Screams echo through the air against the orange glow of the amber sky. Women and children scream in fear; the men have screams filled with hate. They charge through the street with fire in their hands, pointed weapons and heavy guns. They stride away from the great oak in the centre of the town. On its branches, a man hangs from a steady swinging rope.

Purple eyes open wide, darting around the room before calming and morphing to blue. The dream fades away but the screams remain. Christine rises from the coach where she had fallen asleep, her book still in her hands. The clock reads 1am; Bruce is likely still on patrol. The house is still, but the screams of terror drift from the upper floor of the manor. With quickening steps she quits the room, taking the stairs two at a time before throwing herself through a still unfamiliar door. A door that until recent weeks, she had never before stepped through.

The 8 year old boy was sat up in bed, sweat clinging to his forehead and his sheets were wrapped tightly around him, like a straight jacket. He struggled against them, dazed from sleep and still screaming. She was by his side in seconds, holding him to her breast, rocking him slowly until his screams became soft sobs.

'They fell, I couldn't save them.' Dick sobbed. Christine pulled him closer as she cooed him. It seems she was not the only one haunted by nightmares of the past. She felt him go limp in her arms; his head resting heavily on her chest as he fell back into slumber.

'More nightmares?' the whisper came from the open door, where Bruce was now stood. She nodded, gently placing the boy back down onto the mattress, untangling him from the sheets and tucking him back in. Taking one last look to make sure he is sleeping soundly, Christine follows Bruce down the corridor.

'Did you find him?'

'I found a lead. It's only a matter of time before Zucco is behind bars.'

Christine emitted a soft growl, her pointed teeth somewhat showing under her lips. 'If I could just get my hands on him...' Bruce put his hands on her arms, his grip tight; knowing it wouldn't hurt her.

'Christine, Zucco is human. We will deal with him and bring him to justice, but killing him is not the answer.'

'Do you not hear him scream at night!' her whispers took on a higher pitch as anger flooded her. 'He is in pain. He doesn't just need a home, he needs to know that something is being done to bring his...parents some justice.'

'Something is being done. I'm doing everything I can.'

'But he doesn't know it!' She was shaking now. All the years she had managed to stay calm and collected, and now in just a few weeks, one little boy had managed to bring down all of her walls; making her an emotional mess. 'He's been here for three weeks. Isn't it time he learnt the truth about you?' Bruce looked down at her with what she could only describe as pity. It was a look she was unfamiliar with; she was the world deadliest predator. People weren't meant to look at her with pity. 'You know what, forget it.'

'Christine.' She stormed past him, down the stairs and out of the door; disappearing into the darkness of the night.

OOoOoOoOoOo

Bruce watched her go. She had been different these last few weeks, her usual controlled demeanour had changed. She was acting more...human. He sighed, turning away from the stair case to peek in through Dick's door. The boy was exactly as Christine had left him, curled up on his side under the covers, clutching onto the stuffed elephant he had brought with him from the Circus.

Was Christine right? Should he tell Dick about Batman; comfort the boy with the knowledge that he was working around the clock to bring the man who murdered his parents to justice?

For right now, he would keep Dick in the dark on his secret life. The boy was just starting to settle into his life in Gotham. He didn't speak very often; Bruce found it hard to believe that the boy lying in the bed was the same lively boy he had met, that tragic day almost two months ago. To reveal the boy to the even darker side of Gotham could be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Taking a final look at the sleeping child, Bruce softly closed the door and headed down to the Batcave. He would find Zucco and he would bring him down. Maybe then Dick would be able to sleep through the night without filling the manor with terror stricken screams.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Christine hadn't been around the manor in a few days. Dick's shoulders slumped, he enjoyed the her company; she reminded him of his mom, she was kind and she smelt nice. With Mr Wayne constantly working at the office, she had been his only companion. Now there was only Alfred and the old man had work of his own to do around the house. This left Dick sat on the stair case playing with the Game boy Mr Wayne had brought him last week. He had never owned anything like it before, his parents had never really been able to afford it. Dick found himself curious as to how the game actually worked and had to resist the urge to take it apart and put it back together. Computers were all new to him and he was fascinated.

But even the game wasn't enough to distract him from his loneliness. He was used to being around a busy Circus, where people were always practising, laughing and spending time with each other. To suddenly be in this big house, practically all by himself. It hurt almost as much as knowing that he would never see him parents again.

Mr Wayne had recently put up a picture of his parents in the library on top of the fire place. Since Christine had been away he had woken from his nightmares alone. It was these nights that he would take himself down to the library, sit in one of the large comfortable chairs in front of the fire and just stare at the picture. In a small way, he could almost convince himself that they were still here, sat in the dark room with him. But he knew that was silly; they weren't here. They were gone and they were never coming back.

The hour was late when Dick awoke once more. He was sat in the darkness of the library, the room only lit by the glowing red embers of the fire. Looking around the room, he looked for what had woken him, but everything was still. But then he heard it again, a strange clanking sound like metal on metal. Dick's eyes widened as the book case on the other side of the room, next to the piano, shifted to the side and Alfred walked out. Dick hid behind the tall back of the chair, as Alfred looked around the room. The old butler removed himself from the library, leaving Dick once more, alone.

Filled with a new found curiosity, Dick stole away from the chair, over to the bookshelf he had just seen the old man walk through. He stared at it for a moment, thinking of all the ways that might open the secret door. He thought about moving the books to see if there were any that were levers. But the 8 year old quickly dismissed that idea, instead his eyes travelled over to the piano. Maybe a combination of keys? But what keys? He needed to open the book case. Book, Case. B, C.

After a quick check to make sure Alfred was nowhere in sight, the small fingers placed themselves over the B and C keys on the highest end of the piano. Christine had shown him the different notes, sometime earlier that week. He had absorbed the information, lapping up everything he was being taught. The soft sound of the keys filled the room before the sound of the book case scraping on the floor followed. Behind the bookcase was a metal elevator shaft.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Dick tenderly stepped into the elevator. Once inside the secret door closed automatically behind him and the shaft started to descend. Dick's eyes opened to the size of saucers as the huge cave came into view. When the elevator stopped, he walked out in awe; looking up to the high ceiling, where thousands of bats hung from their feet. Dick took a few steps backwards, his back hitting something cold and hard behind him. As he turned, lights lit up a large computer. Down on a lower level of the cave, an iron door opened and a strange black vehicle entered and parked on a circular platform.

Dick hid quickly under the desk of the computer, listening to the heavy steps of the new comer as they walked up to the higher level. The boy shook as the black boots walked past his hiding spot, followed closely by the swish of a cape. With sudden realisation, Dick pocked his head out from his hiding place; looking up at the Dark Knight. He gasped in admiration before diving back under the table when the vigilante turned on his heels. Dick was surprised to hear the Dark Knight sigh.

'Dick, I know you're there.' For a moment he couldn't move, not only did he know he was there, but Batman had remembered his name! But then something else dawned on him. Batman's voice had been deep and gruff. This voice sounded more like... He stuck his head out again as the cowl was removed.

'Mr Wayne.' he crawled out from under the table, 'You're Batman?'

Bruce looked down at the boy with soft eyes. He had hoped to keep Batman from him a little longer; but the boy was smart, he had seen that the day he met him.

'How did you get down here?' He had to handle this carefully, he didn't want to scare the boy. But Dick didn't seem afraid, he was staring at him with those crystal blue eyes, full of nothing but wonder. Just as they had been the first time he had met him. Maybe letting him know about Batman wasn't a disaster. The boy had a stark back in his eyes that had been missing since the accident. It wasn't as bright as it had been, but it was there.

'I came through the bookcase...I used the piano.' he paused, his eyes going to the ground. He scuffed his foot against the floor as his hands timidly played the with hem of his shirt. 'Are you mad?'

'No, I'm not mad. It was inevitable that you would find out sooner or later. I'm impressed you discovered the cave on your own.' And there it was, the first smile Bruce had seen on the boys face in weeks.

'Does Miss Christine known?'

'Why don't you ask her yourself.' Bruce looked over to the stair case, Dick followed his gaze and his eyes landed on a woman with silver hair and bright purple eyes. Dick took a step back in shock, he could see that this woman was Christine, but she looked so different, so..unhuman.

'Don't be afraid Dickie.' The lady raised her hands, taking a tender step forward. Approaching him as you would a cornered animal. When she reached him, she carefully knelt down in front of him. Dick took in all of her features. The exterior was alien, but the look of kindness was familiar.

'I'm not afraid.' And he realised he wasn't, he trusted her, just as he trusted Batman...Bruce. 'Are you part of the League too?' She nodded, 'Are you going to find the man that killed my parents?' Again she nodded, this time with more conviction.

'Yes Dickie, we will find him.'

oOoOoOoOoOo

And find him they did. Dick had learnt how to read his three new guardians. When Batman headed out one evening, Dick could tell something was different. He was closing in on Zucco. Bruce had sent Christine away; though Dick didn't understand why. Maybe Batman just like to work alone. But then why was Christine always here?

Dick found himself down in the Bat cave that evening, watching the computer and the entrance for any news from Batman. Alfred brought him down some hot chocolate at one point, but then left him be. The old man could tell when someone wanted to be alone. He had had years of practise with his Master Bruce.

Time ticked by and still there was no word from Bruce. Dick had a feeling in the pt of his stomach. Something was wrong. He waited a little longer, but the feeling intensified. Placing his hands on the computer keys he slowly put in the code he had seen Bruce type in for his tracker. A small red dot blinked on the screen. It stayed on one place; he wasn't travelling. Then Dick looked on the map for the location. His gut churned. He was on the pitch where Haley's had set up the tent. After the accident the tent hadn't been taken down. The police had wanted it to remain up until the investigation was complete. Batman was there now...did that mean Zucco was as well?

What if Batman was in danger? He stopped himself, even if he was, what could he do about it, he was 8! He looked over to the cabinet where Bruce kept his suit, in one of the compartments were a series of domino masks from the time before the suit was built. He may only be 8, but he was the only 8 year old in the world who could perform a quadruple summersault. He had been raised in a Circus and it was his parents who had been taken. Dick suddenly realised, he had no choice but to go after Batman. Fate had played him this hand and now he had to take hold of it.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Batman's eyes flickered open. He cursed himself for his weakness. He had been so distracted, thinking about Dick that he had missed the heavy object behind him until he was on the floor loosing consciousness. Now he was tied to what looked like a wheel...was this the circus tent?

'So glad you could join us Batman.' Zucco circled him, an evil glint in his scarred eyes. 'Did you know my family were performers?' He pulled three large knives from his coat pocket. Touching the sharp point with one of his fingers. 'They were knife throwers. My father taught me, but I was never as good as he was.' Walking up to the wheel he pull one side down, causing it to start spinning. 'I never really kept up the practise. Shall we still if I've still got it?' He threw one of the knives; it jammed itself in the wood between Batman's tethered legs. 'Missed.'

Batman remained calm, if Zucco kept talking then the gangster wouldn't notice that he was subtly cutting through the rope on his wrists. The second knife was thrown, this one landed a little away from his right ear.

'Getting closer. This time I won't miss.' Batman knew Tony wouldn't miss this time. He was going to have a knife between his eyes, unless he got himself out now! But the rope was still not breaking. Zucco brought his arm back and Batman had to resist the urge to close his eyes. But then suddenly Zucco was on the ground, pushed there by a flurry of red and green. The flurry stood up. It was small, would have just about reached up to Batman's hip bone. He knew this because the flurry was Dick. Dressed in the leotard he had worn on the night of the last performance of the Flying Graysons, a domino mask and a small cape, which looked like it had been fashioned quickly out of some of the spare fabric from Batman's own cape.

'What's this?' Zucco laughed 'Batman's found himself a pet!' Picking up the knife he lunched at Dick, who rolled out of the way before flipping over and hand springing off Zucco's chest, knocking the man to the ground once again. Batman fought again the ropes harder trying to get them the break. Meanwhile Zucco was once again attacking Dick, finally pinning the boy down. 'I have no qualms about killing children.' he snarled at the boy.

'I think he might.' said Dick, looking past the gangster. Then Batman's fist connected with the side of Zucco's head. The man scrambled up, making a run for the side of the tent before climbing the small ladder to the platforms. Batman persued him, following him up the ladder.

'Please, please. Give me a chance!' the man cried when they both stood high above the ground.

'Did you give John and Mary Grayson a chance?' growled Batman taking a step forward. Then to his dismay Zucco stood back, lost his footing and tumbled over the side. In that quick moment, Batman considered the irony before diving forward to try and save the man. But it was not the Dark Knight who saved the murderer. The flurry had returned, taking hold of Zucco's shirt as he fell before swinging back onto the platform. Zucco had passed out from terror, his body lay limp on the wooden board. Dick released him and looked up at the Dark Knight.

'Why didn't you let him fall?' asked Batman

'He can't be brought to Justice if he's dead. Can he.' Batman allowed a small smile. He had worried that with their similar childhood experiences, Dick would have turned out like him. But already Bruce could see the boy was so much stronger than him.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Zucco was arrested and placed in a police car. Batman watched from a distance; not wanting the police to see Dick. Speaking of the boy, he had proven himself very capable tonight.

'So I guess Bruce Wayne isn't very good at this parenting thing.' Dick looked up at him a smile.

'What about Batman?' Batman shrugged,

'Well I'm not sure he's the parenting sort either...but maybe...' the smile was widening.

'A partner?' Batman placed a hand on the boys head, watching as the spark in his eyes brightened.

'You'll need a name.' Dick thought about it for a moment. He thought back to his parents, his mother had always said he reminded her of a little robin when he performed. He had always hated the name. His father would then joke and call him the flying squirrel. He smiled at the memory, holding it close to his heart.

'Robin.'

'Like the bird?' Batman frowned, but the boy seemed happy with his choice and it suited him.

'It's a family name.'

OOoOoOoOoOo

Bruce was pretty sure Christine was about to rip his head off with the way she was glaring at him. There were very few things that could send a shiver down the man's spine, but Christine's angry expression was one of them. Especially since her anger had never before been directed at him.

'What the hell are you thinking!' He didn't really have an answer. What was he thinking? Letting an 8 year old train to be a vigilante. The League was going to have his head if Christine didn't beat them too it. But behind all his doubt and the resident vampires deathly glare, the choice felt right.

'If I don't train him, then he's just going to go out there and do it anyway.' he said, trying to calm the storm that was raging in his friends eyes. 'I won't let him out until I think he's ready. He needs this Chris.'

'Yeh you keep telling yourself that Bruce.' She stormed up to the house; she would have left completely, but she had been gone too much recently. With Zucco finally being convicted she didn't want Dick to wake up alone when the nightmares hit. Yes Bruce was here, but she was too angry to think about him. She sat in the living room, straight and still in her favourite chair. Bruce had not followed her, he knew when to leave her be. Time ticked by; she waited to hear the screams. But soon the light of the sun started to peak through the window, lighting up her pale skin. She took a shaky breath.

Dick had slept through the night. For the first time since his parents had perished no nightmares had plagued him. She shook her head, realising that Bruce was right. Dick needed Robin, it was an outlet for his grief and his anger. The motherly part of her was screaming, 'what if he dies!' The immortal part of her shrugged. 'There are worse things than death.'

She rose from the chair, a few hours later when Bruce finally entered the room. She couldn't look at him as she spoke. Pride builds over years and she had lived many years.

'He goes out, only when I say he's ready. Only small time villains, I never want him going near freaks like the Joker.' Bruce nodded, 'Only a few times a week, he's still a boy.' She had run out of conditions. Was she doing the right thing? Allowing the birth of Batman and Robin?...Batman and Robin.

It had a nice ring too it.

A/N There's a nice long chapter to see you through my absence. I know this story isn't as popular as some of my others but I feel it's important to finish it. Some times as a writer you have to get one idea down on paper in order to make room in your mind for another. Also before I go, I just want to spread my heart break and support for what happened in Tunisia. I don't consider myself to be an angry person, but after watching the news last night I was shaking with anger to the point I had to spend 4 hours in the gym to calm myself down. My heart goes out to all the families that were effected by this monstrous act of cowardice. If you do nothing else today, hug your family. This world is becoming a very uncertain place; but I truly believe if we all keep love in our hearts, we will make it through these dark times. We will beat these monsters, who feel they have the right to take human life. I hope you enjoy this chapter and I will see you all when I return. Karin xxxxxx