Gotham City; August 27th, 6:17 EDT

The sounds of a fight can be heard outside an abandoned building. Kaldur is hit hard, his WaterBearers falling out of his hands as he continues to roll until he hits a garage door hard enough to dent it, the splatters of clay over his dark skin and his short blonde hair instantly give away the identity of his opponent. As he falls to the floor his tattoos stop glowing. Clayface walks past the rest of the Team who are all unconscious and covered in clay, like Aqualad. Forcing himself to look up, he sees Clayface's shadow step into the light as he laughs. Then watches as his left hand turns into a square mace.

He slowly rears his mace back, ready to strike him down. Until... Something fast wraps around his arm, causing the mace to slowly become frozen solid.

Something fast wraps around his arm, causing the mace to slowly become frozen solid.

Clayface: Huh? Noooo![frozen]

He screams in fear.

[CRASH]

Suddenly from above the rooftop window breaks in. Flying down from above came down Batman who glided in with the use of his cape. Touching down on the floor, he glares at Clay-Face as his cowl squints with the movement of his eyes.

With the squeeze of a trigger, he shoots a taser at Clay-Face which ultimately leads to shocking him. The clay that made up his body jolted at the sudden discharge as he erupted in a shout of pain.

Clay-Face: RAAAAAAHHH!!!

He roared out, slowly losing form as he descended into a puddle of clay on the floor. With him defeated, Batman slowly stood up. After watching the quick display, Aqualad could only feel embarrassed at how everything fell, and that needed help no less from their mentor.

Batman gazed at Ronin. The team leader looks down in shame.
_______________________________________

Mount Justice; August 27th, 7:58 EDT

Batman faces the Team as they walk through the Zeta Tube and into the Mountain.

Batman: I need to talk to Ronin. The rest of you hit the showers and head home."

Superboy:＂Head home＂? I am home.

Superboy asks as he raises his arms, gesturing to the Cave, an annoyed look on his features.

Batman: Just Ronin.

Batman says darkly, looking at his protége. The thirteen-year-old looks up to Ronin, who returns the look. Looking into the Cave Robin keeps his eyes away from Batman as he walks past him. Only looks over his shoulder for a second, not even slowing in his steps, his eyes falling to the floor as Batman keeps his focus fully on Ronin.

Ronin: What is it that you want to tell me, Batman?

Batman: The Team, as you know, failed miserably.

Ronin: And I am sorry you had to intervene because of that. I know the Team performed poorly-!

Before he could finish Batman cuts him off.

Batman: The Team themselves performed adequately. The problem was you, Ronin, you're their leader. But your head wasn't in the game.

He tells him. As Ronin just stood there, a sigh escaped his lips as his mask uncovered his face receding into itself like a folded sheet. Ronin's hair fell over his eyes as he pushed it back with his free hand.

Though, Batman stared at him he could see it. The look in his eyes. Normally when one failed they would carry a look of embarrassment, and loss. But in his eyes, those feelings weren't present. In the pools of his amber-colored eyes, laid resentment. A look of pain he was trying to hide behind the failure of their mission.

A look Batman was easily able to decipher behind the mask he placed over his face, as he looked rather lessened.

Ronin: Y-You're right. As the team leader, I should've been focused. I should've remained steadfast, focused on the mission, carried it out without a problem, and made sure that the Team cooperated to take out Clay-Face. But..

Batman: But.

Ronin: I'm sorry. It's just that, today's the day that 'It' happened.

Batman: It's been what? Since seven years?

Ronin: Yes... The fact it stayed longer throughout my life.

Batman: You miss your father, don't you?

Ronin's eyes instantly shot up, stunned into silence as he nodded softly.

Batman: I know how that feels... Nathan.

Batman walks to him.

Batman: You can split your time between normal life and becoming a hero. But not your mind. Either you're here 100% or you need to walk away. Make a decision, Nathan, and make it soon.

With that Batman leaves Ronin alone with his thoughts. Ronin slowly digs into his suit, pulling out the dog tags.
_________________________________________

San Francisco; August 27th, 4:30 PDT

At the McKnight residence.

The sounds of a lock being unlocked clicked inside the home. Twisting the knob, the door opens as Nathan walks inside.

Nathan: Hey, mom, I'm home.

Marianne: Nathan, welcome home, honey.

She greets him with a warm hug. Walking over to his mother he wraps his arms around her in the warm embrace of his mother. As he pulls back, Marianne stares at her son. Her hands cupped both sides of his face as she stared at her son.

Like a mother's ability to sense when something is wrong with her child. She sees the look in his eyes.

Marianne: Nathan, what's wrong dear?

Nathan: Nothing, I'm fine.

Marianne: Nathan.

She says, knowing that he just lied.

Nathan: Today's Dad's birthday and...

Marianne: You were thinking about him.

She says, understanding now what the problem is. Her shoulders dropped as she released a sigh. Her hands patted his shoulder as she turned and walked back to the kitchen.

Marianne: Go wash your hands. I just finished cooking.

She said.

Nathan: Really? What did you cook?

He asked.

Marianne: Your favorite.

She says as Nathan smiles as he rushes off to wash his hands.

As Marianne walks back, she stops to turn to see the family portrait, with her and Thomas, holding young Nathan.

Marianne: Oh, Thomas. If you were here... you know what to do.

She slowly places her finger on the picture, caressing the picture of Thomas. Meanwhile, the team is doing their business at their homes.

Back at Nathan's house. As Nathan is in the bathroom upstairs, washing his hands, he just heard the news on his TV in his room.

Anchor Man: Breaking news: A blue-skinned magician is terrorizing downtown.

Nathan: Mumbo. Great.

Nathan taps his bracelet as the wrapping covers his body, to become Ronin.

Ronin: Wait. I can't let Mom know that I'm gone.

The clone looks at Ronin and nods. Ronin ninja streaks away, leaving the clone.

In downtown San Francisco, Ronin arrived at the bank.

Ronin: Out of all the days, this is the one he picked!

Mumbo: Mumbo Jumbo!

The magician appears in a puff of smoke.

Ronin: Mumbo, you picked a bad day to ruin my day off.

Mumbo: Oh Ronin, let Mumbo change that frown, upside down! [He waves his wand]

Ronin: I don't have time for this.

Ronin ninja streaks towards Mumbo and grabs him.

Mumbo: Uh oh.

Ronin: How about I show you a magic trick, I'm gonna make you disappear, back in a cell!

Mumbo: How about a little friendly warning?[nervous chuckle]

Ronin rears his fist back and punches him, as the screen cuts off to the cells with a bruised and injured Mumbo.

Ronin: Okay, that's settled.

He ninja streaks away from cells, and back at what's important. Suddenly, he stops when he senses something. A javelin was coming towards him until it exploded. He grinds against the ground from the explosion.

Ronin: Okay, who's the wise one to throw that?!

???: Who do you think, runt?

Ronin: And speak of the devil, there's you.

Sportsmaster emerged from the smoke as he brought his Hammer. Ronin groans in annoyance as he materializes a bō staff.

Ronin: What do you want, Sportsmaster?

Sportsmaster: You know very well what I want, Ronin.

Sportsmaster spins the heavy metal ball attached to a cord and handle.

Ronin: And that's to assassinate me, isn't it? [Spins the bō staff]

Sportsmaster: That, and I also brought back up.

Ronin: And who would that be?

???: Hello, Ronin.

Someone fires a light beam, as Ronin spins the staff to deflect it. The villain behind it is Dr. Light.

???: Reow!

Ronin easily dodges the assassin who tries to claw his eyes out.

Catwoman(Holly): HI, Roni~.

Ronin: Great.

???: Sup, Ronin.

The villain known as Firefly, shoots fire, as Ronin moves his hands in a circular motion to throw the fire away.

Ronin: Firefly? Agh!

Ronin gets unexpectedly hit without looking.

???: Sorry, was I supposed to wait my turn?

Ronin: [gets up] Deathstroke.

???: RAAAHH!

Ronin swiftly dodges the punch of the giant monster made out of concrete.

Ronin: This is bad.

He looks around to see the villains gathered to fight him.

Sportsmaster: Kill him.

They all charge at him.

Ronin: Oh great.

Ronin used Shadow Clone to create four clones of himself. Each of the clones charges in at the villains. Each clone powers their attacks with their chi, punching them away. The villains dodge and block their attacks. The clones materialize weapons to face them and charge in.

As the first clone charges at his attacker, Sportsmaster smiles behind his mask. With a swing of his iron mace, the steel ball heads towards the clone who caught the ball.

Clone #1: Not so fast, Sporty.

He taunts.

Sportsmaster: Not so clever either.

He says, activating the spike mechanism of the metal ball caught between the Clones' hands. The steel spikes stabbing through his fingers caused the clone to let go. Using the opportunity granted, Sportsmaster ran forward and he slammed his fist across the clone's face.

As the Clone stumbled back, he shook his head getting back focus. Sportsmaster ran forward with another attack. Attacking with a right hook the clone dodged the attack and then blocked with his right arm to a left hook. Quickly, the clone delivered a chop to the neck as he pushed away Sportsmaster's fist.

Delivering a knee to the chest, he grabbed his head bring Sportsmaster down. He hit him with an elbow blow right to the mask stunning Sportsmaster as he fell backwards. Quickly the Clone charged forward, jumping up as he spun around in the air with his left foot kicked out.

The Clone shouted. Holding up his arms, Sportsmaster blocked the incoming attack. Pushing him back he pulled out three small balls and threw them toward the Clone's feet. His eyes widened when he saw the balls start to flicker red, beeping faster in a countdown motion.

Clone #1: Uh-oh.

[BOOOM!!!]

As an explosion erupted from behind, the second clone that Ronin manifested charged at his attacker. Twirling his blade in his hands, Deathstroke watched as the Clone rushed at him. Materializing a Bo-staff from the center of his palm. The Clone spins the staff around as he leaps forward.

Clone #2: HAA!!

With a battle cry, he swung the staff down as Deathstroke blocked with his sword flat, with his other hand held near the top half.

Deathstroke: Fighting a clone never fairs against someone like me, that's if you did your research.

He says pushing the staff back before he delivers a backkick. As Ronin slides back, he stabs his staff into the ground to slow himself down.

Clone #2: Real, or not. You're still going down.

He states.

Deathstroke: Then put your money where your mouth is, because mine's on your head when I bring it in.

He says as he rushes at Ronin. Pulling out a Mac-11 as gunshots fire from the barrel. Quickly the Clone reacts by spinning his staff fast enough to deflect the bullets. Closing the distance, Deathstroke brings down his sword as the Clone blocks the attack.

Clone #2: Whoa!

He grunts. He defends himself with his staff to deflect Deathstroke's attack. After a few more minutes of blocking his attacks, the Clone pushes Deathstroke away. A kick to the head as he jumps off his face backflipping in the air. Performing a set of hand gestures, he clasps his hands together. Sticking out both of his index fingers as he closed them together.

Clone #2: Dodge this!

He yelled out as his fires of lightning forth raging through the sky. The electricity roared as it headed for Deathstroke.

Deathstroke: Hmph, fire trucks won't help you.

He said as he stood there as the balls touched him. Five consecutive explosions rocked the ground as a ball of fire broke out. The buildings shook, as the windows cracked due to the force. As the Clone landed, he stared at the spot where Deathstroke once stood.

Clone #2: Ooh, think I did a little bit too much.

Deathstroke: 'A little too much', who do you think you are?

[THWACK]

Coming in from out of nowhere, Deathstroke knees him in the side. The powerful, and sudden blow, shocked the Clone and he gasped.

Clone #2: Ugh!

He coughed out as he was grabbed by his mask. With a spin, Deathstroke sent the clone flying into a building behind him. Cracking the wall as it cracked underneath his body. As his body slid back down to the ground, Deathstroke slowly made his way towards him. The sparks cast a shadow over his body, except for the left side of his orange mask and a glint of light from his eye socket.

Clone #3: Whoa!

Cinderblock: RAWWWWR!!!

The tall, muscular, cinderblock-made monster slammed his fist into the ground where the clone once stood, had he not dodged the attack his head would've been where his stomach was.

Clone #3: Ight, Cranky pants! Now you're gonna get it.

Doctor Light: No.

He speaks, and a beam of light blasts from his hands toward the clone as he dodges the beam.

Doctor Light: You will be getting it! A present of my all-powerful light!

He yelled as he shot beam after beam at the Clone. Flipping backward as he avoided each shot, the Clone flipped into the air as he threw three shurikens at Doctor Light to distract him. Seeing the incoming shurikens, Doctor Light blasted at them as he pulled back his hand. Steaming with light energy as he smiled.

Doctor Light: Your ninja toys won't save you, huh?!

Looking forward he saw that the Clone had disappeared.

Doctor Light: Wh-Where'd you go?

Clone #3: Right behind you.

He says, having ninja streaked behind Light so fast that the eye could see. Before he could react, the Clone delivers a Tiger Paw to the spine. The attack stunned Doctor Light as he coughed out spit and air.

Clone #3: Sorry, Doc, but you're the more dangerous one around here than any of the others. So let's get you wrapped up.

He said as he used his costume to wrap him up in strands to restrain him. With the unconscious Doc laid down, a sudden THUMP shook behind him.

Clone #3: Huh?

Turning his head, he noticed a tall shadow looming over him. Standing behind him Cinderblock roared as he brought his huge fist down. Quickly, the Clone grabbed Doctor Light, and, Ronin Ninja streaked away saving his life.

Clone #3: Whoa, hey! He's your partner you lug nut! Watch it!

Cinderblock: RAWWWR!

He growled as he raised his huge foot before bringing it down. His foot creates a thunderous wave of earth as it shakes the ground, trembling it. As the Clone sees the wave, he raises his hand.

Clone #3: CHA!

He yells as he punches the ground. Around the area where his fist sat, the ground glowed a bright green, summoning a wall of earth that defended the Clone and Doctor Light from Cinderblock's attack. As the clone stared at Cinderblock and then glanced back at the downed Doctor Light. He slowly stood up to his feet as the strands of his suit waved around him.

Clone #3: Alright, Cindy. It's time to put you down.

He says as he smashes his fist against his hand. Cinderblock roars angrily as he charges at the clone, the ground shaking with the weight of his footsteps.

[FWOOSH]

Firefly: Hahaha! You like that!

Firefly laughs as he flies in the air. Down below, the fourth clone of Ronin chases after the pyromaniac across the rooftops. Hopping from roof to roof, leaping through the air as he moves closer to him.

Clone #4: Keep it up, hothead. I'm gonna take you down!

Firefly: That's what you think, Ronin!

He says back. Holding his hands together he gathers a sum of his flames.

Firefly: Eat this!

He shouts gleefully, a bright light of orange glow from his palms as he sends a powerful stream of fire where the Clone ran. As the flames rushed towards him, the Clone slid to a halt as he held up his hands. Wrapping his hand around the other, he spun them around like a fan, in a circular motion as he summoned forth a tunnel of whirlwind that blew against the flames.

[FWOOSH!!!]

Firefly: Hahaha! Do you think a little wind can fan out my flames? Try again!

He says as he pushes forward with his flames. The sudden boost applied to his flame power grew.

Glowing brighter, Growing stronger.

The new tech Firefly now had gave his flames a boost. Allowing him to summon forth flames from the palms of his hands instead of having to use his guns like originally. All of it was generated from the newly designed fire pack on his back, wired to his gauntlets and jetpack.

Seeing this, the Clone gritted his teeth as the flames came closer towards him. With no other choice, he jumped away, nearly getting burnt as the flames exploded on the roof where he was.

Clone #4: Damn it! When did he get so strong? It must be that suit.

He guessed. As he came back down he looked back hearing flames jet behind him. Having flown through the ball of flames behind him, Firefly headed for Ronin.

Firefly: I'm gonna burn you to ashes, and claim that bounty on your head!

He laughed. Thrusting his arms forward, flames spewed from his palms like a flame torch. The Clone jumps away, leaping across the sky as he lands on another roof. Turning his head he watched as Firefly scorched the roof as the flames were starting to burn the roof and then follow after him.

Firefly: Look at my flames dance for you. So beautiful, So lovely. Let them burn you and reveal to you your true colors.

Clone #4: What charcoal? No thanks, I like the color of my suit the way it is now.

He says as he clasped his hands together. Staring forward at Firefly, the Clone performs a gesture of hand signs.

Clone #4: Time to chill!

As he finishes, he takes in a deep breath, exhaling a large icy breath of fog that covers the air. Firefly sees this as he watches as his flames are extinguished instantly. The building that had caught fire was snuffed out, leaving behind only small traces of snow.

Firefly: No! No! NOO! My flames! My beautiful flames!

He hisses painfully. His eyes form a scowl as he glares at the Clone. The gauntlets on his forearms shake with a burning sensation, a humming glow of yellow light up from the center of his palms.

Firefly: You'll pay for this.

He growls. His jet burns as he flies forward with incredible speed. His hands stretched out forward as his gauntlets release a raging blast of fire that rips through the air.

Firefly: YOU'LL PAYYY!!!

[FWOOSH!!!]

Catwoman(Holly): Hah!

She lunges at Ronin, at which he catches her, and holds her in a struggle.

Ronin: Cat, why are you doing this? Why team up with Sportsmaster, Deathstroke, The Block-Head, and the Pyromaniac? Why?

He questions as he grabs Cat-woman's arm before she can attack again, and then her other. Holding her at a stalemate, she smiles at Ronin unbothered.

Catwoman(Holly): It's nothing personal, sweetie, just business.

She says as she leans down and then backflip kicks him back. Releasing the grip he had on her as she flipped in the air, before landing on all four.

Catwoman(Holly): A girl needs to stick up for herself, and make some quick cash.

She says as she leaps forward, claws out. As Ronin recovers he sees her incoming as he holds up his arms in defense. Her claws come down as they scrap along his forearm guards. Steel scratches against 'Magic Steel' as her claws do little to damage it. From behind his arms, Ronin stares at her with curiosity.

Ronin: Then if it's money you want, then why not go rob a bank? I thought that's what you do.

Catwoman(Holly): Ooh, that hurts. So much that you think I'd need to resort to stealing to get big cash...

She says as they spun around claws clashing against steel once more.

[CLANK]

Ronin: Then why? Why are you attacking me?

He asks. As Cat glances toward the others to see that they are busy with Ronin's clones, she looks back at Ronin himself.

Catwoman(Holly): The word is, someone put a hit on you.

Ronin: What like a bounty?

He asked.

Catwoman(Holly): Yeah, but not just any bounty. The bounty, one million dollars worth, just for your head.

She says as she kicks him back. Pulling out her whip she whips it at Ronin as he holds up his arm, having the whip wrap around his forearm tightly.

Ronin: 1 Mil?! That's insane.

He says as he pulls on the whip bringing Catwoman towards him. As he swiftly grabs her by the shoulders he throws her into an alley as he follows behind with his ninja speed. In the alleyway, he pins her to the wall.

Ronin: Tell me now Cat, who put the bounty on my head?

He questioned her, his tone evident that he was serious. But hearing the change in his tone Cat smiled seductively.

Catwoman(Holly): And why would the Cat tell? Who knows what might happen if I do?

She says.

Ronin: You told me this far didn't you?

He replies snarky. Catwoman smiles at his banter with her as she looks over to her left, her blue eyes scanning the alley.

Catwoman(Holly): Some say a new group started forming. A group where all the bad guys could join and make a profit.

Ronin: And who is this group?

Catwoman(Holly): Dunno, all I do know is that they're planning something big, and they got some heavy hitters too.

She says as she turns her head back to him. Her blue eyes locked with his white eyes.

Ronin: So suddenly someone has a bounty on my head and wants me dead, plus there's the chance some big evil group is coming to rise. "This is troubling."

He thinks to himself.

[BOOM!!!]

Suddenly an explosion blew from the streets. The two both returned their attention to each other as Catwoman sighed to herself.

Catwoman(Holly): Heh, you got some bad guys to stop. But don't worry, I don't wanna include myself in what they have. Besides I don't want to hurt my precious little ninja~.

Ronin: 'Little Ninja'? That's funny coming from you.

He says as he lets her go. As Catwoman stands up, she walks away slowly down the other end. Robin watches as she leaves slowly disappearing into the shadows, her hips twist and move with her legs. Like a feline disappearing in thin air.

Catwoman(Holly): Good luck~.

Her voice was a sultry whisper that echoed along the walls of the alley. As Ronin watched as she left, he turned his head back to the street.

Ronin: It's time to finish this.

He streaks back to the fight. Back with Deathstroke, he swings his blade at the Clone he attacked. Dodging underneath the swings of his sharp blade. The Clone dodged and evaded his swings with elegance, like a Sakura petal blowing along the ground graced with the wind that carried it.

Materializing ninja stars the Clone jumped back as he threw the stars at Deathstroke who hit them away with his sword. Leaning down he dashed at the Clone, his blade carrying the weight of his strength.

Deathstroke: Ha!

He swings. Hit sword cutting through the air itself as it almost felt empty. The wind followed behind the blade as he slashed at the ground where he expected the Clone to be. But he was only met with the wind that blew against his mask.

Deathstroke: Hmm.

He hummed.

With a hardened focus, he turned his sword around to stab behind him. The tip of the sword punctured the air as it headed towards its target. But the sword was only met with the resistance of hardened concrete. Sensing that his blade made contact with something hard, he jumped away as he pulled out his MAC-11 and shot at the Clone.

Holding up his arm that was encased in an Earth Gauntlet. The Clone blocked the gunshots as the bullet ricocheted off the earth.

Clone #1: Not so clever are you?

He taunts as he swings his fist at Deathstroke, releasing the earth that covered his fist as they flew toward Deathstroke like bullets. Seeing this Deathstroke blocked with his arms as they took the brunt of the attack.

Deathstroke: Nngh! Don't get cocky brat.

He grunted. As the rain of earth bullets stopped, he pulled his gun out forward to shoot. But in the moment he did, time slowed down just for that instant of a moment. Ninja Dashing over towards him the Clone manifested a sword as he cut the gun apart piece by piece, from angle to angle.

Leaving not a piece in his hand, all the while not even having the blade make touch with his hand.

Clone #1: Ha!

As time resumed, the gun fell to pieces as they crumbled to the ground. Deathstroke stood there staring at his hand. The gun he once held and just used against him was slashed to pieces right before his very eyes at a speed that night even his enhanced cognitive ability could comprehend.

Deathstroke: Nice moves. I'll give you that.

Clone #1: Thanks, not so bad for a clone now am I?

The Clone boasts standing up with his sword pointed at Deathstroke.

Clone #1: Now, give up and surrender. You've been defeated.

He told him as Deathstroke only stared at him simply.

Deathstroke: Hmph, it seems you still haven't been paying attention.

He tells him as suddenly from behind a gun shoots at the Clone. Quickly using his blade to slice through the bullets as they fire at him. His attention was distracted, and his senses focused on the bullets as he stopped them from hitting. Yet, his focus dropped on Deathstroke as he was unable to stop a sword from stabbing through his back piercing through his chest.

As the gunshots stop, Deathstroke looks at the clone.

Deathstroke: I guess you're not so bad for a dead clone.

He states as the clone vanishes in a cloud of smoke. Deathstroke stands with his sword gripped in his hand as he looks down the street. In the ensuing chaos.

As the rain of earth bullets stopped, he pulled his gun out forward to shoot. But in the moment he did, time slowed down just for that instant of a moment. Ninja Dashing over towards him the Clone manifested a sword as he cut the gun apart piece by piece, from angle to angle.

Leaving not a piece in his hand, all the while not even having the blade make touch with his hand.

Clone #1: Ha!

As time resumed, the gun fell to pieces as they crumbled to the ground. Deathstroke stood there staring at his hand. The gun he once held and just used against him was slashed to pieces right before his very eyes at a speed that night even his enhanced cognitive ability could comprehend.

Deathstroke: Nice moves. I'll give you that.

Clone #1: Thanks, not so bad for a clone now am I?

The Clone boasts standing up with his sword pointed at Deathstroke.

Clone #1: Now, give up and surrender. You've been defeated.

He told him as Deathstroke only stared at him simply.

Deathstroke: Hmph, it seems you still haven't been paying attention.

He tells him as suddenly from behind a gun shoots at the Clone. Quickly using his blade to slice through the bullets as they fire at him. His attention was distracted, and his senses focused on the bullets as he stopped them from hitting. Yet, his focus dropped on Deathstroke as he was unable to stop a sword from stabbing through his back piercing through his chest.

As the gunshots stop, Deathstroke looks at the clone.

Deathstroke: I guess you're not so bad for a dead clone.

He states as the clone vanishes in a cloud of smoke. Deathstroke stands with his sword gripped in his hand as he looks down the street. In the ensuing chaos.

Deathstroke: Aggh!

He gets unexpectedly hit by Ronin, slamming his foot to his side.

Ronin: Did I forget to mention...

Ronin and his clones:.. I was holding back?

Deathstroke: What?!

That said, Ronin and his clone start to power up.

Ronin: Time to end this.

Cinderblock swings his heavy fist across the street in an attempt to hit the Clone. Though the clone with his incredible speed was able to zip back and forth to avoid such an attack.

Clone #2: Alright you lug nut! The bigger you are...

He says as he jumps high, holding his leg up high as he gathers his chi at the bottom of his heel. He then brings his leg down delivering a powerful kick to the top of the head. The impact of the kick sent Cinderblock face-first into the ground cracking it beneath his face.

Clone #2: The Harder You Fall. Haha, that worked.

He says as he stands over Cinderblock, though immediately he receives a punch from underground.

[KRACKA!]

Clone #2: OOF!

He groaned as his body flipped backward. Coming back down he landed on his feet, looking back up to see Cinderblock slowly stand up from the ground. Smashing his fist together Cinderblock roared as he charged at him.

Clone #2: Angry Giant, on his way! Gotta stop them!

As he performed a mixture of hand gestures, he then performed the last hand gesture throwing his left hand forward, and placing his right around his left wrist.

Clone #2: Ha!

From his palm, small sparks of lightning crackle around his hand and fingers. Dancing around his fingers in an elegant light as it hums at the center of his palm. From that point, a beam of lightning shoots out hitting the tall villain. Getting hit with a bolt of lightning was extreme and very painful. The lightning struck, dancing around Cinderblock as he felt every sting hit his body.

The sound of a thousand birds was what it sounded like. The millions of dancing lightning cackled loudly.

But because of his size and incredible durability, he forced himself to glare with his fist held out to his side.

Clone #2: Ahh, c'mon why don't you just go down.

The Clone says, pulling his arm back as the lightning hums around his hand.

Clone #2: That does it!

The Clone says, before disappearing from where he stood. Quickly running with incredible speed he appeared in front of the villain. His feet slid across the ground as the lightning hummed around his hand.

Clone #2: "Here we go!" CHIDORI!!

With that, he attacked with his lightning-coated hand. Hitting with such speed and power that Cinderblock spazzed out. Releasing a cry of immense pain before falling to his knees and then unconscious.

Clone #2: Won't you look at that? Ninja Clone, beats, The Cinderblock.

Ronin: Three down...

Clones: Three to go.

Ronin and the clones streak to the remaining villains.

Ronin: Now to end this hunt, Sportsmaster!

Each dodges the shots before going fast to hit them. Sportsmaster, Deathstroke, and Firefly charges as well.

Sportsmaster: Your ways of the ninja, end now!

Ronin smirks underneath his mask as he goes into hand-to-hand combat with Sportsmaster.

He punches Sportsmaster, which he blocks with his forearm.

Sportsmaster: Hyah!

Sportsmaster punches him with his other arm. Ronin turned himself intangible.

Sportsmaster: How?!

Ronin appears behind Sportsmaster and kicks him from the back. Sportsmaster gets back up as Ronin goes fast to punch and kick Sportsmaster. He grinds against the ground after getting hit by Ronin.

Deathstroke charges at the 3rd clone and throws a hard punch to his face. But the 3rd clone still stood his ground. The clone glares at him, before jumping up and double-kicking Deathstroke.

Deathstroke tumbled for a while until he got back on his feet. Suddenly, the 3rd clone appeared right in front of him he slowly raised his arm and pointed two fingers at Deathstorke's chest.

Deathstroke: GACK!?!

It pushes hard he crashes into a building. The clone vanishes and returns to the original.

Firefly fires his laser at the 2nd clone, who dodges with ease. Firefly fires another at a bus.

Firefly: Like that bus that might be filled with people!

The 2nd uses his ice chi to put the fire out and save the civilians.

Ronin Clone 2: What bus is on fire?

Firefly flies towards the clone as he aims his flame shooters at him.

Seeing this, the Clone puts his hands together performing a hand gesture. From his mouth, he blows out a cold condescending stream of frost that clashes against the heated flames. A bright flash emits from the collision of two elements before them.

Firefly: Haha! You think that little bit of frost is gonna help you! My flames will roast you alive!!

He shouts behind the roar of his flames scorching the very air itself.

Clone #2: Oh, yeah?

He says exhaling as his fist begins to glow an orange aura from within his fist.

Clone #2: Well how about this!

With that, he punches the ground causing a tremor as the street cracks. As the plates quickly begin to crack in a line heading towards Firefly. He notices the sudden shaking and he stops for a moment to see what it is.

Firefly: Huh?

As he felt the air shaking, he heard the sound of the ground moving from below. Looking down he witnessed as from below, a giant earth spike shot out of the ground hitting him.

Firefly: Whoa, what the-ARGH!

He groans as the earth begins to encase him in an earth-like trap. Trapping his arms and legs restraining him, as well as shutting off his fuel tank and jet pack.

Firefly: No! No! No!

He shouted furiously as he tried wiggling his way out from underneath the earth.

Firefly: This can not end! This can not happen to me!!! Please no! NOOOO!!!

He screamed out, only to have his mask frozen shut by a stream of frost.

Clone #2: That outta keeps his mouth frozen shut for a bit. "Heh, get it, frozen shut." Great, I'm sounding like Kyle.

The second clone vanished into a cloud of smoke.

Ronin: Now, it's just you and me, Sportsmaster. How about you just surrender?

Sportsmaster: How about we play a different game?[pulls out a detonator and press the button]

A beeping sound was heard as Ronin looked at the source of the sound. There are bombs everywhere around subway stations and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sportsmaster: Very limited time here, either stay and continue fighting me, many will die, or you'll leave to defuse them.

Ronin clenches his fists.

Ronin: Damn it.

Sportsmaster: Choose wisely, you wouldn't want it to happen like before, right?

He taunts.

Faced with a difficult decision. Ronin was forced to make a very difficult choice. Leave the fight to disarm the bombs and risk the villains making their daring escape, or stay and fight and watch all of Sam Fransisco being blown straight off the map.

Ronin: No choice.[Ninja streaks away]

Sportsmaster: Oh, did I forget to mention that you have one minute to disarm the bombs?

He laughs as he reaches to his side and throws out a small ball, which turns out to be a smoke bomb.

Ronin created fifty clones of himself.

Ronin: [mentally] I can stop this in a minute, I gotta go fast!

Ronin and his split up.

After summoning his fifty clones. Ronin flew out over the city to find one of the many bombs that were planted by Sportsmaster. Behind him, the clones scattered across the city as well to go and find the bombs.

As quickly as they went, one by one they all began to find the bombs. One placed under the bridge, one placed in an alleyway, another in the subway, and one in an abandoned building.

Quickly while he was gone, Deathstroke watched from afar as Ronin and his clones searched for the missing bombs. But to him, he held a trigger right in his clutches. His eyes glanced over towards a tall tower that danced with multicolored lights that illuminated the dark sky.

Deathstroke: Let's see how you do with this.

*CLICK*

[BOOOOOOOOOM!!!]

A large explosion rang out throughout the city. After disarming the bomb he found, Ronin appeared in a cloud of smoke atop the rooftop of a building. Slowly walking over to the edge his eyes traveled over to the tower to see it burning with roaring flames.

Behind him, all of his clones landed on the rooftop.

Clone #1: What do we do?

One of the clones stepped forward asking him. Balling his fist, Ronin took deep breaths as he stared at the raging tower of flames.

Ronin: What we always do...

He says determination filling his eyes with a burning fire of emotion as he prepares to take off.

Ronin: We save the day.

Pushing off from the rooftop, he moves with incredible speed. Leaving behind a trail of dark wind that followed behind him as the ninja dashed from rooftop to rooftop heading towards the building.

As flames crackled and burned the building before them. The residents who were able to make it out alive stood on the streets away from the raging inferno of a tower that lit up the night sky. Nearby civilians stopped to see the chaos as they recorded with their phones. Emergency response was quick to react, but due to the fight that had happened earlier between Ronin and the villains they were held up.

Civilian: Where is the emergency response? This fire is getting out of control!

Civilian: People are going to die in there, they have to be on their way.

Another responded.

Civilian: They might be late. There was a fight between a hero and some villains not too far back. This may be the cause of it.

They assumed. This only seemed to stir more concern into the hearts of those who were already panicking. If this attack was caused by a villain then who knows how much time it may take for emergency response to get there. Especially if something like this was happening in the other part of town.

But just when all hope seemed lost.

WHOOSH!!!

Suddenly from above shadows flew over them towards the building.

Civilian: Huh?

Civilian: Look! Up there!

Someone pointed it out. As everyone looked up they saw that it was Ronin and his clones who arrived on the scene, and they were quick to take action. As he approached the building the flames reflected against the brown pools of his eyes as he stared at it.

Ronin: "I have to hurry. There could still be many stuck inside that building."

He thought to himself.

As he and the clones rushed in. The people watched as the wind seemed to follow behind them all. In an instant residents seemed to appear on the street one by one. Trails of smoke followed behind them as they appeared to cough out due to inhaling the smoke when they were trapped inside.

Inside the building, the clones were dodging the raging flames that scorched the halls. Waving around like fanning a flame as they reached wherever their embed could go. But to the clones, they seemed to move faster than what the human eye could perceive as a black blur. Their footsteps seemingly diminished the flames they stepped on as they entered each room.

Rushing inside, checking for survivors, and moving to the next if they couldn't. But for those they did find they hurried back outside leaving them on the street at a safety margin.

Ronin: "I have to hurry! I have to be quick! I have to save everyone!"

He thought to himself.

As the ninja dashed into a room. He found it empty, all except the flames that erupted having burned everything they could touch inside. Turning around he dashed back out only to see a weeping little girl standing in the hall with a stuffed bear in hand. Narrowing his eyes at the girl, he watched as the flames were about to reach her. Reacting quickly he rushed down the hall like a black blur.

The wind blew behind him as it extinguished some of the flames. But due to the wind and flames clashing it caused another fire break that erupted behind him in a fire funnel. As he raced towards the girl he reached his hands out for her as to what felt like time slowed. Her tears fell from her eyes only to evaporate instantly from the flames. Behind him, he could feel..no...he could hear the roars of the flaming terror behind him. His hands stuck out further as he was close to reaching her.

Ronin: Hnn! "I have to save her. I can't let what happened to him, happen to her."

Gritting his teeth, he pushed forward.

Ronin goes faster as he manages to reach the kid.

Ronin: I got you, kid!

Ronin: "Come on!"

He screamed in his head. Growls erupting from behind his gritted teeth hidden by the mask to conceal his identity. As his gloved hands reached the poor girl he pulled her into his grasp as the ninja dashed away. All just in the nick of time as the hallway behind him combusted.

Down below a collective gasp escaped the mouths of the people below as they watched another explosion erupt from the building. But as their gasping gave way to the wind, Ronin appeared in the center of the crowd with the innocent girl he saved grabbing hold of his shoulders scared for her life.

Ronin: It's okay. It's okay. You're safe now.

He reassured the girl who still found herself shaken to let go. Fearing that if she did she might burn.

But before he could settle down, the sounds of a bag dropping and a loud cry caught his attention as he looked back. Behind him a woman stood with her hand over her mouth in shock as she stared at the towering inferno, and by her feet was a wasted bag of cooking goods.

Civilian: No! No! NOO!

She cried as she was about to run towards the building only to be stopped by the civilians who were saved by Ronin and his clones.

Civilian: What are you doing are you crazy? You'll burn alive in there lady.

Civilian: No! My baby! My baby boy is still inside! He's still inside!

She cried out.

Hearing this Ronin's eyes widened as he slowly turned his head back towards the roaring flames. The wind blew against his eyes as his nose caught the scent of the smoke pouring out from the building.

Ronin: No... Okay, I have to sit you down.

He told the girl calmly as he let her go. But as he did he saw the fearful tears in her eyes as he sat her down. It pained him, but he knew what he had to do. As he stood back up he turned around and dashed back into the burning building.

Civilian: He's going back inside!

Civilian: Please! Please, save my son! Save him!

She cried out. Her tears did not fall in vain as Ronin heard her cries. As he rushed through the floors inside of the building. He went through five floors altogether at breakneck speed.

Ronin: "I have to find this kid, I'm running out of energy soon. I don't have enough to call back any of my clones, and I'm about to run on fumes with the constant ninja dashing in doing."

He thought to himself.

Though he would've used the help of his clones to get it done, they all had perished due to being caught by the flames in the earlier explosion. So now it was all just him alone.

Ronin: Come on! Kid, where are you?!

He called out, having reached back to the third floor after searching both the fifth and fourth floors since the sixth floor had erupted into a ball of flames. Searching through every room, he found himself in another room.

The ceiling was piling off, burning to a crisp as it fell to the floor. Flames danced along the walls as the furniture was already aflame. The entire room was like it was about ready to burn up alive, and if it was looking like that then it meant no one was left inside.

Ronin: Is anyone in here?!

He shouted, hoping, no praying someone heard him but at the same time he hoped no one did. Hoping with every fiber that there was no one alive left inside of the room.

Kid: [coughing] Ack! H-Help!

A small cry caught his attention. Pulling at his mind, he turned his head in the direction from which he heard the cry for help.

Ronin: Hang on!

He ran past the rubble to get to the kid.

Kid: Help!

Ronin: I'm here kid! I'm going to get you out!

Ronin spotted the boy in the closet. He quickly picked him up and ran.

Outside the building... The fire increases more as the firefighters try everything to put it out.

The female civilian was praying.

Hearing his cry for help once again. Dashing through the flames as he opened a hole for him to sway through like a cut in the wind. He approached a room that was set ablaze. Kicking it down with no effort as he stepped inside the room walking past the cinders that flew around him like fireflies. His mask did him justice as it protected the smoke and embers from getting into his lungs.

Searching the room he saw the boy sitting by a window. It seemed he was trying to get out but did to how far up he was, there was no safe way to get out. His eyes shook with fear as they landed on Ronin.

Kid: Help me!

Ronin: Don't worry, I'm coming to get you.

He said pushing through the flames, albeit with resistance. Though he managed to step through as he grabbed the child and held him up in his arms.

Outside, as firefighters fought against the fierce flames dosing them with water from a nearby fire hydrant. The flames seemed to almost roar as steam rose mixing with the dark cloud called smoke.

Over by, the woman who cried for Ronin to rescue her child stood by another one of the residents who had made it out. As all they could do was watch as the flames continued to consume the building they once called home. An explosion ranged from the inside apartments shaking the very street they stood on. Another collective gasp rose from the onlookers as the mother could only cry more. Frightened that her child may or may not have survived the blast.

Citizen: NOOOO!! Not my baby! Not my baby, why!!!

She cried, almost falling to her knees if she wasn't caught. As the firefighters continued to fight the flames they could only stare back in anticipation.

Firefighter #1: Dammit! If only we could've made it here in time!

The firefighter growled in anger, fearing for the loss of life that could've been saved.

Firefighter #2: Don't blame yourself. There was nothing we could do.

Another firefighter reassured his friend as he held the fire hose spraying at the building.

Firefighter #2: The flames are too strong. Even if we did come in time there's still the chance we couldn't save as many of these people as there is now. Just have to be lucky that there's some grace working with us.

He said almost not even believing his own words though still he clung on to hope. Everyone did.

Hoping that by some miracle, the hero Ronin was able to rescue the child.

[CRASH]

Suddenly a figure jumped out from one of the apartment windows. Everyone who heard it looked up to see someone falling from out of the building as a raging fire blasted out behind them followed by the sounds of breaking glass and debris.

Ronin: Hah!

Landing down on the ground, creating a small indenture underneath his feet. Smoke rose from his body due to flames having burned pieces of his suit. Though what he held protectively near his chest was unharmed by the flames.

As the mother looked over at him, she walked slowly over to him. Praying that what he held in his arms wasn't the remains of what she could only assume would haunt her for as long as she lived. With panting breaths, he unfolded his arms to reveal the little boy he saved from within the fire. Opening his eyes he turned his head around. Searching for someone his eyes soon landed on the woman who had tears of joy falling down her eyes.

Seeing her the boy began to cry as he stood up.

Boy: Momma!

Citizen: Thomas!

She cried out his name as the boy leapt into her arms and the mother returned a welcoming embrace spinning him around with joy. Relieved that her son had survived she cried into his shoulder as he cried into hers. His hand still holding on tightly to the bear he held for protection when he was in the fire.

As Ronin looked over to them, the mother looked up and mouthed 'Thank you' silently with her lips. Understanding the gesture he gave a simple nod with his tired eyes.

Ronin: Thomas... That's a good name.

Standing up he turned to the building to watch it still burning, but slowly thanks to the combined effort of three fire trucks dosing the building with water. It soon began to die down. The clones already disarmed the detonators from the bridge and subway before they disappeared.

Ronin: What a relief.

He sighed to himself. As suddenly sprinkles of water began to fall onto him. He held out his hand to clarify if it was water, only to be surprised when it was. Looking up he saw a firefighter sprinkling him with water to die out the smoke.

Firefighter: Hey, hero. How bout you call off for a bit we can handle the rest of the heavy work.

He told him.

Understanding, Ronin nodded as he released a heavy breath before ninja dashing away into the night.

Back at Nathan's house. Ronin enters the house and he breathes in and out. He heard his mother's voice downstairs, meaning his talking to his clone. He quietly sneaks as he listens.

Marianne: So, after school, what were you doing lately?

Nathan[clone]: Just... hanging out with some friends.

Marianne: Well, glad you and your friends are safe, there was an attack in the city, and a burning building.

Nathan[clone]: I know.

The real Nathan sneaks by them as he heads to his room. Marianne noticed her son's sad look on his face.

Marianne: You still miss your father...?

Nathan slowly nods.

Nathan[clone]: It is... That special day...

Marianne sighs sadly.

Nathan[clone] Do you still miss him too?

Marianne: I do... As he is what makes us a family, and things have been... Quiet without him, I can still feel him here.

Ronin looked at his mother in the shadows. His mother continued.

Marianne: Your father was the very thing that happened in my life, he would do anything for the people he holds dear. And by the time I had you, he would be the very best father in your life and made a promise that he'll always be there for us, from front and back.

Both Ronin and his clone look at the picture of his father.

Marianne: Even after... The end... I can always feel and remember that promise he made for not just him, but, [holds Nathan's hand] for you. For us.

Ronin reaches for his father's dog tags in his suit.

Holding the silver dog tags in his hand. He grimaces over the sweet times he shared with his father. The good times.

Nathan[clone]: I know.[hugs his mother] Well, I'm gonna wash the dishes before I go to bed.

Marianne deeply smiles and hugs him back.

Ronin looks at his mother before looking at the picture of his late father. Then he vanishes with the wind.

At San Francisco National Cemetery. At the very tombstone, that Nathan walks to it, showing it to be Thomas' grave.

"Thomas James McKnight. American Hero. Beloved Father and Husband."

Ronin: Hey Dad, I'm here.

Ronin places flowers on his father's grave.

Ronin: It's that very day, the one that... Surely you remembered, Mom and I remembered, and I've saved the city from bombs planted by Sportsmaster. [Slowly sits down] Things were... Almost difficult when you're not here, but I've been getting better along with Mom, I know you could be out there watching, as I've done what is right for the greater good.

Ronin's mask uncovered his face as tears started running down his face.

Ronin: I... I wish you were here.

He slowly places his hand on the tombstone.

Ronin: Happy Birthday, Dad.

Ronin senses someone behind him as his mask covers his face.

Ronin: Cat, I know it's you.

Catwoman (Holly): I wanted it to be a surprise for you.

Ronin: What are you doing here?

Catwoman(Holly): Well, I saw roaming around so I thought I come by and check on you.

Ronin: Oh, uh, thanks.

Catwoman(Holly): Who's Thomas McKnight?

Ronin: He's... a good man. One of the bravest men that ever I know.

She looks at the tombstone as she looks at Ronin.

Catwoman (Holly): Is he a friend of yours?

Ronin: You could say that.

Catwoman (Holly): What happened to him?

Ronin went silent.

Catwoman (Holly): Don't want to talk about it, right? I understand.

Ronin: Do you want to know?

Catwoman(Holly): Yes.

Ronin: [breathes in and out] Okay, it might be graphic but you'll know now.

Catwoman(Holly): Ok.

Ronin: He was a soldier, a loving husband to his wife, and had a son. They were a perfect triangle as a three-person family is, later he and his son took a trip to the museum... But that was when the fire happened as everyone got out... The other people were trapped there, he wouldn't risk them dying as a soldier's duty is to protect, he went there... But at a price...

Catwoman(Holly): [felt saddened] I'm... so sorry.

Ronin: It's okay, the son and the mother try their very best to move on from Thomas' passing, as it's hard for them as for the first time, have they lost a part of a family...

Catwoman(Holly) walks to Ronin and sits next to him, placing her hand on his shoulder.

Then, she gently lifted his mask a bit and kissed his cheek. Ronin looks at her surprise as he blushes a bit.

Back at Mount Justice, Ronin enters and he looks around. Batman stands in the center of the room. Typing away on the HoloScreens that look like keyboards.

Batman: Made your decision?

Ronin: The decision is made. I am here. One hundred percent.

He tells Batman strongly.

The Team walks up behind Batman's turned back.

Batman: Just in time for your next mission.

Ronin nods, the Team coming to a pause as they listen to Batman.

Batman: The Watchtower detected an immense power surge in the Bialyan Desert.

The End