Trustworthy

Wayne Manor, Morning

Theo woke up the next morning feeling a strange mixture of anticipation and anxiety. The previous night had been an emotional whirlwind, and while he had managed to get some sleep, his mind was still racing. He was eager to start understanding his new powers and, more importantly, find a way to navigate this unfamiliar world.

As he made his way downstairs, he found Barbara already at the kitchen counter, preparing breakfast. The aroma of fresh coffee and pastries filled the air, a comforting reminder of normalcy amidst the chaos.

"Morning, Theo," Barbara greeted with a warm smile. "I hope you slept well."

"Morning," Theo replied, trying to match her cheerful tone. "I did, thanks. I've been thinking a lot about... everything."

Barbara raised an eyebrow, clearly interested. "What's on your mind?"

Theo took a deep breath, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Well, I wanted to let you know that I've discovered a couple of things about my powers. I have Psychometry, which means I can get information about objects just by touching them. I also have Know-How, which means I can learn skills or techniques from items themselves. For instance, I recently touched one of Alfred's gloves, and I could access its memories, learning about Alfred's fighting techniques and experiences."

Barbara's eyes widened slightly, clearly impressed. "That's quite a set of abilities. It makes sense now why you had such a strong reaction to those gloves. It's good to have a handle on what you can do."

Before Theo could say more, Barbara's expression turned serious. "We're going to have a training session today. I think it's important for you to test your skills and get a better grip on your abilities. Alfred will be there to guide you, and Cassandra Cain will help with your combat techniques."

Theo's stomach churned with nerves. "Cassandra Cain? Is she...?"

Barbara interrupted with a reassuring tone. "She's a skilled fighter and a valuable member of the team. She'll be able to assess your fighting techniques and help you refine them."

Theo nodded, understanding the necessity of the training but still feeling a bit apprehensive. "Alright, I'll do my best."

The training session took place in the Batcave, where a designated area was set up for physical conditioning and combat training. The space was filled with various equipment, from punching bags to obstacle courses. Alfred and Cassandra were already there, the latter performing warm-up exercises with a fluid grace.

Barbara introduced Theo to Cassandra, who looked up with a measured gaze. "Cassandra, this is Theo Promet. He's new to this world and needs to get up to speed with his abilities. Theo, this is Cassandra Cain. She's one of the best fighters we have."

Cassandra gave a curt nod, her eyes assessing Theo with a professional intensity. Theo felt a bit intimidated but tried to maintain his composure.

"Hi," Theo said, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you."

Cassandra shook his hand firmly, her grip strong and confident. "Nice to meet you. Ready to train?"

Theo nodded, feeling a bit more at ease with her straightforward demeanor. "Yeah, let's do it."

The training session began with Theo and Cassandra moving through basic drills. Theo had recently discovered how to use his powers in practice. He'd grabbed one of Alfred's gloves earlier, and from it, he learned not only about Alfred's experiences but also about his techniques and strategies. He had been practicing some of these techniques on his own.

As Theo and Cassandra sparred, Theo's ability to access the memories and techniques from the gloves allowed him to adapt quickly to Cassandra's style. Cassandra observed him closely, offering corrections and guidance with a mix of precision and encouragement. Her approach was direct but supportive, and Theo began to appreciate her methods.

During a brief break, Theo approached Cassandra, wiping sweat from his brow. "Thanks for the help. I know I'm new to this world and everything, but your guidance really makes a difference."

Cassandra offered a rare, faint smile. "You're doing well. Just keep practicing. It's important to be ready for anything."

Theo nodded, grateful for her support. "I will. I want to make the most of this opportunity, and I'm determined to figure things out."

As the session came to an end, Barbara gathered everyone. "Great work today, everyone. Theo, you've made significant progress. Cassandra, thanks for your help."

Cassandra gave Theo a final nod before heading off to change. Theo watched her go, feeling a sense of accomplishment and a budding respect for her skills. He realized that, despite the uncertainty of his situation, he was beginning to build meaningful connections.

Barbara approached Theo with a smile. "How do you feel?"

"Much better," Theo said, his voice reflecting his newfound confidence. "I've learned a lot today, and I think I'm starting to get a handle on things."

"That's great to hear," Barbara said. "We'll continue to work on your skills and make sure you're well-prepared for whatever comes next. For now, take a break and get some rest. You've earned it."

Theo nodded, feeling a sense of relief and optimism. As he left the Batcave, he couldn't help but reflect on the progress he'd made and the people he'd met. With each passing day, he was learning to navigate his new world and, more importantly, finding a place where he could belong.

***

As the training session concluded, Cassandra Cain's mind was a flurry of observations and assessments. Theo Promet, the new arrival, had displayed a range of skills and an intriguing approach to combat that had caught her attention. While her role in the Batfamily was to be a silent observer and an efficient fighter, today she had been thrust into a different role—one of a mentor and evaluator.

She watched Theo from the corner of her eye as he wiped sweat from his brow, the lines of concentration still evident on his face. His performance had been impressive, especially considering how new he was to this world. Cassandra had taken note of his adaptation to her fighting style, his quick learning, and his earnest desire to improve.

As Theo and Barbara exchanged a few words, Cassandra approached Alfred, who was monitoring the session from the sidelines. "Alfred," she said, her tone clipped but respectful. "Theo has potential. His ability to learn from items is unique and effective. He's not just mimicking; he's integrating techniques well."

Alfred nodded, his gaze following Theo. "Indeed. His progress today has been remarkable. What do you think of his attitude and potential for teamwork?"

Cassandra considered this for a moment. "He's driven and earnest. He doesn't shy away from his limitations or his past. He's trying hard, and his respect for the skills he's learning is genuine. But he's still struggling with the basics of control and adaptation. His reliance on the knowledge from objects shows that he's eager to understand, but he needs to develop his instincts and confidence in a real-world context."

Alfred's expression was thoughtful. "I see. And how do you feel about his integration into the team?"

Cassandra's eyes flickered toward Theo, who was now talking with Barbara. "He's respectful and willing to learn. He's also very aware of his own vulnerability, which can be a strength. His emotional response to being thrown into this world shows his attachment to his past life, but it also drives him to prove himself. He's not fully integrated yet, but he's making progress. His potential for becoming a strong ally is high."

Alfred gave a slight smile. "Thank you, Cassandra. Your insights are valuable. I'll pass your feedback along to Bruce."

As the training session wrapped up, Cassandra found herself reflecting on Theo's performance. Despite the initial reservations she had about training someone so new, she found that Theo's determination and quick adaptation to the techniques were admirable. Her assessment had been mostly focused on his skills and his ability to integrate into the team. Still, she found herself somewhat intrigued by his journey and the struggle he faced in adjusting to his new reality.

Theo had shown that he was capable of growth, and with continued guidance, he might become a valuable asset to their team. As Cassandra prepared to leave, she felt a newfound respect for Theo—a young man thrust into an unfamiliar world, trying to make sense of his place in it.

END