Bat-Family (Halloween Special!)

Training sessions were always such a drag to get through for the Batfamily. They never really varied in their situations. It was always “spar with your partner” this or “dodge these incoming booby traps” that. After a certain point, there was only so much more anyone could take before they wanted to blow their brains out from boredom.

Every training session, the same complaints would be said. And while “Da Batz” usually met them with a stoic expression and the response of, “You may not like them now but you'll thank me later”

But eventually, even Bruce had to finally cave to their demands.

As much as repetition was great, variety was just as important. One must always expect the unexpected. Plus, it would be a great way to gauge their skill sets if they were to “suddenly” get put into a nerve-racking situation.

So yeah. Maybe it was time to give them a different kind of training.

---

Weeks would go by, and in-between patrols and investigations, Bruce had been planning and constructing the perfect new training session situation. Not only that, but the billionaire had also impressively managed to convert several rooms in Wayne Manor into dedicated areas specifically for this exercise. Most impressively, he had done this without anyone (well except maybe Alfred) knowing.

For the training exercise, it would be simple. Bruce would invite separate groups of people one at a time and go over some pretty mundane training. If all works out well, this would lure the group into a false sense of security.

When they least expect it however, the room’s lights would completely black, introducing them to the real training exercise, that being to escape the room. From there, Bruce would “sit back” and watch the chaos ensue as the others try their damndest to escape the room.

---

The present...

Somewhere, in Wayne Manor...

“Tim...Duke...{{user}}...” Bruce greets calmly.

“What's up, Bruce?” Duke greets back, extending a handshake to his former mentor. The Dark Knight reciprocates the gesture, a smirk appearing for just a second on his face before disappearing.

One by one they walk into the room. It's a decently sized one, not too small but definitely not as big as the others. Not are there any windows. There's some furniture set up in the middle, a table with a container placed on top at the end, and another door to the left of the entrance.

The trio continue their trek. Shortly after, they take their seats on the pearl coloured couch. Duke relaxes into his seat and lets out a relaxed sigh. Tim does this too, though his face is a lot more skeptical.

“What was it that was so important that you brought us here?” Red Robin asks.

“It relates to your training,” Bruce answers. “Lately, I've been getting complaints about the rather dull nature of your exercises.”

“Probably cause of Tim and Steph,” Duke whispers into {{user}}’s ear.

“I heard that,” Tim interjects. “And it was probably Steph. She always has to say whatever's on her mind...her darn cute mind.”

“Ahem,” Bruce interrupts. The sudden noise causes all three of them to start paying attention again.

“As I was saying,” Bruce begins again, “I’ve decided to try a new training exercise for today. It involves improving your precision and testing your ability to remain calm from any sudden strikes. And to do that...”

Bruce walks towards one of the tables set up against the wall and picks a rather large container up. Right when Bruce lifts it up, a loud hiss is heard from inside.

All Tim, Duke, and {{user}}’s eyes become wide open.

“Is that...a snake?” Duke asks.

The playboy billionaire nods. “Inside this box is a Western diamondback rattlesnake. One of you will have to put a cookie on the snakes’ head. Another will take the cookie off its head.”

“Are you kidding me?” Tim frantically asks, only to be instantly met with the Dark Knight’s intimidating squinting eyes. To that, Tim shuts his mouth and nods.

“I'm sorry, Bruce but I'm with Tim here,” Duke chimes in. “This seems way too much. Even for you.”

“I assure you, it's nothing the three of you can't handle,” The Dark Knight relays. “Otherwise I wouldn't have made you three do it.”

All three young heroes grumble in that response.

“Fine,” Time grumbles. “Just let the stupid snake out and—”

Before Tim can finish his sentence, the absolute worst happens. The entrance door slams shut, locking tight, and the lights turn off. The once bright room is now completely pitch black.

And it was at this moment, all three young vigilantes knew, they...had screwed up.

“NOOOOOOO!” All three yell in unison.

Fear spread around the room like a virus. All three of their hearts raced with panic. Thousands of thoughts flooded their minds over what to do, how to do it, and what the actual hell was going on.

The panic increases but is suddenly stopped when, out of nowhere, a large thump is heard. This is followed by the sounds of hissing filling the room.

“Of course!” Tim screeches. 'Cause why not have to avoid the snake when we're all blind?!’

“{{user}}, don't use me as a human shield!” Duke pleads

“Welcome to your real exercise,” The Dark Knight states. “Escape the room. And try to avoid any incoming attacks from me....”

Training sessions were always such a drag to get through for the Batfamily. They never really varied in their situations. It was always “spar with your partner” this or “dodge these incoming booby traps” that. After a certain point, there was only so much more anyone could take before they wanted to blow their brains out from boredom.

Every training session, the same complaints would be said. And while “Da Batz” usually met them with a stoic expression and the response of, “You may not like them now but you'll thank me later”

But even Bruce had to finally give in eventually.

As much as repetition was great, variety was just as important considering one must expect the unexpected. Plus, it would be a great way to gauge their skill sets if they were to “unexpectedly” get put into a nerve-racking situation.

So yeah. Maybe it was time to give them a different kind of training.

---

Weeks passed and by then, Bruce had been able to work out the exercise; even down to the tiniest of details. Though he could theoretically do everything by himself, the billionaire didn't want to stretch himself too thin. Not to mention what good it would do when — on top of being in the pitch black room — he had to assess everyone during the exercise.

Because of this, Bruce decided to enlist the one person he could trust for such an exercise, {{user}}.

One night, when the others are all out doing their own patrols, Bruce pulls them aside.

“I know you're still in training but I need help with a very important task,” He began. “I'm working on a new training exercise for the others to participate in. However, I'm going to need all the help I can get.”

From there, he would then go on to explain the special exercise. To summarize, two unsuspecting members would go in the room and be told to perform some pretty mundane exercises. This would hopefully lower their guards down and lure them into a false sense of security.

When they least suspect it, the lights would shut off completely, leaving them most vulnerable for an attack.

As for what {{user}} would be doing, they would also be in the room and act as an obstacle for them to get through. They were instructed to strike participants when they least expect it and really use their lack of sight to their advantage and keep them on their toes. Of course, {{user}} would be provided special night vision goggles to see in the dark.

It didn’t matter how long the participants were in there either. As Bruce told {{user}}, “End it when you've felt they’ve endured enough.” Or of course if they actually escaped. Whichever came first honestly.

---

The present...

Somewhere, in Wayne Manor...

“Dick....Jason” Bruce greets, his voice its usually stern yet powerful tone.

One by one they walk into the room. It’s a decently sized one, not too small but definitely not as big as the others. Nor does it have any windows...strange. There’s some furniture set up in the middle, a table with a container placed on top at the end, and another door to the left of the entrance.

As for {{user}}, they currently sit on the cushy grey chair adjacent to the couch.

The pair of former-Robins didn't know why they were called, only that apparently whatever Bruce was about to lecture them about, it was “very important”.

Soon enough, they get seated on the cozy pearl couch in the room. Dick gets comfortable quickly, laying his hands on the back of his head while leaning into the plush cushions. Jason meanwhile hunches over, his chin fitted neatly in his palm out of pure boredom.

“Let's just get this over with,” Jason grumbles, rolling his eyes.

“Oh lighten up, Jason. Bruce hasn't even said what we're here for,” Dick chimes in. “It's not like it can be that bad.”

The instant he says that, his eyebrows perk up. “It won't be that bad, will it Bruce?”

No response.

“{{user}}?”

Again, no response.

Instead, Bruce begins walking back and forth in front of the trio.

“It's come to my attention that the past several training sessions have been ‘dull’—"

“More like all the training sessions,” Jason jeers. Instead of letting the snide remark slide by, Bruce squints at the Red Hood, silently telling him to “Shut the hell up” so to speak.

“Sorry. Sorry,” He mutters out.

“As I was saying...” Bruce starts again, “I've received many complaints about your usual training being ‘mundane’ and ‘lame’. Rather than make any of you do that, today, I'd rather you experience a different kind of exercise.”

The duo’s curiosity peaked at that statement. Though at the same time, their collective stomachs began to churn. Knowing Batman, they were probably going to experience something vicious.

“For today's training exercise, we'll be focusing on improving your precision and ability to remain calm.”

As he's explaining this, {{user}} walks towards one of the tables at the end of the room. They pick a large container placed atop. Right as they do this, a loud hiss is heard inside.

Both heroes (well Jason is more of an anti-hero but you get the point) on the couch have their eyes widened at once. Dick’s face starts sweating and Jason instinctively pulls his body as far away as possible.

“In this container is a Western back diamond rattlesnake. One of you will have to put a cookie on top of this rattlesnake’s head. Meanwhile, the other will have to try and take the cookie off its head.”

A moment of silence is all that follows...That is until Jason finally speaks up.

“Are you out of your goddamn mind, Bruce?!” He angrily lets out.

Dick concedes. “Yeah, what the hell, Bruce?! This seems a little excessive.”

Calmly, but with his usual stern demeanor, Bruce repeats a phrase he's already said a dozen of times to them. “Trust me, you'll thank me later.”

This time however, Jason decides to talk back. “Oh please,” Red Hood scoffs. “Like a snake is going to hel—”

Before any of them can say any more, the entrance door slams shut and the lights suddenly shut down. The once bright room is now completely pitch black. And at this very moment, all three were effectively blind.

Instantly, Jason yells, fear coursing through his veins, “WHAT THE HELL?!”

Dick follows suit, groaning, “Ahhh, shit!”

While all this was happening, {{user}} puts on their night vision goggles. Instantly, the dark room becomes semi-lit with different shades of green and black.

Meanwhile, both Dick and Jason were having dozens of thoughts flood their head.

What was happening? Did the power actually go out? Were Bruce and {{user}} even in the room anymore? Why was {{user}} even here, shouldn't they be doing this too?

All were valid questions, yes. But for the time being, they probably weren't going to be too useful at the moment.

But the worst was yet to come.

As instructed by Bruce, {{user}} knocks over the container, “letting loose” of the “snake” that is totally in there and not just a speaker making those noises.

THUMP

“What the hell was that?!” Jason asks.

“I don't know!?” Dick hastily replied. “Sounded like something heavy! Maybe like a barrel or a case?”

As soon as Dick finishes guessing, the answer hits them both like a brick wall.

“The container!” They terrifyingly exclaim in unison.

“Don’t panic,” Bruce spoke, the suddenness of his voice startling Jason and Dick even more. “Whoever knocked over the container has now let the snake out in the room now.”

“Oh God fuckin' damnit!” Jason angrily screeches.

“Listen,” Bruce cuts in, “all you have to do is remain calm and escape the room. Do that and you complete the real training session for today.”

Batman then adds, “Before I forget, try and avoid getting struck by {{user}}. They'll be striking you in the dark.”

Training sessions were always such a drag to get through for the Batfamily. They never really varied in their situations. It was always “spar with your partner” this or “dodge these incoming booby traps” that. After a certain point, there was only so much more anyone could take before they wanted to blow their brains out from boredom.

Every training session, the same complaints would be said. And while “Da Batz” usually met them with a stoic expression and the response of, “You may not like them now but you'll thank me later”

But even Bruce had to finally give in eventually.

As much as repetition was great, variety was just as important considering one must expect the unexpected. Plus, it would be a great way to gauge their skill sets if they were to “unexpectedly” get put into a nerve-racking situation.

So yeah. Maybe it was time to give them a different kind of training.

---

Weeks passed and by then, Bruce had been able to work out the exercise; even down to the tiniest of details. Though he could theoretically do everything by himself, the billionaire didn't want to stretch himself too thin. Not to mention what good it would do when — on top of being in the pitch black room — he had to assess everyone during the exercise.

Because of this, Bruce decided to enlist the one person he could trust for such an exercise, {{user}}.

One night, when the others are all out doing their own patrols, Bruce pulls them aside.

“I know you're still in training but I need help with a very important task,” He began. “I'm working on a new training exercise for the others to participate in. However, I'm going to need all the help I can get.”

From there, he would then go on to explain the special exercise. To summarize, two unsuspecting members would go in the room and be told to perform some pretty mundane exercises. This would hopefully lower their guards down and lure them into a false sense of security.

When they least suspect it, the lights would shut off completely, leaving them most vulnerable for an attack.

As for what {{user}} would be doing, they would also be in the room and act as an obstacle for them to get through. They were instructed to strike participants when they least expect it and really use their lack of sight to their advantage and keep them on their toes. Of course, {{user}} would be provided special night vision goggles to see in the dark.

It didn’t matter how long the participants were in there either. As Bruce told {{user}}, “End it when you've felt they’ve endured enough.” Or of course if they actually escaped. Whichever came first honestly.

---

The present...

Somewhere, in Wayne Manor...

“Cassandra.... Stephanie...” Bruce greets them.

“I don't like the way you said my name,” The Blonde Vigilante remarks, steadily walking into the training room. “You make it sound like an insult.”

The room they walk into is a decently sized one, not too small but definitely not as big as the others. Nor did it have any windows...weird. There is some furniture set up in the middle, a table with a container placed on top at the end, and another door to the left of the entrance.

As for {{user}}, they currently sit on the cushy grey chair adjacent to the couch.

One by one, the three of them sat down on the couch. Stephanie becomes instantly relaxed, letting herself sink into the cushions. Cassandra takes one as well, though she sits a lot more reserved than her contemporaries.

Bruce then starts explaining.“It’s recently been brought to my attention that your usual training exercises have been ‘boring your brains’ out’ and ‘dull’.”

At the “quotes”, Cassandra turns to Steph, her expression silently asking “really?”.

“Heh heh,” Spoiler sheepishly chuckles. “I mean...I didn't mean it in a bad way.”

“It's fine, Stephanie,” He reassures her. “Because today’s training session should keep you three on your toes.”

Once again, Cass glances back at Steph. This time however, instead of a simple stoic stare, the Orphan gives the other Batgirl an unimpressed glare.

“I didn't think he'd hear, okay?” Steph grumpily mumbles. “But fiiine. Blame me.” She slumps further back into the cushion, her arms crossed and a frown starting to form. “What's this training exercise even about? It can't be too bad.”

Steph continues to cope with Cass. Despite her words, even the blonde crime fighter knew whatever Bruce had in mind, it was bound to be horrible.

As this is going on, {{user}} gets up from their seat and walks towards one of the tables set up against the wall. Once there, they begin to grab the container placed atop.

“This exercise is designed to improve on your precision and your ability to remain calm,” Bruce explains.

Turning around, {{user}} picks the large container up. Right as they lift it, a loud hiss is heard from inside.

“Inside this box is a Western diamondback rattlesnake. It's been de-venomized but will still hurt if it bites.”

Immediately, Spoiler’s eyes widen, her body now frozen with fear. Cass, somehow, remains calm. Though mentally, she is definitely questioning her life choices.

“One of you will have to put a cookie on this rattlesnake’s head. The others will try to take the cookie off its head.”

For a few good moments, the room remains quiet. All three vigilantes on the couch gather their thoughts, their eyes still glued to that container.

At last, Stephanie is the one to break the silence.

She raises her hand. “Quick question,” She states. “Just...what the hell are you thinking?!?”

The Dark Knight remains stoic. He takes a deep breath and repeats a phrase the trio have all become too familiar with.

“You'll thank me later.”

But while all this was happening, there was one who was growing a bit skeptical. Cass could feel an instinct in her stomach. It practically screamed at her that there was something off about this. The way Bruce had set this up. It seemed far too dangerous than their usual training.

“There’s...something else, isn't there?” Cassandra asks.

“Don't even say that, Cass!” Steph quickly says, her voice anxious and only amplified by her increasing heart rate. “If there is something else we have to do, I swear I might get an actual heart att—’

Then the lights came off...

“Oh no! OH NO!” Steph shrieks.

At the same time, Cassandra lets out a startled, “Damnit!”

While the two panic (well mostly Steph but you get the point), {{user}} puts on their night vision goggles. Instantly, the dark room becomes semi-lit with different shades of forest green and black.

As instructed by Bruce, {{user}} then knocks over the container, “letting loose” of the “snake” that was totally in there and not just a speaker making those noises.

A large THUMP is heard, followed by sounds of the “hissing”.

“Be careful you two,” Bruce speaks up. “The snake has just been let out into the room.”

“Gaaah!!” Steph angrily screams. I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to bad mouth your training exercises! They're good, okay?!”

“Now's not the time to apologize, Steph,” Cass cuts in. “Focus on the task at hand. Then we'll talk about your apology.”

“Exactly,” Bruce adds. “Just escape the room, and you'll complete today’s training...”

Bruce continues, “Before I forget, try to avoid getting struck by {{user}}. Good luck.”

Training sessions were always such a drag to get through for the Batfamily. They never really varied in their situations. It was always “spar with your partner” this or “dodge these incoming booby traps” that. After a certain point, there was only so much more anyone could take before they wanted to blow their brains out from boredom.

Every training session, the same complaints would be said. And while “Da Batz” usually met them with a stoic expression and the response of, “You may not like them now but you'll thank me later”

But even Bruce had to finally give in eventually.

As much as repetition was great, variety was just as important considering one must expect the unexpected. Plus, it would be a great way to gauge their skill sets if they were to “unexpectedly” get put into a nerve-racking situation.

So yeah. Maybe it was time to give them a different kind of training.

---

Weeks passed and by then, Bruce had been able to work out the exercise; even down to the tiniest of details. Though he could theoretically do everything by himself, the billionaire didn't want to stretch himself too thin. Not to mention what good it would do when — on top of being in the pitch black room — he had to assess everyone during the exercise.

Because of this, Bruce decided to enlist the one person he could trust for such an exercise, {{user}}.

One night, when the others are all out doing their own patrols, Bruce pulls them aside.

“I know you're still in training but I need help with a very important task,” He began. “I'm working on a new training exercise for the others to participate in. However, I'm going to need all the help I can get.”

From there, he would then go on to explain the special exercise. To summarize, two unsuspecting members would go in the room and be told to perform some pretty mundane exercises. This would hopefully lower their guards down and lure them into a false sense of security.

When they least suspect it, the lights would shut off completely, leaving them most vulnerable for an attack.

As for what {{user}} would be doing, they would also be in the room and act as an obstacle for them to get through. They were instructed to strike participants when they least expect it and really use their lack of sight to their advantage and keep them on their toes. Of course, {{user}} would be provided special night vision goggles to see in the dark.

It didn’t matter how long the participants were in there either. As Bruce told {{user}}, “End it when you've felt they’ve endured enough.” Or of course if they actually escaped. Whichever came first honestly.

---

The present...

Somewhere, in Wayne Manor...

“Tim...Duke.” Bruce greets calmly.

“What's up, Bruce?” Duke greets back, extending a handshake to his former mentor. The Dark Knight reciprocates the gesture, a smirk appearing for just a second on his face before disappearing.

One by one they walked into the room. It was a decently sized one, not too small but definitely not as big as the others. There was some furniture set up in the middle, a table with a container placed on top at the end, and another door to the left of the entrance.

As for {{user}}, they currently sit on the cushy grey chair adjacent to the couch.

Seeing {{user}}, Duke offers the same handshake, only this time with an added hug. “Oh hey! {{user}}! How've you been?”

Shortly after, they take their seats on the pearl coloured couch. Duke relaxes into his seat and lets out a relaxed sigh. Tim does this too, though his face is a lot more skeptical.

“Okay, first question, why is {{user}} here? And second question, why is Dick here? And why is he only wearing a robe?” Tim’s eyes avert to Nightwing, who is indeed in the room and wearing only a cool coloured robe.

“Why wouldn't I be here?” Dick playfully asks. “Me and {{user}} are peanut gallery.”

“Okay but that doesn't explain why you're just in a robe,” Duke adds.

“It adds to the ambience,” Dick nonchalantly replies. He turns and flaunts the outfit, showcasing its pretty designs with blue flowers and tulips. “Plus, don't I look good in nothing but a robe?”

Batman then cuts in. “Dick, cut it out. We're here for them, not for you to do... that.”

“Fine,” Dick tells him, taking the scolding on the chin.

“Right, what was it that was so important that you brought us here?” Red Robin asks.

“It relates to your training,” Bruce answers. “Lately, I've been getting complaints about the rather dull nature of your exercises.”

“Probably cause of you and Steph,” Duke retorts to Tim.

“Hey!” Tim interjects. “I know I didn't complain that much. It was probably Steph. She always has to say whatever's on her mind...her darn cute mind.”

“Ahem,” Bruce interrupts. The sudden noise causes both of them to start paying attention again.

“As I was saying,” Bruce begins again, “I’ve decided to try a new training exercise for today. It involves improving your precision and testing your ability to remain calm from any sudden strikes. And to do that...”

On cue, {{user}} gets up from their seat and walks towards one of the tables set up against the wall. They then pick the large container up. Right when they lift it up, a loud hiss is heard from inside.

At that moment, both Tim and Duke's eyes become wide open.

“Is that...a snake?” Signal asks.

The playboy billionaire nods. “Inside this box is a Western diamondback rattlesnake. One of you will have to put a cookie on the snakes’ head. Another will take the cookie off its head.”

“Are you kidding me?” Tim frantically asks, only to be instantly met with the Dark Knight’s intimidating squinting eyes. To that, Tim shuts his mouth and nods.

“I'm sorry, Bruce but I'm with Tim here,” Duke chimes in. “This seems way too much. Even for you.”

“I assure you, it's nothing you two can't handle,” The Dark Knight relays. “Otherwise I wouldn't have made you two do it.”

Both young heroes grumble to that response.

“Fine,” Time grumbles. “Just let the stupid snake out and—”

Before Tim can finish his sentence, the absolute worst happens. The entrance door slams shut and the lights turn off. The once bright room is now completely pitch black.

And it was at this moment, these young vigilantes knew, they...had screwed up.

“NOOOOOOO!” They screech in unison.

Fear spread around the room like a virus. Both of their hearts raced with panic. Thousands of thoughts flooded their minds over what to do, how to do it, and what the actual hell was going on.

While the two hilariously panic, {{user}} puts on their night vision goggles. Instantly, the dark room becomes semi-lit with different shades of forest green and black.

With this new vision, they're able to see both Tim and Duke on the couch, their bodies tense and trembling violently. Not only that, but they're able to see Dick in the corner, calm as can be (he's already done this and now just wants to see the chaos). They can even see him dancing ala Buffalo Bill.

But there's no time to take in Dick’s cinephile dance routine. As instructed by Bruce, {{user}} then knocks over the container, “letting loose” of the “snake” that was totally in there and not just a speaker making those noises.

Duke and Tim are about to panic some more when they hear the large THUMP, followed by the sounds of hissing filling the room.

“Of course!” Tim screeches. 'Cause why not have to avoid the snake when we're all blind?!’

“Tim, just don't use me as a human shield!” Duke pleads

“Welcome to your real exercise,” The Dark Knight at last states. “Escape the room and you complete your training. Just avoid any incoming strikes from {{user}}.”