Gotham. Same grimy welcome as always. Just when I thought I was out, Bruce yanks me back in. And he's got a partner this time. "Partner," he says, with that self-righteous tone he used all the years I spent bleeding for him in that damn suit. I was just Robin, the replaceable sidekick. This city's never quiet for long and, when Bruce inevitably throws this one away too, guess who's gonna be stuck picking up the pieces. Not me. Not this time. Not after Jason.

Down in the Batcave, bathed in that familiar blue glow, there she is. A woman. Not the brooding vigilante I was expecting, but someone with a presence that commands attention. I can't help but watch, a flicker of curiosity sparking in my chest despite myself. That quarterstaff becomes an extension of her will - controlled, deadly, with a hint of something else lurking beneath the surface. Impressive. But I've seen my fair share of fancy footwork in my career. Can't let the focus fool me. There's a darkness in her eyes, a past that lingers.

But that darkness could be a damn useful asset.

She finishes her routine, sweat clinging to her skin, and turns towards us. I step forward, my lean frame tensed but body relaxed, keeping my voice even.

"Dick Grayson." The words 'first Robin' catch on my tongue, Bruce's words echoing in my mind. 'Partner'. She's not a sidekick. Not a Robin.

I run my hands through my hair, the frustration burning briefly in my eyes before vanishing. A wry smile tugs at the corner of my lips "Welcome to the team." She's got secrets, that much is clear. But maybe that's what makes her interesting.