Another hero dubs the name Batgirl. Her story so far seems similar to that of Barbara's; at least that's what Bruce thinks. It probably goes something like this: she wasn't too happy with the city's security; and so thinking she could take matters into her own hands, she made herself a suit, used her skills in hand-to-hand combat paired with gymnastics and chose to be known as Batgirl on the streets of Gotham, looking out for the helpless victims that Batman nowadays has no time to fully acknowledge. It would be insulting to Bruce if it wasn't true.

Although Terry has grown to become an exceptionally incredible fighter whose skills only grew stronger over the past five years, he still can't be everywhere at once. Gotham's notorious villains in this day of age are far more persistent than they used to be, especially with technology on their side. Even though Bruce has state of the art equipment on hand, it is always up to Terry to physically stop them, meaning he has to endure their advanced weaponry and security systems before he could actually get to the villain. It's time consuming and drains a lot of energy from both men.

But it's not like Bruce never had help in the past. Batgirl, Robin, Alfred, Jim Gordon Nightwing, and even the Justice League proved to be valuable in their own ways. Batman was never perfect no matter how much others thought he was; there were just some things even he couldn't handle on his own. So tonight, he awaits the hopeful arrival of a new student to lend a hand not only in the detective work or physical combats, but as protection. After all, four eyes are always better than two.

As Bruce waits by the landing pad with Ace loyally by his side, he mentally goes over the plan he has prepared for Jazz. Still being fresh meat, he will restrict her field time, especially in the case of meeting difficult foes, Inque in particular; at least until she's ready. He doesn't expect her to follow all his rules right away, but he will make sure she doesn't get herself into too much trouble. She will be intensely trained over the next few weeks just so she is at least halfway to Terry's level.

A smile taunts his lips at the thought; it reminds him of his days with Tim when he first started out. Even though he knew he loved the job at heart, Tim was hellish when it came to the complaints of late nights and early mornings. Barbara somehow gave Bruce a break, mainly because she didn't live with him during her first year on the job, so he never knew what her mornings were like. By the time they had married, she was already used to the cape and cowl and rarely complained.

And then there was Dick. Just the memory of him pains Bruce's heart. He will never forget the night he left. Their relationship was never the same after that. They were bitter towards each other and Bruce hated it; still does, too. He tried to mend the bond between them on several occasions, but they were too stubborn to admit certain mistakes.

'How did it go? Like father like son?'

But now he would give anything to bring him back and repair the damage done over the years. Yet at this point, it seems impossible. He won't admit it to anyone, but he misses Dick, his former partner, friend, and son.

Soon, one by one, they all eventually left him. He grew even more secluded, bitterly turning down any hopes of bringing back his family. That fateful day twenty-five years ago was a sign that ended it all: the end of Batman because of a gun. It was a gun that was responsible for both his birth and death as the masked Knight. A gun took his parent's life making him vow revenge and giving rise to his alter ego, and it was a gun he was forced to turn to when his life was in danger. That night he became the helpless 8 year-old boy again. After Batman's last night, Bruce slipped into a never-ending state of depression. He lost power to his company, lost his friends and family, and in the end, lost himself.

Then Terry came along. Single handedly, he pulled Bruce out of his depression and showed him what was important again. He owes the boy his life, and he will never let Terry or anyone know this, but he was very grateful when Terry agreed to put on the mask. With time, their relationship grew and he couldn't help but notice how similar he is to Tim and Dick. He is just as stubborn and determined as Dick, but as lighthearted and smart mouthed as Tim. Their relationship is unlike any he has ever had with his sons, and just like his sons, he is exceptional. He rarely shows how much he appreciates the young man, but when he does, it means the world to Terry.

The recognizable sound of an approaching Batmobile fills the silent cave and interrupts Bruce's wandering thoughts. It gracefully lands on the pad and the engine's familiar hum dies. The canopy slides open and Batman slowly slips out taking special care not to make any sudden movements that can shoot pain through his chest.

"Well?" Bruce questions with a raised brow, somewhat anxious to know if the new recruit complied. Batman turns away and begins walking towards an alcove without answering.

Just then, an unfamiliar head pops up from the car wearing an expression of irritation. "Next time, you mind slowing down on the corners?" She complains making Batman stop and face her.

Finally noticing Bruce staring at with a questioning brow, she jumps out of the car and approaches him with an extended hand ready to shake that of Gotham's most elite aristocrat.

"Mr. Wayne, I'm-"

"Jasmine Douglas," Bruce interrupts. "I take it you want to join, but I have to warn you, I'm tough and training is even tougher. Follow my rules and we won't have any problems; understood?"

"I didn't realize I signed up for military camp," she quips. Terry, meanwhile, has already vanished into an alcove; he isn't going to stick around to listen to the rules, again.

"First rule: no smart remarks," Bruce scolds; just like the old days.

"Sorry."

"Did you bring the suit?"

"It's right here." She opens the bag that hangs on her shoulder and takes out the grey costume handing it over to Bruce. He closely examines it before looking up at her.

"And you've been going out in this?"

"It isn't that bad for my first time you know," she replies offended by the comment.

"I meant it as a compliment." Terry hears Bruce say, returning to his side as he fastens his arm brace. He takes the suit from his hands and examines it himself. "You're tougher that you look, but you'll still need training."

The thought of Bruce training her brings a smile to Terry's face; he knows from experience it isn't going to be easy. "Hope you're ready for some serious ass whooping."

And there it is; Bruce's familiar glare aimed at Terry. No matter how unique each boy he trained was, they all have one thing in common: they hate that glare.

-continued-