Bat Cave

Terry enters the cave through the hidden passageway of the mansions cold grandfather clock. As he takes his first step he reminisces upon the earlier hours of the day. While he was taking a break from his science college course, he had spotted Chelsea looking his way.

To be honest, for her to be in his class, it wasn't normal. She had transferred in that very day. No warning or notification for the professor. Usually a college course professor would be notified at least five days in advance that he is going to get a new student for the continuation of the college quarter.

So her coming into the class with no warning at all other than a secretary of the college headmaster simply coming in with Chelsea was highly unordinary. And then to have her constantly looking at him with dead glances, that was just far too strange.

"But why? Her expression was so... cold."

He has never in his life seen someone have such a vacant expression. Something or someone must have gotten to her. Brainwash perhaps?

"No... it couldn't be could it? No, no way is that the case."

It takes him a moment and the conclusion enters his mind to this days happenings. He stops in his walk down the stairs. Right at the midpoint of the stairs.

"No, if I want to be the Batman. Then I have to take everything into account. What if Chelsea really is under some sort of control. I have to check into that. No matter how crazy that sounds. Beccause that's what Bruce would do. He always thought of his friends and loved ones first. He would check in on them no matter how creepy that is. If it means that it helps me to make sure that she's ok and nothing is messing with her life, then so be it. That's what Batman would do."

These thoughts run through his mind as he starts to finish making his way down the stairs and into the Bat Cave. Looking upon the original Batman suit. His eyes lock onto the mask and his eyes lock with the cowls eyes. A strange welcoming sensation runs through his body as he pictures himself wearing the suit in full. His reflection matching the broad shoulders and height.

Would he really be ready for such a change? Is he really worthy of the official title? Would wearing this make him strike fear into the hearts of criminals all over the city? Establishing himself as The Dark Knight.

Thinking back he can place several moments in the past, how the criminals he faced would speak down to him. His voice, no matter how deep he would try to make it. Or how intimidating he attempted to sound. They would always notice that he was some high school punk wearing a high-tech suit that he got from somewhere.

And the only criminal that knows Terry is getting trained by the original Batman, is Inque. She even knows the entrance to the Bat Cave. But still... she doesn't come back. Nor does she try to figure out who Batman really is. Or who Batman Beyond is. Even though in all honest thought she really does have the best chance in discovering who they really are.

But yet she doesn't try to figure the connections out. All because it doesn't really benefit her. Even though that information would go for some seriously strong cash, she hasn't put the effort into going down that path.

"Why is that?"\

Terry thinks to himself as he makes his way into the shadows to put on his regular suit. Closing his eyes and listening to his surroundings. His ears pick up the sound of Bruce making his way to Terry.

"I know what you're thinking right now." He says to Terry as he looks down to the floor, showing respect to his replacement. His last gift to Gotham City. The next Batman trained and ready to take his next steps into becoming a true Dark Knight.

"And just exactly what is it that I'm thinking right this moment Bruce?" His tone is calm and relaxed as he asks his mentor this. He knows that he has changed a great deal since starting his training from Bruce.

Back in the past, Terry would have been frustrated thinking that the old man was just testing him at all times. Always trying to force him into a given path of thinking. Trying to mold him faster than he could adapt.

Funny thing is... That's exactly what Bruce was doing. Because the old man always knew, that sooner or later, because of the way he lived his life, because of how much he punished himself. His heart isn't what it used to be. He lived a hard life. He gave himself to the people of Gotham in order to bring a small sliver of light to such a messed up place.

And he was successful in that. But at a high cost. His body paid for everything he did tenfold. That much time being the world's greatest detective and smartest mortal vigilantly doesn't earn you the title of World's Greatest for no reason.

So in all honesty, Bruce probably really does know what Terry is thinking. So the test is on. Is what Bruce is about to say correct and true? Is he still as sharp as ever mentally?

"Right now you're thinking if I know what you said last night."

Crap...

"Yeah... I sort of had that in the back of my head."

He looks at Bruce and locks his eyes to his. He walks and makes his way to be at arm's length from him as he finishes putting on the gloves of the suit. Leaving only his face exposed to his mentor.

Bruce takes a moment and looks into his students eyes. Reading the young man and trying to place just exactly where his intentions lay. It has been four years since he had taken him under his wing. Giving him knowledge and training in order to become more than just a man. And to represent an ideal. The very same ideal he himself represented back in his early days.

"You don't have to wear that old suit if you don't want. It needs to be cleaned and has a few bugs I need to look into."

He turns around and starts to make his way to the computer chair. He slows down as he places his hand upon the arm rest.

"I have a few other suits on display. You can pick one of them and use it instead."

A soft smile begins to form on Terries face. He fights his inner emotions of joy and gratitude. Not wanting to alter this moment in any way. This very moment right now, he must embrace it and memorize it. Every second counts.

He makes his way to the original suit once again. Looking upon the all black armor and yellow emblem. The dark pitch black belt. The cape. Everything.

"It's finally time."

He speaks softly to himself as he carefully opens the glass display. And places his hand upon the left shoulder of the suit with his right hand.

...