HEY ALL!!!! Sorry it's been a while, school is being a MEGA pain, so it has taken me a while. Anywho, just wanted to say that this chapter was one of the more difficult chapters, coming up with Nightwing's story and all. Please read and enjoy!!!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE TEEN TITANS

Nightwing opened the door to Starfire's room. Walking in he headed straight for the bed where he gently laid her down. She had uncomfortably shifted the entire ride back and Nightwing kept tightening his hold on her, trying to comfort her (he had let Raven drive the motorcycle back to the Tower). Watching her sleep was the most calming and exhilarating thing he had done in a long time.

Watching her sleep brought back memories. He stroked her long red hair before pulling a blanket over her and leaving the room.

Back in the meeting room, Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy tried patiently to wait for Nightwing's return, but it wasn't that easy. They had hidden unanswered questions for years, doubting they would ever be answered. Now that he was back, they were determined on having them answered. Finally, the doors opened and in walked Nightwing. He sat down and waited.

"So, what exactly do you want to know?"

"Well, for starters, where the heck have you been? How did you survive the explosion? Why did you wait until now to contact us? Like EVERYTHING!" Beast Boy yelled.

"Calm down Beast Boy, I'm sure Rob-Nightwing has a VERY good explanation." Raven calmly said, even though she herself was a little agitated.

"Look, man, just start the night of the explosion." Cyborg stated.

"Hmm, yeah that was rough. Basically I found out where Drake's hideout was and sought him out. I went undercover, and made it into the main meeting room where Drake was discussing the downfall of the Titans."

"Hold on a second, how did the house get destroyed?"

Nightwing looked at Cyborg then looked down. "I planted bombs throughout the house."

"YOU DID WHAT?!?"

"LOOK! Bottom line is I was able to corner Drake and was about to end everything once and for all when he told me that his 'master' would not stop until the Titans were destroyed, permanently."

He stopped and looked around the table. Raven's eyebrow had arched and she was looking at him very curiously. Cyborg's face had a look of shock on it and as for Beast Boy; his eyes were as big as apples and his mouth agape. They didn't know Robin had been capable of killing someone; he had vowed justice, not revenge.

"Man, why did you kill him? Better yet, why did you want to kill him?" Cyborg's eyes stared at Nightwing.

"I don't want to talk about-"

"Dude, you need to talk. You don't just go to someone's house and plant bombs and blow-"

"BEAST BOY!!!" Raven's eyes were glowing, "As much as we want to know why he did what he did, I think it is better that he continues with his story."

Thanks Raven.

Don't thank me just now. You're not out of the bird house yet. Nightwing returned his gaze to the rest of the table.

"Before I could find out anymore information I heard the final 5 seconds of the bomb count down. I was barely able to jump into the fireplace before the entire house exploded. Somehow I triggered a trap door leading underground; it ultimately saved my life. I remember waking up in a dark tunnel, unsure of where I was or who I was for a short time. The amnesia slowly disappeared and I started looking for a way out. On top was a ton of ruble so I knew that was not an option. The only other choice was to follow the tunnel, and that's just what I did. I found about a dozen different passage ways and by the looks of them Drake had never known about any of them, but I couldn't find a way out. After a few days my body was completely decrepit, due to lack of food and sleep, and I was getting no where. At the point in time I was at a dead end and I was sure I was going to die in the tunnels. I leaned against the wall and it moved backwards causing me to tumble into a large open cave. When I was able to gather my senses I looked around and noticed the cave was filled with extraordinary equipment: weapons, computers, gadgets, and even food. It reminded me of the Batcave, just abandoned. I assumed it was used as a hide-out many years ago but by the looks of it, the place had been abandoned for numerous years. I realized I was too weak to travel so I stayed in the cave until I regained my strength. Once I had done that I started exploring. My goal was to find a way out and I did. I discovered numerous tunnels, one lead straight into the sewer that runs underneath the city, most were dead ends, but I did find one that led to the coast. Ironically I could see Titan Tower from the opening."

"Then why didn't you come back?" Raven explicitly asked.

"After what Drake had said I knew I had to find out whether he was lying or telling the truth. I figured that if I was "dead", his boss wouldn't worry about the titans, leaving him more susceptible to make a mistake and leave clues."

Nightwing could tell the others weren't buying it. "Look, I contemplated telling you the plan, but I didn't think it would work. And before you say anything Raven," he knew she about to outsmart him, "it's not like I didn't trust ya'll, it's just I wanted to catch this guy as soon as possible."

"Right. Look, man, 10 years has gone by and you STILL haven't caught him. So, no offense, but that story just isn't sticking."

Nightwing turned to look at Cyborg. "Look, I'm not trying to get you to agree with my decisions or my actions, but I will say that I have found out a lot of information. For example, I found out that Slade had once worked for this guy."

"Wait a minute, Slade worked for this guy too?" Beast Boy asked slightly confused.

"Yep, apparently this guy sends his 'right-hand' men to different areas instructing them to somehow control the city by any means possible. I found out that Slade had originally worked for this guy, but once he learned all he needed to he decided to go rogue."

"Like you," smarted off Beast Boy.

Nightwing smirked.

"So do you know anything else about this guy, like his name?" Cyborg questioned.

"Not yet, but I plan on doing further investigating. This brings me to why I came back. My information has led me to believe that he resides in Jump City. I have a strong feeling he is about to make his move…."

"….and you want us to help you bring him down?" Raven asked.

Nightwing turned to Raven, "That's what I was hoping for. I realize, now, that I can't bring this guy down by myself. No matter how much I want to."

The three just glanced at each other, then back at Nightwing. He knew he hadn't given them a reason in order to help him. After all, he had abandoned his team and betrayed their trust.

"Though I don't agree with your decision, I know it took a lot of strength for you to say you couldn't do it on your own. Seems like you've grown up a little over the years and realized it's not always about the individual." Raven said.

Cyborg pondered a moment before adding, "Plus it would be great to be a team again……"

"…..yea, but this time don't die." Beast Boy said.

"Ha-ha. I'll try not too."

There it is. I won't lie, I'm not sure I really like his story but I needed something and this was the only idea that I could make work. I've read and re-read this about 100 times, trying to make it better. There is still a lot more to Nightwing's story.

PLEASE REVIEW!!!!! I would love your opinions on this chapter!!!! Thanks to all.