…

Epilogue

…

Bruce looked around the Batcave.

Where was he? It was nearly time for patrol and he was nowhere to be found.

"Sir," Alfred interrupted his thoughts. "Sir, are you quite sure about this?"

"He's ready, Alfred. It's time." He paused. "Gotham needs Batman—"

And Batman needs Robin.

Suddenly, a small figure leapt from the shadows, causing Alfred to spill his tray with a clatter.

"Good heavens…!"

"You were almost late for patrol tonight," Bruce said, sternly, ignoring him.

"Alfred says that "almost" only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades," the boy remarked trivially.

"Alfred says a lot of things. Now get your suit on, or I'll have to leave without you."

The boy ran off giddily to get dressed. Bruce chuckled and shook his head.

In record time, he came back, now clad in a red, black, and yellow uniform.

"Forgetting something, are we, Master Jason?" Alfred held up a black domino mask. Jason stopped and turned, then ran back to Alfred.

"Oh, yeah." He stood before the two men as he put the mask on. "So… how do I look?"

"Just like him…" Alfred muttered. Bruce smiled sadly.

"Come on." He pulled the cowl over his head. "We've got work to do."

The two left the cave in the Batmobile. They started with the usual patrol route, and happened upon some petty burglars and thieves along the way. Later into the night, things seemed to settle down, and they found themselves on top of the Wayne Enterprises building. Jason seemed to be lost in some sort of thought as he stared down at the streets of Gotham.

"Robin?" Batman called.

"…"

"…Robin?"

"Wha—huh? …Oh, sorry. I guess I'll have to get used to that. It's just that…wow. This night has been so…so cool. I just can't believe that I'm out here, with you; it's almost unreal. It feels kinda weird to be called Robin, like I don't belong in the suit. I… I guess I feel like I don't deserve it." He paused. "You know, some people say that Gotham isn't worth saving."

Bruce sighed. He put his hand on Jason's shoulder.

"There are some people who don't agree with what we do. They do think that it's pointless, and some of them will go to extremes to try and prove it. But Gotham isn't beyond saving. Nothing is. Ever. Never forget that. You're helping to make a real difference here, Jason."

There was moment of silence.

"You won't regret picking me," he said, still staring down upon Gotham City. "You won't." He looked up at Bruce. "I'll make you proud." He looked up to the sky.

"I'll make you both proud."

…

And there it is. The end of Sending a Message. Wow.

Thanks so much for reading, guys, and as always, reviews are appreciated. :)

Until next time!

-Riss