Due to the recent problems with the JLA tension is thick at the moment. When Ra's Al Ghul found and executed my plans to bring down the JLA it caused not only distrust from them but from all the superhero community. So granted, I'm not the most well liked 'superhero' in the group at the present time. Not that it bothers me. Well except for maybe Superman. I hate the looks he keeps giving me. Looks that broadcast that he feels I've betrayed him and the others. I stand by what I did. If the situation had been reversed and we had needed the plans I made, well then, I would have been their hero. As it is now, they look at me as if they hate my very existence. So be it. I haven't got the time to worry about it. I'm not in this business to make friends. Influencing people, well that's another matter entirely.

"If everyone will take their seats I will explain why you were all called here."

I arranged for this meeting. Frankly I'm surprised that any of them showed up. Nightwing says they are afraid not to. I doubt that. I think it's more likely they are curious as to what I want to see them about. I've assembled quite an impressive list of heroes. Some old, some new. I've pulled from the best of the JLA and Titans past and present as well as several other superhero societies. I made sure that I included the fiercely independents as well. Roll call has the number at fifty plus. Everyone is here. I'm impressed. Nightwing and Robin have been badgering me for weeks trying to find out what I'm up to. I haven't told them. I want this to be a fair test of abilities.

"I am donating a training facility to the superhero community. I have tried to factor in all of your unique abilities and no two of you will have the same test. The computer is set up with your individual readings and will select possible tests for you at random. Simply put, not even I know what exactly you will come up against."

Everyone is quite, too quite. I notice Nightwing's hand go up. Figures he wouldn't be shy. He is definitely NOT intimidated by me in the least.

"Yes Nightwing."

"Uh..by test, do you mean some type of physical testing?"

"Exactly what I mean. There will be traps of all sorts and it is up to the individual to get themselves out of it. It is VERY DANGEROUS and no one under eighteen will be allowed for obvious reasons."

I notice Robin's relieved smile.

"Well no one except Robin that is."

I almost laugh at his audible groan. He was hoping to get out of this easy. No such luck.

"There will be three basic settings. Easy, intermediate and hard. The fourth level is reserved for the best of the best. I do not recommend that you attempt that level until you have surpassed the others."

"When you say very dangerous, just how dangerous are we talking about?"

Superman's question is a reasonable one. I can see in his look that he's giving me that he thinks this is a terrible idea. This is the way I trained and the way I've trained my sons through the years. I know it works, but I know it can cost you your life if your reaction time isn't good enough.

"This is an extensive training device. It isn't meant for the faint of heart Superman."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning it has the potential to lame or even kill the test subject."

There is a sudden rush of whispers coming from everyone. I can tell they aren't to keen on this idea. I've spent over three years preparing this. Not to mention the expense of it. I hope they aren't going to disappoint me.

"If any of you are interested you may use this facility at any time. However I employ you, DO NOT use this facility ALONE. You will need back up to turn off the computer and get medical help to you if necessary. Failure to follow this advice could cost you your life."

I hear some angry whispering coming from Aquaman and Plastic Man. I had a feeling this was coming.

"So, Bats, are you going to use this information that you learn about our abilities against us in the future?"

Plastic Man looks around to the others with a superior grin. I catch him off guard with my honest answer.

"Only if I have to Plastic Man."

I see Nightwing wince. Okay maybe that wasn't the best answer, but it's my answer. They can take it or leave it.

Green Lantern is the first to step up to volunteer. I like that. Kyle stills seems to trust me, even if he is still peeved at me.

"Okay, Batman. What do I have to do?"

I show him and by extension the others how to work the computer. I let them all have their own password so that they can get inside at any time with or without me. I also have the computer set up for a second password to make sure no one tries this alone. I know some of the huge egos that these people have. The last thing I want is a death on my conscience.

It only took Lantern standing up to get the others involved. If Lantern was going to try it then of course Flash wasn't going to be left out. If Flash was going to volunteer then of course Arsenal would give it a whirl and so on. It wasn't long until most had signed up. Aquaman declined saying he had enough of my plans to last him a lifetime. Wonder Woman also declined. Her look of mistrust burning through me. I expected the same from Superman but he surprised me. He like the others gave it a try on easy mode but he came back for more. He really seemed to be enjoying himself. That alone made the others relax more and the next several hours were a training superhero's dream. Not only did they get to experience it for themselves but also they had the chance to observe others and learn from their mistakes.

Robin pleased me by making it to the middle of the intermediate level before he was knocked down and practically out by a robot resembling Killer Croc. Nightwing was to him before I could even turn off the computer. I almost thought of chastising him for codling Robin but I decide against it. It's a good thing these two are close. I don't want to come between that. Nightwing is next up. I put the computer on easy as he climbs inside. Before the impending battle can get underway I have bumped the level up to 4. Nightwing doesn't realize it but he will soon enough. The robots are coming at him in groves and at super speeds. He has only his wits and what equipment he has stashed in various parts of his costume. As he gets knocked backwards Robin starts yelling at me.

"Are you CRAZY?! You have that thing on level 4! Four like in the number of pieces he's going to be in when that thing fillet's him!"

I've never heard Robin yell at me before. It was quite the experience. I try to remember that he is just concerned. So am I for that matter. It doesn't change anything. Nightwing knows what he's doing. I know this but I end up holding my breath anyway.

I continue to watch, impressed as Nightwing makes his way through the maze of robots, flying debris, landslides, poison darts and an array of other mishaps. My palms are sweating and my mouth is dry. He can never know how hard this is for me. I trust him and his abilities completely. Still, anything can happen in training such as this. I'm afraid of losing him. A constant fear of mine that I've tried hard to overcome. My over protectiveness of him is what drove him away from me in the first place. I watch him now and wonder if I'm going to the extreme to prove to him that I'm sorry. As if Superman had read my mind he starts in on me.

"Batman! That's enough! I don't know what you are trying to prove but you are going to get him killed!"

'I'm going to get him killed'? I think about that and a chill runs through me. I respect Superman but he doesn't know my boy the way I do. As we all watch him run into a 'cave' I shiver. I know what he is about to come up against. I pray he doesn't kill me when this over. I hear him scream and wince. Oh yeah, he's going to be pissed. The others are afraid for him. Something to make Nightwing scream has got to be bad. They all start yelling at me to stop this insanity right now. We can't see what he's up against. The not knowing is the hardest part for the others. I wish I didn't know either. A test is a test though and when factoring in his abilities and his strengths, I also had to factor in his weaknesses and fears.

"BATMAN!"

I hear him calling me. I know he's going to kill me for this.

"BATMAN!"

Flash yells, "I'm coming buddy- hang on!" I try to stop him but he is gone in an instant. Seconds later he is holding my exhausted son. My son who has fire blazing in his blue eyes.

"SPIDERS? YOU PUT ME AGAINST HUGE SPIDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I'm trying to think of what to say to him. Nothing comes to mind. I wonder if I go stand behind Superman if he would protect me? Somehow I think he would throw me to Nightwing.

"So." I say lamely. "How did you do?"

He glares at me. He is seriously considering decking me; I can see it in his volcanic glare. I hope I can head that off. He has a mean right hook.

"You got most of the way on level 4. Good job Nightwing. Who's next?"

Everyone walks away from me. Mumbles can be heard about how unfair I am and how crazy. It's Robin gaze that floors me. I never saw him so angry. He goes to Nightwing trying to make sure he is all right. I envy their closeness at times. I wish they were that close with me. Nightwing says I make it impossible to be close to. Maybe he's right. I don't know how to be any different though. I am what I am.

Nightwing has a crowd around him now. Everyone congratulating him on a job well done. There are also several comments about what an ass I am and how can he stand to put up with me. He only smiles at them. I guess that means he agrees.

I shut the computer down. I was going to go through it myself but I think I'll wait until another time. Sometime when I'm alone.

The place empties out pretty fast. No one bothers to thank me for all the effort. It okay, I didn't expect it anyway. Robin leaves quickly. I think he's so angry with me that he doesn't trust himself not to say a few choice words to me. Soon we are left alone and it's just he and I again. The way it used to be. I wish he still looked at me the way he did back then. I'm walking out and locking up the place. He hasn't said anything to me in over half an hour. I guess I'll have to break the ice...

"You did well Nightwing."

"Why did you put that damn thing on level 4? Are you TRYING to get rid of me?!"

"Anything but actually."

"I don't understand Batman."

"No son, you never have. I was trying to show you that I believe in you. That I have the utmost confidence in you. That you are indeed the best of the best."

"Next time send me a greeting card." He growls and I can't help but smile.

"What's with you Batman?"

"What do you mean?"

"You have like this glow in your eyes. What's with that?"

"It's called pride son. It's called pride."

I put my hand on his shoulder and squeeze it. He looks at me confused at first, and then I see it sink in to him. His eyes dance and even though he says nothing I know he begins to see exactly what he means to me.

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