Terra walked for what seemed like an eternity until Batman reached a single doorway. Opening the door, he entered and gestured that she follow. Doing so, she found herself in a large, spacious room full of high tech equipment. She couldn't help but be impressed. The sheer size of the room and technologically advanced equipment put Slade's hideout to shame.

"This is the Batcave," Batman said.

"So...are we in Gotham?"

"Yes."

"Why have you brought me here?" Terra asked, curious.

"To train you as my Apprentice," Batman said. Terra felt odd, that was what Slade had said to her, how could Batman be any different? Could she trust him?

"How do I know you won't manipulate me like Slade did?" Terra felt she had the right to ask him this question.

"You forget Terra, you let him control you." Batman reminded her.

"Are you God, that you know such things?" she asked in shock, the only people who knew about her apprenticeship to Slade were the Teen Titans.

"No, Terra, I am not God. But I have watched the Titans ever since Robin broke into Wayne Enterprises when Slade made him his Apprentice."

"So you know what I've done."

"Yes. That is why I want to teach you...and show you what you could have been under a different teacher."

"So..." Terra said thoughtful, "You're giving me a second chance...You want me to train under you?"

"Yes," Batman replied.

"And if I say no?"

"Then you can feel free to leave if you wish. Only on the condition that I blindfold you as we leave the Batcave." Batman said simply, "I won't make you stay. The decision's yours, Terra."

Terra's mind whirled. She didn't know what to do. A man whose identity was shrouded in myths and heresay, was offering her a chance of a lifetime: To train under him as his Apprentice. She remembered he'd asked about Robin. Did they know each other at one time? She didn't know, but she wanted to find out. Robin was the outspoken, determined one who always wanted to take the bad guys down. She always felt that she could never measure up to his standards. He was a competitive perfectionist; and it seemed to her that he expected far too much from her.

"So what is your decision, Terra?" Batman asked her quietly.

"I will stay here, Batman....and train under you," Terra said. "I feel I owe it to you, since you've saved my life and all."

"You owe me nothing, Terra. Everyone deserves a second chance. Even you." Batman looked at her. "Come, this way." He began walking down towards the door. "Outside this door, you will refer to me as Mr. Bruce Wayne and you will reveal my secret to no one. Understand?"

"Yes Sir," she replied. Bruce Wayne, founder of Wayne Enterprises? Batman? This is crazy! Crazy or not it was true, she continued following him out the door.

She found herself inside of Bruce Wayne's house. She was shocked at the mere size of it as she began to follow him around. She suddenly saw a pleasant faced older man, in a suit and tie suddenly walk up to Batman. "Hello, Master Bruce. Can I get you something?"

"No Alfred, no need for that. This is Terra-"

"Markov," she quickly supplied for him.

"-And she'll be staying with us for some time." Batman/Bruce smiled. "Alfred, would you show our guest to her room?"

"Of course," Alfred replied. "Please follow me, Ms. Terra." She did as she was told, and didn't ask any questions.

He led her to a large, spacious room and she went in without a word. She walked over to the window and stared out at Gotham City with interest. She'd never been there before, and from what she'd heard of the place didn't improve it's reputation. It was a place of corruption and crime and made Jump City look like Heaven on Earth.

Terra sighed, if this was the place where she was to find herself then she would have to try her best. Alfred called her when dinner was ready and she quietly followed him into then vastly large dining room.

What surprised her most of all was Bruce Wayne's demeanor. Gone was the emotionless, distant looks he had when he was Batman. He smiled at her as she walked in and offered her a place to sit. That evening, they talked and talked as if they were old friends, almost; althought they were just new aquaintances. Whenever she tried to bring up the subject of Robin and the Teen Titans, he wouldn't answer her questions. Realizing that it was useless to push the matter, Terra gave up trying to pry it out of him.

Later that night, Terra felt someone shaking her awake. She looked up to find Bruce in full Batman costume, standing over her. "What is it?" she asked, weariness in her voice.

"Come with me to the Batcave," he instructed, she followed him to the study where he reached the library. Behind one of the busts was a button which opened the entrance to the Batcave. Terra followed him in as he shut the door. He lit a candle and it gleamed in the darkness.

"So why am I here?" Terra waited for his reply.

"To begin your training," Batman replied. "But first you must swear the Oath."

"The Oath?" she asked.

"It is the Oath I made Robin swear...when he became my Apprentice all those years ago."

"Robin trained...under you? Not even the Titans know that! You're the one who trained him?" This news was startling. She wasn't expecting this. No wonder he was so determined to take down criminals, his determination rivaled only that of his mentor, whose determination to dish out justice was legendary.

Terra stood before Batman, waiting for whatever was to come. He stood in front of her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Swear to me that we will fight together agianst crime and corruption and never swerve from the path of righteousnes...No matter what. Do you swear these things, Terra Markov?"

She returned his gaze steadily. "I swear it!"

"Very well, go back to sleep, Terra. Your training starts at dawn."

They exited the Batcave without a word, and Terra returned to her room to sleep until daylight came.