The Calling
The Calling
by DC Lady (Paulasj)
NOTE (Please read to better follow the story: I wanted to go back in DC time to tell a story when our heroes were young and somewhat naïve. Therefore, in this story, Dick Grayson is ten years old and is Batman’s partner Robin. Wonder Woman is still fairly new to Patriarch’s world and its customs, having only been here for a few short months. I’m using mostly the ‘Trinity’ universe, but will also implement some story elements of Gotham Knights and Wonder woman Volume 1 Issue 1.
DISCLAIMER: I don’t own much, but if I owned any of these characters, I’d probably own a heck of a lot more.
This story is a WIP.
Thank you Djinn, Heybats, and Athena Phoenix for the beta.
Part 1
Part 2
Leslie paced the expanse of the library. “Bruce, you can’t be serious.”
Leslie often wondered where she’d gone wrong--how she’d failed the child of her friends, Thomas and Martha Wayne. Despite her best efforts, she felt helpless as she watched Batman consume what was left of Bruce.
“She asked for my help,” Bruce said.
“I couldn’t stop you from the course you’ve chosen for yourself. Nor, could I stop you from leading Dick down the same path. But I won’t help you lead others down this violent road.”
“Leslie, you know as well as I that Master Richard has thrived under Master Bruce’s training. Being Robin has given him an outlet for the turmoil that rages within him since his parents’ death,” Alfred replied. “And Miss Diana is hardly new to this life. She simply needs to learn how to cope without the powers that previously directed her work as Wonder Woman.
“Some of us are born into this life, Leslie. Diana was born for this life,” Bruce said.
“I know you believe that, Bruce. But there were other paths you could have taken. You chose this path -- a path from which I tried to steer you away.” She sat heavily on the sofa.
“This is an old argument, Leslie. You could never understand.” Bruce stood motionless at the edge of the fireplace, beneath the portrait of his parents, and Leslie knew that he was talking about that horrible night.
“I couldn’t possibly understand because I haven’t experienced the hell you and Dick have experienced? You may be right. But right and wrong are not interchangeable.”
“I know right from wrong, Leslie. That’s why Batman exists. To keep what happened to me -- to Dick -- from happening to anyone else. To do the job the police have been too inept to do.”
“And who gave you that authority, Bruce? Who do you answer to in this self-proclaimed undertaking?”
“To them. Every night, I answer to them.” He motioned to the portrait of his parents.
Leslie pressed him further. She knew she was one of the few who would stand up to this man. “Is this the life they would’ve wanted for you? Would they approve? And what about Diana? She’s mortal now. How long before she, like you, begins collecting scars across her body as a consequence of this life?
“Diana’s no novice. She’ll learn to take care of herself.”
“You’re taking advantage of her.
“She came to me. The choice is hers.”
“She needs time to adjust before making such a decision.”
“That’s why you’re here. To help her adjust to her new life,” Bruce said. “She hasn’t been here long enough to know the hardships people face on a daily basis. Her role at the Wayne Foundation will bring her into a world she’s never seen before. You can train her. Show her how to be effective.”
“Leslie, you must agree that much has been achieved since Batman became Gotham’s guardian, and we are all safer for it,” Alfred said.
Leslie often wondered what happened to make Alfred support Bruce in this insane endeavor. She remembered a time when they’d both discouraged Bruce from the path he’d chosen for himself, maintaining silent vigils on countless nights, wondering if the boy they’d raised would make it home from his nocturnal quest--and the all too often occasions when he’d returned bloody and beaten. But it seemed that Alfred had long resigned himself to the knowledge that Bruce would not change, and through time, she felt he’d eventually been placed in the position of enabler.
“At what cost, Alfred?” Leslie stood and faced Bruce. “Bruce, this is an opportunity for Diana to get out of the Superhero business. To use her fame and history to resolve matters peacefully.”
“She’s both a diplomat and warrior. She will settle for nothing less.”
“Only because she knows no other way.”
“Then teach her. Show her our world’s methods of peace, and I’ll teach her how to be an effective warrior. Both are vital to society.”
Leslie regarded Bruce before turning away. Thinking. Remembering.
She remembered Bruce’s passion for expanding the Wayne Foundation--a charitable organization founded by his parents to help Gotham’s poor. Under Bruce’s direction, the foundation had become one of the largest charitable organizations in the nation. In addition, Bruce’s personal philanthropic ventures were not common knowledge, but Leslie was aware of them, and she had to admit that Bruce had often used peaceful methods to better society, and to help those less fortunate.
She berated herself for forgetting. For letting Batman make her forget.
If only he’d turn away from the violent path he was so intent on taking. She resolved, however, never to give up on him, and hoped Diana would eventually choose a path other than that which she was accustomed.
She inhaled deeply. “All right, Bruce. You win. I’ll help, Diana. But on one condition…she does not actively become Wonder Woman again, until both of us are satisfied that she is ready.”
Bruce nodded.
Leslie exhaled, at least partially satisfied. “So, when does she start work at the Foundation?”
Bruce smirked. “As soon as I tell her she has a new job.”
*
The dining room was massive, but the intimate family dinner filled the expanse with warmth. Diana marveled at the idle chatter between this odd little clan, especially when it involved a man she’d only known to grunt and glare his intentions on the battlefield. Dick seemed to bring out such a different side of him. She couldn’t help but feel homesick for her own family, but immediately cast the painful feeling aside, instead focusing on the reason for her being here tonight, and becoming impatient with this familial display.
She was eager to continue with the business of her training.
Alfred cleared the remnants of dinner, and Diana watched as his gaze was caught by Bruce, who nodded imperceptibly toward Dick.
Alfred straightened and folded his hands behind his back. “Master Richard, I do believe that it is nearing your bedtime, and your homework is not yet completed.”
“Oh Alfred. Do I have to?” Dick looked from Alfred to Bruce, and Diana wondered how either man could ever deny this child a thing.
“It’s getting late, chum, and Diana and I have business to discuss,” Bruce said. “I’ll be up to check on you later.”
Dick placed his napkin atop the table, and then stood. “G’night everyone.”
Leslie stood and grabbed Dick in an embrace. “Goodnight Dick. And don’t be a stranger. I’d love to have you visit the clinic more often.”
“I will. Promise.”
“Goodnight, Dick. I’ll see you tomorrow, I suppose.” She knew she’d be training with Dick again, and despite Dick’s obvious skills, she was disappointed. She was anxious to take Batman on directly. To validate her competency to him. She then berated herself for feeling the need to prove herself to this man.
“Night, Diana. See you tomorrow.”
After Dick left, Bruce reached into his jacket and retrieved something from the inside pocket, throwing it to land on the table in front of her. Diana picked up the white card which had her name embossed on it.
“What’s this?” Diana asked.
“That’s your security access card into the Wayne Foundation building and your new office.”
“My new what?”
“You start work day after tomorrow. You’re the new executive in charge, answering only to me,” he said. “Leslie will help you get to know the people who are most affected by the foundation.”
“You’re offering me a job at your company?”
“Yes.”
Leslie was silent, but she seemed interested in Diana’s reaction.
“I’m here to relearn to fight. Not to procure a job.”
“Training comes in many forms.”
“This job is a part of my training?”
Leslie leaned forward and folded her hands atop the table. “The Wayne Foundation has been beneficial in providing basic needs to Gotham’s disadvantaged. The Foundation also provides low income housing, jobs, healthcare--I could go on and on.”
“What does all that have to do with me?”
“There are other means to fight injustice. Surely as an ambassador, you realize this,” Leslie said.
“As a non-powered mortal, you need all the tools you can find at your disposal. This job is not just about seeking justice, but working at the root of the problem. Giving people choices. Reaching them before they turn to crime,” Bruce said.
She contemplated what Bruce and Leslie were telling her, but she couldn’t help but feel manipulated. She fought to keep her anger at bay. “I can do those things without your help. I came here to train as a warrior, not an executive.”
She was beginning to suspect that Bruce was testing her ability to control her emotions. Another aspect of her training, no doubt. Clark was right. Bruce was good, but this was more than what she’d bargained for.
Bruce sat motionless, watching her. “Teaching you to fight is easy. Showing you how to survive isn’t, and I won’t do one without the other.”
“It seems you are doing much more, Mr. Wayne. You’ve planned my life without my input.” Her voice was dangerously low.
“The choice is always yours, Princess. You don’t have to take the job. But I’d advise against turning it down.”
“And why is that?”
“Because, my dear, you are still new to this world. You need to know just who it is you will be fighting for,” Leslie said.
“I know diplomatic protocols. I’m not new to this.”
“You learned those protocols by attending social galas held by the so called elite, who used you and your status to advance their own agendas.” Bruce paused before continuing. “You’ve yet to dirty yourself in the trenches.”
She stiffened at the insinuation. “I am more than willing, and able, to do what it takes to get the job done. I’ve never backed down from a fight.” She pushed her chair back roughly and stood. “I don’t need your help.”
“Yes, you do.” Bruce displayed no emotion. His tone was cool and even, making Diana’s temper flare even more.
“Diana, Bruce is offering you an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many people. Isn’t that what your mission here is about?” Leslie asked.
Leslie’s words cut through the cloud of pride she’d been hiding behind ever since her powers were stripped from her. Especially where Batman was concerned. She was surprised to realize his respect meant more to her than she was yet willing to admit.
She sighed and settled back into her seat, but caught him as he wielded a satisfied smirk--apparently admiring her unprecedented ability to stifle an outburst.
She turned at the clearing of a throat. “Excuse me, sir. But it seems you are needed elsewhere,” Alfred said, and nodded toward the window.
Diana stifled a laugh at the sight that greeted her when she looked out of the window. The image of a bat, illuminated against the pitch of night.
Leslie answered her unasked question. “That my dear, is Commissioner Gordon’s method of contacting Batman.”
“Ladies. If you’ll excuse me.” Bruce stood and turned toward Diana. “We’ll discuss your living arrangements when I get back.”
Diana rolled her eyes wondering how many more surprises she’d be willing to accept.
“Be safe, Bruce,” Leslie said.
“Always.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek, then left to meet with the Commissioner.
Diana turned to Leslie. “Is there trouble in Gotham? Is that why the Commissioner has summoned Batman?”
“Must be. Gordon usually doesn’t use the signal unless it’s something the police can’t handle,” Leslie replied. “It seems that the police have been less inclined to handle a lot of situations of late.”
“How do you mean?”
“I mean, they rely too heavily on Batman.”
“But if he can be of help, is that such a bad thing?”
“By asking for his help, they’ve sanctioned his mission.”
“You don’t approve?”
“Don’t get me wrong. Bruce is the best at what he does. What I don’t condone is his methods,” Leslie said.
Diana was surprised at this woman’s candor. “I’ve worked with Batman. He is a great warrior, albeit an arrogant one.” Diana smirked.
Leslie laughed out loud. “Oh dear. You are certainly right about that.”
“What methods don’t you condone?”
“I’m a pacifist. I don’t believe that the violence Batman perpetrates on the criminal element will have a lasting effect,” Leslie said. “That’s why this job at the Wayne Foundation is important. It will give you the opportunity to correct some of society’s shortcomings. To reach people before they choose a life of crime.”
Diana contemplated Leslie, and realized that there was truth to this woman’s words. She leaned forward, enjoying her company, and thinking that this new job might not be a bad idea after all.