This is what Dick had always wanted, for Bruce to be happy and he could see that he was. It was however surreal to see tears on his face especially inside the cave. Dick thought he had fallen into the role of Batman rather easily but it was however what he had been groomed for. The thing that saddened him the most was having to give up Nightwing, but it had to be done.

"Robin anything new?"

"Nothing really but I have been seeing some rather strange comings and goings at the old factory"

"As in what?"

"Nothing clear just a lot of shadowy figures moving in and out"

"Let's go check it out"

Batman and Robin sat high on a ledge across a vacant lot watching the factory closely through binoculars. Robin was right it was indeed peculiar but nothing they shouldn't be able to handle.

"Alright let's move in"

"Right behind you Batman"

They moved slowly through the shadows to avoid suspicion. Batman found a grate leading in on the backside of the building. They both entered making their way slowly through the heating ducts. They got to a point where they could hear very soft voices and decided to head in that direction. As they got closer they knew who they heard The Joker, but they heard another voice they didn't recognize.

"Yes Joker it's all set the president is right behind you, I have just one question what about Batman?"

"What about him? By the time he figures out what's going on he'll be too late Bats won't know what hit him"

"I hope you're right because the boss won't be happy if you're wrong"

"I've never been so sure about anything before Bats won't see it coming"

At this point Batman motioned to Robin and they went in. They were immediately surrounded by guys left and right. They really weren't a problem for the duo. After they had finished the thugs off it seemed they had Joker cornered.

"It's over Joker you're done"

"Is that what you think Bats?"

"That's what I know Joker"

"Well it's too bad really Bats, because I anticipated this"

At that moment a green gas was let into the chamber hitting both Robin and Batman allowing the masked Joker to escape. They both hit the floor Robin looked up to see a switch he was able to hit it with a batarang before he passed out. It seemed like forever when Robin finally woke up and was able to focus but there was a problem…Batman was gone. Robin decided to get a hold of Alfred to see if he had heard from him, he was sure he hadn't because Batman wouldn't have just left him there.

"Alfred? Alfred? It's me Tim"

"Yes master Drake?"

"Have you heard from Batman?"

"I'm afraid I haven't Master Drake is there something wrong?"

"We got surprised and gassed when I woke up he was gone, I'm coming back to the cave and see if I can't track him have everything ready or me"

"Will do master drake"

"Where are you Dick?" Tim thought. Little did he or Alfred know Bruce had heard the whole conversation.

Robin stood outside the warehouse the Batmobile lay in pieces. "Great" he said to himself he heard the low rumble of an engine he ran behind a wall to wait and watch. The car came speeding down the road stopping in front of the warehouse and out stepped a familiar figure. Robin ran forward "Batman wh…." He stopped because standing in front of him was not Dick Grayson Batman but Bruce Wayne himself. The Dark Knight looked down at his young friend.

"We have work to do Robin."

"Right!" Tim smiled in spite of himself. He was once again with Batman. "Batman the Joker has..Um Bat..Nightwi.. He's got Dick"

"I know I was tracking you all night I heard you call to Alfred." Batman pause "Lets go look inside tell me what you remember."

"Well," Robin started for one Joker is working with Luthor."

"How do you know that?"

"Because someone said that 'The President is backing you' meaning Joker and his plan."

"Hmm, Lex is Superman's territory I will have to have him visit for a few days." Batman led the way through the warehouse. "The only problem is the Bat suit is equipped with a gas mask that automatically engages." He paused "I wonder what happened?"

Robin yelled out "Batman look!" The Dark Knight ran to the boy's side there on the floor covered in blood was the cowl of Batman.

As Batman held the cowl his thoughts drifted. He began to internally analyze and blame himself. Robin knew what he was doing and quietly began to look around trying to see if there were any clues left behind. He rounded a corner seeing something he never expected he moved closer. Open containers as he got closer he saw the unmistakable logo.

"Batman I've found something"

"What would that be Robin?"

"Take a look at the logo on those empty containers"

"Lexcorp?"

"It seems Joker either made an under the table deal or stole something very valuable"

"I would be willing to bet on the first one, and I also think these clues will lead us to the whereabouts of Dick"

"Where do you think Joker has him?"

"Think Robin…"

"Metropolis?"

"It seems so we need to get there quick and inform Superman of the collaboration"

As the duo raced to get to Metropolis Dick was being grilled by none other than Lex Luthor. Apparently Lex thought that Dick was indeed Batman and that he knew the identity of Superman, however he underestimated Dick's resolve.

"Tell me Mr. Grayson if you're not Batman then why were you dressed up like him?"

"Haven't you ever heard of imitation Luthor?"

"I have Grayson, but I'm not convinced that's all this is about"

"Well Luthor I'll tell you this even if there was more to this I would never tell you"

"I'm sure…" With that Lex pummeled Dick.

Superman had returned home after a busy night even by Metropolis standards. He had just landed and he could already tell he was there.

"Batmam"

"Superman"

"What do I owe the visit?"

"Luthor"

"Always, I thought you were done Bruce?"

"I was until…"

"Until what"

Robin spoke up. "Until Joker gassed and grabbed Dick"

"And Luthor is involved?" Robin quickly began explaining knowing it was hard for Bruce.

"We believe he is we found these at the place Dick was grabbed" Robin tossed Superman the photos of the empty containers with the Lexcorp logos on the side.

"Hmm…..There was a reported burglary but I've been a little apprehensive in following it"

"Why is that?"

"Because it was Kryptonite that was stolen and my lead suit was destroyed"