"Robin, who is this person? And why is he talking about taking you home?" Starfire's eyes began to glow, "This is your home!"

"Calm down, Star," Robin said curtly, not taking his eyes off of Batman.

"Calm down?" Beast Boy muttered groggily as he began to sit up, "Dude, this guy just kicked our butts!"

"I agree," Raven floated away from Starfire's grasp, "Let's return the favor."

Batman quickly assumed a combat stance, eyes taking in the Titans calmly.

"Titans, stand down!" Robin shouted, "This fight is over."

For a split second the young heroes paused, but then they reluctantly complied. Both Beast Boy and Raven bent over the prone Cyborg, attempting to revive their friend, while Starfire, eyes a mixture of anger and confusion, kept a close watch on Robin and their mysterious intruder.

"Robin," she said firmly, "I think you owe us an explanation."

"Enough," Batman stated matter-of-factly, "This phase of your training is over, Robin. It's time to move on. Gather your things."

"Now, hold on," Robin replied, a hint of desperation entering his voice, "I just can't drop everything and leave like this!"

"We had an agreement."

The words hung in the empty air of the large chamber as the other Titans waited impatiently for their leader to respond.

Instead, Robin looked down and was silent.

Beast Boy finally had enough.

"Dude, what's wrong with you? This guy attacked us! Why are you even listening to him?" A split second later, a large green grizzly bear towered over them.

"Beast Boy, stop!" A quick somersault put Robin between the bear and Batman, who seemed to watch the proceedings impassively. The Boy Wonder locked eyes with the bear. "Please."

The bear growled slowly, but dropped back to all fours.

Robin looked at his mentor.

"Can we do this in private?"

Batman nodded, "Fine. Roof. Ten minutes."

The Dark Knight stalked towards the exit.

He looked over his shoulder just before he disappeared into the stairwell.

"Don't make me wait."

Three pairs of eyes settled on Robin, their gaze a powerful combination of question, betrayal and hurt.

"Robin . . . ?" Starfire whispered, her soft voice carrying through the silence.

Their leader slumped, a look of guilt and sadness etched on his face.

It was a long time before he began to speak.

-----

When Robin climbed to the roof, the worst of the storm was over.

Released of their watery burden, the dark clouds raced out to sea. Weak drizzle muted the Tower lights, as distant thunder sounded weakly. The chill from the nearby ocean contrasted harshly with the warmth of the building's interior. He could feel the heat escaping as he stood in the doorway, looking out into the darkness.

Batman spoke before the young man could figure out where he was.

As usual, Robin thought bitterly.

"You're late."

He materialized out of the shadows, cloak wrapped tightly around his form. A specter rising from the rain.

"Sorry," Robin said flatly, not meaning it. He stepped out into the rain and let the door slide shut behind him. It closed with a sense of finality.

The two costumed men stared at each other.

Lightning flashed out at sea, briefly illuminating their still figures.

"Why are you doing this?" Robin demanded.

"I need you back in Gotham."

"Since when do you need anyone?"

Batman was silent.

Robin decided to try a different approach.

"Look, I've learned so much since the Titans were formed. I know you've been keeping tabs on our activities. We've taken down some serious threats. Hell, we even saved the world once."

"A world that was only threatened in the first place because of your teammate Raven."

"That's not fair."

"Are you saying it's not true?"

"Not everything is black and white, Bruce."

"Is that what your time with the Titans has taught you, Dick?"

Robin threw his hands up in disgust.

Batman continued to watch his young protégé, as the wind blew drizzle around the rooftop.

Robin tried again.

"You sent me out here to learn leadership and hone my skills while out of your shadow. I've done that. The Titans are an effective team."

"I'm not impressed."

"That's because you know all of their weaknesses. I know how you operate. You've probably been studying them for months just for this little demonstration. Most of the criminals out there don't. Besides, an effective ambush can take down anyone." Robin pointed at his mentor, "You taught me that."

"Your fighting skills have gotten better," Batman admitted, "But you still have a long way to go. Only I can take you to the next level."

Robin sighed.

"What if I don't come with you?"

"Then I shut the Titans down. You know this whole operation is subsidized by WayneTech. No more Tower. No more T-sub. No more equipment. Nothing."

Robin tensed up, face filled with anger.

Batman looked on, impassively.

The younger man attempted to compose himself, knowing such a display of emotion would only hurt his chances. "There has to be another way, Bruce. Don't do this to me. At least give me some more time."

"Are you going to turn your back on your responsibilities? On your promises? Are you saying you're not a man of your word?"

"Of course I am," Robin spat back, "It's just that---things are---it's complex!"

"You've let it get personal."

"Not all of us are like you. Some of us have emotions."

"That was a mistake Robin. You should have kept it professional."

"They're my friends!"

"Then they will understand."

"I'm not going to abandon them."

"Do you doubt them so much that you think they can only survive if you are there?"

"It's not like that."

"Is it the alien?"

"What?"

"Starfire. She was in your room this evening."

Robin blushed, "That's none of your business."

"Inter-team relationships are a bad idea. I thought I taught you that."

Robin stepped forward until he and Batman were less than a foot apart, "So I should only get involved with villains like Catwoman, then?"

Batman frowned.

Finally. I got a reaction out of him.

Still, it is a low blow.

Batman turned and looked out over the bay, the skyline of the city becoming more visible as the last of the rain tapered off.

"Dick," Batman began awkwardly, "I just want you to finish what you started. You have such great potential. I want you to fulfill it. I want you to be able to survive."

Robin was silent. For the first time, he felt like he was speaking to Bruce instead of Batman. Maybe he'll finally listen to reason.

"I think I'm already there, Bruce."

Batman turned back. "Prove it."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Defeat me."

"What?"

Batman spread his cape, revealing his utility belt. He punched a couple buttons and activated the homing beacon. Robin realized the Batwing must be nearby.

"If you can defeat me in combat, then I'll agree to let you stay with the Titans. If not, you'll come back to Gotham City, no questions asked."

A spotlight washed over the two of them, as the Batwing began to descend out of the clouds. Seconds later, a rope ladder dangled between them. Batman grabbed it and began to ascend. "Well?"

Robin watched him climb into the sky.

"Okay. I accept your terms."

It's not like I have a choice.

"I'll give you a week to prepare."

Robin nodded.

"And Robin?"

"Yes?"

"Have your things packed."

Robin watched as Batman entered the cockpit of the Batwing. A few seconds later, the airplane veered off inland and disappeared into the night.

The young man swallowed hard and headed for the door.

Time to get to work.