Motivation
By Scarredbyshallowness
Disclaimer : All of the rights of the things I use aren't mine . Period . End of story .
Welcome to this delightful little one shot . The entire story is in Robin's POV ( and the result of me being in hours of the sun . I'm beyond TAN . Heh .) . Why Robin ? Cuz he's my favorite and I am like him in many ways . Simple as that . Enjoy !
9 pm - Titans' Tower
One...Two…three…C'mon ! Just five more… Just five more …
That was all my mind demanded as I lay waste to the punching bag in front of me . Just like every night … But this time, I have to become stronger . I must try harder !
I can't stop now ! Even though Starfire keeps telling me not to , even though Raven pleads me to stop, despite the warnings that Beast Boy and Cyborg scream . It WON'T stop me ! Slade has become stronger . Batman has become stronger . I WON'T be left BEHIND ! C'mon body … WORK !
All this stress, all this desperation . It reminds me of what Bruce had told me so long ago …
5 years ago, Batcave
" Dick ! That's not nearly fast enough ! No one is just going to LET you hit them ! " Bruce had scolded me with a scornful look in his eyes . A look I had become quite accustom to over the years .
" But I'm trying my best ! " I remember screaming back to him as sweat dripped very every pore of my body . I honestly felt that if I did anymore, I would surely perish .
" Then get better . "
After hours of countless combinations, and yet another limitation broken, I felt weaker than ever before in my life . And yet, after seven hours of straight training, Bruce never broke a sweat . As my body shrieked in agony, his showed absolutely nothing . No sign of exhaustion, of weakness, of humanity .
" Bruce…huff…how can you keep doing this ? Why am I doing this ? " I recall asking one time . Gasping, clenching the air around me in desperation .
" I have transcended past the limitations of man . I am controlled, bounded, by nothing . Complete freedom . For you see, Dick, donning a costume makes you a visible symbol . However, it accounts to nothing if the wearer is weak . That is why I…we must train . That is why we push ourselves to unheard boundaries . Not for ourselves, but for the innocent . For those that we care, need, even love . Now, let's work on your new name . "
After exhaustingly pondering for a moment, it struck me as suddenly as a bullet . I remember whispering my new title, my identity…
" Robin . "
" Robin ? That's hardly a name that endows fear . Any reason ? " Wayne had raised a brow, expecting something much darker .
" My mother . It was her favorite bird . Heh, we even kept one caged in our trailer just for her . It was her most cherished gift from my father . I thought it would be an appropriate tribute to their…" I remember choking then and there . My parents death still too fresh in my mind . But instead of a lecture, Bruce showed me sympathy .
" I understand . From now on, when wear this mask, you are no longer Dick Grayson . You are…."
" ROBIN ! "
A sudden voice behind snapped me back to reality .
" Oh sorry, what is it Beast Boy ? "
" Dude ! I've been yelling your name, for like, five minutes ! You've been down here for eight hours, man ! Are you sure you aren't delusional or something ? Everyone's kinda worried about you…"
" I'm fine . I'll be up in a couple hours . " He wouldn't understand . He has the power to morph into anything in the animal kingdom with a simple thought . How could he comprehend the limitations of the powerless ?
" Robin ! Enough is en…" Beast Boy began, but stopped for some reason .
I turned to see that the rest of my team had followed the changeling . All with a unique look of awe . Not because of what I had done, but because of what I will do . They know as much as I do . I will not stop until I become stronger . Better .
" Let him be, BB . " I heard Cyborg comment calmly . He was once human after all . Even an athlete . He knows the pains of strength . No wonder he stopped Beast Boy .
After a group look of deep concern, I turned my back to them . Pushed them away . I won't allow myself to see them until I reach a new strength . So, the Titans eventually began to return to their own agendas . As did I .
But the unmistakable sound of flapping material returned to me . Silently loyal . And yet, I wouldn't be where I am without her . .
" Robin . Listen, I'm not the best at this, but I just wanted to say ; thank you . Thank you for everything you've done, you've sacrificed, for all of us . Especially for me …"
Raven . Her and my relationship had been strengthened ten fold ever since the whole 'event' with her father . Both of us had gained mutual feelings for one another, but we had decided to allow our bond to grow rather than take immediate action . I'm sure a certain tameranian wouldn't appreciate it if we chose otherwise…
" No, Raven . Thank you . "
" For what ? "
" Motivation ."
I realize the sappiness . But I WAS baking in the sun ! Anyway, as I have said before,I wanted to donate this piece to Insanity 101 and Mystyre as I know both are huge Robin fans . So I hope you enjoyed it . And for everyone else; THANK YOU FOR READING ! Now please review ! Later .
- Scar