Disclaimer: I do not own Batman or anything else associated with it.
A/N: Hi, oh! This idea for a fanfic would not leave my brain as you can tell it is a wee bit on the long side. I wanted to do a Robin and Batman story, from the beginning. Well, more Dick grayson centered. Have this superhero on the brain. So, I thought why not. So, this is...
GRAYSON Chpt-1
"You're entries are good, but your dismount needs realignment." A man grabbed hold of the trapeze bar. "Again, watch."
With one effortless movement he swung off the ledge, whipping through the air he flipped in time to grab hold of a twin trapeze line. He made it to the opposite platform.
A woman smiled, kneeling down to the youngest performer. "Don't be nervous, you learned to swing before you could barely talk so the only difference is the bar is just a bit bigger than what you're used to."
"The boy frowned. "And the ground is only 40 feet below instead of two."
"There is a net to catch you if you fall, if anything should happen."
"It comes down to trust, Richard." his father called out.
The boy frowned. "I'm not scared...It's just I don't think I'll ever be as good as you are."
"All I hear is excuses."
"John." the woman warned causing John to rub the back of his neck then rest his hands on his hips.
"Don't coddle him, Mary. If he has any doubts, then he has no business being on the trapeze."
Mary stood up placing a comforting hand on her sons back. "John, I am not coddling him."
John shook his head. "He's not ready."
"I've been at it for 4 years." Dick shot back.
"The level of skill is much higher. You need-"
"John! Mary! You better come down, boss has called everyone to meet him outside. The lion tamer called out.
"Thanks, Jack." he answered. Then looked at his son. "You need more time."
Moments, later John and Mary joined the rest of their colleagues. John looked at Jack.
"What's going on?"
"I don't know but word is it can't be good. The circus has been running on fumes for last two years now, it wouldn't surprise me if we are shut down."
John shared a look with his wife as Dick made his way to the front and joined them. A older gentlemen stepped forward.
"Alright, everyone. I don't know how to tell you this."
"Just tell it to us straight Haley. A juggler stated. "Are we out of a job or not?"
"Well, I suggest you all pack your belongings...because next stop we're heading to Chicago!"
This earned the ring leader confused stares. He beamed. "Well,do I have to sing and dance for you? Last, minute sponsor has stepped in.. we're going to be fine!"
Cheers erupted from the group but John was uncertain. "Who exactly is this so called sponsor?"
Mary touched his shoulder. "Does it really matter who it is sweetheart? We can still do what we love."
"Yeah, John this is the answer to all our problems." the hand balancer reminded.
"All well and good Rex, but I'd like to know." John stated he stared back at Haley. "Well?"
"Alright, John, but don't freak out... it's Tony Zucco."
The joy left the group as it was replaced with disbelief and outrage. Jack stepped forward. "Are you crazy Haley?!"
"How can you make this decision without us?!"
John stepped forward. "I'd sooner get splinters digging at the bottom of the barrel then lay in bed with a Mob Boss!"
"Johns right!" a voiced supported.
Haley shook his head raising his hand up. "Everyone, please! It is a loan, once enough money has been made on this tour I will pay it back what we owe."
"You mean what YOU owe." Rex fumed.
"This will keep you all going for the next six months. Think of your lively hoods." he looked at John. "Think of your son."
John softened as he looked at his small family. Then approached Haley. "I think of my family everyday, you can remove us from the line-up."
"Remove the Flying Grayson? The most popular act the Hayley Circus has, are you willing to abandon us at our most crucial time."
"Hayley is right. John, everyone here knows you and Mary our the money makers. Just finish the tour." Jack said.
John unwillingly caved. "Fine, but we're done when this is over. Mary c'mon."
Mary followed, as the group dispersed
))))))))))))
After a long night of heated words Mary entered the trailer she noticed the small light on where her son slept. She opened the curtain and saw that he was a sleep, her green eyes landed on the note book on his bed. She reached over and picked it up, upon reading it tears stung her eyes. She brought her hand up to her mouth to muffle a sob from her throat. Gathering herself together, she turned the page and saw it was the same thing and then the page after that.
"Mom."
She set down the note book. "Hey, sweetie. I didn't mean to wake you."
Dick shrugged. "I wasn't really sleeping."
She looked back down at the book in her hand. "Sweetheart, why...why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know how, besides, you and dad have enough to deal with than me and my academics."
Mary set down the note book to sit closer to him. "Ok, mister. When it comes to you, there is no such thing as 'Dealing'. You are our world and you come first. Always."
a brief moment of silence came before Mary smiled.
"Someday,...when I'm awfully low." Mary began her nightly serenade. "And the world is cold, I feel a glow just thinking of you." She reached out and playfully tickled him. "And that laugh that wrinkles your nose touches my foolish heart." her smile faded as she reached out and cupped the side of his face. "Yes, your lovely, never,ever change. Cause, I love you. just the way you are." she spoke the last line leaning forward to plant a gentle kiss on his forehead.
Dick couldn't help but smile as she rested her forehead against his. "Love, you too mom."
She gave him a hug."Goodnight, sweet dreams."
He sunk down more into his bed as Mary turned off the light.
))))))))))))))))))))))
The next morning John took a break from training, he sat on his bench outside his trailer to adjust his foot wear. He paused as a book came into view, he looked up to see his wife.
"What's this?" he asked as he took it from her.
"It's Richard's." Mary said as she crossed her arms.
John opened it. He flicked his eyes up to Mary. "What am I missing?"
Mary sat down beside him. "Read it. Closely."
John turned his attention back to the page in front of him, then he saw it. His sons thoughts scribbled neatly on the page, but every few letters he saw the inconsistency. Not to mention the content to be one of frustration and hurt. He ran a hand over his face, shutting the book.
"Why didn't he say something?"
Mary clasped her hands between her knees. "He didn't want to burden us with his problems."
John was hurt by the thought his son didn't feel comfortable coming to him. "Mary, he is several grades above his age range, that shouldn't be a problem."
"That's the thing, John. He feels like he has failed us despite he being smart and hard working."
John shook his head. "That is ridiculous."
"It isn't to him. He's only twelve and sometimes I think the pressure we place on him is too much." Mary stated.
John got to his feet. "The circus life isn't an easy one Mary, he knows that. It's what we do."
"We've done this for a long time, he's only a kid."
"So, was I my father taught me everything I know. It wasn't easy, but I still did it. This is who I am. A Grayson."
Mary stood up. "Yes, the all mighty Grayson. A name our son is struggling to live up to."
John softened. "Mary, what we do is dangerous. We don't have nets when we perform, what we do up there is not something to take lightly."
Mary sighed. "I know that. Maybe we should remove him from our act, let him do ground work."
John raised a hand to his chin well he thought. "He does great tumble work...if it will ease your mind. Then he will do that."
Mary gave her husband a hug. "Thank you."
))))))))))
Dick stood staring up at the trapeze. With determination he climbed up the long ladder stepping out on the platform he looked at the bar in front of him. He could do the moves inside and out, he had memorized it by heart. He noted the timing, the distance the precision required, he could do this, besides it was in his blood.
"Don't think it, do it."
He reached out and grasped the bar, looking down at the net below. Gripping the bar tighter he leapt off the platform bringing his legs back and forward he gained the altitude on the forward swing he released his grip and hooked on to the trapeze in front of him. He repeated back and forth the same trick, but it wasn't good enough. Landing on the platform he, closed his eyes and envisioned the trick his father and mother had showed him.
With a renewed effort he grabbed the bar, swinging hard back and forth once he got the height he released but his timing was off and he plummeted hard into the net. He slammed his fist in frustration, rolling out of the net he once more made the climb. Repeating the same trick getting the same result. Climbing, falling, climbing, falling.
He dipped his hands in the chalk beside him taking a deep breath he ran and jumped on release he tucked his legs tight against his chest and did a full flip reaching out he grabbed the second trapeze and found himself landing on the opposite platform. Blinking in disbelief he did it. He actually did it!
With passion and joy coursing through him he repeated the same trick each time cleaner than the last. He stood on the platform once more than looked at the net below him. He truly wasn't a Grayson if he needed a safety net...
))))))))
mary bolted out of the trailer. Running over to Jack. "Jack! Have you seen Richard?"
Jack frowned. "No, I thought he was with you. Is everything alright?"
"Last, I left him he was in the trailer. Now hes gone." Mary stated her voice filled with worry.
"Don't worry Mare. Will find him."
Mary weaved her way through the props and carts coming to husbands side. "John! John!"
John turned in time to have his arms filled. "Mary, easy, what is it?"
"Richard's missing."
Alarm went through John but then breathed. "We mustn't panic Mary."
"I have looked for him everywhere. All his favorite places and he is not there."
John face fell as he came to a horrific truth. "I know where he is come on Mary!"
As they entered the trapeze tent both froze as their eyes looked up to see their son taking hold of the bar. Mary stepped forward.
"RICHARD JOHN GRAYSON!"
Richard looked at his parents below. "Mom, dad watch!"
wide eyed both gasped as Dick flowed through the air and flawlessly applied the intricate trick grabbing the opposite bar and land gracefully on the platform. Both Mary and John shared a look with each other in awe.
"I can do it backwards too!" Dick stated.
"NO!" Both his parents yelled in unison
"Richard, come down this instant."
The young by complied, moments later he walked toward his parents. Both displeased. John stepped forward.
"DO you have any idea how foolish you were, by doing this?"
Dick stood his ground. "It wasn't foolish."
Mary was stern. "Richard, you could have been hurt, you know better never to attempt this without supervision."
"But it's what you guys do every single time you perform, how am I going to be any good if I pretend being a Grayson. I am a Grayson and I am ready, so I'm doing this with or without your support." he stated matter a factly.
John and Mary took in the way their son straightened his posture and puffed out his chest. John couldn't help but chuckled followed by Mary. John knelt down to Dicks height.
"You get this from your mother."
Mary playfully slapped John on the arm. "As if."
"So, do I pass?"
Mary knelt down and held out her arms. "With flying colors."
Dick groaned. "Good one mom."
John brought them both in his arms. "I think our act is officially complete. Wait, tell Haley here's of this."
Dick parted. "Do you think will really going to make enough money, to pay off the loan?"
"We'll do our share. So, there is just one last thing." John said.
"What?" Dick asked with a tilt of his head.
"Race you to the top." John shouted as he got to his feet
Mary grabbed Dicks hand and lead him to the ladder. Laughter filling the air.
)))))))))
The tour was in their fifth city stop. The crowds emptied the big top tent after the grand finale. Haley stood and stared at the poster on the prop trailer.
HAYLE"S FAREWELL TOUR
John came up beside him. "I'm proud of you Haley."
"Yeah, after all the hulla balue. I came to realize you're right. Laying in bed with a man like Tony Zucco I'd never get a good nights sleep. I'm going to miss this ride, it's been a good run."
"23 years, I'd say so." John answered.
"Boy, I had bigger better dreams for this circus and now I've let you all down." Haley answered with a sigh.
"You gave us a home, a family that many of us didn't have. So, you gave us what we needed, can't get a better gift than that."
Haley grinned. "Well, when you put it in a mushy context it sounds good."
"What about the loan?"
Haley smiled. "No need worry yourself about that, go have fun with your family. You earned it."
"Thanks. Have a good night."
)))))))
Dick looked himself in the mirror. "This...oufit isa little tight and a bit flamboyant."
"Your father wore it when he was a kid." Mary said as she adjusted the collar
"Poor, soul." Dick muttered.
Mary laughed. "I guess the fringe around the collar and sleeves is a little much."
"I'll say I look like a court jester who was color blind. Seriously, the green and yellow looks cheesy."
"Let, me work on it, maybe I can make it it cool enough for you."
"A monumental task, I'm rooting for you though." Dick answered.
"Cheeky, little boy. You can go change."
"Finally!" Dick cheered before he darted off behind the curtain
John entered the tent. "How's it going?"
Mary smirked. "He wasn't fond of your fashion choices."
"Blame, it on my grandfather." John said giving her a kiss.
Mary leaned against the dresser. "So, guess this tour is our final hurra."
John nodded. "Yeah, but will make it the greatest spectacle this world has ever seen."
Mary laughed. "I hardly, call Gotham the world."
"We got four days here to knock their socks off." John reminded.
"And blow them out of the water." Dick said coming back in the tent handing his costume to his mother.
"See, the boy gets it." John winked at Dick.
Mary folded the costume around her arm. "Well,then we're all set."
Dick peeked outside to see the carnival lights still on. "Hey, can I go play some games."
John sat up digging into his pocket. "Sure, oh and bring back something for us to eat."
"Got it! Thanks dad!" he said before he darted out of the tent.
He ran out into the crowd weaving through. After he played a few games he walked up to a food truck.
"Hey, Ravi, what can I get with ten bucks?"
a man in his twenties looked at his menu. "You can get popcorn, or popcorn."
Dick frowned then gave a coy smile. "Extra buttery?"
Ravi grinned. "For you Dick, you bet."
Handing the cash over to he got his treat. "Thanks, see you later!"
Dick reached in and had a couple finger fulls of popcorn. As, he made his way back to his tent he caught sight of a black car and Haley talking to a well dressed man. He frowned then resumed walking only to bump into someone. Bits of Popcorn spilling on the ground and onto sleek leather shoes.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't see you there." Dick said bending over brush off his mess on the mans shoes.
"That's alright, say you are that kid on the trapeze."
Dick straightened then smiled as he looked at the man before him. His gray hair combed neatly, average size clad in a dark blue suit. A cigar dangled in his mouth.
Dicks smile faded some as he saw two men behind him. "Y-Yeah, the flying Graysons."
"That's right, that's right. Heard lots about you. I hope to catch your show sometime." the man said
"Yeah, the whole circus is awesome."
"Richard, my boy." Haley said. "I think it's time for you to go home."
Dick looked at the two men. "O..K."
Dick, ran straight back to his tent. John smiled. "That was quick."
"Yeah, the games sucked. I bought popcorn." He said as he handed the bag over to John.
"Extra buttery I take it."
"How did you know?" Dick asked.
John laughed. "My hand can feel the the butter seeping out the bag."
"Ravi knows How I like it."
"I'm might need to have a chat with him on the dangers of clogged arteries.
Mary reached in the bag. "I would die a happy woman eating Rav's popcorn."
"Oh, speaking of chats I saw Mr. Haley talking to someone. Looked pretty serious." Dick said as he sat down on the floor.
"Hm, what did he look like?"
"Couldn't really tell, had the fanciest car I have ever seen."
"I'd say that's a good thing. Fancy cars, mean people with lots of money." Mary replied as she sat on the floor next to Dick.
"It was weird though."
"How so, sweetie?"
"Well, I bumped into a guy. He seemed really nice, said he was looking forward to seeing our act, but Mr. Haley wanted me to not talk to him. Told me to come straight here."
John and Mary eyes met. John knelt down handing Dick his popcorn. "Stay here."
Mary held Dick closer to her reaching in to the bag of popcorn. "It's ok, lets just eat this before it gets cold."
"Mom, what's going on?"
"It's nothing sweetie, a lot of dubious people in Gotham, but it's nothing to concern yourself with."
))))))))))
"Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girl's I bring you the greatest show on earth. From the great Lion tamer, hand balancers, strong men and jugglers. Even though we do have our resident clowns, this spectacle is no joke.."
Mary adjusted her head band as Dick came up beside her. She smiled as she looked at her handy work.
"Much better than frills right?"
Dick nodded. "Much...but it's still tight around the neck."
John ushered them both toward the trapeze set up. "You both look great. It's show time."
"Feast your eyes to the act of the century, Behold the death defying, acrobatic styling of the flying Graysons! All done without the safety of a net!"
The big top was lit up highlighting the trapeze. John and Mary swung through the air with timeless grace and athleticism. He grabbed hold of her arms and swung her up she rotated in the air several times coming to grab her husbands hands once more. He swung her up where she grabbed the second trapeze and they both landed on the platform together.
The crowds applause erupted. Hayely continued. "Now, watch the youngest performer in this entire circus command the air!"
Dick waved to the crowd before he flipped and grabbed on to the bar. Mary swung out to meet him grabbing hold of his legs she hung upside down on the upward moment him she released him in time to grab the second trapeze.
Each Grayson landing in their marked spot waving at the crowd.
The circus went on as the Graysons performed one more time. They exited the space. Dick smiled.
"Did you hear the crowd? They loved us!"
Mary hugged him. "You did great!"
John scanned the area around him then looked out at the crowd.
"Dad?"
John looked at his son and smiled. "He picked Dick up. "You were the highlight, I am so proud of you."
"Graysons! Graysons! Graysons!"
"What's that?" Dick asked.
John smile widened. "Looks, like an encore. What do you say?"
"Let's leave them speechless!" Dick cheered.
Mary smiled. "Let's go!"
The crowd cheered as their favorite act came running out ascending the stairs once more. Taking hold of the trapeze John swung high in the air meeting Dick halfway, Mary swung out in time to catch her son as he twisted and flipped grabbing hold of her arms. They both landed on gracefully on their feet, she smiled at him before she once more grab the trapeze swinging out to meet John, he gripped her by the arms as they swung back she did several flips in a row, expertly caught. The crowd exploded with cheers and applause. Dick stood ready to meet them.
John then felt it as he swung in the center. It transferred to Mary as her eyes widened. Everything slowed at first, then reality set in as the wires gave out one after the other.
"John!" she called out.
John tried to counteract it, holding desperately on to his wife their joy vanishing into fear as in a failed attempt John tried to get her to the platform.. Mary eyes looked to her son.
"DICK!" she shrieked as she felt herself fall.
John felt the last of the wire break and he helplessly plummeted seconds after to the ground below.
"MOM! DAD!" Dick yelled in horror as he saw the them unmoving
The circus fell apart, as several of the acts abandoned their tasks, running to the aid of there fallen friends. It seemed like ages for Dick to reach the ground.
Hayley looked to Rex who in turn shook his head. "MOM! DAD!"
Jack in a flash grabbed Dick as he launched into his arms. "Nonononno. Dick."
Dick fought the arms that held him. Clawing out to get to his parents. "MOM! DAD! Let me go!"
Everything became muffled as he clutched to Rex who had protectively shielded him from seeing anymore of the trauma he had already endured.
The one thing that remained true was the crowd was indeed speechless.
A/N: If you did reach the end lol. Review!