Are they Batman's assistants, or are they truly themselves? Should they become Batman, or should they develop into their own individuality?
But if the answers are the latter, then what should they become? They've already accepted Batman's teachings, so is the person they've become really themselves or not?
And the ultimate question — would Batman like the person they've become? If he doesn't, then does becoming oneself still hold any significance?
Nightwing let out a sigh of inner pain, a hand held up to his mouth before slowly sliding down his jaw, giving free rein to his contradictory thoughts spiralling within.
"I'm shocked at his educational neglect," Thomas said in an extremely serious tone, preparing to counter, only to hear Thomas say, "This doesn't refer to him not getting you a degree or learning any skills, but he has totally neglected the socialisation aspect of your education."
Thomas, holding back his words, said, "Out of the people you know who are associated with Batman, how many are your friends?"
Nightwing was about to speak, but Thomas interrupted him, "I mean those who have nothing to do with your crime-fighting endeavour, who have truly been there for you, communicated and felt connected with you, shared common interests, and offered you emotional comfort."
"That's a false proposition," Nightwing retorts, "My Batman Family has accomplished all of this. They keep me company, we share common interests, and we share an incredibly deep emotional bond."
"So what's the topic you discuss the most?"
Nightwing fell silent, realising that Thomas having posed this question meant he already knew the answer. And that answer hit a nerve — without doubt, the Batman Family's key topic revolved around Batman.
It's not strange to build a social group around a person, it often happens with fans, but if there's no other social interaction outside this circle, even no participation in society at all, then it's a big problem.
Thomas shook his head and said, "I can't believe he took in a bunch of kids and let them neither study nor work or socialise, just revolving around him all day."
Suddenly, Thomas squinted his eyes, staring at Dick's face, "Are you sure he didn't have any ulterior motives adopting you guys?"
Nightwing stiffened, rage flaring in his heart, his face flushing with blood, he raised his voice and bellowed, "How dare you think so low of Batman?! The Dark Knight of Gotham is not that despicable!"
"I'm just proposing a common possibility in high society," Thomas replied indifferently, sipping more tea, "Even if that's not the case, what he's done can still be considered a crime."
"I don't advocate free and happy education," Thomas made a face of disdain, "Children are naturally naughty and lazy, but if they're allowed to be like that, then what's the purpose of having parents and society?"
"When I was a child, I didn't like school either and I avoided the classes my father arranged as much as possible. But if I had missed out on the classes I couldn't escape, then when faced with the chaos of the Wayne Enterprises in this universe, I could only sigh in regret."
"Then, I would miss the most important part of my journey to save Gotham in this universe. I could only watch the opportunity to realise my dreams slip away, and I'd regret it for the rest of my life."
Thomas looked at Nightwing's eyes, "I am a very authoritarian father, always demanding more from my children, pushing them physically and mentally to challenge the utmost limits of humane education. So, if something happens one day that causes them regret, they can't blame anyone else."
"Aren't you afraid they will resent you for such a childhood?" Nightwing asked.
"You understand," Thomas' aged eyes, filled with a firm determination seemingly exclusive to Batman made it hard for Nightwing to look away.
"Between responsibility and happiness, I will always choose responsibility, because I am Batman."
Nightwing was left speechless.
"And that's where I can't understand about your Batman from the universe, in terms of your education, he chose to make you happy instead of teaching you to be responsible. It doesn't sound like a choice Batman would make."
After quite some thought, Nightwing finally said: "Perhaps it is not without a reason."
"Such as?"
"He might... feel guilty."
"Why?"
Nightwing shook his head, "We've each had some bad experiences. We all believe deep down that this isn't entirely Batman's fault. What sets us apart from others is that we don't berate a god for erring, but understand that a person is bound to have slips."
"But Batman doesn't see it that way." A mist seemed to gather in Nightwing's eyes — a semblance of sadness or perhaps fatigue, "He seems to always want to be responsible for all the tragedies in this world, let alone those that befall us."
"He never asked us for anything, just turned around and told us that everything would be resolved." Nightwing shook his head slightly, "And we all know how much it cost him to say that to us."
"Because he felt guilty, he chose to push himself rather than push you." The cup clenched in Thomas's tight grip, his lips pursed together, "So you really became innocent birds under the bat's wings, never having to endure the assault of real-world hardships, never needing to fly far away from the nest."
"Dick." For the first time, Thomas called Nightwing by his name. His eyes, nestled in the wrinkled creases of his aging face, softened like a gentle and tranquil river accumulated over the years in the hollow of an age-old tree.
"One day you'll understand, having a life rich in vitality and spirit, not having to bow to reality and society, not having to acquire maturity and stability, is a truly enviable treasure."
Grasping his own wrist tightly, Nightwing's lips turned white and he said in a trembling tone, "Which means, the one who spared us from doing so, will forever miss out, or perhaps even... suffer the most."
"But now you've left your own universe, fully emerged from the shadow beneath his wings, haven't you?"
Nightwing widened his eyes slightly, almost imploringly looking at Thomas to say, "Yes, of course, he won't know what we're doing here, so he won't feel guilty."
"Then what do you plan to do here?"
Nightwing, as if choked, paused, catching his breath for a long while before he turned his head to whisper, "We were originally... originally planning to return as soon as possible."
"Then continue to hide in his arms, exploiting his guilt, leaving him to face the enemy alone?"
Nightwing's face flushed red with anger as he raised his voice to say, "Absolutely not, we never thought of doing such a thing!"
"But the reality is that you can't help."
Nightwing took a deep breath, glaring at Thomas, "As if you could."
"Of course I can, because I'm Batman."
Nightwing thumbed the armrest of the sofa in anger, but quickly cooled down, then looked at Thomas and ventured, "We could learn something here, right?"
"Absolutely, I don't feel guilt for you, why wouldn't I let you go out and study or find jobs?"
Nightwing swallowed hard, sounding uncertain, "Then... then what should we learn?"
Thomas glanced at his watch and said, "It's too late tonight, we'll arrange the curriculum tomorrow. Firstly, let's go upstairs and check on Dick's French homework."
"Uh, why do I have to go?"
Thomas broke into a smile to say,
"Because it's your French homework tomorrow."