Disclaimer: I own nothing. Nada. Nicht. Zilch.

A/N: Okay, while it IS the summer and I have more time on my hands, updates will probably come once a week from here on out. Thanks to all my awesome reviewers!

Chapter 17: The Family Business

Natalie turned to see Dick Grayson in the doorway of her mother's apartment. She didn't know whether to be shocked or passive.

"Unca Dick!" Annie launched herself at him and he swooped her into his arms. "That is, if you'll let me." He added, looking pointedly at Natalie.

"But you and Mom said—"

"Were you listening to Tim and Cassandra at all, Natalie? It isn't safe for you to walk around not knowing how to defend yourself properly. A knife and strong legs will only get you so far."

"I can do a lot more than that."

He smirked and leaned against the doorframe. "So you don't want to learn, is that it?"

"No!" She said quickly. "I just...it's a lot to take in, Dad." Biting her lip thoughtfully, she figured she might as well ask..."When do I start?"

"Right now."

"Now?!"

"Yes, now. Get in the car, I'm parked just downstairs."

"But Tim and Cassandra—"

"—Will be here when you get back. We're staying the week, remember?" Tim winked. "Besides, we're having dinner here tonight with your mom and Sam. And you'll be back before then." He eyed Dick. "She WILL be back by then, right, Boy Wonder?"

"Of course, Squirt." Dick winked, setting Annie down. "I'll be back later, Princess. Come on, Natalie." He spun on his heel and quickly exited, leaving a stunned Natalie behind. After an encouraging gesture from Cassandra, Natalie followed suit.

They drove for a good thirty minutes to the outskirts of Gotham, into the older part of the city. Past downtown where the decrepit buildings were crumbling and through the large park, they were silent. Finally, Natalie couldn't take it anymore. Something looked familiar...

"Where are we going, Dad?"

"To see your grandfather."

"Which one?"

"Bruce Wayne."

She frowned. "He hasn't seen me since Mom's wedding!" Noting the flash of sorrow in her father's eyes, she paused, before adding, "Well, he hasn't seen me in a long time. Why are we going to see him?"

"Because he's the best. He trained me, and he's going to help train you. He has the facilities. Here we are." He pulled up to a wrought iron gate well over ten feet high. There was a long drive leading up to an ominously large mansion.

"Still just as big as I remember." Natalie murmured. "Looks like a prison..."

If Dick heard her comment, he said nothing. Rolling down the window, he pressed the button. "Alfred, it's me. I've got Natalie with me, would you open the gate for us?"

"Of course, Master Dick." Came the proper Englishman's reply. Slowly, the gates swung forward, and Dick drove through.

"Do you remember Alfred at all?" Natalie smiled. Of course she remembered the kind butler. He had always made her feel special, and she told Dick so.

"I remember the last time I came here, when I was about five, he showed me the library with all the books, and read the first part of A Cricket in Times Square that night, when I had trouble sleeping and Mom was talking with Bruce about something or other."

"Did he do the voices?" Dick asked with a smile as he parked the car.

"How did you know about that?"

"Because he used to read to me at night, and he used them for me." He replied. "He's a very special man, Alfred Pennyworth."

"I know."

"So is Bruce Wayne."

She raised an eyebrow.

"He may not relate like too many people you know, but he's a very special, very good man."

Natalie sighed. "I know...it's just that I don't really know him, and now..."

"You don't really know him like you don't really know me, and it's a lot to handle. You're right, it is a lot, but you're still capable of doing it. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think you were capable. Bruce wouldn't be doing it." He got out of the car to greet Alfred at the door, who smiled broadly.

"Welcome back, Master Dick."

Natalie waited her turn as Dick hugged Alfred, then launched herself at him. "I missed you, Alfred!"

"And I you, Miss Natalie." He chuckled. "Why haven't you come by more often?"

"Busy, I guess. I'll try to be better about it."

"From what I understand we will be seeing quite a bit of you." He winked.

She rolled her eyes as she followed Alfred and her father inside. "This family never ceases to amaze me..."

They walked back into the library, but Bruce was nowhere to be found. Natalie smiled as she took in the masses of old volumes, inhaling the scent of the musty tomes mixed with the strong odor of coffee and a hint of some kind of cologne.

Dick's hand hovered above a nondescript volume and he looked at his daughter. "What you are about to see, Natalie, is something I'm sure you know not to tell anyone."

It dawned on her. "The batcave?"

Alfred smiled. "Very perceptive, Miss Natalie. Much like your parents. Perhaps a career in law enforcement might suit you? Detective work, perhaps?"

Natalie chuckled and shook her head. "No, I don't think I have the head for the numbers..."

Dick only smirked and pulled the book down, causing the case to slide aside, revealing a long, narrow corridor winding down into the darkness. "Ready, Natalie?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." Natalie sighed. While she was definitely nervous—she knew this wouldn't be easy—she still felt like it was her birthday. Yes, this would be fun!

A/N: Okay, it's short, but it's an update. It's kinda filler too, but what I have planned I have to break up, or it'll be way too long. Again, thanks to my reviewers, and Teri, you're welcome!