I watched as the teens took turns sparring with each other, they weren't using any powers or weapons, just hand to hand combat. I realized how the less each one relied on powers or weapons, the better they were at this.

Robin was probably the best in hand to hand, considering he had no power. Artemis and aqualad are also very good, superboy was pretty skilled, and it appeared to me as if kid flash and miss Martian are doing fine, but it's a good thing they have powers in a real fight.

But their way of training is strange, in my old clan, training was more...

I was cut out of my thoughts when I felt a hand on my shoulder, I had been so deep in thought that I didn't hear someone come up behind me.

I ducked and rolled forward, landing in a crouch while facing whoever had been behind me, it was the batman. I stood back up.

"I assume you would normally be aware of my approach, but you were distracted. What's on you mind?" He asked.

I gave him a calculating glance. I guess there's no harm in answering, so I turned back to the rest of the team while batman walked up to stand next to me and watched as well. I subconsciously side-stepped.

"Your ways of training are strange to me. In the clan there was no mercy, but here..... here you fight like it's a game." I commented.

He gave me a curious look. "Do they injure their own people in your clan while training?"

"When they fight they don't play around. Training is the real deal. If you're not careful, you'll be killed." I replied grimly.

"Have you killed anyone in training?"

My eyes widened in surprise that he would even suggest such a thing. "Never!" I exclaimed, "only the most barbaric of the ninja ever killed their clan mates, I was lucky enough to have few fights with one of them on an off day."

Batman looked like he took a moment to consider this, then, "I see."

I wasn't lying. I did catch one on a bad day. And that memory still haunts my nightmares.

~*~*~*~

"Black jaguar"

"Yes master?" I said kneeling before my mentor. I despise calling him by that name, but I've been forced to the entire 2 years I've been here so far. If I refuse, I get beat.

"I don't have any assignments for you today, so I want you to go to the training room. Room E."

My eyes widened in surprise, well, that and fear. You see, we have a system here, rooms A through D are different rooms for specific ninja's skill levels. a being beginners, and d being some of the most skilled ninjas. B and c are of course levels in between. But room e, that room is special. In room e ninjas of all levels train together. Only in here and a beginner and master fight, though for the rookies sake, I would avoid that.

I was only just about to leave room b and go on to room c, I wasn't ready to fight a full-fledged ninja.

Hopefully I won't have to.

When I reached the doors to dojo e I pushed them open and walked inside. There were about fifteen other ninja in there, four level A's, three level d's, and the rest were b's and c's. Some were training while others talking.

"Hey runt, why don't you go back to the rock you crawled out from under? You don't belong here." It was the group of level d's picking on a level a. The smaller ninja looked about 14, he must of just joined, but I wonder what he's doing in this room. On the other hand, the 3 others were looking about the age of 21, they were much larger and more intimidating to the littler ninja.

"I- I-" the small ninja stuttered, but was cut of by the ninja who had spoken before, who appeared to be the leader of the group.
(A.N.: I would describe appearances, but they all wear traditional ninja garb at all times, so it's pointless.)

"I don't want to hear it. And I don't want to see you again either you little tramp." The elder ninja shoved the young one, who stumbled backwards and fell as he tripped over his feet. The group laughed at him.

I've seen enough.

"Leave him alone!" I shouted, stalking angrily towards them, dumbly forgetting my place.

They looked at me with little concern. "Why should I?" He asked smugly.

"Because I said so." I growled lowly, Giving him a hard glare.

"Is that a challenge?"

"Yeah." I said without thinking.

"Then let's fight. One on one. Hand to hand. Right here. Right now." He hissed with a scowl.

"Fine." I snapped sharply.

Stupid, stupid, stupid. Your mouth is gonna get you in trouble real soon.

We were standing in the middle of the room facing each other, about four yards apart. The room grew tense from the energy around us, the other ninja were silent and watching. The level b ninja were whispering no doubt about how foolish I was. And I agree with them.

I slid into a defensive fighting stance, both fists raised to block any attacks. He did the same, and there was a deafening silence as we stood there. Waiting. Watching. Listening. The other ninja watched intently.

Then he attacked, in a couple fast running steps he leapt forwards, aiming a spinning kick towards my head, which wasn't to difficult, considering I'm a good 2 feet shorter.

I ducked just as his foot swiped over my head, barely missing. This guy's fast, not only that, but stronger, bigger, and more experienced. This may not end well.

He began a barrage of punches and kicks while I dodged, blocked, or countered each one, but I was getting tired, each of his attacks were powerful beyond my skill, it takes more strength then I have to stop his blows.

Then I found an opening in his attack, taking the chance, I delivered a powerful punch to his stomach. He doubled over and backed up slightly while I stood up straight and panted, trying to catch my breath. Everything went still and silent.

Then there was... laughter.

The ninja, the one I was fighting, was actually laughing. But it wasn't happy laughter, it was cruel, evil laughter; and it filled the room.

He slowly stood up straight as he continued to laugh, it was loud, the only noise in the room. It was also blood chilling.

He finally stopped, "I must say, I didn't expect that from you," he started, "but enough playing, it's time I finish this." He finished coldly.

I couldn't suppress the shiver.

Playing?

He suddenly shot forward with such speed, it was almost inhuman and punched my jaw with such force I was sent hurling backwards and hitting the ground hard. I lay on my back and tried to sit up, but the ninjas foot stomped down on my chest and the breath was knocked out of me.
I bit the side of my mouth in attempt not to cry out in pain. A warm, metallic liquid filled my mouth and I spit it out.

Red. All I see is red.

I felt a kick blow into my ribcage and I clutched it in pain. A hand grabbed the scruff of my shirt and lifted me off the ground and I was suspended in mid air, helpless.

In a matter of seconds I was dashed back into the ground where I curled up in a ball, pain overtaking my instincts.

I felt the cold steel of a blade press into my neck, "don't worry, I'll make this quick." The harsh voice whispered.

"Yame!"

The blade disappeared.

I never found out who told him to stop.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The weight on my shoulder returned and, for the second time I was here, I was snapped or of the memory.

I didn't take time to process anything as I jumped back, but being the 'graceful' ninja I am, I tripped over the air and fell backwards onto the ground, cowering away from whatever had caught me off guard. Again.

"Calm yourself. I won't hurt you." I looked up, it was batman of course, how had I forgotten?

"You had zoned out, and from your expression it was obvious that you weren't thinking of pleasant things." He explained.

I nodded in agreement and stood, keeping my distance.

About thirty minutes later black canary called it a day and we all went back to the main room.

I sat in my usual spot and thought to myself for a minute while the rest of the team talked around me. I've been here two days, counting today, already.

Why am I here though? What is the propose?

Oh well. Mabey I'll find out soon.

~Sayonara