Hi, PhoenixxFlame here!

I'm super sorry that this chapter is a little later to be uploaded but revision for my upcoming exams is taking control over my life at the moment. I've hardly had enough time to write this. But oh well!

I really love your reviews and seeing how you think the story is turning out, so keep them coming!

Enjoy the chapter and let me know what you think!

xxxxxxx

Since Robin found out that Slade knew his identity he could feel himself fall into a routine, and quickly a whole week flew by. He would wake up at 6:30 every morning and head over to the gym to get some exercise done, he could slowly feel his strength come back to him the more he trained and Robin knew that soon he would be back to full health.

After about an hour Wintergreen would enter the gym and announce that breakfast would be ready in ten minutes, this would give enough time for Robin to head back to his room and have a shower so he would kindly thank wintergreen and exit the gym. Wintergreen had stopped following Robin around anymore knowing that the boy would head straight back to his room with no detours.

Robin would then sit at the breakfast table and make small talk with Slade while they ate their food, Wintergreen flittering around the room next to them. Neither of them brought up their previous conversation and Robin had no intension to, Slade had already given him a lot to think about. Robin had also learned that Slade had expected him to help Wintergreen with the daily chores so after every meal he would help wash the dishes and tidy everything away. Robin didn't mind helping Wintergreen out, he had a soft spot for the elderly man; he reminded Robin a lot of Alfred although Wintergreen was a lot more reserved than Alfred.

But Robin hadn't forgotten about his escape route while he helped around. He had successfully managed to smuggle a knife that he could use to unscrew the screws which attached the air vent to the wall. It was currently placed underneath his mattress and hopefully well hidden, ready to be used.

Slade had also managed to persuade Robin to have a daily training session with him. Robin had obliged, eager to get more practice in. Slade was a great opponent for Robin; he encouraged him and never let robin win, always pushing him and occasionally teaching Robin some new techniques. Slade was much like Batman in that sense, always analysing his moves and calculating the best methods Robin should take. But Robin felt that something was different as he trained with the man, something that he never really got from Batman, respect.

Robin could feel how Slade had respect for his skill set and almost treated him as an equal, more than Batman had ever shown when Dick was in uniform.

Robin has a feeling that that was why he wasn't in a hurry to escape, he felt oddly content with his situation. It was where Robin could forget most of his troubles as Slade hadn't brought up anything from the outside world since their last chat. But part of him still thought that what he was doing was wrong, he shouldn't trust Slade and he should escape and get back to his team as soon as possible. But Robin kept shrugging off the voice. There was no rush, he thought and continued to persuade himself that he was staying for some ulterior motive, to find out what Slade's plans were and stop him. Either way, Robin remained.

The Boy Wonder himself was sleeping peacefully in his bed, but felt himself slowly wake as he felt how dry his tongue had become. He turned onto his side and reached over to his bed side lamp, switching it on. He moaned as he realised he didn't have any water and begrudgingly rose from his comfy spot and shuffled his way out of his room.

Robin regretted not putting on an extra layer as he walked through the corridors towards the kitchen. He was dressed in a plain black T-shirt and grey sweats, hardly enough to keep himself warm. As soon as he entered the kitchen he quickly filled a glass of water and took a swig before refilling it and began shuffling his way back to his room.

Just as Robin passed down the corridor, he began to hear voices coming from further along the corridor. Robin saw the light pass from under the gap of one of the doors and grew curious, this door was always locked to him before and without his tools Robin was unable to pick it open. As he grew closer he could begin to hear and identify the voices, they belonged to slade and Wintergreen.

As he approached the door Robin found that it was open slightly and was able to peak in. What he saw brought him crashing back down to reality. The two men were standing in a room filled with all sorts of equipment; swords, guns, maps, knives, computers, you name it. It was obvious to Robin that this is where Slade prepared for his 'work'.

Robin watched as Slade slowly began to take off his bloody uniform and pass it to Wintergreen, who placed it in a rack. Robin almost shrunk back in fear at the sight of Slade in his bloody uniform, the splattered blood made the man look downright evil, even more so than usual.

"You're getting sloppy Slade." Wintergreen stated as he took care of the uniform.

"It wasn't my fault the bastard refused to die, decided to try and take me down with him as I shot him." Slade grumbled, still with his mask on.

"Well perhaps next time you should make sure to take careful aim, I really hate it when you get blood everywhere. It takes forever to wash out."

Slade let out a slight chuckle.

"Whatever you say Wintergreen."

Robin just stared at them with his mouth open. They were discussing a man's murder as though they were talking about the weather!

Robin couldn't believe it as he finally saw the truth. How could he have stood by this man and happily train with him?! This man was a cold blooded murderer and Robin had shared his meals with him, talked with him and trained with him. Robin couldn't believe at how quickly he had grown to accept the man, the thought made him sick.

His thoughts trailed to Batman, how would he take it? To know that Robin had been hanging around with a mercenary, relaxing, while Batman continued to search for him, probably worried sick. Robin mentally began to count how long he had been missing, two months! How could he have just sat there and lounge around for so long without even realising how everyone else must have been fairing? Why did he not escape while he had the chance? Everything was set up in his room, so why didn't he go?

Robin thought about it for a while as he continued to watch the two men inside the room. Then he came up with the answer, Slade. He manipulated Robin and made him feel safe. He played with his emotions and used his weaknesses against him, piecing it together he realised that Slade knew all along his troubles with Batman and exploited them; trying to turn Robin against his mentor. And what's worse, it was working; until Robin found the truth. Anger raced through Robin's veins as he came to the conclusion, he hated being manipulated.

Without thinking, Robin slammed open the door, and the two men turned to his direction. No one spoke for a moment as they watched the boy, the anger written all over his face as he glared hatefully in Slade's direction.

"Ahh, Robin. What brings you here?" Slade spoke calmly, somehow undisturbed at Robin's sudden appearance and continued to take off his armour and weapons.

"I shall wait outside." Wintergreen stated and Slade nodded. The elderly man walked past Robin and out the door, but Robin didn't shift his gaze from Slade.

"How!?..Why!?" Robin started but didn't know how to finish. "How can you do this?!" Robin growled and Slade looked momentarily confused.

"I have never hidden my expertise from you Robin, you knew this from the beginning." Slade spoke carefully.

"I know but why?"

"Because it needs to be done, these people deserve it." Slade tone turned dark.

"But you lied to me!" Robin shouted, his anger fuelling him and Robin could barely register what he was saying.

"I have never lied to you. Robin, what's this about?" Slade asked cautiously, placing down the armour he had in his hands.

"You said you weren't going to force me to become your apprentice!"

"I haven't forced you to do anything Robin; you did it from your own free will." Robin was momentarily taken aback by the comment, knowing it was true. Slade had only offered and Robin agreed on his own. He shook his head from the thought.

"But you manipulated me to do so! You said that I had potential, that I could be great! You lied to me so that I would train with you and make me your apprentice."

Slade shook his head. "I told you Robin I haven't lied to you. I do see potential in you, I mean what I told you the other day; otherwise I wouldn't want you as my apprentice."

Robin paused and looked to the ground. Slade hadn't done anything against what Robin wanted, except when he first arrived. But after that Robin had the choice, he could have escaped at any time but he remained and trained with Slade and helped Wintergreen.

"But you're trying to turn me against Batman." Robin spoke, quieter this time.

"I wasn't trying to turn you against Batman, I was only stating facts. He hasn't come for you yet and probably won't. It has been two months." Slade spoke coldly.

"You're lying! You're doing it right now, I can believe that I was starting to actually trust-" Robin cut off short. "Anyway, it doesn't matter now, I won't believe what you say." He spoke quieter.

Slade growled, "Must we continuously go back to the same thing? I have not lied to you, Robin. If anyone has lied to you, it would be Batman."

"What? No, Batman would never lie to me!" Robin argued.

Slade straightened from his spot. "Fine." He spoke dangerously that sent a shiver of fear down Robin's spine, he walked up close to Robin so that he was looking down at him; making Robin feel inferior and he felt a bead of sweat roll down his cheek.

"I didn't want to have to show you this Robin, but you leave me no choice." He growled and walked out of the room. "Follow me." He commanded.

Robin didn't hesitant and followed the man out into the corridor, still slightly terrified. He noticed Wintergreen waiting patiently outside and follow the pair as they took off down the corridor, Robin glanced at the man and saw a sad expression on his face. Robin was slightly confused at the sight but put it to the back of his mind as he raced after Slade.

Slade had brought Robin to his study and walked over to the computers at the back of the room. Robin waited silently as the man brought up a newspaper article on the screen.

"Read." Slade commanded. Robin slowly walked up to the computer and took a harp intake of breath.

The title of the newspaper heading read as: Criminal Tony Zucco Broken out of Prison, Police yet to find.

Robin felt anger rush through him but he kept his face neutral as he turned to look at Slade, hands clenched into fists at his sides.

"So, you know my background. What does this have to do with Batman?" Robin spoke low, barely containing the hatred he felt for both the man on the screen and the man in front of him,

"He intentionally hid this information from you Robin." Slade spoke, his one grey eye constantly watching Robin for his reaction. He watched as the boy visibly recoiled at his comment.

"What!? No, Batman wouldn't hide this from me. For all I know it could have happened after I was kidnapped by Joker or by you!" Robin argued, refusing to believe Slade's lies.

Slade looked on at Robin calmly and titled his head to the side,

"Oh really?" he questioned

"Yes."

"Then by all means Robin, check the date of the newspaper; if you have so much faith in your mentor."

Robin frowned at Slade's mocking tone and turned back to face the computer, he glanced at the date: Tuesday 16th August

Robin felt a ball of doubt drop into his stomach. The date that the article was published was published four days before Batman banished Robin to the mountain, did Bruce actually keep this information from Dick? He knew how important it would be to him. Robin spun around to face Slade once again,

"This doesn't prove anything! You could have tampered with the article and changed the date." Robin argued but Slade could see there was a little less fight in his eyes.

"I could have done that, couldn't I? But what would I have to gain from that?"

"To turn me against Batman and into your apprentice!" Robin spat,

"There is no need for that, Robin. It is working well enough without me having to mess with you like this; you are here from your own free will, I have no need for these tricks."

Robin remained silent as he contemplated Slade's words, and he knew that Slade was speaking the truth. He did stay from his own free will and he happily obliged with training with the man, if Robin didn't walk past the room when he did, he probably would have remained a lot longer. Robin just couldn't believe that Bruce would keep such delicate information from him; Zucco was a big part of Dick's life. To not tell him was almost unforgivable.

Robin felt his head start to pound and felt Slade watch him as he thought over the information. Slade watched in slight amusement as he saw all sorts of emotions flash across Robin's face; confusion, hurt, anger, fear, disbelief. Slade continued to watch as Robin was lost in his thoughts, eager for Robin to come up with his own conclusion.

Robin's expressions continued to flitter through different emotions until they rested on just one, fury. He couldn't stand to be in the same room as Slade and quickly barged past him and out of the door; Slade made no movement to stop him and listened as Robin stormed down the corridor. Only when Robin was out of earshot did Slade allow himself a small smirk.

Robin ran into his room and slammed his door shut with a yell. He began to pace in an attempt to calm himself down but he was too worked up to do any good, he felt hurt. He felt hurt, angry and betrayed. How could Bruce keep this from him? How could he have remained with Slade for so long? How could he have been so stupid?

He sat down on his bed and concentrated on his breathing; in and out, in and out. Slowly Robin could feel his heart rate begin to slow and felt himself calm down, Robin was angry but he knew he could lash out later. He had to come up with a plan of action, where to go from here.

Straight away Robin knew that he couldn't remain in this building a moment longer, so decided it was time to put his escape plan into action. Robin realised it was relatively simple with what he had to do; get out, find Gotham, find Batman and question him. Robin quickly changed into something warmer and made sure he was all set and ready to go before taking out the knife he had hidden underneath his bed. Without a second thought Robin pulled out the bookshelf and set to work on the screws, it was time to get out of here.

A few hours later Slade was working in his study on some papers when Wintergreen walked in and stood by the door,

"Slade?"

"Yes Wintergreen?" Slade questioned and turned to face the man in the doorway,

"Robin is missing; I suspect that he has ran away." Wintergreen spoke in his same emotionless voice, uncaring to anyone who didn't know him well, but Slade could pick up on how he talked that much quicker. It seemed to Slade that Wintergreen was starting to like the boy. He allowed himself a smile.

"Excellent." Wintergreen looked slightly taken aback, but quickly composed himself.

"Care to explain?"

"It's all part of the plan Wintergreen; everything is starting to come together." Wintergreen only sighed and began to walk back to the door.

"I should have known." He spoke shaking his head, "I hope you know what you're doing Slade." He cautioned.

"I always know."

"Very good would you care for a cup of tea?"

Slade nodded, "Very well, I shall bring it at once." Wintergreen turned and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Robin was surprised at how close Slade's mansion was situated near Gotham, much like Wayne Manor. Only Wayne manor was situated a few miles north of the city and Slade's mansion a few miles west. It was just coming to midday as Robin crossed one of the bridges into the city.

Robin had decided once he entered that the best place to go would be Mount Justice from one of the zeta tubes, he was tired and the zeta tube in Gotham was closer than the Bat Cave. On his way Robin took a quick detour to one of Batman's safe houses and changed into a spare Robin costume. He also picked up another utility belt and his weapons and spent a moment just to sit down and eat something, going over everything in his head. It was one big mess and tired Robin out just thinking about it, the only option Robin had was to confront Batman directly about it; to know the truth. He would think about what to do next after.

After his break Robin stood and began to stretch his muscles, he smiled as he felt the extra weight of his equipment; now he felt ready. Robin quietly exited the safe house and walked into an abandoned alleyway without being seen, in a flash Robin had pulled out his grappling gun and launched himself into the air.

He attempted to try and plan what he was going to say when he finally got to the mountain as he travelled through the city, but every time he ran through it Robin could feel himself get angry and frustrated. So instead, he shook his head to rid himself of the thoughts as he soared through the air and concentrated on reaching the zeta tube, eager to get his talk with Batman over and done with.

Inside the mountain Batman stood typing away on the computers in silence. He was organising and sorting missions for the Young justice team, it wasn't what he wanted to be doing right now, but it was his turn to watch the teens. All Bruce wanted to do was search for Dick, but Clark had insisted that he take a break. Bruce had at first refused but Clark had begun to threaten him; Bruce wasn't in the mood to argue so decided to help sort out the files in the mountain and keep them up to date.

"Take a break or I swear I will call Alfred." Where Clark's exact words. Bruce smirked and shook his head at the threat, it was weird to think the man of steel would threaten to call the butler, but he knew that Alfred was the only one Bruce would actually listen too.

Batman continued to type within the comforting silence of the mountain when the overhead voice announced an arrival, 'Robin B-01'.

Batman froze with his fingers still resting on the holographic keyboard. Could it really be Robin?

He turned slowly to where the zeta tubes were positioned, the signature bright light formed into a body shape as Robin stepped into the mountain. There wasn't much that could shock Batman, but seeing the sight of his ward alive and well definitely made the cut.

"Robin?" he spoke quietly, Robin said nothing but walked over to him

His eyes scanned over Robin's body, checking for any sign of injury as the boy made his way and he let out a breath as he saw that Robin was fine, looking better than ever. He was in a clean uniform and didn't look malnourished, there were no visible injuries and Robin walked with no limp, he looked in good condition. He didn't seem to notice the anger in Robin's eyes,

"Dick-Robin…where were you?-"

"-is it true?" Robin interrupted, any sort of plan Robin had was gone. As soon as he saw Batman he grew angry, he wanted answers now.

Batman frowned, that was not the greeting he was expecting, "What are you talking about?" he asked,

"Zucco."

Batman's face hardened, "Robin this isn't the time for that." He quickly changed the subject. "How are you? Where have you been?"

Robin just shook his head and ignored Batman's other questions. "No, I want to talk about it now." He glared at Batman. "Is it true that Zucco's escaped?"

"Robin, we will discuss it later." He spoke as though talking to a child.

"Answer the question!" Robin growled. He felt himself grow even angrier at how Batman attempted to dodge the question. Why won't he give him a straight answer?

Batman said nothing for a moment, "Yes." He spoke at last.

Robin felt his chest tighten and he let out a shaky breath,

"How long have you known?" he asked quietly with his head lowered, afraid of the answer.

"Four days after the encounter with scarecrow." Batman spoke in a cold tone. Robin's head shot up to meet Batman's cool gaze and the Dark Knight could see the betrayal written all over Robin's face, his fists beginning to shake at his sides.

"You kept this information from me, why?" Robin's voice low and beginning to shake in anger.

"Robin, who told you thi-"

"-Why!?" Robin shouted and Batman paused for a moment before responding.

"You didn't need to know, you had just had your run in with Scarecrow and I didn't think-"

"-that's a lie! Tell me the truth!" Robin spat, and he glared at Batman,

"You weren't following my orders and were thinking irrationally."

"So you thought I would go find Zucco and kill him." Robin stated, looking Batman straight in the eye. When he didn't reply, Robin knew immediately that that was the truth. It hurt to think that Batman actually thought that Robin would do something like that, he could barely look at the man he thought of as a father.

"Bruce…" Robin pleaded, speaking quietly. "You know how important this is to me; I thought that at least you would understand. How, how could you!?" Robin shouted at the end, fuelled by his emotions. Bruce flinched at the raw emotions in Dick's voice, it was times like these Bruce remembered that Dick was only a fourteen year old kid.

"Dick, I know how important it is to you-"

"-then why would you keep it from me?" Hurt evident in his voice and Bruce didn't know how to respond, Dick continued,

"Why would you leave me at the mountain by myself? Why would stop me from being Robin? Why didn't you rescue me?"

Dick's voice shook as he continued to glare at the man, tears around the edges of his mask, threatening to fall. Everything Dick had cooped up over the past few months were escaping now, he felt himself being overcome with emotions as he let out all of his anger, his frustrations, his fear onto the man in front of him.

Bruce didn't know what to do as Dick shouted at him. They stood in silence as Dick's questions echoed around the hall, unanswered. Robin was breathing hard from the outburst and continued to watch Bruce, waiting for his reply. Just as Bruce opened his mouth to speak a voice spoke through the overhead speakers,

"Base this is M'gann, requesting landing permission in the hanger." Bruce held Dick's gaze for a moment longer before turning back into Batman mode and put a hand to his ear.

"Permission granted." He spoke in the ear piece.

"Great," M'gann's happy voice chirped. "We'll meet you on the pad in two minutes." And cut off the communication.

Batman turned to face Robin with an uneasy look. Robin was momentarily confused, since when did Batman look uneasy? Robin continued to watch him in silence as his eyes kept darting toward the corridor where the team would enter from. Robin narrowed his eyes, Strange, he thought.

Neither of them spoke as they waited and soon they could here muffled voices grow louder as they approached.

"Did you see the way I swooped in?" a loud voice spoke,

"Yeah Baywatch, we all did. Don't let it go to your head!" another argued,

"And I think you're forgetting the part where your fell on your butt Wally!" and the rest of the team laughed. Robin smiled at the familiar sound and Batman saw him visibly relax.

"Robin! You didn't have to bring that up!" Wally wined.

Robin's face fell and he visibly tensed once again, what? Did they just say Robin? He took a glance at Batman and saw him shift slightly. What the hell? He brought his attention back to the corridor as he saw figures enter the room.

Robin's eyes widened and his hands once again balled into fists at his sides. The team took a moment to notice Robin as they continued to talk. Wally was the first to notice. He stopped where he was and a look of shock passed on his face,

"R-Robin?" he questioned quietly and the rest of the team froze. One by one they all slowly looked in his direction, with expressions of shock and surprise on their faces. But Robin didn't notice them; he was too busy focused on the one figure standing in the middle of the group.

He was smaller than the rest of the team and wearing a red costume with an R over his left breast. A long black and yellow cape hung on his shoulders and on his waist was a yellow utility belt. The imposter was wearing a costume almost identical to Dick's and was staring at him in shock and awe.

But awe did not cross Dick's mind as he stared at him, fury and betrayal raced through his entire being as he glared at the boy. One thought passed through Dick's mind at that moment,

Batman's replaced me?

xxxx

Well Robin finally left Slade, but was it a good thing? And can anyone guess who the imposter is?

Review and let me know what you think!

See you next time,

PhoenixxFlame