I looked up as the robots finally halted after they had dragged me through what seemed like miles of underground tunnels and corridors. Obviously this Deathstroke guy did not want to be bothered, but it didn't matter. I needed him.

I glanced around the large, quiet underground room that we had finally stopped in. Almost entirely dark, the room was illuminated by small spotlights placed in systematic intervals along the ceiling. Huge gears and pistons filled most of the room, constantly moving in regular patterns.

On the far end was a large chair, facing a wall filled with floor to ceiling screens containing images of people, places, news, camera feeds, everything. Upon my approach, the chair swiveled to reveal a dark figure. Half of his face seemed perpetually cloaked in darkness, while the other part was covered by a brown mask. His tall, imposing figure was clothed in a simple outfit: a black and silver battle suit that was probably filled with weapons.

He studied me, silent before finally standing up and approaching. I just stared at him until he finally spoke up. "And who do you think you are to try and break into my base and fail spectacularly?" he inquired coldly.

"I need you to train me" I stated simply.

He let out a cold laugh, apparently finding the request amusing. "Me, train some wannabe kid? No. Not gonna happen. Now get the hell out." I stared up in shock as he turned and walked away. I glared at his retreating figure, angry that I was being ignored so quickly.

Still being held by the two robots, I struggled in an attempt to get loose. Finally, I managed to get one arm somewhat free. I yanked my arm down as hard as I could, and the momentum sent one of the robots crashing to the floor in front of me. From the corner of my eye I saw Deathstroke's chair turn to watch the action. I quickly redirected my focus to the other robot which was now advancing towards me.

Getting into a ready stance I faced my new mechanical opponent. Jumping up into the air I easily executed a spinning crescent kick, hitting the robot and sending it flying into the nearby wall. Right after the robot went crashing down, a slow clapping started. Confused, I returned my attention to the imposing figure of Slade, still seated in his throne-like chair. I thought he would have been angry at me for demolishing two of his robots.

"That was almost impressive" he admitted, "But who are you exactly?" he murmured, most likely to himself, as he studied me suspiciously.

A small grin flashed across my face: I had his attention now and had even proved, to a certain extent, that I wasn't just a wannabe. "Rob–" I froze; I didn't want him to know my real identity, especially since that came with Batman most likely hunting me down. Trying to cover my blunder I told him "Well, I don't know yet. I can't use my real name, obviously."

He turned from me and started to pace the area in front of his chair. "And why not? I do now."

I stared at him, incredulous. "Your real name is Deathstroke?"

He glanced back up at me, curious. "Who told you to call me that?" Taking my sudden silence as a refusal to answer, he just shrugged and continued. "No matter; call me Slade. Now we just need a name for you…" Here he paused, apparently deep in thought.

I thought, trying to come up with anything. Birds – I should stick with that aspect, but something darker than a Robin. Also, something better then the Batman, the Dark Knight… like the night. Then you add the bird aspect… "Nightwing" I said suddenly, "You can call me Nightwing."

He looked at me and just shrugged. "It's up to you Robert?"

I stared at him in confusion, "Robert?"

Slade studied me again, almost curious, but keeping his cool indifference. "Isn't that your name? You said Rob earlier, so I assumed Robert."

I grinned slightly; this had created the perfect cover. I was no longer Richard Grayson or Robin, but Robert, with a Nightwing alias. I faked a small laugh "Oh, right. Nice guess."

He just nodded, seemingly uninterested in the minute details of my life, and called into one of the dark corners of the enormous room, "Wintergreen!" To my surprise, an older man with thinning white hair and smart black suit appeared from the shadows.

"Yes sir?" he asked. The similarities to Alfred astounded me and for a moment I couldn't help but feel guilt. Batman's kind butler had been one of the few people that I had genuinely liked since my parents' death. While I would never miss my old mentor, I would miss Alfred and his kindness.

Shaking myself from my thoughts, I concentrated on the two currently present men and not Alfred. While I had been lost in memories, they had been discussing something, quiet. I strained to hear even small snippets of the conversation. Unfortunately, as soon as I started to pay attention the conversation seemed to end.

Ignoring me entirely, Slade strode back to his chair and sat down, becomingly easily absorbed in the many screens. At the same time, Wintergreen approached where I was standing and commanded, in a low voice, "Come with me."

I figured that he didn't want to disturb Slade, so I remained quiet and merely nodded. Without another word Wintergreen started walking back towards where he had first appeared. I obediently followed him through the doorway. Pausing for a moment, I waited while he shut the door behind us. Together we started our descent further into the underground hideout.

With the door shut, Wintergreen immediately started talking to me while he set off at a brisk pace down the hallway. "It's a pleasure to meet you sir. I can tell you it is extremely rare for Mr. Wilson to take up an apprentice so quickly, especially considering how little we actually know about you."

The butler paused, studying me for a moment, before resuming his monologue. Obviously he didn't need a response; he must be used to one sided conversations. "There are a few rules you should know. The first, never wander anywhere in the base without express permission from Mr. Wilson. He does not need you or want you to know all his secrets. The second, there is another pupil here by the name of Rose. Do not bother her, ever. She has been with Mr. Wilson for a long time and will not put up with idle annoyances. There's a couple more, but I'm sure you'll learn them along the way."

Interrupting the chatty butler before he could continue, I asked "What about you, Wintergreen? How do you know Slade?"

He grinned, looking almost nostalgic as we continued down the hall past multiple doors. "We're old friends. I've known him since we were both in the British Army."

I looked at him in shock, Slade in a government supported army? Obeying orders and all that? It seemed extremely unlikely, to say the least. As if sensing my skepticism, Wintergreen continued. "Isn't it amazing where these… I guess you have to say villains, but where they come from? I even heard four-ish superheroes' protégés recently turned. They're on the run now. Amazing."

"Four?" I muttered, almost in shock. Who else could have turned so quickly?

"Yes sir. I think it was… Aqualad and Speedy, Robin, and just now Kid Flash."

I remained silent, fearful of giving away anything to reveal my true identity. Luckily at that moment, one of the doors opened to create a distraction. Out stepped a shorter teenage girl with platinum blond, almost white hair and striking crystal blue eyes. I couldn't help but stare at the gorgeous girl, who was wearing a uniform similar to Slade's own.

Ignoring me, the girl focused her attention on Wintergreen instead. "Is there training today Will?"

Wintergreen shook his head. "No Ms. Wilson. I believe you have the day to relax. And in peace in quiet, while I get this good sir situated." Only after hearing my name mentioned did the girl glance at me. She studied me briefly before sighing.

"Another apprentice attempt?" she laughed shortly. "Don't hold your breath kid. My dad doesn't hold on to anyone for long." With that bit of depressing news, the mysterious girl returned to the room she had exited.

Wintergreen chuckled slightly as he resumed his rapid pace down the hallway. "Remember rule number two Robert"

"What?" I asked, finally glancing away from where the girl had disappeared.

"Rule number two: leave Rose alone."

"Oh," I replied, momentarily embarrassed by how obviously transfixed I had been in her presence. Wintergreen merely chuckled again before stopping in front of another door and opening it slightly.

"Here is your room sir. I would advise staying in here until Mr. Wilson calls for you." I nodded, walking into the room and slowly shutting the door behind me. I glanced around the relatively simple room, decorated with only a bed, dresser, desk and chair. It would suit my needs just fine.

I quickly changed out of my uniform and walked over to the bed. I pulled down the light sheet and collapsed down into what felt like heaven after my long day in the forest. I instantly fell asleep, content with my new home.

I was sleeping peacefully when a voice suddenly called out, "Nightwing!" Opening my eyes, I glanced around my room. Still half asleep, I focused on the figure standing in my doorway and quickly identified it as Slade.

The man was glaring at me, visibly annoyed at my lack of response. "Get up Nightwing! I am not going to waste my valuable time on you if the only thing you want to do is sleep. So get your lazy ass out of bed so we can start your training. Don't worry, today will be fun; you get to work with Rose." Seeming almost pleased with himself, he left me alone in my tiny room.

I moaned, slowly steadying myself as I sat up. Being underground, I had no idea what time it was but it felt ridiculously early. I stumbled out of my bed and grabbed my costume. Just as I had thrown it on I heard a knock on the door. Without a further warning, the door was opened, revealing Wintergreen.

"I'm here to escort you to the training room sir." I just nodded, still too tired to respond coherently. Wintergreen immediately set off at a brisk pace in a different direction then we had come yesterday. Startled, I jogged, rushing to catch up to the older man. Not slowing down, he continued on the walk towards the training room.

"Here it is, sir. And good luck, cause you'll need it." As quickly as he had come, the older butler disappeared into another one of the numerous hallways. Bracing myself I walked through the door.

As soon as I had entered the room, I gasped in surprise an elbow come flying down and hitting me in the head. I instantly cried out, falling to the ground in the process. Trying to re-catch my breath while on the floor, I looked up at my assailant only to discover the chick from earlier, Rose.

"What the hell! Rose–" I started, furious at the low move.

"Call me Ravager, you bumbling moron. And my dad's first rule: always be ready." I groaned; great, more rules. She laughed at my obvious annoyance and pain. "If you're gonna work with us, you're gonna work hard" she chided, still with a mocking smile on her face.

Groaning, I pulled myself to my feet, gently rubbing the back of my injured head. "Damn you–" I started before I was interrupted, yet again. Looking up, I noticed in the far corner of the giant room Slade, once again seated.

"She's right Nightwing. If you're going to attempt to be my apprentice… well it won't be easy." He laughed coldly, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

Obviously I had been clueless as to what I had signed up for here. The pair of them seemed to make a vicious duo. I had to stay with them though: I needed to train with the best, and they were pretty damn close to it. "Bring it on" I called, positioning myself in a ready stance.

Ravager laughed, delighted. "Sweetness. I got myself a new training dummy" she told me with a mocking smile. Furious I lashed out at her, surprising her as I struck her in the head just as hard as she had hit me. Just like I had done she cried out in surprise, but managed to stay on her feet.

"What. The. Fuck." She glared at me, obviously pissed.

I just smirked, glancing at her tauntingly. "Remember that one rule Ravager? Hmm… what was it? Oh yeah. Always be ready." Enraged she took a punch at me, but I easily dodged it.

I dimly heard a laugh from the far corner of the room that Slade occupied. "Very good Nightwing. You might not be a total waste of time" he stated calmly, approaching the two of us. "Let's begin your training."

Chapter 8! Haha, this is so exciting how long this story has gotten. But I love it. A lot of dialogue in this chapter, but kinda necessary. Unfortunately, for me at least, this story will probably come to an end soon: 1, 2 chapters maybe. Robin, or Nightwing I guess, is almost ready to start the Titans! Yay! Also yay: I got my 10th review for this story! Double digits, pretty exciting. Anyways, sorry this took so long. I had most of it done like a week ago but I just finally finished today. My classes this semester are ridiculously hard with huge homework loads so that's been slowing me down, but I will try and update at least every 10 days, even though like I said, it's almost finished.

KaliAnn – Thanks for reviewing again! Yeah, the darker sides of heroes are always so interesting. I am pretty much addicted to it, but that's alright.

So, as usual thanks to everyone who reads my story. And please review, because it always makes my day and only takes like a minute of your time. :)