Chapter 3 (and still DenniBenni's...)

The ride back to the mountain was quiet. Everyone was nervous about what Batman was going to do since they were told not to engage in combat. They didn't think they would get into to much trouble since the person had attacked Robin. But Robin was afraid of telling Batman about what the man had said. How he knew who they were.

When the ship landed they all looked at each other before exiting it and entering the mountain. Batman and Red Tornado were waiting there to hear the outcome of their mission. They guess it wasn't good when they saw Robin. The teens lined up in front of Batman to wait for assessment. "I thought I said this was an observation mission only?" Batman growled angrily at the six teens.

He could tell Tim was the only hurt one so he wondered what exactly had happened. They all looked at each other. Batman paced passing by each of them as their heads eventually turned to the floor. He stopped at the end of the row in front of Robin. "What happened," he asked. His voice was mostly frustration, but there was a hint of concern in his voice, but only Tim heard it.

Tim opened his mouth but no words came out. He was afraid. Someone knew their identity and he was afraid it was his fault. Maybe he had let something slip that he didn't remember. "Um…I-" he was interrupted by Batman saying, "was I not clear on my orders?" The boy nodded quickly and answered, "yes sir you were but…" He trailed off looked at the ground.

Batman looked frustrated that none of the teens would tell him what had happened to his ward. Megan could tell and answered for him, "sir, Robin was attacked." Batman looked at the girl and back at his ward. "Is this true," he asked. Tim nodded and said, "yes, um, I need to speak with you in private." Batman nodded and told the rest, "the rest of you can go home." They all nodded and looked at Robin worriedly. He hadn't told them about what had happened exactly.

Once they were gone Batman stared at his protégé expectantly waiting for an explanation. "Bruce, this guy…he was different," Tim started. He didn't know how to begin the conversation. "How?" The man asked in a gruff voice. Tim pulled on his cape, "he wasn't like any ordinary thug. He…, he knew us Bruce. Our names. Your's, mine, and Dick's." Bruce's eyes grew large behind the mask and his heart skipped a beat. But, he kept a calm composure.

"He asked be about Jason. He called me Timmy," the boy mumbled. Batman had a bad feeling that one of his worst fears were about to come true. "What did he look like?" He finally asked. Tim shook his head, "cargo pants. Combat boots, and a really…weird helmet. It reminded me of before the Joker became…well the Joker. It was a bright red."

Batman's heart dropped. His fears were correct. It was who he thought it would be. The Red Hood. Formerly known as, Jason Todd. The second Robin that was murdered at the hands of the Joker. "Did he say anything else," Bruce asked trying to sound calm.

Tim nodded, "he said he'd be seeing me soon, and to tell you the Red Hood said hey." Tim looked at his adoptive father confused, "who's the Red Hood?" Batman debated on telling him who he was. But, if he did Tim would get involved and he didn't want that. He didn't want Jason hurting Tim. He would need help with this though.

The whole league knew about what happened a few years ago with the Red Hood. How after the explosion he disappeared. But this was a family matter. He needed family. He looked down at Tim after thinking about it and answered, "no one that you need to be concerned over." He then turned and began to walked away.

Tim stared at his back shocked, but soon chased after him. "Wait, what? This guys attacks me and calls me a pretender, knows my identity, and says he'll be seeing me again and I shouldn't be concerned?" Bruce didn't answer just continued walking. "Come on! You have to tell me what's going. You can't keep me in the dark!"

Suddenly Bruce turned around and ordered, "not another word on the subject. I'll take care of it, there is no reason for you to get involved here Tim." With that he turned back around and walked away again. But, this time. Tim didn't follow.