Tim reflects on becoming Robin.
Chapter 71: Choices
Tim's POV
I never wanted to be Robin. I just wanted to be me. I never even had a choice.
I became Robin when I was nine, because Jason gave me the mantle. He was hurt really bad by the Joker and he couldn't be Robin anymore. But, he believed in me. He told me I could do it, even when I thought I couldn't. Jay even got Dick on my side. (It's always good to have Dick on your side. He can convince anyone to do anything with his puppy eyes.)
But, I still didn't want to be Robin. I did it because my family needed me. Bruce almost crossed the line. He took Jason's injuries harder than anyone. Bruce was becoming so reckless and it scared us. I was so afraid that he might not come home. I didn't want to lose my daddy.
Then Jason gave his brand new costume. It was red and black. (Thankfully it had pants and it was my favorite color too.) Jason never even got a chance to wear it.
Anyway, Batman had gone after Two-Face and Nightwing decided to bring me along as Robin. I was so scared, but I knew it was something I had to do. I had to protect my family. Batman got really mad at us and he told me to stay hidden. But, I didn't listen. I couldn't.
Two-Face was going to kill Bruce and Dick and I wasn't going to let it happen. I wasn't going to let him hurt my daddy and big brother. So, I stopped him that night and Bruce agreed to take me as his new partner.
Training was hard. And Bruce wasn't going to let me out of his sight for one second. My suit is filled with Kevlar and tracking devices and all kinds of stuff to keep me safe. My weapon of choice is a staff. (Apparently, I wasn't strong enough to fight on my own, but Jason says I'll be able to when I get older and bigger.) I'm twelve now and I'm still not allowed to patrol alone. (Bruce is scared something will happen to me and he's a lot stricter with his rules.)
But, I did it. I became Robin for my family. And I'm also the smallest. The villains thought it was funny. They knew I wasn't Jason. (There's a really big height difference.) They thought I wasn't good enough to stand by Batman's side because of my size. But, I proved them all wrong.
Jason and Dick say that I am good enough. I did make the Riddler cry once, by giving him a riddle that even he couldn't figure out. I convinced the Mad Hatter to return to Arkham. And I took Two-Face down the first time I wore the costume. Ra's al Ghul even calls me Detective. (I guess I'm worthy of the title.)
I never asked to become Robin, but I'm glad I did. I'll protect my family no matter what even if I'm not Robin anymore. (Damian stole it from me!) I'm Red Robin now. But, even though I wear a mask, I'm still me and that's all I want to be.