A/N: Thanks for the quick reviews Carl, JokerFan2011 and mystery guests! I hope I don't disappoint you.

Plot development ahead so I'm sorry if you get bored during this chapter!

Chapter 1: One Year Later

"Bye, Alfred! Have a good visit with your new great-niece and don't forget to send me a picture," Dick Grayson called from the front door of stately Wayne Manor. Alfred was taking a short vacation – his sister's daughter had just had a baby and he was traveling to England to visit his family and meet the little girl. He would be gone for almost two weeks and Dick was excited to have the whole mansion to himself.

Bruce Wayne stared out the window of his private jet as it flew over the ocean. He was worried about Dick being home alone. Granted, his ward was fifteen years old – and would be sixteen in another month – but so much could happen in two short weeks. Alfred's vacation had, unfortunately, coincided with an emergency meeting Bruce had to attend. As head of The Wayne Foundation, this was something he needed to take care of himself; the situation was delicate and it was essential that they stay on good terms with the foreign company. He thought back on the instructions he had given to Dick – and Robin – yesterday morning.

Flashback

"No parties."

"I don't have any friends that would want to have a party!"

"Go to school and do your homework."

"You actually think I'm going to skip school because you aren't here?"

"No driving ANY cars."

"Yeah, I've tried that and I didn't have the best experience so I think I'm good there."

"No late-night patrols."

"I know, to bed at ten-thirty whether I'm tired or not."

"In fact, no patrols at all."

"What?!"

"You heard me; I don't want you to go out by yourself."

"Why not? I saved Bruce Wayne by myself and…"

"No. Patrols. Period."

"Bruce, that is so unfair!"

"You don't have a choice in this matter. I'm just trying to keep you safe."

"I'm not a baby! I'm a fifteen-year-old crime-fighter and I can take care of myself!"

Bruce sighed. "Dick – Robin – I know you can handle yourself but I'm not going to be here to back you up if you find yourself in trouble. You won't even be able to contact Alfred if something happens. I need you to promise me that you won't go out on patrol."

Dick crossed his arms and glared at the floor. This is so unfair!

"Dick," Bruce said loudly, "your word. Please."

"Fine," Dick ground out, not at all pleased with what he was saying. "I promise I won't go on patrol as Robin while you're gone."

"Thank you," Bruce sighed again. "I know you're not happy with me and…"

"Yeah, okay," Dick grumbled as he turned around and stomped up the stairs, slamming the door after going into his room.

End Flashback

Bruce shook his head; his last conversation with Dick had been a fight and his ward had two whole weeks to stew about it. There was going to be some serious back-lash when he returned home.

Dick went back into the Manor and sighed. What should he do now? It was only five-fifteen on night one and he was already bored. He began idly strolling through the rooms but there was nothing that interested him. I'll go to the Batcave and just…monitor things. No Robin stuff – strictly monitoring. He didn't like that he couldn't go out on patrol but he regretted the fact that he had been so annoyed with Bruce right before his guardian left.

He walked into the study but then turned around and walked right back out. If he used the pole he would become Robin and it would be too tempting. He took the elevator and wandered over to the Bat-Police Scanner machine, flipping the switch to "on" and listening carefully. Nothing. He dropped into a nearby chair and leaned back, crossing his arms behind his head and closing his eyes.

"Joker…from and…to Gotham…"

Dick's eyes flew open and he turned up the volume.

"Repeat…escape…number 18 O'Reilly…"

"Are you kidding me?!" Dick yelled. "The one time I can't go out and Joker escapes with O'Reilly?!" He was furious and frustrated. "Gotham City is going to pay the price, Bruce. You made me promise and Joker…there's so much harm he can cause to so many people and Robin isn't allowed to take him down!"

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. Should he answer it? There was nothing he could do about the situation.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. Batman was gone and Robin was out of commission until he returned.

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP. Holy crucial moment. Dick frowned at his decision but grabbed the Batphone anyway.

"Yes, Commissioner?"

"Robin, Joker has escaped from Arkham. We don't know exactly where he is but he was last seen headed in the direction of Gotham. We also have confirmation from Warden Crichton that Conall O'Reilly helped him escape but is still in Arkham. You remember O'Reilly, right?"

Dick growled, "Yes, Commissioner, I do – for many reasons."

"That's all we know right now. I just wanted you and Batman to be aware of the situation," Commissioner Gordon stated.

"Thank you, Commissioner," Dick replied and hung up the Batphone.

"Joker and O'Reilly. Joker hates Robin and O'Reilly hates Robin. At least O'Reilly is still in Arkham. Joker is more dangerous, though."

Dick stood up and paced around the Batcave. I promised him. But it's Joker! He trusts me. But it's JOKER! No Robin allowed. But…It's…Joker! Dick gave up on the pacing and went back to the elevator, returning to the main floor. Maybe he should call Bruce; maybe he would get permission since it was Joker; maybe pigs would start flying through the air. He glanced at his watch and knew both Bruce and Alfred were in flight. Bruce wouldn't land until midnight Gotham time and Dick wouldn't bother Alfred with this news. Great, I have the rest of the night to think about this. Perfect.