"You're going be to be late master Grayson." Alfred's voice echoed through the halls of the huge manor. Dick splashed some cold water on his face trying to wash away any remaining grogginess of the morning. "Be right there!" He replied, leaving the restroom and slinging his school bag over his shoulder with a slight wince. It was amazing what kind of stamina the young man had to do what he does over the course of a night and still be able to get out of bed with the few hours of sleep he gets. "Ready to go master Grayson?" Dick nodded with a smile as Alfred held the door open for him.

The ride to school was quiet, Dick trying to catch up on a few more minutes of sleep on the way. Alfred peered at the young master through the rear view mirror. He sat in the back seat leaned against the door, his cheek rested upon his hand. He looked peaceful enough but Alfred knew that just like the boy's mentor his mind was never truly at rest.

It was a familiar dream. Dick was back at the circus, his parents are there and they're performing. He watched the lion tamer's act, his favorite aside from his parent's. Afterward it was his turn. His first solo performance. Dick stepped into the center ring and waved to the crowd. The obstacles and equipment was all set up for him and after a deep breath he went to work. It was a 5 minute routine but to him it only lasted a few moments, moments that passed too quickly considering what was to come. Once it was over he bowed and waved to the audience jogging to meet his parents before their act. His father smiled at him with pride and his mother gave him a loving hug. Dick watched as they walked out to the ring and climbed up to their positions for the trapeze. What happened next was over in the blink of an eye. Usually the dream would end there but this time...Dick looked around and noticed someone entering the tent. They looked familiar but he couldn't quite remember them.

"Master Grayson." Dick opened his eyes to see that they had pulled up to the school. "Are you feeling alright?" Alfred asked noting the young man's bewildered expression. "Yeah, everything's fine. Thanks for the ride Alfred. I'll see you at home." He smiled and stepped out of the car bag in hand. The day was going by quickly and the whole time he couldn't figure out who it was at the end of his dream. After racking his brain for a couple hours he decided to put it aside and get something to eat. Bruce does that sometimes you have to step back from a case to be able to see what you're missing. With that thought he navigated the halls of Gotham Academy towards the cafeteria.