A/N: Here I am. Apologies for the time it took me to update, but here I am with the longest chapter yet! (kinda noticed, that the chapters are getting longer and longer…hmm)

Disclaimer: Just like last time.

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Welcome

Robin sat in the pizzeria, feet crossed on the table in front of him. He was finishing the last slice of pizza. There was nothing like a hot, tasty pizza after a hard day of conquering the city and removing certain bothersome people from the land of the living. He looked around the place. It was empty, just like everything in the city, except for all the furniture and stuff people left behind. Fortunately for him they'd also left behind many pizzas as well, so he could enjoy this well deserved rest. Though it did seem to be awfully quiet. The only sounds were the heavy footsteps of the two robot guards patrolling just outside in front of the entrance.

He sighed. He wished for someone to be here to talk to. He'd been sitting there for what seemed like hours without saying anything. He'd thought about calling Slade, but that man wasn't really one to talk to about anything besides their current mission. Although Robin was grateful for Slade rescuing him and giving him a new purpose in life he'd found out rather fast that he was rather cold. But Robin felt, that it was understandable, after all his Master had gone through because of those ruthless Teen Titans.

And then there was Terra, his blonde teammate…or colleague, if one could call what they did a "job". She seemed to be a lot nicer and preferable company than Slade, but Robin had noticed that around him she was always tense. Although he didn't know why, he still wished to get to know her better.

"Robin, are you there?" Slade's voice brought him back to reality.

"Yes. Something wrong?" Robin asked without really meaning it. He'd taken care of anyone who might've shown some resistance, so it was highly improbable that something could be wrong.

"We've lost communication with several of our patrols," came the emotionless reply. Robin quickly analyzed the message. Slade wouldn't call unless there was a real problem his robots couldn't handle. After all, as marvelous as they were they were still highly inferior to real soldiers. But on the other hand, they were easier to acquire and loyal.

"Is there any pattern?

"Yes. The attacks have been taking place closer and closer to your current location," Slade's words made Robin feel uneasy and an uncomfortable cold feeling crept into his heart. However, when he spoke into the communicator shortly after there was no trace of that feeling in his voice.

"Course of action?"

"Find out who or what is behind these attacks and stop him! I won't have something, or someone unknown threaten our control over the city, or our future plans!"

"Understood," Robin answered and switched the communicator off. He put the last slice of the pizza back on the plate and stood up. Looking around once more he quickly checked his equipment. An array of explosive discs, some specialized grenades, a few explosives, a couple of grappling hooks and his staff given to him by Slade.

"Come on Robin, I know you're there!"

After done he went towards the entrance and looked out the glass door. One of the robots stepped into his view, its programming needing new orders from the commander. However before it could say anything its head exploded right in front of Robin's face, sending shrapnel flying through the air. Several of the metallic pieces cut Robin's face and he fell on the floor, quickly rolling over to the wall and taking cover.

"Stupid robot!"

As he stood up his gloved hand touched his face, feeling the stinging pain. Looking at the tips of his fingers he saw small crimson drops of blood staining them. Pressing his back against the wall his mind raced as he tried to figure out what'd just happened. He looked at the remains of the robot guard and glass shards on the floor. His gaze moved in the direction the glass of the entrance door seemed to have flown. Finally he noticed a small hole in the opposite wall. Just then Slade's voice broke the silence.

"Robin, what's going on?!"

"I…I'm not sure. I think there's a sharpshooter in one of the buildings down the street!"

"Can you see him from your position?

Robin didn't dare to stick his head out the door. He quickly searched the room for anything that might help him. He found a rather large piece of glass lying near his feet.

"Guard! Scan the area for enemies!" Robin commanded the remaining robot, meanwhile picking up the glass shard. He heard as the robot began to move away from the pizzeria, its metallic feet falling heavily on the road. Robin carefully stuck the glass out the door, shifting the angle so he could see the reflection of the street. Adrenaline was already rushing through his body as he watched all the windows, doors or any obstacles where the sniper might be hiding.

A little flash appeared in one of the windows and the robot's upper half exploded into millions of pieces just before the "mirror" in Robin's hand shattered forcefully as well. It seemed like the sniper managed to destroy both the robot and the piece of glass with a single shot. Robin quickly withdrew his hand and heard as the remaining parts of the robot fell on the ground. He was trying to come up with an idea how to get out of this mess. He searched his utility belt and instinctively pulled out one of the grenades. Removing the safety pin he dropped it nearby. After a second the grenade started releasing smoke, effectively covering the entire room in a gray shroud. Robin used its cover to run into the kitchen just behind the counter. Slamming the door behind him he started preparing the trap for his unknown foe.

"Smoke screen, huh? Looks like somebody wants to meet me in close combat. Oh well, better not keep him waiting!"

After a few precious minutes Robin heard approaching footsteps, entering the pizzeria. They were soft, barely audible. Someone with less experience and practice than Robin wouldn't have heard them at all. They were slow, careful steps, and they were coming closer to the kitchen. Robin's breathing took up the same rhythm as the footsteps of his enemy. He watched the floor below him from the steel beams near the ceiling, ready to jump down on his opponent at the right moment. The steps stopped just outside the kitchen door. For a moment Robin thought that the attacker would turn around and leave, but just then the door was off the hinges, crashing loudly on the floor.

"The guy sure knows how to make an impression," Robin thought to himself as he prepared for the encounter. There was a moment of quiet and then he saw the stranger enter. Well, the first thing he actually saw enter the kitchen was the barrel of a pistol, held in a gloved hand. Robin stopped breathing as he observed his enemy. The sniper slowly paced forward. He was moving in a crouched position. His clothing seemed to be a sort of camouflage, its grayish, pale colouring blending into the surrounding area. He wore a cape that reached to his knees and almost covered his entire body. He seemed to be wearing some sort of helmet with a visor. Robin couldn't see more from above, but it didn't really matter to him. He watched the character look around the kitchen. Its eyes stopped at a large hole in the wall, leading into the next building. Robin made it with some explosives, hoping that whoever was trying to get him would think he'd escaped and after trying to follow him he could attack them from behind. However the mysterious figure just stood there in the gloomy room. Robin was starting to have a really bad feeling about the situation.

"Pretty good trick, kid," the figure said with a warm, baritone voice. Robin's eyes widened as he realized, that he was now the one in the trap. "You're just as good as the reports said!" With that the attacker spun around and raised his pistol aiming right where Robin was hiding. Or at least where he had been hiding as at that moment he was already flying through the air, falling towards his attacker. A shot went off, but missed Robin by a few inches as he punched the pistol out of his enemy's hand while in mid-air. He landed on the other guy and knocked the pistol out of his hand. Robin raised one of his fists, ready to punch the shooter in the face, but from the corner of his eyes he noticed that small blades seemed to have jumped into the guy's hands from his sleeves. He jumped off the guy just in time to avoid being stabbed by them in the stomach. Doing a somersault in the air he landed on his feet just as the guy jumped up from his lying position. They both took up battle stances and finally looked at each other. Of course neither one of them was able to tell what was the other one looking at as Robin's eyes were hidden behind his trademark mask, while the stranger's helmet covered his entire head. There was no opening for a mouth or nose, and the only opening for eyes seemed to be a narrow line beneath the visor. The eyes were however invisible, blocked by bright red glass.

"Who are you?!" Robin shouted.

"Sorry Rob, but that's a secret I'd like to keep to myself,"

"What do you want!?"

"To see you dead!" With that the attacker plunged forward, daggers firmly in his hands. With incredible speed he stabbed where Robin was standing, but he managed to move out the way and get behind his foe. However he didn't get a chance for a counter-attack as the dagger in the man's left hand stabbed back and Robin had to block the attack or risk punctured lungs. He wasn't given time to rest however as his enemy spun around and started attacking him with almost inhuman precision and agility. Robin had to take a step back with each attack, having time to block only one slashing or stabbing attack, while dodging the attacks with the second dagger. It took him only seconds to realize that this guy was no amateur as each one of his attacks would've caused fatal or at least serious injuries. Many of the attacks targeted an artery, while others were aimed directly at his arms, presumably to break his defenses. However before he could wonder who his attacker was a strong kick in the stomach sent him flying right through the hole he'd made earlier. He flew several feet backwards, landing hard on the ground and sliding a bit further on the floor. His dark uniform had been torn, but he didn't notice. He got up from the floor, but had to duck as he saw one of the daggers fly straight towards his head. Looking up he saw his foe entering through the same hole he'd fallen through, drawing another gun from beneath his cape with his free hand. Keeping his head low Robin ran towards the nearby door as fast as he was able. He broke through it and fell on the ground, just as a deafening salvo was shot from the other guy's gun. The bullets tore through the concrete walls with ease, as if it were paper, filling the air with dust. As the shooting stopped Robin crawled into the next room. He took cover next to the door and quickly looked around. He realized that he wasn't in a room, but what seemed to be like a long hallway. There was no cover in sight, doors scattered across the length. He guessed that they were in a hotel. He knew he had to take the initiative from his foe, or else he had no chance. He grabbed a small rod from his utility belt and pushing a small button, it extended into a long staff.

"You know Robin, this could be over real quick. Just give up and I promise you'll die quickly," came from behind the door. Robin however didn't answer. He was focused and ready to strike as soon as-

"Gotcha!" yelled the stranger, jumping out from the room, aiming his gun at Robin. To his great surprise however he only saw the end of Robin's staff hitting his gun with such force, the barrel shattered to pieces. This momentary distraction was all that Robin needed, as he swung the staff right at his surprised foe, hitting him straight in the chest. Robin's enemy flew down the hallway. As he landed he tried to get up, but instead he was thrown farther away by the explosion of one of Robin's discs. After coming to a stop he finally managed to get up from the dirty floor. He saw Robin running down the hallway towards him, throwing three more discs at him. He just smiled to himself as he pulled out another gun and aimed at the discs. He pulled the trigger and the first disc shattered to tiny pieces. Robin covered his ears. He pulled the trigger again. The second disc was gone. Robin bowed his head. For a moment the shooter did not understand, but when he finally did it was too late.

Intense light flooded the entire hallway as the last disc exploded with a thundering bang. The sharpshooter stumbled back, fully realizing the mistake he'd made. As he opened his eyes the world seemed to be still, as if time had stopped. And the only thing he saw was Robin running towards him and the disc right in front of him. But none of them were moving, as if it were a photograph. The fact that he couldn't hear anything only confirmed his worries. It was a flashbang. And he knew that now he stood there in the hallway, defenseless against Robin's attack. So he did the only thing he could do…relied on his instincts. He raised his gun, and fired at the place he thought Robin might be at. He did not hear the shot, but the recoil of the firearm was evidence enough. After that he waited for a blow by Robin's staff. But it did not come.

He stood there for several seconds, and his vision slowly started to fade back to normal. He forced his eyes as much as he could, but when he saw clearly again Robin was already gone. And so, exhausted from the fight the man collapsed on the floor, breathing heavily.

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Raven finally landed near the pizzeria. It had been rough flight, that much was sure. As much as she'd tried to keep a focused mind the emotions of the two people she were after almost took over her entire body. At first there was only cold anticipation and ignorance, but they soon changed drastically. There was a period of turmoil where anger and fear came in waves. And not long before she arrived at her destination there was agony, which almost made her fall during the flight. Somehow she managed to get there safely though.

As she levitated down on the ground she looked around the street. It was just as deserted as the rest of city, except for a few robot patrols on the way. She'd also noticed that only one of the signals was present and she was unable to trace the other one. She disregarded that thought and carefully approached the entrance. Or at least what was left of it. As she came close she noticed that the door was almost completely blown to pieces and there was one of Slade's robots lying on the ground, missing a head. Raven entered and slowly walked through the rubble. Entering the kitchen she saw a huge gaping hole in the wall. She walked through it and entered another room. It was empty, except for a long dagger sticking out the opposite wall. She walked closer and examined the weapon. Though she wasn't too familiar with blades, this one seemed unique, both its handle and blade were decorated with images of animals. From the few she could make out there was a snake, a tiger and a hawk. For the time being she decided to leave the dagger here, as she felt source of emotions close to her. She walked through a doorway, the door itself lying on the floor. Suddenly she heard a noise, and as she turned around she was staring down a barrel of a pistol. Her arm immediately rose towards the holder of the gun and her hand got surrounded by a dark aura. Looking past the gun she saw a strange figure standing in front of her in a grayish uniform-like clothing with a have cloak hanging around his neck. His eyes were hidden by the helmet he wore, but Raven knew that this was one of the signals she'd detected earlier that day.

"Who are you?" the masked gunman asked, but Raven didn't reply, her face as unreadable as ever. The person in front of her seemed to quickly look at her, as if checking something. "You're with the Teen Titans. Raven, right?"

"What if I am?" She replied in a hostile voice. The gunman however lowered his weapon.

"Well then, our goals are the same,"

Raven also lowered her arm and the dark energy disappeared. However she knew better then to trust strangers on sight and she was ready to blast him with all her might if he'd made a single bad move.

"It depends. First however, might I know your name as well?" the girl asked in her sarcastic manner.

"My real name is unimportant," the man replied, while taking off his helmet with one hand. It revealed the face of a young man with straight light brown hair, reaching almost to his shoulders. The thing that shocked Raven were his eyes though. They were almost silvery, as if lifeless, cold, looking like ice. A small smile appeared on the man's face as he finished the sentence. "But you can call me Hunter."

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A/N: Well, that's all for today. Some thoughts on this. This chapter was written to satiate wolftriplex's lust for action. It took me sooooo long to write this, and I'm not satisfied with this chapter at all. But, since it took so much work, and because I can't do it any better, I won't rewrite this. Anyway, I hope it doesn't suck too much, and for those of you who didn't like the battle sequence, don't worry, there won't be too many in this story (perhaps 3 or 4 more). Oh, and yes, I had to add an OC. Sorry to all of you who were expecting someone famous (Batman was mentioned in the reviews), but trust me, this guy's crucial to the story. I love making up new characters, so deal with it. :P

Well, reviews anyone?