JCPD, Captain Hall's Office

"…From what I've heard, there are two very dangerous men in town. And if I'm right, they're coming for the chips. You have to let us take action."

"No."

"But Captain Hall-"

"Robin, I get what you're trying to say but my officers are paid to take these kinds of risks. I'm not going to let these bastards run free in my city with only a bunch of under 21-year-olds tasked to find them."

"We've handled bomb threats, terrorist organizations, monsters, and supervillains. What makes an assassin or a thief any more dangerous?" Robin pressed.

The captain stared the teen down, the kid not backing down for an instant. "Fine. You want this so bad? Take it. But if this goes south, it's on you."

"Understood." Robin answered curtly, swiftly turning around leaving his teammates to follow him out.

The Boy Wonder began to lead his teammates out when Captain Hall's voice stopped him. "Robin! A word."

"Wait here, guys." The boy told his friends before following the Captain down the corridor.

"What is it, Captain?"

"I've seen that look in your eyes on a lot of guys, son. Ambition will get you far. But just make sure you're driving it instead of the other way around. I've seen a lot of young rookies acting the same way you are now."

"I'm not a rookie, Captain." Robin cut in.

"Be that as it may, that fire in your gut usually ends up burning you in the end, if you're not careful."

The teen's expression softened minutely. "I appreciate that, Captain. Is that all?"

Arthur sighed before saying, "That's all."

The Titans leader nodded before heading back in the direction of his friends.

That kid takes himself a little too seriously.

Titans Tower, OPS Room

"All right, team." Robin announced. "Tonight is crucial. We don't know what to expect but we know Darhk probably won't be coming alone. And he won't be the only person to watch out for."

"You sound like you have somebody in mind." Cyborg noted. "Any idea who this assassin or the thief are?"

Robin shared a look with Raven before saying, "Just keep your eyes peeled."

"Is that a trait humans have?" Starfire asked quizzically.

"It's just an expression, Star." Beast Boy assured her.

"This should be fun." Raven murmured sarcastically.

…..

"Good evening, Jump City. This is Bethany Snow on the Snow Report. As I'm sure you've all heard, S.T.A.R. Labs has finished completion of its revolutionary C-03 microchips which are rumored to be revolutionary to the tech industry and potentially dangerous if weaponized. JC's self-appointed 'protectors' the Teen Titans have nominated themselves to safeguard the chips rather than leave the job to the JCPD. One can't help but wonder if these kids have painted a giant target on their backs? I, for one, don't believe Jump City can afford another embarrassment so soon after the Xenothium theft 2 weeks ago. Are Robin and the Titans correct in assuming they're better than the police department? Will their presence scare off or only embolden criminal interference? Only time will tell…"

S.T.A.R. Labs

Garfield let out a big yawn as he scratched his side, leaning back on the display case containing the microchips. "Well, this isn't fun. It's 11:30, dudes. Are these guys showing up or not?"

"We could be here all night." Robin said offhandedly, distracted by something on his communicator as he agitatedly paced back and forth. "Stakeouts like this can last a while. If they're not here by 4, you guys can pack it in."

"4 AM?" Garfield sighed dejectedly. "Tell me you're kidding."

Robin sighed. "Try and see the big picture here, Beast Boy. We can't let these chips fall into the wrong hands. We're gonna have plenty more long nights if somebody gets to these."

"Maybe we can go into shifts." Cyborg suggested. "I'll take first watch."

"I'll sleep when tonight is over." Robin stated firmly. "If anyone wants to sleep, they can go home."

"Robin, surely we will be no good in battle if we are fatigued." Starfire put in. "Proper rest would be beneficial."

"You rest if you want to." He stated curtly.

Raven grimaced as Robin's negativity was beginning to affect her own mood.

"Why don't you take a walk, Robin?"

"Excuse me?"

"Your body's thrumming with tension. You're going to combust if you keep working yourself up."

The Boy Wonder huffed indignantly. "Am I the only one taking this seriously?"

"Are you really that arrogant?" Cyborg asked, stepping into Robin's space. "This is my dad's work we're talking about here and it's his life on the line working with HIVE to help us out. The only thing you're risking is a reputation you only have because of Batman. You want to run yourself into the ground, that's fine. But don't expect us to go down with you while you keep crapping on us."

Robin clenched his fists at his side while unflinchingly meeting Cyborg's gaze. He opened his mouth to say something when a thud above their heads was heard throughout the facility making Beast Boy jump away from his spot against the container.

"Is someone else here?" Starfire asked, tensing up.

"No. Security got sent home for the night." Cyborg answered, adjusting his gaze to scan for a heat signature.

Robin's gaze flickered to Raven who nodded as she sensed another presence inside.

"I think I'll take that walk." Robin declared, stalking out of the room.

"Do you require…" Starfire began.

"Don't follow." Robin cut her off as he disappeared around the corner.

"Your funeral." Beast Boy muttered under his breath.

"Man, that kid is a buzzkill." A new voice piped up.

The four Titans jerked in surprise and whipped around to find a lanky figure holding the coveted chips in hand.

The stranger was dressed in a black bodysuit with gray gloves, red slash marks forming an x across his chest. His facemask resembled a skull with another x inscribed in his forehead. A gray belt hung around his waist and a dark cape flourished behind him.

Reacting quickly, Cyborg fired a net in the man's direction but the thief dropped into a split to duck under it, tucking the chips into his belt.

"Something I said?" He chuckled as he stood back up.

"Titans, go!" Cyborg roared, leading the charge.

Just before Cyborg could grab him, the man flipped overhead and back-kicked the teen into the wall.

As he landed, he found himself locked in the suffocating grip of a green cobra. The man groaned as the grip grew ever tighter.

Extending the palm at his side, the X in his glove glowed for a moment before firing three red shuriken in rapid succession.

With a painful hiss, Beast Boy let go and morphed to human form, writhing on the ground.

The man only had a moment to catch before his breath before a workbench encased in black energy slammed him against a wall.

"Stay down!" Raven ordered.

"Well, since you asked so nicely…" The man groaned. "…No."

Firing another X from his palm, it attached to Raven's torso and yanked her to the ceiling high above as she cried out in panic.

"Anti-gravity tech." The man called up.

His attention was grabbed by a savage roar as Starfire launched a starbolt in his direction. Hearing footsteps behind him, he knew Cyborg was coming back for more.

Shoving his hands together, he formed a red-light shield that deflected Starfire's projectile back at her while stopping Cyborg in his tracks.

Growling in frustration, Cyborg began to pound against the shield. Recovering his wits, Beast Boy morphed into a ram and joined in, eager to get a shot in. The shield remained steady until the alien girl joined in.

She began firing a steady stream of energy, causing the shield to begin to bend inward. From above, Raven ripped off a piece of the floor and began bludgeoning his defense with her teammates, cracks beginning to spread.

This is not how this was supposed to go, the man grit his teeth in frustration. Enough of this.

Ratcheting up the suit's power, he detonated the shield, sending the three Titans on the ground sprawling.

"Who are you?" Cyborg roared, shoving aside rubble.

"The name's Red-X."

"Cute." Cyborg sneered.

"I thought so." The thief cheekily replied.

"I do not!" Starfire butted in, blasting him in the small of his back, sending him to Cyborg's feet.

Red-X's eyes widened as the kid tried to step on him. He rolled away, firing off an X containing an EMP he'd been saving for an emergency. This qualified.

Cyborg's pupils dilated in shock as he felt his systems die down, causing him to collapse against the wall. His systems were already rebooting, thank God, but it would cost precious minutes he didn't have. For now, he was out of the fight.

"Cyborg!" Starfire called in concern.

She ignited her hands, intent on doing more damage, when Red-X yanked Raven down from her perch, pulling her in front of him as a human shield.

"I wouldn't do that, sweetie." Red-X tutted. "Unless you like barbecued midget."

"Let her go!" Beast Boy shouted.

"Sure. If you let me go."

"Not happening!" Cyborg called from his prone position.

"Well, looks like we have ourselves a stalemate."

"Azarath Metrion…"

"Shut up!" X growled, quickly slapping an adhesive over Raven's mouth. "What's it gonna be, kids?"

The tense silence was broken as the intruder alarm began blaring throughout the facility.

All eyes were drawn to the entryway where three familiar faces entered, looking just as shocked as the others.

"Who the hell is this scrunch-muncher?!" Gizmo shouted over the noise, unable to make sense of the scene in front of him.

"That's my cue, kiddies! It's been fun!" Red-X shouted, tossing Raven into Beast Boy.

Firing a grappling hook to the rafters, Red-X ascended rapidly, sparing the others a cocky wave before exiting through the window.

Starfire was tempted to follow but didn't want to leave her teammates at the mercy of Mammoth, Gizmo, and their new pink-haired friend.

"What is your business here?!" She shouted at them, taking a protective stance in front of her friends.

"We was comin' for the chips." Mammoth answered, eyeing the empty case. "But it looks like you guys loused this up before we even got here."

Cracking his knuckles, the giant young man grinned. "That's gonna cost ya, sweet cheeks."

"Bring it!" Beast Boy urged, morphing into a kangaroo.

Remembering to go for the biggest threat first, Jinx fired a hex at Raven which caused her to trip on her cape as she attempted to cast a spell. The unexpected impact knocked the girl out cold.

Thankfully, Cyborg's systems finished rebooting and he was able to grab Raven and tuck her safely away in the corner before joining the fray.

Garfield was currently bobbing and weaving against Mammoth without much success. Deciding to help his green buddy out, he shoulder-charged the behemoth, knocking him back but not over.

"You wanna go, tin man? C'mon!" Mammoth egged him. "I'm in the mood to hit somebody."

"Took the words right out of my mouth." Victor took the bait as the two locked hands, trying to outmuscle each other.

Seeing that Cyborg had it handled, Gar scanned the room to find Starfire firing a barrage of blasts at the pink-haired who was daintily flipping out the way. For some reason, Starfire's attacks were taking strange turns. Starfire was never that sloppy. For that matter, Raven wasn't that clumsy. It was just their luck that tonight of all nights they were having a rough outing.

Gar's musings were cut off as a robotic tentacle latched onto him and slammed him into the ground.

Gizmo's grinning visage loomed over him, supported by the other three arms protruding out of his backpack.

"You idiots had one job." Gizmo mocked with false sympathy. "Protect a couple 'a stinkin' chips. Pretty lousy superheroes if you ask me."

Quickly growing tired of this conversation, Gar instead opted for taunting. "So who's the new girl, Gizmo? You finally find a girl with a midget fetish?"

The boy's face flushed red with anger and another emotion before retorting, "Shut up! Why don'cha turn into Kermit since I'm about to make you croak anyway?"

"I got a better idea." Gar had been pondering this transformation for a while.

Taking a breath, he began shifting, his muscles enlarging and antennae protruding from his head as his uniform stayed on.

"No way." Gizmo gasped as the tentacle holding the shapeshifter was crushed.

"Way." Garfield answered in his new form, taking on a horrible Scottish accent.

"There is no way I'm fighting freaking Shrek."

"Really really."

Lunging forward, Garfield snatched two more tentacles, yanking his foe towards him to encase him in a bear hug. Er, ogre hug.

"This isn't happening!" Gizmo shrieked.

"I can do Wile E. Coyote if that makes you feel better."

Using his last remaining tentacle, Gizmo jabbed Beast Boy in his foot, causing him to yowl and let go.

Before he could refocus, Garfield was floored by an errant starbolt, shifting back into human form.

Cyborg lost focus from boxing with Mammoth which was all the opening Gizmo needed to hit him with a concussive blast.

Starfire gasped in horror at her team's decimation before gritting her teeth. She whirled around only to be met with a punch straight to her face, the force sending a small shockwave throughout the room.

The Tamaranian was floored, incapacitated like her teammates, as Mammoth shook out his hand. "Geez. Felt like hitting a punching bag."

"Least you got her." Jinx assured. "I don't think she's getting up any time soon."

The wail of police sirens rang out, causing the trio to silently agree to make their exit, none of them excited to report the news to their master.

A few minutes later, the Teen Titans were awoken by the JCPD's arrival, beginning to create a crime scene.

Raven was more embarrassed than anything. Starfire was absolutely incensed at the events of the night, silently swearing to pay Mammoth back for the sucker punch. Beast Boy had made a vow to never take another starbolt blast in his life. Those things hurt. A lot. Cyborg was concerned at how his dad would take another theft from his lab as well as worry about what Red-X and HIVE were up to.

The big question was asked by Captain Hall: "Where's Robin?"

A sweep of the facility interior yielded no results. Finally, Starfire went to the roof where she found a disgruntled Boy Wonder bound and gagged by two Red X's.

Ripping them off of her friend, she prepared herself for his assuredly livid reaction. What she was got was even more disturbing. The boy was silent and morose as they waited for the others to join them, only opening his mouth to quietly thank her. His ego seemed to be the only thing wounded.

"I don't suppose you know how to catch this Red-X or that new trio?" Captain Hall asked doubtfully.

Robin's despondent gaze told him all he needed to know.

"I'm gonna catch hell for this." The Captain groaned, feeling a migraine coming on.

Titans Tower, the next morning

"Good morning, Jump City. Or rather, it would be if the Teen Titans hadn't botched it last night. The C-03 chips were stolen last night with the five teens surprisingly powerless for being mostly comprised of superhumans. If I weren't impartial, I'd be tempted to say I told you so. But instead I'll simply say this: Better luck next time, kids." The newswoman's smile didn't quite match her cold-looking eyes. "In other news, Captain Arthur Hall is under intense scrutiny for his role in last night's events…"

"She doesn't even mention the other group that showed up! I'm sure they were caught on camera and Dad mentioned them when he got interviewed! Why aren't they talking about that?!" Victor groused as he changed the channel. "I don't know who the pink-haired chick was but if Mammoth and Gizmo are still in the city, then they've gotta have some kind of hideout we can find."

"Even so, Snow isn't entirely wrong." Raven put in timidly. "We didn't do so well last night."

"Well, maybe if Robin had stuck around instead of running off who knows where we could've handled it!" Garfield said heatedly.

"Robin did the best he could." Starfire defended. "He was distracted and we were ambushed. No one can plan for everything."

"No matter how much they think they can." Victor muttered as he stood up. "The main takeaway is we have some new players in town. We got Red-X and the Three Stooges along with Darhk and the HIVE. Not to mention the Xenothium and the chips are on the loose."

Shaking his head, the cybertronic man began to head for the elevator. "I'm gonna go see my Dad. He's stressed out of his mind right now with all that's been going on. I'd better check on him. Call me if we get any updates."

"If anyone's gonna be calling you, it's Robin." Garfield assured. "I'm staying as far away from that guy as possible. When Bats is through with him, I'm pretty sure he's gonna wanna hit something and it is not gonna be me."

With that, Garfield morphed into a rabbit and hopped towards his room.

Once Cyborg had exited, Starfire turned to Raven. "You and Robin were acting strangely before the attack last night. Was there something you were withholding?"

The Tamaranian's piercing gaze made Raven feel like she already knew the answer but she simply replied, "No. I sensed a presence but it must have been Red-X. Like I said, Robin's emotions were making me edgy."

Starfire stared down at the empath as if sensing there was more to it but seemed to know better than to press. "I see. Perhaps proper rest will make you less…edgy." The girl hesitated, as if making sure she was using the term correctly, before spinning on her heel, long tresses swishing behind her. "I am going to train. I wish to be prepared for our next battle."

"Starfire." Raven called out. "Last night wasn't your fault."

The tall girl stopped before turning back, smiling ruefully. "No. But I am afraid Robin believes it to be his."

…..

"Look, last night was on me. I get it. I just thought…" Robin trailed off, wishing he could just close his laptop and forget last night ever happened.

"That you could handle things all by yourself?" Batman finished for him. "It was foolish not to let the police help you."

"The Justice League doesn't ask the police for help. You don't, either."

"The League rarely needs police help." The Bat retorted.

"And you never do, am I right? Look, I did what I thought was right. I didn't want anyone in the crossfire."

"They're paid to take those risks. And I know you too well, Robin. What's the real reason?"

"Real reason for what?"

"Why you were so dogged about this case. I told you to call if you needed help and I told you…"

"Not to engage Deathstroke." Dick finished for him. "Yeah, I know."

"I never mentioned Deathstroke." Batman's eyes narrowed.

"Are you saying you weren't going to?"

"I'm saying that this is exactly what I warned you about before you left. You have to look before you leap and stop taking risks you can't handle."

"And who says I can't?" He challenged.

"The results of last night speak for themselves. You're about one more slipup away from having this case taken out of your hands. I won't deny the good the Titans have done but these matters might not be something your team is equipped to handle."

"And who is? This is my city and I'll handle it my way! You don't have to hold my hand."

"Don't worry, I won't." Batman sneered. "You're clearly all grown up now, got everything figured out. Nothing left to learn, huh?"

"I didn't say that."

"Actions speak louder than words." The Bat sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I'm trying to protect you, Robin. You're a week away from turning 16. You're too young to be dealing with these responsibilities. I don't want you turning out like me. If I had my way…"

Robin's expression had softened before hardening once more after hearing those five words. "Well, you don't. This isn't about your way, Bruce. This is about me finding mine. Unlike you, I chose this life. It's what I want. Please don't stop me."

For half a second, Bruce's eyes reflected a deep sadness before the Bat took over. "Fine. There are some lessons I suppose you have to learn the hard way. Just remember this…being a leader doesn't mean having your own way all the time. Be careful who you drag down this rabbit hole with you. Whether they choose to follow you or not."

With that, Batman hung up, leaving his protégé in a solemn silence.

HIVE Headquarters, Damien Darhk's office

"So, Jinx, dear, tell me again…what exactly happened?"

The girl's voice quavered slightly as she stammered out, "We…we arrived at the facility around midnight. I swear we avoided the alarms but someone else triggered them and the Titans spotted us. We had the element of surprise and were able to handle them before the cops showed up. Someone else had already gotten the chips so we ran. It didn't really go as we planned."

A vein pulsed in Darhk's temple as his paperweight shattered in two. His voice was supernaturally calm as he stood from his desk. "No worries. Things rarely go to plan when Deathstroke the Terminator is involved."

"We think it was someone else, sir." Gizmo gently intervened. "He had a black suit, a cape, and was using red-light constructs."

Damien's eyes flared. "The Xenothium. It must have been the Ravager." Oddly jovial, he clapped his hands. "New mission, kids: This Ravager or whatever the hell he's calling himself these days? I want his head mounted on my wall. Bring him back alive, if possible. I want to kill him slowly. Painfully slowly."

"I trust you all will not fail me?" Damien prompted, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"No, sir!" Jinx piped up nervously.

"Good girl. Boys?"

"Yes, sir!" Mammoth saluted. "Uh, I mean, no sir! I mean…"

"Ugh, c'mon, you moron!" Gizmo groaned. Turning to his master, he said seriously, "We're on it, boss."

Jump City: Location Unknown

This is it. Red-X thought hungrily.

He'd put it out on the black market that he had the C-03 chips in his possession. He'd had plenty of offers. Few were for what they were worth. Only one grabbed his attention.

It was rare that somebody received a summons from Deathstroke. That person was either important or soon-to-be-dead. Half the time, they were both.

Nevertheless, X found his stomach churning for different reasons entirely as he sloshed through the muddy sewer water to the hidden entrance. Once he got close, the door opened, showing a catwalk into the depths below, fluorescent lighting awaiting at the bottom of the staircase. Clearly, he was expected.

Descending the staircase, the merc formerly known as the Ravager found himself in a wide-open but sparse area where a steel door sat. No doubt it was booby-trapped.

Suddenly, the door hissed open.

Red-X couldn't help but gasp. It was him.

Dressed in a dark bodysuit and tunic, the man radiated power and dominance, his multi-colored mask only revealing a single eye.

This was the man he'd come to the city for. To make him pay for everything he'd done. To prove himself worthy.

SLADE.

"Ah, the famous Ravager, I presume?" The man's voice was silky smooth, with a hint of dark humor underneath.

"It's Red-X, now." He answered shakily, his anger and anticipation clear as day.

"Hm, a gimmick. How quaint. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You wanted the chips, right? Well, I've got them right here." He promised, brandishing them.

"I assume you want something in exchange?"

"Of course I do." Reaching up a hand, Red-X pulled off his mask to reveal a sandy-haired young man, angry eyes burning with hate. "I want some quality time with my old man."

A/N: Hey, guys! I'm glad I was able to provide you all a quick update. I've been sitting on this chapter a long time and am excited to finally post it! As always, I thank God for the motivation and ability to write and share with you all.

Thank you so much to all of you who have been reading, favoriting, and following this story. It means more than you know and I hope my skills are improving. This'll be my last update for a while as school and work are getting hectic. I apologize for leaving you all on a cliffhanger but at least it's a good one, LOL.

Prayers up for those in Texas considering recent events. Hope you guys are staying safe. Anyway, thanks again, guys, and I'll see you at the next chapter!