Hello everyone!

This time be prepared for angst and hurt!Nightwing (he really isn't alright).

It is set after Invasion so he isn't in the best of a mind set plus there are plenty others here including the Titans, Bat Bros, Deathstroke and a couple others. In my universe there has been more than one apprenticeship between Nightwing/Deathstroke so they did some bonding so Deathstroke is a bit more caring towards him. No one know about the second apprenticeship though. Also, Grant isn't dead - just badly injured and unable to fight (and pretending to be dead to most people).

Oh and Wally didn't 'cease' here. Nightwing jumped in and ended up getting badly hurt but saved Wally. He has still left the team for a while though.

Be prepared this is pretty AU, OCC and may have spelling/grammar errors.

As usual I own nothing.

Hope you enjoy.

Robyn 

It was about a week after the Invasion and tension were still running high amongst certain members of the team. After Nightwing's plan, things had been a bit more interesting and suspicious of each other. Arguments and fights between members happened frequently. The only apparent good thing to come from the whole event was that most villains had been laying low. That meant the week had been extremely quiet leaving many (cough all cough) members of the team bored. Which led to even more fights.

Having so many teens in one place, especially when deathly bored, meant they probably should have predicted the outcome of the day, which was in one word - disastrous. To be fair it had been coming for a while and being bored was only a small factor in it.

It started with the majority of the team hanging around the holograms, due to it being a quiet space where they could meet. The Watch Tower wasn't really the same, it didn't quite feel like a home or base and they were constantly surrounded by League members, but Mount Justice was still under construction.

Lagoon Boy, Blue Beetle and Impulse were hanging around the second Robin's hologram with tense shoulders. Lagoon Boy and Blue Beetle were face to face glaring at each other while Impulse tried to calm the pair down. Impulse's attempts were to no avail however as the pair were soon wrestling each other. This wasn't the first argument between the pair but it was the first time it had escalated into an all out fight.

Beast Boy was the first to notice as most of the senior members were talking further out of the way, amongst the tress. They had separated themselves from the rest of the team quite a bit recently. He had glanced at the pair out of the corner of his eyes while talking to Wonder Girl and when he saw what was happening he rushed over, ignoring Wonder Girl's confused shout. He started shouting at them to be careful as they were getting scarily close to the hologram of Robin and if they weren't careful they would damage it. However as he closed the distance (still in his vaguely human shape) he tripped and rolled straight into the bottom of the statue he had been trying to protect.

The thud he made as he hit it echoed into the now silent clearing. The sound had made everyone stop to see what was happening, including the pair fighting and older members of the team. The part of the pedestal he hit made a weird clicking noise before a shallow draw came out revealing a piece of cloth that looked like a costume. Beast Boy, having sat up with a slight rub of his head peaked into the draw first, curious to why and how it got to be in there, followed be the rest of the team that had run over at some point.

Beast Boy lifted the costume out of the draw swiftly, curiosity quickly changing to a terrified expression after seeing what exactly it was. He stood up unravelling the costume by accident, revealing it to the whole team. It was similar to Nightwing's suit, except instead of a mask there was a half mask that covered down to the bottom of the nose, while leaving the hair uncovered. Instead of a blue bird there was a red pattern that snaked all around and down the suit. The gloves were long and went to a point at the elbows. There was also a pair of large black boots.

Staring at the suit in horror, Beast Boy dropped it. "No, no, no. Why is it-? Why would he-?"

"Beast Boy, what's wrong?" Aqualad stepped forward putting a supportive hand on the younger boy's shoulder. The rest of the team watched on confused at the display. Well, all but one. Bumblebee had a worried look on her face, she had a suspicion what the suit meant but she was desperately hoping she was wrong.

It was one of those moments of terrible coincidences and accident which meant that this moment had to become even worse. As Beast Boy started muttering Nightwing had appeared from amongst the trees. He had been planning to talk with Robin about something when he saw the group around Jason's hologram. With a sinking feeling in his gut he approached the group. The only warning of his approach was the breaking of a branch underfoot which made the majority of the group jump and swivel around swiftly. Beast Boy, upon seeing Nightwing, leapt forward. Only just stopping before he hit the older hero and stared up at Nightwing.

"Why!? Why was it there? Have you seen him? Why?!-" Beast Boy started shaking.

"What do you-." Nightwing's question was stopped as he saw the costume lying abandoned on the ground. His eyes, behind the mask, widened almost comically and a breath caught in the back of his throat. Now shaking as well, he looked down at the green boy before glancing at the team. Seemingly making a mental decision he turned and fled, disappearing into the forest before anyone could stop him.

The rest of the team, completely bewildered by the strange encounter, looked at the young shape shifter who was still shaking slightly. He had given up trying to remain on his feet and had fallen on to his knees. Bumblebee stepped forward and crouched down. Putting a caring hand on his shoulder.

"Was that-?" She didn't even need to finish her question as the shaken boy nodded with a fearful look in his eyes. Her eyes widened before darkening, saddened with the realisation that she had been right.

"Bumblebee what is wrong with Beast Boy and Nightwing? And what about that costume has the pair so scared?" Superboy glared as if he could read her mind and learn all the secrets if he looked hard enough. He wanted to know the reason why and how a piece of fabric could scare two people he really cared about.

"You guys remember meeting the Titans and Ravager, right?" With cautious nods as the team answered, she continued. "Remember them telling you about Slade? Well, when 'Wing was his apprentice he was called Renegade and that was his suit."

She looked up from Beast Boy only to be met with shocked eyes. "We were never sure but we think Nightwing and Slade met a few times afterwards as well. But we never had any proof of it happening or what went on. I hadn't even seen the suit before now. Only the original Titans have."

"You mean not only did he almost kill us during the Invasion and put us all in danger but he has also has been working with a mercenary? He betrayed us!" Lagoon Boy shouted his whole body screaming with anger and betrayal.

There were many faces prepared to argue however it was Impulse that got there first surprisingly. "If it wasn't for Nightwing's plan than we would all be dead, besides he did the best be could and he hasn't betrayed us! In the future he was one of the last heroes still standing and helped the newest generations, I've known him since I was little. He wouldn't betray us." The future speedster had ran in front of the Atlantian and had given up on all attempts of peace from earlier. The rest of the team looked shocked at one of the rare acknowledgements of the future, Impulse didn't share stuff often, he couldn't.

"He is right. Nightwing hasn't betrayed us, besides we agreed to go undercover, it was not just Nightwing's decision. Though I do remember something that Deathstroke said to me. We didn't interact often but the one time that we did he mentioned that he'd had an apprentice, and something about a deal. It didn't register at the time but he gave Aqualad and I looks all the time, I think he knew exactly who we were." Artemis admitted as everyone watched her. She fiddled with a bit of hair nervously, wanting to and not wanting to know what it all meant.

"We need to find him." Superboy stated firmly, leaving no room for arguments.

"I'm calling the Titans." Beast Boy stood up, his hands in fists glaring determinedly at the dirt. He stopped all protest with a hand. "No, they deserve to know, Nightwing is still a Titan plus we know more about him and Slade than you do."

"What do you mean he's still a Titan?" Static asked voicing his confusion for the first time. He had very little idea about what we going on.

"Of course, you don't know. Nightwing was leader of the Titans for a few years and even as part of this team he still leads them and occasionally goes over to help look after the newer heroes. Slade was a mercenary that forced him to be his apprentice by threatening the original Titans." Bumblebee explained from her new position in her boyfriend, Guardian's, arms.

"Alright. We need to think logically though. Where will he be?" Miss Martian stepped forward looking at the group for answers, trying to get the conversation back onto actually finding Nightwing.

"Bludhaven. It's his current home plus he knows it better than anybody. It's where he would go. Beast Boy tell the Titans to meet us there." Kid Flash looked serious as he added his part to the conversation.

With nods the team moved out to get ready before leaving for Bludhaven in hopes of solving this mystery and making sure Nightwing was okay.

Nightwing leapt from building to building, flipping here and there desperately trying to get away from everyone. He'd taken the zeta-beam to Bludhaven and tried to put as much distance between it and him as he could. Finally stopping on one of the tallest buildings he collapsed, his back against a rooftop generator. Leaning against it and curling into himself he broke down. Tears streamed down his face and choked sobs echoed in the evening.

It had been a long 7 months, with Batman gone he had been left with so many extra responsibilities, especially with the recent discoveries with his brothers. He had been struggling to keep up with everything and was seriously needing more sleep as he had been missing far too much., even compared to normal. It seemed like some days he had to be in two or three places at once, how he had managed it he didn't know and hoped he didn't have to find out again. His brothers (and sisters) didn't exactly help either. They were always fighting or arguing over something or other just when he needed peace and some help.

Talk of the devil and they shall appear. With a not so gentle thud, Red Hood landed on the rooftop with his brother and his gaze immediately finds Nightwing. "Well Goldie, what are you doing? Did your girlfriend break up with you? Which one was it again?"

Face breaking with a small grin at his brother's poor attempt at humour he glanced up at the same moment Red Hood sat down next to him and took his helmet off, becoming Jason. His younger brother may have chosen to mostly be an anti-hero but it didn't mean he would give up on him. They were family and he didn't give up on family no matter what. Despite all the arguments and headaches it caused.

"Well, Dickie-Bird? What's got you like this? You're going to ruin my reputation." Nightwing raised an eyebrow, Jason was odd in the way he showed he cared.

"I went to see the team-." Before even finishing his sentence, Jason decided to interrupt his older brother. His eyebrows scrunched up and his mouth settled in a line, his whole body tensed with anger and annoyance.

"Why did you even go near those jerks? They don't have any clue what you did for them during the Invasion. I swear if it went on any longer you were going to collapse." Jason glared at his helmet as if imagining he was beating up the team who had hurt his brother. Not that he would ever really admit he cared, because that would mess with his image.

"Nice to know you care, Jay." This statement was met with a scoff. "However it wasn't that. Besides it was my fault. It was me that made the plan and put both Artemis and Kaldur in danger as well as almost endangering the rest of the team. I caused so much grief with the plan. I deserve the criticism and hate." Nightwing gazed distantly out over the dirty landscape of his city. He hadn't told any of his family that he had in fact collapsed multiple times.

"Well that's the biggest load of bul-."

"Jason!"

"I mean trash, that I have ever heard. Those jerks need to pull their heads out of the sewer and actually see sense. Your plan was the only thing that saved them, saved the world." Jason was prepared to carry on but was interrupted by a certain black and orange mercenary making a graceful and near silent landing on the rooftop. They wouldn't have heard him if they weren't both highly trained.

"Well isn't this a nice little party. What are you doing here Deathstroke?" Jason glared at the mercenary, swiftly moving to his feet and standing in front of Nightwing, pulling his helmet back on. He remembered what had happened during 'Wing's Titan years with this guy.

"I simply wish to speak with Nightwing. He made a deal with me to protect those teammates of his." Deathstroke answered calmly never taking his eye off of Nightwing, who was equally watching the mercenary.

"It's okay Jay." Nightwing had stood up and gently pushed past his younger, albeit taller, brother aside. Smiling softly at his cautious look. "He's right, we need to talk. Don't worry about me. We need to speak privately, would you mind running a bit of interference? I have a feeling the team may appear."

With a last worried glance at his brother, Jason hesitantly leapt from the roof in search of the heroes that were inevitably coming. With a sigh Nightwing looked at the mercenary, preparing himself for this conversation. Despite them getting on better now, after a couple of other kidnappings and stuff with Wintergreen and his kids, the mercenary still unnerved him slightly. Not that he would ever show it.

The team had finally made it to Bludhaven and the Titans had just arrived. Joining them on a rooftop near the edge of the city, closest to the city's zeta-beam. Amongst some of the faces they knew (the original Titans, Titans East (excluding Speedy and Bumblebee) and Jinx) there were some others.

Cyborg and Aqualad (Kaldur) stepped forward as leaders for the two groups. For a second they just stood facing each other before Raven coughed prompting Cyborg to actually speak. The groups didn't interact too often and weren't actually on the best of terms bar a few members (namely Bumblebee, Beast Boy and Nightwing). "First as you can see we have some new Titans. This is Hot Spot, Argent, Red Star, Stargirl, Molecule, Thunder and Lightning. However they aren't staying, they just wanted to introduce themselves to you." Cyborg said this through gritted teeth as if he had lost an argument. From the looks the Titans were giving each other it was pretty likely he had.

Aqualad raised an eyebrow at the row of sheepish looking heroes, clearly they had missed something. The Titans quickly huddled, having a discussion, which included quite a lot of complaints and whining from the newest group. It quickly stopped, and ended with the new group leaving having accomplished what they wanted.

"Did we miss something?" Aqualad asked watching the disappearing silhouettes of the heroes, with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't ask. Please. Now what did you call us out here for?" Cyborg replied with a groan.

"It's about Nightwing-." Aqualad attempted to explain but was swiftly interrupted.

"What about him? Are you going to hurt him again? He doesn't need anymore of you telling him stuff about his plans. You have no idea what he was going through during the Invasion." Raven accused with a sharp tone that suggested she would rather work with her father than help them hurt Nightwing.

"That's true, but even you don't know everything that he went through during the Invasion." A new figure had appeared out of the shadows strolling along the rooftop towards the two teams. He strolled between the two teams and everything about him said he was smirking even though they couldn't actually see his face.

Robin instantly whipped out his staff and jumped into a fighting stance, immediately recognising the new-comer. "Red Hood. He's an anti-hero that keeps attacking Batman and I in Gotham." He explained to both teams who quickly joined Robin in fighting stances.

"Calm down Replacement, I'm just having a bit of fun. Also, I think the Titans would know me better as Red X, although I think it is about time that I come clean. Sheesh, the stuff I do for Goldie." He took his helmet off (revealing a domino mask on underneath keeping his eyes covered) and ran a hand through his hair, ignoring the large group of superheroes cautiously watching his every move.

"The original team would know me, well you all probably should have heard of me despite the fact that I'm not as famous as the Golden boy, and to be honest I'm quite disappointed none of you have worked it out yet." He paused as if giving them a chance to figure it out before sighing dramatically and carrying on. I was the second Robin. When Nightwing was with the team too much and then after he left for Jump I patrolled Gotham with Bats." Jason accompanied this with a dramatic bow.

"How's that possible? You died." Kid Flash was the first to speak. "Joker killed you, Nightwing and Batman were devastated."

"Your faces are hilarious by the way, but yeah I died. Blame Ra and the Lazarus pits, he brought me back. Also don't mention that clown to me. I'm not entirely sure about the Bats thing either though Goldie is trying to convince me otherwise. I was lost for a while but somehow I found myself in Jump and I found Goldie, I thought it would be fun to annoy him and his new team. However he figured out who I was pretty quickly and looked after me when I needed it. Though I thought the Titans would have been suspicious. Why weren't you more suspicious about him not fighting back to retrieve the Red X suit?"

"We didn't exactly find it that important at the time." Raven replied with a raised eyebrow at the anti-hero.

"Why didn't 'Wing tell us?" Robin asked. "Batman would have wanted to know as well as everyone else."

"I asked him not to say. I think he knew that if he said anything I would vanish and he didn't want to ruin the opportunity. Besides it was none of your or his business. Also, the Demon already knows." Jason shrugged unaffected by the comments or suspicious glances.

"What Demon? Because I'm pretty sure you don't mean Raven." Cyborg interrupted the brothers with a glare, daring Jason to have called Raven a demon. Besides Raven didn't know so he couldn't have meant Raven. The group ignored the shock exclamations of "Demon!?"

"I thought 'Wing would have told you by now," Jason trailed off slightly confused, leaving an awkward silence which clearly said that Nightwing hadn't.

"What did you mean earlier, new friend X?" Starfire questioned from her position next to Raven as she floated just off the ground. Trying to change the subject back to what they had all originally come here for.

"What?" Jason blinked confused by what the orange alien meant, he'd lost track of what he'd actually said on arrival.

"I think she means from earlier when you said that we didn't know what Nightwing has done for us." Guardian answered everyone's confusion.

"Yeah, what did you mean by that?" Wonder Girl asked speaking for the first time. She had looked up to Nightwing but the Invasion had left her a bit unsure and hurt. Most of the Team were the same, even La'gaan, his anger was from hurt, Nightwing and he used to spar all the time. They had all looked up to the older hero.

"Oh, yeah. During the Invasion Nightwing was finishing university, starting training to be a cop (not that I told you that, okay?), looking after Batman's day job (which is a big responsibility), fostering the younger members of our family (meaning about 3/4 kids and teens) and looked after us while the Bat was away, he also spent his nights patrolling Bludhaven as Nightwing and patrolling Gotham as Batman. Amongst all that he was also looking after the Titans and looking after/running you guys. Meaning that for several months he barely got an hour of sleep at night and that was with me sometimes stepping in as Nightwing on rare occasions. He ran himself into the ground and all you do is insult him." Red Hood looked at them his face set in an accusing glare.

The team looked shocked at this revelation, even the senior members. Batgirl and Robin weren't aware of how hard he had been pushing himself. Yeah they had known more than most but they hadn't known everything, Nightwing had purposely hidden it from them. The senior members felt a heavy burden settle in their chests, they had all been fighting amongst themselves while Nightwing had been trying to run the team. On top of that Kid Flash and Artemis had left ignoring Nightwing's silent attempts to stop them.

"I'm going to kill that idiot. He told us that he was getting plenty of rest and wasn't always patrolling Bludhaven." Batgirl glared into the distance causing the surrounding heroes to back away slightly in fear of her wrath. It didn't help that she started muttering about teaming up with. . .was that people called Spoiler and Black Bat?

"Where is he? I think it's about time we all finally talked." Aqualad had a determined look on his face that was mirrored by the rest of the team and Titans. Aqualad was right, it was time they finally talked, cleared the air and got the full story.

It hadn't taken them that long to find Nightwing as he had forgotten all about hiding from them, making it easier to see a dark silhouette against the setting sun, plus Red Hood knew his last location and they hadn't moved. However, as they came closer they saw another silhouette. Trying to determine who it was they had moved closer, only for both teams to discover Nightwing talking with the dark silhouette, Deathstroke himself. Silently they approached the pair who were deep in discussion. The wrong impression swiftly leapt into most of their heads.

As they get close enough they hear vague words about a deal, apprenticeship and training. Unfortunately this only encouraged the story they were forming in their heads which is the whole reason the next accident occurred, well next few.

All the heroes leapt to attack, having assumed either that Deathstroke was going to kidnap Nightwing or Nightwing had betrayed them. There was little to no organisation and strategy to the attack which caused complete chaos. Amongst this chaos Beast Boy and Red Hood fought their way to Nightwing who was defending himself from any stray blows that appeared, plus a few purposeful attacks.

That is when one of the first accidents happened. A stray shot appeared from an unknown person, hitting Nightwing in the leg causing him to become unbalanced as the pain resonated through his body, usually he had a pretty high pain tolerance but he was too exhausted and the shot had really hurt. As he was hunched over from shock Miss Martian hit into him, having been thrown away by someone else in the heat of battle.

They were too close to the edge though and the hit sent Nightwing falling unprepared and semi-unconscious off the building towards the ground, hundreds of metres bellow. A fall he wouldn't survive. All fighting halted as suddenly as it had begun, they all looked horrified over the edge of the building, knowing that he wouldn't be able to survive.

At once Red Hood, Beast Boy (as a falcon) and even Deathstroke flung themselves off the side of the building in the desperate hope of catching him, despite knowing it would be almost impossible. They angled their bodies trying to gain speed, trying to reach the falling hero, trying whilst knowing it was practically useless.

Milliseconds from hitting the ground two dark figures swooped in and grabbed the falling hero, preventing him from joining his parents in their fate. They skirted scarily close to the ground with the surprisingly light hero in the arms of the taller figure, thought the smaller kept a hand on the dazed and barely conscious hero as if making sure they had caught him. The pair swung back on to the rooftop followed by the three who had tried to save the hero. Facing the team who had varying states of emotion displayed on their faces.

Gently placing the young adult (now fully unconscious) on the rooftop, his rescuers stood up revealing the original Caped Crusader and yet another Robin. Though this Robin had a hood and the colour scheme was ever so slightly different. He also appeared quite young but he had clearly already mastered the art of the Bat glare as he displayed, by giving it to the group of heroes.

"Oh no." Red Hood's faint murmur was the only noise for a few minutes as the groups seemed to have a stare off. A 'tt' from the new Robin soon broke the silence. A nudge to the Bat made him break eye contact and speak.

"We came to investigate the number of heroes in the area and I see we were clearly needed. Explain." Batman demanded in his usual gruff tone standing protectively over Nightwing.

"There was an accident earlier which lead to us following Nightwing to Bludhaven and encountering Red Hood, with whom I believe you need to talk. We then found Nightwing and Deathstroke talking and engaged in a fight." Aqualad explained calmly trying to appease the angry Bat.

As Kaldur explained, Red Hood had taken his helmet off revealing who he was to the Bat. There was no way he would have gotten out of it without revealing something and maybe this would stop Nightwing whining at him so often. The tiny hints of shock could only be read by the Bats. Batman glided closer to Red Hood as if to check that he was really alive with a disgruntled Robin trailing behind him.

However, he had left Nightwing unguarded and no one was paying attention to him, too distracted with the reunion. Which gave Deathstroke all the opening he needed. He gently grabbed the unconscious hero bridal style and disappeared as quickly as he could. Leaping silently from the building to building and moving out of sight.

It was only a few seconds later when Robin, the one with Batman, pointed it out, though by this point it was too late as the pair had already vanished. The team glanced around desperately trying to find where the pair had gone, only to find nothing but the darkening sky. They couldn't stay around here much longer, it would be too dangerous for this large a group.

"Would someone please has explain who this new Robin is? Why there is a new Robin, he looks too young after all, and what is actually going on?!" Kid Flash exclaimed in the shocked silence. Glaring at the new Robin and Batman.

The first thing Nightwing saw as he slowly came back to consciousness was white. The kind of blinding white found only in hospitals or some med bays. As his eyes flickered open and finally stayed open he got a better idea of the room he was in. It was a med bay, there were a couple of extra beds, an X-Ray machine and many other medical supplies lying in various places around the room. Reaching up with a semi-numb arm he gladly found his usual domino mask was still in its usual place on his face.

It was the click of boots on a hard floor that alerted him to the other person in the room. Turning his head, which took a bit of effort, he found himself looking at a familiar one-eyed face. Deathstroke, well Slade, as he didn't have his mask on.

"I see you're finally awake." Slade stated.

Feeling tempted to roll his eyes, Nightwing wanted to say 'gee nah, I'm clearly still unconscious'. However, he decided it was just better to ask how long he had been out for and where he was. He was in too much pain and too tired to argue or even make any jokes at the moment, something that happened only rarely.

"Fourteen hours, it's morning and you're at one of my still secret and secure bases." Ok, that answered that. Thinking back Nightwing tried to remember why he was there. Wait, the suit, then the fight. Oh. He tried to move his leg and sit up only to almost loose his breath from the pain. Bad idea. Very bad idea.

"Carefully." Slade helped him sit up slowly, decreasing the pain slightly. When he looked down he found himself in a pair of joggers and a t-shirt, the thought of who had changed him crossed his mind before he decided he didn't want to know.

Sitting up, he slid his legs off the bed and pushed off, standing supported mainly by one leg. Slade shoved a pair of crutches into his hands while stating that the shot was severe and had damaged the bone, but thankfully hadn't permanently damaged any nerves. He would be a weak for a while but would eventually recover if he took care. Meaning he wouldn't be doing any of his extra curricular activities for some time. He abandoned the crutches, stubbornly, glaring at Slade before he could argue.

Following Slade, albeit at a slower pace, he hopped along being supported by Slade and leaning against any large enough objects nearby, they found their way to what looked like a kitchen/dining area. Once there he was taken aback by the people within it, although he didn't let it show. As expected there was Wintergreen, Slade's version of Agent A. However, more surprisingly there was also Jericho, Ravager, and Grant, though both Jericho and Ravager were out of costume so they were just Joey and Rose. All three were at the table chatting while Wintergreen was cooking.

He had known that the family had been trying to repair itself, especially with Adelaide, Slade's wife's death, but he hadn't known it had been working. Looking at Grant lounging at the table he was once again struck by the similarity of appearance between Grant and himself. He had asked Slade about it during one of their other meetings as he had wondered if that was why Slade had chosen him. He had replied with it being a factor.

Though he knew there was a large difference now. If he looked down he knew he would find a leg missing from the knee. Grant had gotten into a fight he couldn't win and came back too injured and lost his leg, nearly dying in the process. Slade stopped him from being a mercenary at least until he got back on his, excuse the pun, feet. Though the time had given him, well time to think and he had decided that wasn't what he wanted to do anymore.

Getting a smile from Grant, a short hello from Rose and a signed hello from Joey, he smiled back and replied with his own greeting. This wasn't the oddest situation he'd been in and he knew that Slade wasn't going to hurt him, after all they had just been talking about the deal. That was one of the last things he could remember clearly, as the fight had just been a blur.

Fourteen Hours Earlier - Conversation between Deathstroke and Nightwing

"I didn't rat out your friends to the Light, and I allowed that Martian to take my place during the Summit, as we agreed. It is your turn to fulfil your side of the deal." Deathstroke stated as he looked down at the young adult in front of him who looked back, his face expressionless.

"What do you want then?" Nightwing wasn't sure what else to say, he knew Deathstroke wouldn't harm him like he did the first time, over a few different apprenticeships they grew to. . . understand each other better, it also helped that Nightwing got on well with all three of his children.

"Training. You don't have to kill or even be my apprentice just training for three months. You can contact the heroes, if only to stop them coming after us. I won't ask for anything more at the moment."

Nightwing thought, he could always do with more training plus it wasn't the first time it had happened. Besides Deathstroke had kept his side of the deal, he couldn't very well back out now. "Alright, deal."

The pair shook hands and continued to talk about smaller details and had even gotten into a conversation about Deathstroke's children (Nightwing was the only person outside of the family that knew Grant was alive) when the teams had attacked, interrupting them.

Back to the Present

"-Wing, Nightwing. Nightwing!" Slade called him back to reality as everyone else watched on concerned. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just remembering what happened. By the way what happened after I blacked out?" Nightwing tried to steer the conversation away from his thoughts as his mind settled back in the present.

"The Martian was thrown into you, pushing you off the building. We weren't able to reach you in time, however Batman and a new Robin swung in and saved you. I grabbed you when they were distracted by that anti-hero, Red Hood." Slade raised an eyebrow at the quick changing of topic. He also had a curious look on his face about the new Robin. He may be curious, Nightwing thought, but he wasn't getting any answers yet.

Nightwing had to smile, that meant Jason had told Bats and the thought of Damian meeting the team was pretty funny. Then it turned into a frown, they will have thought that he had been kidnapped, well he technically had. He was about to ask for his communicator when Slade flung it in his direction, he only just caught it before it smacked him in the face.

"After breakfast." Slade demanded as Wintergreen put plates in front of everyone. Nightwing glanced at his communicator, it could wait till a bit later. After all he would need to think of answers to all the questions he would undoubtedly be asked.

After breakfast Nightwing was shown around the base by Joey and Rose, who explained further why they were with their dad when they used to hate him so much. They told him about their mother's deaths and Wintergreen asking them to give him a chance and of attempts to bond, some of which were quite amusing. He was able to walk on his own this time, though he did limp a bit. It helped he had taken some medicine for the pain.

As they walked around Nightwing could feel the weight of the communicator burning in his pocket. He knew he had to explain but he didn't want to face all the accusations that he undoubtedly would. After the Invasion everyone had been less trusting and more weary around him, even the League. When they had returned and everyone had explained what had happened they had looked at him in horror. He knew why, he had become like Batman, the person he had sworn he wouldn't become. He had broken that promise.

Nightwing had hated the very idea of the plan but had been unable to find any other option. Originally, it was going to be just him going undercover as Renegade, but after telling Aqualad the plan Kaldur had argued it would be better if he was the one that went. Nightwing despised himself for agreeing. It all went even further down hill when Kaldur had needed help, again he was prepared to go but once again Kaldur argued saying they couldn't loose two leaders, but how was losing Artemis any better? He had cried in his mind instead of giving into the temptation to scream it at Kaldur. Wally's face had been one of the worst parts though, the pure betrayal.

Throughout the whole event he had suffered breakdowns that he had hid from everyone. He had to be the leader for the team, strong for his family and brave for Kaldur and Artemis. It was all a mask. He knew it would have been better if he went undercover, they wouldn't be as sad or miss him as much. He hadn't earned it. Some days he had been tempted to run, run away from everything and go back to the circus, his home. Though he always stopped and reminded himself he didn't deserve happiness and he had to be there for everyone, be the shoulder to cry on.

He was always the shoulder to cry on since becoming Robin, especially with the addition of all of his family, but who was his shoulder? He thought it would be Bruce and for a while it had been but after taking Jason and all the others in they were more distant. The rest of his family didn't see it, claiming that he was the only one that Batman actually listened to and could get the Bat to do what he wanted. He knows he's manipulative, he always had been but until now it had been in a good way. Getting his brothers, sisters and Bruce to take care of themselves, helping Bruce seal a deal that no one else could get and helping the team, both teams.

Wally had once said to him his superpower was making friends. Nightwing didn't think he would agree with that statement any longer, no matter what he said Nightwing could see the underlying doubt and worry. He had an idea for something, something he had been planning for a while but it may be finally time to use it.

Nightwing was quickly awoken from his thoughts by a worried sounding Rose asking if he was okay. He replied saying he was fine, just tired. Fine. It didn't mean anything, everyone said it and only some meant it. Fine. Soon the trio found themselves in a lounge where Slade was waiting for them and Nightwing decided that the communicator could continue to wait a bit longer.

"Did you enjoy the tour?" Slade asked In full Deathstroke gear and mask in hand.

"It was very interesting. May I ask why you're in full gear?" Nightwing raised his eye at his . . . not mentor, trainer maybe.

"I have an important meeting and wanted you to come along as Renegade, my apprentice to see what is going on."

"Sure, who are we meeting?" He shrugged, why not. It would take his mind of the communicator in his pocket and give him a chance to keep an eye on Deathstroke.

"You'll see. Go get changed. Your costume is in your room, I hope you remember where it is from your tour." Deathstroke walked off with Joey and Rose following, both explaining they had to be going as they had placed to be and people to meet.

Rolling his eyes at the pair he trudged his way back to his room which he only vaguely remembered from the tour. He was proud to say he had only gotten lost a couple of times. On the black bed that sat in the centre of the bland room was his costume. It was the same as the one Beast Boy had found yesterday but with a bit more armour, perfectly hidden in the costume and light enough for his acrobatics. Admittedly it probably hadn't been the best place to hide the costume, Nightwing thought back to what had started all this as he changed to Renegade. He had thought less people would go near the hologram out of respect. Clearly he had been wrong.

Finishing changing he had a look in the full body mirror that was on one wall, he was now Renegade. Excitement unwillingly bubbled in his stomach, even though he hated what the suit represented he had always liked it secretly, though he still did love his Nightwing one as well. The adrenaline of crime was addictive even though he knew he should hate it, he hated himself for it. And Deathstroke was a brilliant trainer.

Finding his way back to Deathstroke he received a nod of acknowledgement before following him out of the base. They were driven by Wintergreen to a hidden base a few hours away, Renegade had little bearings to figure out where he was as they were in unfamiliar countryside the whole time and he had no clue where they had started.

Finally stopping they entered a very nicely decorated mansion which sat hidden in a valley. He could feel eyes watching him the entire time as they marched through the halls. They were lead into a meeting room, bland beige walls and a large wooden table with chairs surrounding it in the centre. On the other side of the table sat a very familiar person, Ra's Al Ghul.

The pair were told to sit down opposite him and the number of eyes watching them definitely increased, he was sure one of the walls was fake. Deathstroke swiftly introduced him as his apprentice Renegade and he nodded to Ra, not wanting to speak in case he was recognised.

Ra had liked him as Robin and even Nightwing. Though he had always had a soft spot for Robins it appeared. Between looking after him when he was younger (when Talia was dating Bruce) resurrecting Jason and help creating Damian, though he did train him to be an emotionless assassin but he did care, he was similar to Bruce ,sometimes it was hard for him to show it. Plus, he knew Ra kept an eye on Tim as well.

The meeting thankfully went quickly. Deathstroke and Ra discussed the Light and the Invasion. Which was quite awkward, especially when they talked about the Team. Kaldur and Artemis, especially. His own name was only mentioned a few times and he did his best not to react. They also discussed future ideas, well more hits the Light wanted Deathstroke to make or missions they wanted to achieve. Despite the awkwardness it had been a very interesting and informative meeting.

When it ended though Renegade felt like cheering, it had been incredibly awkward but he had been lucky they hadn't mentioned him - Renegade him anyway. He also hadn't been asked to speak which would have given him away pretty quickly.

"Renegade, will you be helping your mentor in these missions?" Renegade cursed his luck, of course he had jinxed himself. He was tempted to let Deathstroke reply but knew he wouldn't as Ra had specifically asked him.

Putting on his best Russian accent, in hopes of keeping his cover he replied, "If my mentor and the Light wishes." Try the diplomatic, neutral answer he thought, it should be safe. In his head he was also thanking Bruce for taking him to all those businesses meetings for the practise.

A slight up turn of the lips and nod was the only answer and the pair were allowed to leave, however Renegade had the sinking feeling that he had been unsuccessful in keeping his cover, hopefully Ra won't tell the rest of the Light though. This was getting dangerous.

On the long drive back to the base the pain from his wound came back, throbbing and causing a headache. The pain was intense but he was unwilling to admit defeat and ask for help, stubborn he knows. Putting his head against the door he tried to drown it out but only succeeded in falling unconscious, again.

The end.

For now anyway, I may go back to this later if you want but I think we should have some cheery chapters first.

Oh and I know people like Black Bat and Spoiler don't show up till later when Barbara is Oracle but hey, it adds to the story.

It was definitely OCC though, but it is fanfiction.

Did you enjoy it by the way?

Anyway up hope you enjoyed.

Robyn out.