. As trapeze artists in a traveling circus, John and Mary Grayson were well liked and charismatic individuals. They taught their son Richard world class gymnastics from the time he could crawl, but at eight years old, on the night of his first performance, Dick watched a mad man gun down his parents in cold blood.

He didn't remember much of the first few months in Wayne Manor. Bruce Wayne was a very rich businessman, who'd inherited not only a large fortune, but also a massive corporation when his own parents had been murdered. In those first months Dick was left to wander the halls and rooms of Wayne Manor, endlessly seeking out new places to entertain himself, and hide from the primp and proper butler, Alfred Pennyworth. In fact, Bruce Wayne spent both days and nights either in his office at Wayne Enterprises, or in his study at the house, the latter of which was the only room forbidden to Dick.

As any child would do, Dick made his way into the study at the first opportunity. Inside was a treasure trove of trophies and books, but most important to Dick was the file on the coffee table. Inside a manila envelope was detailed information on the man who'd killed his parents. That night, filled with anger and a lust for vengeance, Dick struck out into Gotham to find his parents' killer, and bring him to justice. When nine year old Richard Grayson finally cornered the man who'd killed his parents, it became immediately apparent that he'd made a mistake. Luckily for him, the Batman was tracking the murderer too, and showed up just in time to save Dick; unfortunately the man narrowly escaped. That was the night that Dick Grayson discovered the truth about Bruce Wayne and Batman, and the night he took his first steps on the journey to becoming Robin.

As Robin, Dick spent many years patrolling Gotham with Batman, learning not only how to fight criminals and thugs, but how to think like them, outsmart them, and eventually, inspire fear in them. Alongside the Worlds Greatest Detective, Robin brought many criminals to justice, but the man who murdered John and Mary Grayson was never among them.

Dick was fifteen when the man finally appeared again in Gotham. As Robin he was once again ready to take revenge on the person who'd killed his parents, and this time, he was prepared. When the time came however, Batman refused to let Robin accompany him, stating that Dick Graysons thirst for vengeance would cloud Robins mind, and jeopardize the mission. The man was eventually brought to justice, but on that night a rift was formed between mentor, and apprentice.

Soon after, Robin would go on to form the Teen Titans, while Batman joined the Justice League. Bruce would call on Dick occasionally when the need arose, but preferred the help of power houses like Superman and Green Lantern. The Teen Titans only grew in number, and feeling that the time was right, Robin stepped down as leader, and left to pursue a new endeavor.

Dick moved to the South of Gotham City to Blüdhaven, a cesspool of criminals, fleeing Gotham and the wrath of Batman for new hunting grounds. As the prey moves, so too does the predator. There, Dick Grayson left behind the mantle of Robin, and its association with the Batman, and the Teen Titans. There he became Nightwing, a new source of fear for criminals and low lives.

After five years of crime fighting in Blüdhaven, Dick had returned to Wayne Manor, to speak with his adopted father, and mentor. He'd arrived late the night before, and out of habit driven his motorcycle not down the winding road leading to Wayne Manor, but rather the hidden road leading to the Batcave. Sensors picked up his presence immediately, registering his identity and scanning his bike for foreign objects or substances, before depositing him into the central hub of the huge underground cave network. Alfred was already waiting, having been alerted to his arrival by the Batcomputer.

"Welcome home Master Dick, would you like me to hang up your jacket? And...I assume you'd like the usual spot for your...other outfit?"

Dick smiled and embraced Alfred in a hug before depositing his black backpack into the old butlers arms.

"Good evening Alfred, how are you holding up? I assume Bruce is making his rounds?" he asked.

"I'm doing quite well for my age, Master Dick. And yes, you assume correctly. He has Master Tim with him tonight as well. I don't suppose you want to join them? I can pinpoint their patrol for you."

Dick smiled and shook his head. "No thank you, the ride from the airport was all the patrolling through Gotham I plan to do tonight."

Alfred nodded, and carried the backpack through the crowded cave, filled with trophies of past villains. Dick followed behind, stopping momentarily to marvel at the giant copper penny suspended from the cave ceiling. He'd seen it a million times, nearly been flattened by it when he was twelve, but the sight of that gargantuan relic still amazed him. Turning back to Alfred, he watched the old man enter a code onto a computer console; the floor adjacent to the console slid back and seven glass display cases rose from the gap.

Three of them held only wooden dummies, but two others held costumes familiar to Dick. The first was his very own Robin costume, reminding him of how much he'd grown in seven years. The second held the Batgirl costume, once worn by Barbara Gordon. The final display case also contained a wooden dummy, but draped over it was a black cloth Dick had never seen before. On the center of the cloth was a red symbol vaguely resembling a bat.

"He's going for red this time? Well it's something new at least." Dick remarked, moving his fingers over the glass.

Alfred came to join him. "Hm. Indeed, I think it's garish but Master Bruce has big plans for this one. He's been fretting about the importance of bio-augmentation, and nano-fiber. You should have seen his prototype for rocket propelled boots! That strip of cloth is the only thing left of it."

Dick laughed and stepped back, Alfred had deposited his Nightwing costume in the display case beside his Robin costume, a clear reminder of who he had been, and who he'd become. Alfred moved away as well, and the case slid back into the hidden floor compartment, just before the stone floor moved back into place. The two men moved back through the gallery, past the giant super computer, and to the elevator in the back wall.

Alfred pushed the elevator button and they began their ascent to the house proper.

"Would you like something to eat Master Dick? I've just finished a delightful baked chicken and I'd love it if for once, someone actually ate my cooking before it got cold..."

That morning a light rain had crept over the city, blotting out the sunrise, but nevertheless Dick had arisen to see it from the East Wing nook. Shortly after the subdued dawn, Alfred brought a tray laden with eggs, bacon, pancakes, and coffee. Dick ate in solitude before poking through the old books on the bookshelf, and settling for a book of laws written in the 1800s. It was a little past nine, which meant Bruce would be in his office at Wayne Enterprises for another hour. Dick had considered meeting him there, given the context of his visit, but chose the house instead for a few reasons.

Firstly, it would be a more private setting, and he wanted Bruce to see him not as a businessman making a proposition, but as a son coming to his father. It also meant that the meeting would be set on his terms, in the location he chose. It also meant avoiding Timothy Drake. He liked Tim well enough, but the boy was still young and had an over-abundance of energy. It was that same energy, and top notch detective work that had led him to discovering Bruce Waynes secret in his own right, and becoming the new Robin when Dick passed on the mantle. Dicks gaze fell once more to the window, where through the rain he could just make out the giant W of Wayne Enterprises.

At half past ten Alfred returned to the nook. "Master Dick, Bruce will take you in his study now."

Dick grimaced. He'd hoped to meet with Bruce here in the east wing, where the bay window overlooked the city. He'd had a small speech prepared, but he'd have to change large parts of it if the location changed. Furthermore, Bruce was dictating the meeting, which meant Dick would have to fight for the leverage he needed to accomplish his goal.

"Sounds good Al, I'll be there in a minute."

Bruce Wayne was sitting at his large mahogany desk when Dick walked in. He'd been flipping through the morning paper, but put it down to greet his adopted son. Bruce stood, and Dick held out his hand to shake, but was instead pulled into a hug by his father.

"It's been too long Dick! How are you holding up? I was just reading about your exploits in Blüdhaven. Crime down by over 70% in the past four years, and on your own too. That's quite impressive. Sit down and chat with your old man, I'll have Tim bring us some coffee."

Dick was briefly reminded of the polarity between the amiable and energetic Bruce Wayne, and the dour and intimidating Batman.

Bruce sat back down in his high backed chair, and motioned for Dick to sit across from him. He reached for a small tablet on his right, and pressed the screen. Immediately Tim Drakes face popped up. The boy was snooping around the east wing nook that Dick had just vacated. The tray of food was long gone, but the book was still sitting on the table. Tim was feeling the spine for wrinkles, trying to find the exact pages Dick had been reading.

His eyes screwed up as he read a passage, and then exclaimed "Aha!"

Bruce cleared his throat and Tim jumped ten feet into the air, clearly startled.

He looked around nervously for a moment before locating the tiny camera in the top right corner of the room. "Oh hey Bruce. Did you know Dick's here? Also there used to be a law in Gotham against keeping ice cream in your back pocket?"

Bruce laughed for a moment before responding "Yes to both. My ancestor Solomon Wayne wrote that law after a particularly bad incident with a fudge bar, and Dick is in my study now. Could you please bring us some coffee?"

Tim couldn't see them directly, but nodded at the camera as if staring directly at Bruce, and then returned the book to the shelf and moved out of the room. The monitor switched to a multi-camera view and Bruce returned it to the desk.

"So what brings you all the way to Gotham, Dick?" Bruce asked innocently, though Dick knew he'd known the moment Dick boarded the plane to Gotham. After all Bruce had been to his graduation ceremony only four months prior. Dick leaned forward slightly, ran a hand through his black hair, and feigned a pause before answering. Bruce would be prepared for a speech, would fake all of the motions, appear enthralled, and then contemplative, but he had his answer prepared. Dick chose not to play out the charade, and instead cut to the point.

"I want to start a corporation in Blüdhaven. I'm looking for your financial backing and approval before I move forward, but I'm not looking to subsidize. Wayne Enterprises is a power house, but it isn't the company Blüdhaven needs. Too many people there associate the name with big business, and I want to avoid an Anarky scenario." Before Bruce could interject he powered through.

"I know Wayne Enterprises is, and has always made huge strides for Gotham, but the people of Blüdhaven don't see that. They don't see the restoration of Old Gotham, the charity work, or any of that stuff. They see Wayne tower, and New Gotham. They would never accept a Wayne Enterprises, Blüdhaven edition."

Bruce appeared to be in thought, though Dick knew him well enough to know better.

"People know who Richard Grayson is, you know. They'll know your name, your face, and where your money is coming from. A different name on the sign wont stop people from tracing the money back. If you subsidize then you'll have the Wayne name to back you in earnest. Despite what you think, that name carries weight from Gotham to Metropolis. If the people don't like me, or you for that matter, then that's fine, but we don't do what we do for high poll numbers."

Dick nodded, and continued fervently. "I know that, believe me I've thought about it. Which is why I don't plan to head the project or the business. My plan is to finance it, push out those first few big decisions, and then elect a board of officials to run the company for the people."

Bruce shook his head and chided. "Dick, how many times have we had to put away corrupt directors and board members, both in uniform and out? People are greedy, if they have money and power they'll inevitably abuse it. I'm in support of you running a Wayne Enterprises subsidiary, but I won't have it passed off to some 'officials' and I don't approve of squandering money to line these peoples pockets. If you want to help the people, open a subsidiary with my full approval, and keep up your nightly patrols."

Now it was Dicks turn to disagree. "I've done all I can for the people as Nightwing. Putting criminals in jail does not create jobs, it doesn't put up apartments, or open shelters. If I'm going to make Blüdhaven a better place then I need to do exactly what Wayne Enterprises has done here in Gotham, and Jump City. But I need to do it on my own, and I need to show the people that they aren't being lorded over by the super rich. I'm not asking you to give me money Bruce. I'm asking you for a small loan, which I'll pay back with interest, and your blessing so that I know Wayne Enterprises won't sink this thing in two years!"

Dick was on his feet now, with both hands planted firmly on the desk. He was breathing heavily, but working to get his emotions under control. Bruce on the other hand seemed calm as ever, a characteristic that Dick hated about him.

Bruce looked down at the tablet again before responding. "I'm sorry Dick but if you refuse to subsidize then I just cant do it. Your problem now is the same it's always been, you're always trying to do things on your own. You need to open up, let other people help you. You need to know what it's like to have not just a team, but a family supporting you."

His owl-like hearing, honed to perfection over the years, picked up footsteps in the hallway. At first it appeared to be a single set, but he could faintly hear the very soft foot falls of another, whom he knew immediately to be Tim. He turned in time to see the door flung open. Tim stood in the doorway with a tray of coffee and biscuits. Just beside him stood the more easily heard pair of feet, attached to a very unwelcome visitor.

"If you're looking for support Dick, why not join the Justice League?" Superman's sonorous voice echoed into the study. He ducked through the doorway, nearly touching both sides with his massive shoulders. He was wearing a suit and tie, but even with his glasses on Dick recognized the hulking man.

"Hey Dick, Hey Bruce. I brought coffee. Alfred made biscuits. Also Superman is here. Oh sorry, I mean Clark Kent." Tim gave an exaggerated wink before setting the tray down on the desk. He lingered at the edge of the desk, clearly intending to stay.

"Thank you Tim, I saw Alfred greet Clark at the door, I invited him here to speak with Richard." He took a sip of the coffee without breaking eye contact with Timothy, who took the message and backed away. Dick noticed he didn't leave the room however, instead choosing to gaze a little too intently at a bust of Solomon Wayne on far side of the room.

When he turned back to Dick the heart warming, fatherly smile was gone, replaced with a straight face and a slightly furrowed brow. Bruce Wayne had left the room, this was Batman.

"We've taken notice of the work Nightwing has done in Blüdhaven over the last few years. He's really making a difference there, and crime has reached a point that is manageable by local law enforcement. Superman and I held a conference, and we'd like you to consider joining the League. This is a big opportunity for you Dick, you can further your career both in the corporate world, and as a Hero. You want to open this business, join the League, and you'll have Bruce Wayne's backing, as well as Queen Consolidated, Amertek, and hundreds of other businesses around the globe."

Dick let out an exasperated sigh and started to pace the length of the desk. Superman had come to stand behind Bruce. His arms were folded but his face bore a big goofy grin. In a flash of anger Dick considered punching him, but didn't want to break his hand.

"So that's why you agreed to this meeting, huh Bruce. So you could try and recruit me into Superman's Army. Well no thanks. I spent seven years as a side kick to you, I'm not about to become a flunky for him!"

The smile on Superman's face vanished and he held his hands out plaintively. "Come on now Richard, no one is my flunky, we're all equal in the Justice League, I'm no higher in rank than Elastic Man. The League is only a group of super beings who wish to protect the world from those who would do it harm, not some kind of super hero government."

Dick's eyes, full of fury, narrowed onto Superman. "Protect the world? From asteroids and aliens maybe, but when is the last time you stopped a mugger from snatching an old woman's purse, or broke apart a gang war, or saved some college girl from a rape? I've seen what kind of work the Justice League does. You think you're protecting the world for the betterment of the people, but you sit in your watch tower in outer space and you don't give a damn about what the common people are going through!"

Bruce stood abruptly "Dick! I won't have you insulting guests in this house! Apologize." His eyes narrowed, and Dick could visualize the cowl draped over them. "Now."

Clark sighed. "It's fine Bruce. Richard just doesn't understand the magnitude at which the League operates. He's not used to working with a large team. I mean look what's happened with the Teen Titans..."

Dick's head snapped to Bruce, then back to Superman, his hands instinctively moving to his belt, only to grasp air. "What do you mean, 'what happened to the Teen Titans.'?" he asked through gritted teeth.

Bruce was about to respond when Superman cut him off. "They fell apart after you left Dick. You left when they needed leadership the most. Most of them joined the League or went back to solo work."

He paused and Bruce took the opportunity. "The tower keeps tabs on all meta-humans, and vigilantes. The Titans started dropping off rapidly after you left. Roy Harper went back to solo work, abandoning the position of team leader, and many of them joined the Justice League as Clark said."

Almost like clock work, Superman picked up. "Join the League Dick, and you'll get the opportunity to fight alongside your old allies, advance your career as a hero, and open this business you want so desperately."

Bruce sat back down, and grabbed the tablet again. "I want you to consider this seriously Dick. You're an adult now, and you need to look at making responsible decisions for the future. Because of that, I'm cutting off your funding until the end of next month. You can stay at Wayne Manor and consider your options more thoroughly until then. This is your home, and you're always welcome here."

It had been a trap. From the very beginning. At the time it had seemed like Dick's idea to come here, to proposition Bruce. But thinking back on it, it had been Bruce who mentioned coming home after his graduation ceremony at Blüdhaven U. It had been Bruce who'd sown the seeds of opening a business to help Blüdhaven. It had even been Bruce who'd planted the idea of going there to fight crime, five years ago. It was all a test. One big game to see if Nightwing was Justice League material.

Dick roared with rage, marched over to Tim who was still busily inspecting the bust, and pushed him out of the way. The boy tumbled backwards with a "Hey!" and in a snap Bruce was on his feet moving towards Dick. Before he could reach him though, Dick pushed hard on the statue's head, releasing a mechanism that caused the nearby bookshelf to slide open, revealing one of the many entrances to the Batcave. Dick turned to Superman, who hadn't moved.

" You're wasting your frosty breath. I will NOT be one of your boy scouts." Then he turned to Bruce who'd stopped just feet away, to check on Tim.

"And I don't need your help. In fact, without me you'd be dead already. This may be where I grew up, but it is not my home, and I sure as hell won't let it become my prison."

He turned and took the dark stone passage into the heart of the cave. Behind him he heard Tim make to go after him, but Bruce stopped him. "Let him go. He just needs to cool his head. He'll come back up when he's come to his senses." But Dick didn't plan on coming back to the house. He took the steps two at a time until he arrived at the central hub of the Batcave, where he'd arrived the night before.

At the computer terminal he angrily punched in the code for the Display, damaging the screen and nearly the entire terminal. The display cases began their ascent but before they were halfway up he'd thrown the one he was looking for open, and grabbed his Nightwing costume. Years of practice and familiarity meant the suit was equipped before he even reached the docking bay, and another computer terminal brought up the loading platform containing the Batmobile and his motorcycle, the R one. He jammed the helmet onto his head, started the bike, and was tearing down the winding cave path before he'd even fully mounted.

Right now Dick Grayson wanted only two things. First, he wanted to put as much distance between him and Wayne Manor as possible, and second, he wanted to go home. The cave tunnel opened out into a series of smaller tunnels, and Nightwing turned his bike East, for Jump City, and Titans Tower.