A.N.: Hello everybody. The beginning of this chapter will take place in somebody else's viewpoint instead of Dick's. I'm sure you'll love who.

Disclaimer: I do not own.

Ch. 10

March 2, 2016

Original Dick's POV

They thought he was dead. He had finally gotten up the courage to help his brother find him and instead of him realizing the truth his clone had come to the wrong conclusions, partly anyways. The realization made him stare at his clone with mixed expressions. He was glad the realization had helped Dick find himself but he couldn't help but wonder what would happen when his brother realized the truth and if his brother's false belief wouldn't lead him to doing something stupidly reckless and dangerous. Whatever Dick was planning was obviously huge.

Memories filled his mind as he remembered how he had come to learn the truth of what had happened to him nine years ago.

Flashback:

Nine Years before

'You must wake up,' a voice said. 'Do not open your eyes or speak but listen to me.'

'Who are you?' he thought.

'I am Dubbilex, a telepathic being that was made by scientists at Cadmus, where you are now,' the voice replied. 'They have kidnapped you and replaced you with a clone they had made from your DNA.'

Robin started to react but a memory resurfaced in his mind. He had been knocked unconscious while out on patrol alone. He had barely woken up to find himself slung across somebody's shoulder at the sound of somebody shouting. Before he had become unconscious again he had caught sight of a boy who looked just like him but in a white uniform sans mask and cape. He had thought he heard his own voice inside his mind saying "I have to help him". The words had come from his clone.

'Why are you helping me?' he asked.

'I was very close to your clone. I cannot let you end up trapped like him. He will need your help in the future. The Light is getting stronger. They must be stopped. I have to free you before they can move you.'

'What's going on? What do you mean?' he asked, confused.

'It is easier to show you. I did this for your clone as well,' Dubbilex said. Robin blinked as knowledge and memories filled his mind, some of them obviously his clones while others were detached images or feelings. He did his best to stay absolutely still and gave a mental sigh when they stopped. He had a major headache. What he had just learned from Dubbilex filled him with dread and terror. He had to stop it. Before he could say anything Dubbilex's fear filled him.

'They are here,' the Genomorph Troll said. Suddenly Dubbillex groaned and Robin was alarmed when he could no longer sense his presence.

'Dubbilex!' he cried out. No response. Robin fought back the urge to react as he felt his pod moving.

Finally, the pod stopped and he tensed. He knew what he was about to do was risky and totally recklessly dangerous but he had to escape. He silently apologized to the kryptonian Dubbelix had told him they were also transporting.

'Sorry Match,' he thought. 'I promise to find a way to save you and help you get better.'

Opening his eyes, he repressed a grin at the surprised faces surrounding him. Without a single thought, he kicked the glass of the pod and jumped out.

"What are you waiting for, get him!" Savage screamed.

Dodging and weaving through the the unconscious bodies of the Cadmus employees and genomorphs Robin ran as fast as he could to the exit. Unfortunately, he found his way blocked by Lex Luthor.

"You're not going anywhere Kid," the billionaire said.

"I have to disagree with that," a voice said. Robin stared in shock as Guardian, who had been standing catatonically across the room, punched Luthor and struggled to drag the billionaire away from the door. "Go kid, I can handle this," he ordered.

Robin nodded and ran through the doors. He flinched involuntarily at the bright light that suddenly hit him but kept running. He ignored the cries of outrage and the sound of his pursuers, focused only on running until he could find a safe place to hide.

End Flashback.

That had been five years ago. He had changed so much since then but he always feared he would be found. That was why he had changed everything about himself. He was no longer Dick Grayson or Robin. He didn't know who he was. He hid behind a lie every day, knowing that one day the truth would be revealed and he could no longer hide from it. Now, he feared that his decision to keep himself hidden might cost his clone his life.

Clone Dick's POV

"I've given up on my younger self," Dick said.

"Dick, you can't be serious," Jason said.

Dick stared at his brothers in annoyance. They had been like this since they had returned from Haly's Circus. While he cared so much about them he didn't want them involved in his plans. He wouldn't put them at risk. Yet, they always seemed to find a way to do that for him. This was why he hadn't wanted to tell them his decision concerning his younger double. Unfortunately, Jason and Tim had been trained by Bruce in detective skills just as he had. They knew something was wrong.

"You're really just going to give up after trying for so long to find him?" Tim asked, staring at him in shock and something akin to horror.

"He was headed here," he said. "The note was written a year ago. He would have reached here by now or given me some sign that he was alive."

"The first note Dick!" Tim exclaimed. "You told me it was found around the same time. Blüdhaven is closer to Gotham than where Haly's was. The notes were obviously written for you. You just found them in the wrong order."

Dick shook his head. "It's time to stop dreaming. He's gone and nothing will change that. It's just another reason we have to bring down the Light that much sooner"

Tim narrowed his eyes. "What are you planning?" he asked.

"Nothing you need to worry about," he lied. Ignoring his brother's protests, he walked to his room and activated his computer. Making sure everything was secure; he pulled out his cell and dialed a familiar number.

"Wally, it's me. Contact the others and tell them I've made my decision," he said. He walked to his closet and activated a secret compartment inside. Pulling out a box with one hand he opened it and stared at its contents. "I'm going in."

"Are you serious! It's too soon!" he heard Wally exclaim on the other end. "Dude, calm down and think clearly. You're obviously too emotional. We should all talk about this first."

Dick continued to stare at the box's contents. He gingerly touched the red and black costume that lay inside. "That's just it Wally," he said. "For the first time I am thinking clearly. This is what has to happen." He sighed. "But fine, we'll meet at the usual time and place. Just Don't expect me to change my mind." He felt familiar power rush through him as he remembered his reasons for doing this. "I've made my choice and it's too late to back out now."

A.N.: Alright, this last part was inspired by a review though I don't know how far it will change things concerning Depth yet.

As for the Lex Luthor talk at the end of chapter 8, that will come back soon, I just haven't found the right part to add it. Maybe it will be a one-shot.