How the Batman Met Robin

Sometime after the flooding in Gotham City had lessened, a group of bank robbers were speeding away from a burning building on foot. "Man, that was a real blast", said one of them as they climbed up a fire-escape. "Really?", asked his friend as they made it to the roof. But then, before they could continue to argue, a dark figure landed in front of them. It was Batman! The robbers pulled out their guns, but Batman then threw a flying batarang, knocking the guns out of their hands! Batman then leaped forward and slammed one of the thugs into the ground, knocking him out! His friend threw some punches, but Batman dodged his attacks before sending the thug flying with a single punch! As soon as the police arrived, they found the thugs tied up and stared up as Batman stood on a high rooftop as lightning flashed behind him. As Batman looked out at Gotham City, he got an alert from the Batmobile. He went down to the alley it was parked in and pulled out a telephone. "Yes?", asked Batman. "Master Bruce", said his butler, Alfred, "Madame Mayor has sent an invitation to the circus for you. Perhaps it will be a swell break after this week". Batman chuckled under his breath. "I'll be home soon enough". He got into the Batmobile and drove off.

On the other side of town, at the world famous Haly's Circus, a young boy with slick, black hair had just finished practice on the trapeze. He effortless landed on a platform far above the ground and took a bow. "Bravo, Dick", said the boy's father, "That's going to be the highlight of the act". "What about the routine without the net?", asked Dick. "Leave that to us", said his mother, "Don't worry, my little Robin, we'll be as great as always. Now go wash up". "OK", said Dick as he climbed down the ladder. He went to a sink to wash the powder off his hands when he heard a noise. He looked over to see Mr. Haly toss a fat man in a tweed suit and bowler hat out of his carriage. "Be sensible", said the man as he dusted the dirt away from his jacket and put on his hat, "You need to be protected from accidents. All you need to do is pay a small fee". "You have no deal, Tony", said Mr. Haly, "I don't work with gangsters! Now, get out!" "OK", said Tony, "But then you'll see". He walked off, but not before glaring at Dick. "What was that all about?", asked Dick. "Oh, pay no mind to him", said Mr. Haly, "He's all talk. He probably won't even show up after this". "Gee, I hope so", said Dick.

The next night, a black limo pulled up in front of the big, red tent. Alfred, an old man with slicked back gray hair and a cane, walked over and opened the door, revealing Bruce Wayne who was greeted by a throng of adoring fans. He looked over to see some teenage girls fawning over him and nervously waved to them. "Hey, you've got them fainting over you now, Master Bruce", said Alfred. "Third time this week", chuckled Bruce. They went to their booth and sat down as Mr. Haly took center stage. "Welcome", he said as he waved his top hat, "to the Biggest Show on Earth!" Suddenly, a row of horses and their riders ran around Mr. Haly! While that was happening, an unseen figure snuck into the back room of the circus. He looked around to see if the coast was clear before pouring a strange liquid onto the trapeze ropes.

"And now", announced Mr. Haly, "It's time to say hello to the Flying Graysons, John, Mary, and Dick, all ready to perform a death-defying number without the aid of a safety net". The audience gasped upon hearing this. "No need to worry folks", said John Grayson, "We're professionals. Why don't you show them, Dick?" Dick swung on the ropes and flew through the air with ease. Then, his parents took to the air, swinging high above the audience. Alfred stared up in awe, while Bruce, subtle as ever, smiled as he watched the family fly above him. But then, it all came to an end. Dick could only watch helplessly as his parents hit the floor, dead on impact. Panic erupted in the circus, but Bruce could only see a young boy with tears in his eyes.

Later on, Dick had finished explaining everything he heard and saw the day before. Commissioner Gordon, an African-American man with a bushy mustache and glasses, was writing done his statement as Bruce arrived. "Mr. Wayne", said Commissioner Gordon, "I didn't expect you to stick around". "I figured I'd stay behind", said Bruce somberly, "How's the kid holding up?" "Not well", said Commissioner Gordon, "No family as far as he knows. Mr. Haly wants to take him in, but if my hunch is correct, he won't be safe here". "Why?", asked Bruce. "We think the assassin will go after him next", said Commissioner Gordon, "He's a witness, you know?" "You might want to look at this, Commissioner", said one of the cops, "Forensics found acid on the trapeze ropes". Bruce looked over to Dick and thought of something. "I'd like to take him in", he said. "You sure about that?", asked Commissioner Gordon. "He's a kindred spirit if I ever saw one", said Bruce.

It was decided then. Bruce filed out the paperwork to adopt Dick and took him to his home, a tower that overlooked Gotham City. "Whoa", he said when he looked up to it. "You'll like it here", said Bruce, "It has the best view in the city". They took the elevator up to the main house, but as they went up, Dick noticed something. "What's that button do?", he asked, pointing to a green elevator button. "That...goes to the garage", said Bruce. The doors opened into the main lobby of the house. Dick took in the sight of a set of double staircases that lead into the dining room. Beneath them was a door that lead down a hall to a bedroom. "These are the guest rooms", explained Bruce, "Pick any which one you'd like". "Think any guests would mind?", asked Dick. "That would require us to have guests", said Alfred as he walked downstairs. "Dick, this Alfred, my butler", said Bruce. "Howdy", said Dick. Just then, Bruce got an alert on his phone. "Sorry I can't stick around", said Bruce hastily, "but something has come up at work. I'll be back by morning. I promise". With that, Bruce took the elevator down.

In a seedy bar downtown, some gangsters were playing pool with a guy in a blue trench coat and hat. "Yeah, I know I guy who uses acid like that, Matches", said one of the goons, "I think it might be one of Tony Zucco's guys". "Yeah", said another guy, "What's his name? Blade or something?" "Yeah, I think that's his name", said a goon, "Works with Zucco's mutants". "Where would they be hiding out", asked Matches. "Malone is asking some unusual questions", said a goon. "You sure he ain't a copper?", asked another. One of them tried to hit Matches Malone with his pool cue, only for the man to block it with his forearm, snapping it before punching the goon out! Another goon tried to attack, only to be kicked over! He then smashed two goons heads together as the last goon ran out into an alley. He looked back to the bar before running...into Batman! Batman grabbed the goon and held him up high. "Where is he!?"

Dick and Alfred were enjoying a good book in the library. "He's been out for quite a while now", said Alfred. "No need to remind me", muttered Dick. "Chin up, my boy", said Alfred, "Bruce might be distant, but he does care". "How do you figure?", asked Dick. "You see", explained Alfred, "some twenty years ago, Bruce went through exactly what you went through". "Dead parents?", asked Dick. "Unfortunately", said Alfred. "He used to be quite sullen, until he found something to drive him into the future". "What's that?", asked Dick. "You'll have to ask him when he gets back", said Alfred.

Meanwhile, the Batmobile sped down the rainy streets and stopped in front of an old building. Inside, Tony Zucco smoked a cigar while the rest of his gang played cards. Suddenly, the door was kicked down, revealing a very angry Batman. "Zucco", said Batman, "Hand over Blade and yourself to the police. I won't ask twice". "Get 'em, boys", said Zucco. Two gangsters ran forward, only to be knocked down by a single roundhouse kick! Batman then hit another goon with a batarang as he grabbed his gun! Zucco ran out of the building as Batman punched out the last goon.

Zucco ran into an alleyway, with Batman hot on the trail. Just then, a big guy in a red suit hit Batman over the head with a wooden chair! Then, Zucco kicked Batman in the face! "Ain't it always good to have another guy to help out in fights?", asked Blade. "Yes it is", said Zucco as he punched Batman! But then, Batman kicked Zucco away and punched Blade! Zucco grabbed Batman by the arms, allowing Blade to beat the costumed man! But then, Batman kicked away Blade and threw Zucco over his shoulder! As the other goons began running over, Batman pushed a button on his belt, summoning the Batmobile! He got in and drove off as Zucco and the goons fired on the Batmobile.

The Batmobile managed to make it back to the Bat Cave and Batman limped out to the computer. He pulled off his mask and placed his contact lenses in their terminal as Alfred walked over. "You'll be happy to know that Dick is soundly asleep in his room", said Alfred. "That's good news", said Bruce, wincing as he got out of his chair. "All you alright, Master Bruce?", asked Alfred. "I think I might've busted my leg in the fight", said Bruce, "Zucco and Blade tag-teamed me". "Let me look", said Alfred as he looked Bruce over, "Good news, it's only a sprain. Should take about three days to heal". Bruce took a seat back in his chair. "Plenty of time to connect with Dick, right?", he asked. "I believe so", said Alfred. "I know just what to do", smiled Bruce.

The next morning, Bruce and Dick took a spin out on the town in Bruce's red Chevelle SS. "Liking the speed so far?", asked Bruce. "It's so-so", said Dick. "Sorry", said Bruce as he drove around a corner, "Trying not to get another speeding ticket". "When did that happen?", asked Dick. "Some years ago", said Bruce, "When I get the chance, I'll have Dax tell you all about it". They stopped in front of a museum and went inside. They walked past a statue of a brontosaurus and made their way down the hall. "I think you'll like this exhibit especially", said Bruce as they stopped in a dark room with bats in it. On the center wall was a painting of Batman, ominously looking down on a dark castle. Bruce chuckled at this painting, made before the flood. Obviously, the artist in question wanted a more classical look, but even Bruce was surprised by how much of a Universal Monster film the painting turned out to look like. Dick seemed to enjoy it, though. "How cool would it be if I was Batman?", asked Dick. "When you're older, kid", chuckled Bruce. As they moved through the exhibit, Dick couldn't help but notice Bruce limping along after him.

Later on, they returned to the tower. "I'll be upstairs in a bit", said Dick as Bruce stepped out of the elevator, "I'm gonna check out more of the garage". "Alright", said Bruce as the elevator doors closed. With that, Dick pushed the green button, which then revealed a number lock. "Let's see", said Dick, "Four digits. What could be significant to Bruce? Of course! Alfred said it happened twenty years ago, and that could only mean"...He punched in 2001 and the elevator descended.

As soon as the doors opened, he stepped into an abandoned subway station. The double staircases lead down to a turntable with a massive black car, in front of which was a massive computer. Next to that was a map of Gotham City, and as Dick turned away from that, he saw it. A massive cabinet with the armored suit of Batman. "Whoa", said a very awed Dick. "My words precisely", said a voice. It was Alfred. "Alfred, you know what this means?", asked Dick. "Yes, Master Dick", said Alfred, "I admit it. I am Batman." Bruce stepped out of the elevator just as Alfred said that. "So", said Bruce, "Now you know". "I won't tell anyone", said Dick, "I swear". "I believe you", said Bruce, "But now, you'll just have to stay down here with Alfred". "What!?", asked Dick. "Chin up, lad", said Alfred, "We've got plenty of rats to eat". Bruce scowled at Alfred, who chuckled as he walked off to dust off the keyboard. "That was a joke, if you couldn't tell", said Bruce. "Might wanna work that whole humor thing", said Dick, "But more importantly, are you going after the guy who killed my parents?" "As soon as my leg is done healing", said Bruce. "I want to help you", said Dick. "Not happening", said Bruce. "Why not?", asked Dick, "Give me one...no, three good reasons I can't". "Firstly", began Bruce, "You haven't had the proper training in order take on multiple people in a fight. Secondly: you're too vulnerable emotionally to go after your parents' killer. Believe me, I've been in the same position as you are in at this very moment. Finally: every fight I've been in has left me bruised and scarred, and if you were to walk around with any of those, they would think that I'm abusing you, and that's something I won't abide by". "OK, those are good points", said Dick, "But at least consider training me then". "I'll consider it", said Bruce, "But I won't allow you to endanger yourself".

It was decided then. Bruce made it clear that the techniques he was teaching were only for self-defense before teaching him the basics of boxing. "Make sure to not bend your wrist", instructed Bruce as he jabbed his fist forward. But then, Dick grabbed his arm and threw Bruce over his shoulder! He landed on his feet and snorted. "Combining techniques already?", Bruce asked. "Gotta keep 'em on their toes", said Dick as he kicked upwards, only for Bruce to slide out his standing leg. "Keep at it, kid", said Bruce as he helped him up, "You'll get the swing of it eventually". "I was an acrobat once, Bruce", said Dick, "When it comes to swinging, I could teach you a trick or two". "Maybe", said Bruce.

"Actually", said Dick, "I did have some ideas". He went to his bag and pulled of a notebook, which he then handed to Bruce. He sighed and looked through each age of drawings, mostly of different bat suits. "Why is there yellow around the bat symbol?", asked Bruce. "Can't armor your head", said Dick, "Best to paint a target on an area with the most armor". Bruce nodded, then turned to a self portrait of Dick wearing a domino mask with a red tunic and yellow cape. "I take it nothing will dissuade you from trying to help", chuckled Bruce, "Though a domino mask will only work if you're not around someone who already knows you. Not to mention, with the way your hair is, any stray piece could be traced back to you by forensic scientists". "I could gel it back", suggested Dick, "I still need to figure out the mask thing, though". "Maybe try something that covers your nose and ears", said Bruce as he handed Dick back his notebook, "But don't get any ideas just yet".

Later on, as Bruce stepped out of the closet while wearing a black suit and tie as Alfred handed him a note that said: "Have a great day at work". "Isn't that nice?", asked Alfred when he read it, "Dick's not too far off from calling you 'dad'". "I sure do hope so", said Bruce as he tucked the note in his coat pocket, "Any word from Zucco and Blade?" "Still no word yet", said Alfred, "I personally believe he skipped town". Just then, as Bruce walked over to the table, he caught sight of the newspaper. "I doubt it", he said, "According to this, Gordon and his men raided one of his dummy holdings. Zucco no longer has a penny to his name". "What now?", asked Alfred. "He's obviously going to ramp up his efforts", said Bruce as he swiped the car keys off of the counter, "When I get back, have Dick come see me". "You're not really thinking?..", asked Alfred, but Bruce then said: "No. But you and I both know what he's capable of. We just need to guide him as best we can".

After a while, Dick and Bruce met up in the Bat Cave. "You want to help Batman? Now's your chance", said Bruce. "What do you need me to do?", asked Dick. "You're going to go undercover as a newspaper boy", said Bruce, "The man who killed your parents may be getting ready to rob or even kill more innocent people. I need you to gather information on his whereabouts". "Then what?", asked Dick. "I will handle it from there", said Bruce, "Alfred will have you fitted for some armor to wear under your disguise". "I'll at least get a shot at the guy who killed my parents, right?", asked Dick. "Possibly", said Bruce, "Let's get started."

Two weeks later, Blade blundered over to a young boy wearing a newsboy cap, glasses, and a brown vest over a red shirt with long sleeves. "You got the money, right?", asked Blade. "A third of my take, as promised", said the newsboy, and he handed over the money in a metal clip. "Pretty fancy", said Blade. "Took it off a pushy customer", said the newsboy. "Atta boy", said Blade as he walked off, unaware of the newsboy smiling to himself.

Back in the Bat Cave, Batman looked to the computer to see that the tracking beacon was working. "Good job", said Batman, "Now, Dick, keep your distance. Don't let him know we're onto him". "Copy that", said Dick into his radio. "I'll be over in the Batmobile in just a moment", said Batman as he stepped into the car. The jet engine roared before the Batmobile shot out of the Bat Cave and down the street. Batman smiled to himself as he followed the tracker on the money clip to an old, abandoned warehouse. He stepped out of the Batmobile and walked over. Inside, he saw Blade and Zucco with the rest of the gang discussing a plan. "You want to do it tonight?", asked Blade. "Certainly", said Zucco, "Once we blow up that construction site, the city will have to pay to prevent other acts of destruction in Gotham. We'll be escaping Batman on Gotham's dime". "When do we start?", asked Blade. "Tonight at midnight", said Zucco. With that, the gangsters all got into their cars and drove off to the construction site, with the Batmobile in silent pursuit.

The gangsters arrived with dynamite and began to enter the site. "Keep watch for any bats", said Blade to two goons before going up the elevator with the others. As Batman approached, one of the goons was taken down by a newsboy! Before the other one could attack, he threw a pipe at him, knocking him out! "What are doing?", asked Batman. "Helping you out", said Dick as he removed his disguise, revealing a suit of armor with a red tunic and black sleeves. Batman took note of an R on the chest. "What's the R stand for?", he asked. "Robin", said Dick as he put on his mask, a helmet that exposed his slicked back hair, "It's what my mom used to call me".

"They're planning to set off bombs at the summit", said Batman, "Zucco is desperate enough to see this out personally". "And his buddies?", asked Robin. "In need of percussive persuasion", said Batman, "His right-hand man, Blade, We'll have to separate him from". "Leave that to me", said Robin as he pulled out his grappling hook. "Just keep your distance", said Batman, "These guys are better trained in combat, even without their guns". "I'll keep that in mind", said Robin as they both fired their grappling hooks into the air and rose up to the scaffold.

As three goons began laying down dynamite, Batman and Robin leaped down to attack! Batman punched one of the goons in the face, while Robin tied another one to a post with bolo ropes! One goon reached for his gun, only to be knocked out by a batarang to the face! The commotion alerted the other thugs, who all rushed down to attack. Robin picked up a long staff and knocked down three goons, while Batman swept out one goon's legs and tazed another! Robin then broke the staff in two and took out four more goons as Batman punched three more in the face! Just then, they took cover as Blade fired at them with a machine gun! "What's going on?", asked Zucco. "I don't know", said Blade, "But Batman and some kid are taking out some of our boys!" "Then take care of them", said Zucco, "I'll finish the bomb". Blade then slid down a rope to confront the costumed crime fighters! Robin threw down a smoke bomb, distracting Blade as Batman ran over and knocked his gun away! Robin then threw both of his sticks, with only one hitting Blade in the side of the head! Before Blade could attack, Batman grabbed him by the legs and slammed him into the wooden floor! Robin then fired his grappling hook, tying up Blade and lifting him into the air upside down! He leaned him over the edge of the scaffold. "What do you want?", asked Blade in terror. "Information on who killed the Flying Graysons", growled Robin. "It was me, alright?", said Blade, "But Zucco put me up to it. Mr. Haly wouldn't pay up, so he had me put acid on the trapeze ropes". "YOU DIRTY SQUEALER!", yelled Zucco as he fired his gun! Batman and Robin dodged the attack, but Blade was shot dead before they could save him! Suddenly, Zucco leaped down and kicked Robin away! "Don't be a fool, Batman", said Zucco as he held up the bomb, "I can still blow us and the building sky high!" But then, Robin threw a batarang, flicking a switch that opened a massive water pipe, sending a deluge that knocked Zucco and Batman over the edge of the scaffold, through three layers of wood, and finally into a pit of mud as the water cascaded down into it!

As Robin watched from above, Batman climbed up to the lower end of the scaffold and gave a thumbs-up before turning to deal with Zucco. Zucco fired some more rounds, nearly hitting Robin. Batman growled and he pushed a button that activated the Batmobile. "I call you coward", cried Zucco as he waved his gun, "COME DOWN! FACE ME, AND I'll SHOW YOU WHO OWNS GOTHAM CITY!". "Alright, son", said Batman calmly before taking off his utility belt and leaping into the mud, "Show me". Zucco threw away his gun and lunged forward, grappling with Batman before the masked man gave him a headbutt! Then, he punched Zucco in the face! Zucco roared with anger before slamming Batman into the mud! He then beat Batman with his fists before holding his head below the mud, only for Robin to hit him in the face with a batarang! Before he could attack the boy, Batman emerged from behind him and slapped him! "Was that a tickle?", snarled Zucco. "More like a cut", said Batman, "The kind that bleeds". Indeed, the blood flowed from the wound and into Zucco's eyes, allowing Batman to get a few extra hits in! Zucco swung wildly, knocking Batman on his back! Zucco slammed down his fists, only for Batman to dodge the attack and punch his shoulder, breaking it! Zucco knocked Batman away, only for Batman to sweep out his legs! Before Zucco could get up, Batman kicked him in the face! He punched him two more times before he finally knelt down and grabbed his leg. "You don't get it, son", growled Batman, "This isn't a mudhole; it's an operating table". A loud SNAP filled the air, followed by Zucco's pained screams. "And I'm the surgeon". Batman looked up to Robin and smiled. "There's someone I want you to meet", he said.

Some time later, Commissioner Gordon met Batman at the usual spot, with the Bat Signal shining above them. "So, man, who's the new cadet?", asked Commissioner Gordon. At once, Robin stepped forward. "Commissioner Gordon, this is Robin", said Batman. "Little on the young side, don't you think?", asked Commissioner Gordon. "Exactly why he's on reserve duty until he turns 18", said Batman, "I'll be personally training him in everything I know, and I will only call on him when necessary". "It's one way to keep me safe from the Joker", said Robin. "Well, if he's only on reserve duty", said Commissioner Gordon, "It's good you two are here. We have a robbery in progress on Finger Avenue". "We'll be right on it", said Batman. Just then, a young girl in a wheelchair got off the elevator. "I'm almost done, Barbara", said Commissioner Gordon. Barbara smiled and waved to Robin. Before Robin could respond, Commissioner Gordon said: "Not on your life, Boy Wonder". Batman tapped his shoulder, and he and Robin leaped off the building to their next great adventure.

THE END