Miles flew by underneath my motorcycle as I raced through the night. I had been driving for hours, trying to escape Gotham City. Despite how I exhausted I was, I continued with my trip. The more miles between me and Batman, the better. Finally, a sign signaling that Jump City was a few miles away appeared. Thank God. I didn't know how much longer I could last without any sleep.

Exiting at the correct point, I entered a small city, currently dark and empty. Now, I just had to find Roy and Garth. They had told me earlier where they were currently stayingr: some rundown building by the beach. Since Green Arrow and Aquaman were hunting together for the two teens, they had, in turn, decided to join forces and hide together.

I shuddered, imagining what would happen if Batman joined the two other senior heroes. Knowing Batman, he would probably drag others into it then. Trying to ignore that depressing though, I considered just how horrid the Justice League was doing.

I couldn't help but grin when I thought about what would happen if the famous superhero organization continued with its apprentice success rate: not only would they be laughingstocks but our force of teenage villains would be humongous. We'd probably have enough for an entire team with even two more to add to our trio.

Almost collapsing from sleep deprivation, I pulled my stolen motorcycle over to a rundown building near the beach. I looked at the building, run down and falling apart: it would make a good hideout. Turning, I gazed out for a moment at the calming water, and noticed a large island set in the middle of the bay. That could potentially be a better place to hide and avoid my ex-mentor.

Deciding sleep was more important than planning at the present moment, I slammed my fist against the door that hopefully belonged to my friends. "Roy, Garth?" I cried, "Open the hell up!" From deep inside I heard low mutterings and footsteps, before the door finally started to creak open.

A cautious head poked out, topped by red hair. Grunting in annoyance when he saw who had been knocking, the figure stepped back and opened the door completely. An irritated looking Roy now appeared in the doorway, giving me a glare that could rival Batman's famous one. "Dick? What the fuck? You're in Jump? Right now. At…"

"3:53 in the morning?" Garth added helpfully, appearing beside the famous archer.

Only wanting to sleep, I just gave them an exasperated look. "Obviously. Now let me in." Roy sighed and stepped aside, allowing me entrance. I stepped into the dimly lit building. "Bed?" I questioned, too worn-out to bother with complete sentences.

"Couch." Roy responded mockingly, pointing to a vaguely visible object on the far side of the room I had entered. I sighed: Roy had never been easy to deal with, especially in the mornings. A change in allegiance obviously had not helped. At least the more welcoming Garth was there.

Stumbling forward, I found the couch without much difficulty and collapsed, not even changing from my costume. Rolling over, I ignored the discomfort and closed my eyes.

Right before I fell asleep, I heard Garth and Roy whispering from a different room. I tried to focus on their conversation, but finally gave up and closed my eyes.

I was asleep within seconds.

I woke up late; it sounded like even Roy was awake, talking to Garth. Feigning sleep for a while longer I listened to what he was saying.

"It doesn't matter Garth! You throw in another hero to those two? We'd be caught, easy. Besides, it's Batman. His fucking nickname is the World's Greatest Detective! We don't need that."

I heard Garth trying futilely to convince the more argumentative archer. "I know Roy. But he's our friend. And where else will he go?" I jerked slightly, realizing this conversation was about me. They wanted to kick me out. Knowing this was not a conversation I should wake up in the middle of, I continued the façade of being asleep.

"Shit" the archer said softly, groaning, "I know he's our friend Garth. You think I want to abandon him? But what can we do?"

"Help him" the Atlantean replied stubbornly.

"Fine" the archer consented, though unwilling, "but, he's not staying with us."

"What? Why?"

"Two reasons. The first: we do not want Batman helping Oli and Odin. That is a disaster waiting to happen and I would like to keep my freedom, thank you very much." I could hear Garth starting to protest, but Roy continued. "Second: he's still inexperienced." Silent reigned.

"You know it's true Garth. I trained with Oli for years, and you were with Aquaman since you were a kid. Dick's been at this for what? Like 2 months? He still has a lot to learn. And hiding out here? We can't teach him all that."

Silence once again filled the room. "Fine" Garth consented. "We'll find him somewhere to go though." Roy must have nodded, because their argument ceased.

I couldn't believe this: they were kicking me out. Deciding to stay "asleep" for a little longer, I instead seriously considered my options. I could confront them and make our future relations awkward, or I could willingly leave while pretending I never heard the entire conversation. The latter would probably be the best option.

Besides, maybe they did have a point. As far as experience went, I was lacking. I needed someone to train me, someone as good as Batman. I pondered this for a moment. My new mentor couldn't be insane like the Joker, because I had picked up some of Bruce's seriousness. Though he still had to be evil, obviously, and as skilled at Bruce. This would probably be a challenge.

Deciding to finally "wake up," I groaned loudly and rolled over. Opening my eyes slowly I glanced around the naturally lit room I was in. The walls were filthy, paint peeling in most areas. The furnishings were also unimpressive: the room contained only the couch I was on, two chairs, and a table. A hallway led further into the building, presumably to where the other two slept.

"Richard! You're finally awake. You slept longer then Roy here." Garth laughed, not even looking guilty from the recent argument about my future. I looked over to Roy, who being less capable of hiding his emotions, looked slightly uncomfortable. However, he covered it up with a glare in Garth's direction.

"Shut up" he muttered, before turning back to work on his bow. I laughed lightly, before turning to Garth.

"You guys got any food?"

"Of course" he replied, pointing down the hallway I had noticed earlier. "First door on your right. Sorry we have nothing made."

"Oh it's fine" I told him dismissively, just wanting food. I hurried into the kitchen, leaving the two alone. As soon as I had exited, I heard their whispers start anew. I would have to leave soon, before they got any more anxious.

Entering the kitchen, which was in just as poor condition as the main room, I looked around for something quick to eat. Grabbing a bagel sitting on the counter, I hurried back out. I noticed that as soon as they heard my approach, Garth and Roy stopped their discussion. Probably talking about me again.

I entered, pretending to be unaware of their subtle glances and whispers. I sat back down on the couch that had been my bed for the night, and taking a bite of my bagel I glanced up at the other two. Just as Roy opened his mouth, I started to speak.

"So, listen guys. Thanks for taking me in like this. I really appreciate it." I watched as the easily read guilt on their faces increased, and they looked at each other, ashamed. I glanced down, pretending to be shy, and somewhat regretful. "But… here's the thing. I never really finished my training with Bruce, right? So I need to find a new mentor. Which means I kinda can't stay with you guys. Sorry."

I looked up from my speech and had to stifle a laugh as I saw Roy's mouth wide open and Garth's eyes filled with shock. This was not what they had been expecting, to say the least.

Garth, the more composed of the two, was the first to recover. "Oh, of course Richard. Anything we can do to help?"

I paused for a second here. Maybe they could help. "Well… I'd like to stay in Jump, so do you know anyone I could go to here? Or nearby would work too."

Roy, having finally regained his senses, was the first to reply. "Garth. Isn't there that one ex-assassin that's been living here for a bit? Deathblow? Something like that."

Here, Garth interrupted him. "It's Deathstroke Roy. Not Deathblow. Although, I think he goes by a different name now."

I nodded and turned back to Roy, who had a huge grin on his face. "Whatever. Doesn't matter. This guy is some ex-soldier, turned merc, turned assassin. Apparently he's one of the best."

I sat silent. This guy might be my best option yet. Smiling at the two, I nodded. "Sure, sounds great. You know where to go?"

Garth got up and disappeared into the kitchen for a moment. I sat in an awkward silence with Roy, waiting for Garth's return. Looking for something to do, the archer turned back to his bow, examining it carefully. Mimicking his distraction, I pulled out one of the random weapons from my belt and pretended to inspect it, though I actually paid it little attention.

Finally, the Atlantean returned holding a sheet of paper with written instructions in his hand. "Here you go Richard" he said, coming up to me and placing the paper carefully on the table in front of me.

"Thanks" I said distractedly, picking up the paper and looking at it. It detailed some hidden base in a nearby forest or something. I'd look at it closely later. "I guess I'll just be going now." Getting up, I headed to the door, praying my bike was still outside where I had left it the night before.

"Good luck Richard" Garth said from behind me, showing me to the door. He never could get rid of that gentleman act of his.

"Thanks for all your help Garth." I said, turning to face the Atlantean. It was the truth too; I was genuinely grateful for all the two had done for me. I'd have to return the favor in the future.

"See ya Dick" Roy called from the main room.

Rolling my eyes at Garth's apparent opposite I called back, "Later Roy." With a smile to Garth I walked out of their hideout into the glaring sun. Seeing my bike still there, I grinned and hopped on. My next stop would be the lair of this Deathstroke. Hopefully, he wanted an apprentice.

After a short drive I arrived at the edge of Jump, near the forest that bordered half of the small city. "This'll be fun" I muttered to myself. Jumping off my bike, I walked out into nearby forest. At first, traveling was easy, and I followed the well-defined path that many others had used before me.

I walked through the area calmly, letting my mind wander to unimportant matters. Then, I was jolted back to reality though when I tripped over a random tree root. Shocked, I was still able to catch myself before I hit the ground.

Breathing hard, both from my trek and the surprise of the fall, I managed to get myself up. I definitely needed to pay more attention to what I was doing now. Glancing up, the sun was high in the sky. It looked to be around noon. Looking down I noticed that the path was getting rougher. I guess less people came out this far in the forest, so I'd have to pay more attention.

Focusing on the forest ahead, I looked around. I had to be getting close to that merc's random hideout. I glanced around the forest and continued my journey. Struggling through the woods I slowly continued to venture further and further.

Suddenly, I arrived in a clearing; that was odd. The whole forest had been growing denser, up until now. I was also pretty sure Garth's note had said something about a field. Frowning, I sat down in the grass. I tried to recall the recent detective training Bruce had instilled in me. Examining the sapce, I looked for anything that was even remotely suspicious.

At first glance, I saw nothing; there was nothing even noteworthy in the clearing. Frustrated, I pounded my fist into the ground. Hoping I had innocently missed something, I looked around again: still nothing. "God, this sucks" I grumbled. Rolling onto my stomach I glanced around the clearing once more. There was nothing special about it, but something just didn't feel right.

Groaning loudly I got up from my spot in the grass and prepared to inspect the clearing inch by inch. This had to be it, and I was not leaving till I found something.

I collapsed to the ground, leaning against one of the trees surrounding the field. Horus of searching and I had found nothing. Now I was hungry and tired and unsuccessful in my thorough examination.

That's when I noticed it. A half-demolished shack, overgrown and blending in well with the foliage around it was about fifty feet from where I sat. Forgetting both my hunger and weariness I got up and sprinted over to the structure.

The building was mostly destroyed and had few objects in it. This had to be part of the entrance that I had been searching for. Excited, I started another meticulous investigation of everything in view. Still, I found nothing. The only noteworthy object was a bed in the farthest corner, and it only caught my eye because I really needed a nap. Tired from my hike and my painstaking search I collapsed onto it.

As soon as my weight landed on the bed, it jerked down. I instantly jolted up. Confused, I glanced under the bed and found nothing. This was my only lead though, and it had to amount to something. Annoyed I got back up and grabbed the bed, managing to pull it out a little.

Success, finally! I had discovered a neat hole, carefully dug and hidden underneath the bed. Confident it was my way into the lair, I quickly wormed into it. Tight at first, the hole widened as it became deeper. That's when I saw a faint light a few feet from me. Excited, I managed to crouch down and stumble towards it.

A dim light glowed above a metal door with a keypad next to it. Thrilled at my discovery, I quickly threw my weight against the door. "Damn!" I cried out, clutching my now aching shoulder. I definitely should have thought that through more. Examining the door, I quickly realized the keypad would have to be my way in.

Frustrated, I knew there was no way I had the patience, or time, to crack that open. Grabbing a birdarang from my utility belt I slammed it into the keypad, effectively shattering it. I grinned as the door swiftly opened. Stepping into the dark corridor it revealed, I cursed again as an alarm rang out.

Instantly large robots were flooding the hallways. Desperate to remain unnoticed, I attempted to hid in the corner nearest the door. I couldn't escape though.

Robots had now filled every inch of space and appeared to be hunting for me. I cried out as the one closest to me spoke. "Human target spotted" it uttered monotonously. All attention was instantly on me. Before I had time to think, the two nearest to me grabbed my arms and started to pull me down the hallway.

"Let me go!" I cried, struggling furiously. They were not going to take me captive and take me to their boss. Then I realized that is where I wanted to go anyways. These robots were doing my job for me.

Ceasing my efforts to escape, I let myself be lead through the maze of corridors. Grinning, I relaxed in the robots tight grip as they moved me closer to my goal.

That's it! Sorry it took kinda long, well longer than usual. I was going to end it when Robin left Roy/Garth's (who are Speedy/Aqualad for anyone who didn't know) but I decided to add more cause of the recent delay. I'll most definitely have more soon because I'm traveling tomorrow and will bring my laptop with me, so in a few days at the longest. I hope.

- Kyla – Thanks so much! I'm glad you liked it. So, Slade will most definitely be in the next chapter, and that's an interesting idea: Batman's reaction. Hmm… we'll see. ;)

- KaliAnn – Thanks for reviewing again! Yeah, I probably will change Robin's name and I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

Hope you liked it! Thanks to anyone who reads and of course to those who review.