Dick reflects on becoming Robin.
Chapter 68: The Dynamic Duo
Dick's POV
I was eight years old when I became Robin. I was given a year of training, although I didn't need it. I could perform nearly any stunt, solve any crime, and hold my own in a fight. I was the first to become a sidekick out of my friends. I think I'm the first sidekick.
But, the best thing about becoming Robin is that I was able to save lives. It's what I've always wanted to do. I want to help people. I couldn't save my parents, but I did save Bruce. I saved him from himself. (He told me that once.)
I couldn't deal with the stress of waiting for Batman to come home every night. I knew he needed me. I had to do something. What if he was in trouble? What if he needed me? Who saves Batman when he's in trouble?
I couldn't lose another father. Once you're given a second chance for family, you'll do anything to protect it. I had to make sure he'd be okay. I had to protect him.
I chose to wear the costume my parents had given me. I never even had a chance to wear it in the circus. But, it went to good use. It's almost like they knew I'd need it.
I'll never forget the look on Bruce's face when he asked if I was sure that I didn't want pants or something black. But, I'm not one for black. Besides, with a name like Robin, black doesn't work.
I chose the name, because it's what my mom called me and Robin Hood was my favorite bedtime story. Besides, Batboy sounded lame. (Sorry Bruce, but my idea is better.)
I couldn't sit still on our first patrol. I was just too excited. I even leaped head first off of a building and got spanked for it. (You would have thought that Batman would have seen the fire escape underneath me.) I couldn't shut up either. I'm pretty sure that Bruce blocked me out, because every time I asked a question, he told me to pay attention.
I can remember the first time I was brought to the Batsignal. I was so nervous. I hid underneath Bruce's cape and cautiously peered out at the commissioner as they talked. (Not that I was scared or anything, I was just cold and my costume wasn't built to keep me warm. Besides, I'm still kinda scared of the commissioner. He is Barbara's dad and I know he's waiting for me to screw up so he can arrest me... or worse.) But, I ended up sneezing and Batman reluctantly introduced us. And the commissioner had this look on his face like he was about to put Bruce in Arkham. (I probably picked the wrong moment to ask if we could get ice-cream afterwards.)
Everyone thought I was like five. (So I was small, okay!) No one seemed to understand why Bruce choose me as his partner. Everyone thought I was his real son. (We do look a lot alike.) And they didn't understand why Batman would put his son in harm's way. But, I was never in danger as long as I was with my father. He'd never let anything happen to me.
Okay, so I've been hurt a few times, but you should have seen the guys that hurt me after Bruce got a hold of them. I remember this one time that I was kidnapped by the Riddler and I accidently tripped and skinned my knees, (And no, I am not clumsy. I just randomly get attacked by gravity.) The Riddler was put into a body cast that same night.
I also met the Joker when I was eight years old. I was so scared. I was not allowed to go near anyone in Arkham. But, we didn't even know the Joker had escaped until it was too late. I was told to stay silent and hide. But, something bad happened. The Joker threatened Bruce. He shot my daddy. He was angry with Bruce for bringing me into the picture. I was terrified. I didn't even think it through before abandoning my hiding place in favor of wrapping my arms around Bruce's neck and screaming at the Joker to leave my daddy alone. The clown thought it was funny, but he wasn't laughing for long after I punched the psychopath in the throat.
Becoming Robin was like a dream come true and sometimes I just wish it was me and Bruce. But, I grew up. We all do. We all have to move on eventually. That's why I gave the mantle to Jason. (Besides, certain parts of the costume weren't really working out for a sixteen year old. I wish I would have tried pants earlier.)
Thanks for all the reviews!
I' now taking interview questions for Jason for the interview chapter.