All New Robin Volume 2 #20

Finding Batman was easy, as on top of having his exact position blinking on Tim’s wrist device he tended to gravitate towards the same sort of buildings when stalking his prey. A predatory habit Tim had also gotten used to, choosing old, Gothic structures to perch on during a stakeout. He couldn’t describe exactly why he chose them, but something about being atop them felt right, as if it were meant to be. Dropping in just behind Batman atop an old building across from the Iceberg Lounge, Tim’s mentor spoke to him without turning,

 

“You took your time.”

 

“Sorry, traffic was brutal.” Tim joked as he approached Bruce’s position in an attempt to see what he was staring at on the street below. Almost sarcastically, Batman replied to Tim’s joke with,

 

“Right.”

 

“Don’t sound so unconvinced. We both know you and I aren’t the only ones to prowl these rooftops.” There were too many costumed vigilantes at that point for Tim to even think of an example, as the trend had even started outside of the Batfamily.

 

“You could’ve called the Batwing if you wanted.”

 

“What and spoil the fun? Besides…I needed the exercise,” This was partially true, as Tim had equally spent the past several days sitting at the Batcomputer scanning every inch of Gotham for Stephanie and also following up leads that could potentially lead to her. He hadn’t actually engaged in a physical fight or leapt from rooftop to rooftop since Film Freak, as he took his motorcycle to each location instead. Looking down into the alley below, Tim asked, “Is that him?”

 

“Indeed. His endurance is remarkable. He ran ten blocks before he had to catch his breath. The only other two people I’ve known capable of doing that are…”

 

“Big Blue and Speedy Gonzalez?” Batman finally looked over at Tim, a puzzled look on his face before saying,

 

“You know he doesn’t like it when you compare him to a mouse right?” Understanding Bruce’s initial confusion to be him fighting back a smirk, Tim responded,

 

“Oh, I know. Why do you think I do it?” Looking back into the alley, Batman responded,

 

“Just don’t say it to his face.”

 

“Why not? He still calls Arthur ‘Fishboy’ doesn’t he?” Tim was not overly familiar with the individual Justice League members outside of several televised events and meeting a handful of them on different occasions. However, he did remember one thing about them that he always envied: their playfulness combined with their sense of humor. Bruce was all but Tim’s second father, and he cared about him immensely, however the lack of levity sometimes got to him in a way he felt it did not to the League.

 

“That’s not the point.” Bruce’s reply snapped Tim back to the situation as he replied,

 

“Oh chin up, I’m just trying to have some fun.”

 

“You’re that worried for her?” Taken aback, Tim remembered just how well Bruce knew him.

 

“I’m always worried about her.” Saying this felt like a weight off of Tim’s chest, despite his urge to get on with the case so that he might be able to get a few more hours of searching for Stephanie done by morning.

 

“We’ll find her Tim. Once this is all over you and I will find Stephanie. She’ll be alright, I promise.”

 

“Thanks Bruce. It means a lot.” It did.

 

“How’s your father?”

 

“Oh, you know, same old same old. Busy. But it keeps him out of trouble so that’s good I guess.” The last Tim had seen of his father was when they had made up over lunch in his hotel. Thinking about how long it had been, Tim considered calling him in the morning just to check in.

 

“How’s the excavation going?”

 

“Good. He thinks they’re on to something big. Apparently one of his men stumbled across an underground labyrinth.” Remembering the small owl token his father had given him, Tim nearly brought it up, but realized it may be a topic for another day.

 

“Huh.”

 

“Something up?”

 

“No…just thinking back to an old fairy tale my father used to tell me about a labyrinth buried beneath Gotham.”

 

“You wondering if it’s true?”

 

“Of course not. There’s a reason it’s a fairy tale.” Finishing the sentence, Bruce signaled for Tim to look back into the alley, as the mercenary began to move again.

 

“You wanna take this one?” Tim asked as he prepared his staff.

 

“I suppose considering our roles it should be me that does it.” Stepping back, Tim ushered for Batman to jump, saying,

 

“After you.” Leaping off the ledge after his mentor, Tim called out, “Oi beardo!” The mercenary turned just in time to see Batman deliver a kick to his chest that sends him soaring across the street. Landing just in front of him, Tim placed the gunman into a submission hold with one flawless move. He immediately began to squirm and attempt to escape until Batman firmly pressed his boot onto the man’s chest. Kicking away the gun, Tim watched Bruce call in the Batmobile while the mercenary finally squealed,

 

“Release me Diablo!”

 

“Oooh…don’t call him Diablo…that might make him happy, and trust me…you wouldn’t like when he’s happy.” Tim said as he pressed the button that extended his staff, placing one of the ends directly next to the man’s head.

 

“Liberarme que poca mierda!”

 

“You kiss your mother with that mouth?” Tim asked with a laugh as the mercenary asked in reply,

 

“You don’t even know what I’m saying, do you cabron?” Stepping backwards just as Batman walked up and kicked the man in the face, Tim knelt next to the latter’s head just in time to hear him say, “Mierda!” Towering over him, Batman said,

 

“Yo entiendes tú escoria. Now you’re gonna answer our questions, or I’m going to have some fun.” Leaning in to whisper to the mercenary, Tim covered half of his mouth as if he were telling a secret as he said,

 

“Oh boy…I’d hate to be you right now.”

Done