Jason's P.O.V

I knew when I saw Ash that he had a suspicion of who I was. I didn't expect Ash would realize I was Robin that fast. Though what was I expecting, it wasn't like I was actively trying to hide my identity from him. I could have done better, 3 days after meaning Jason Todd might not have been the best idea, not to mention the guy can literally feel my aura which unless I'm mistaken isn't the same as any other person's aura... at least that's what it says on the small file of aura on the Bat Computer

Either way, it was bound to happen. He was going to figure it out sooner or later anyway. Best to get it out in the open. Still, I have no idea why he's so guarded and secretive. I mean in a way I can understand wanting to protect the whole secret identity thing since I'm in the same boat as him

I wasn't lying to Ash when I asked for his help. While it might be true that my original mission was to figure out more about Lucario's mysterious protégé, I was also sent to deal with Riddler. He'd somehow taken advantage that Bruce was away on a mission and for whatever reason ended up here in the aura user's territory. Lucario was unfortunately needed in his day job and as such left the protecting to see if Riolu was ready to deal with the heavy hitters

Normally we wouldn't have even crossed paths, Ash and I, but when I went to confront Riddler… let's say I didn't think I'd run into one of Lucario's own rogues to be working with him. It was unexpected and I let them get away. I've been Robin for a while now and I got my butt handed to me by a freak who can literally shape shift his hands into swords… Dick would be laughing if he ever finds out

"Help you? You're Robin, Jason. Why would you possibly need my help?" Ash asked as I forgot he was still there

"What do you know about a villain with sword hands?"

Ash's eyes widened "You encountered Bisharp?! He's been relatively silent these past 3 days"

"When villains are quiet, it normally means they got something big going on. This Bisharp is working with Riddler. I confronted them after our chat on the rooftop and would have left you alone if not for that fact that swords came out of nowhere and stabbed me. They got away due to that and I can't fight to the fullest with stabbed shoulder and leg… so will you be willing to help me?"

3rd P.O.V

Ash wasn't sure what to do. Robin was literally asking him for help. HIM! However, Ash also knew that he didn't have the experience that Jason had… but if he didn't help, then what was the possibility something terrible happen when he could have helped in stopping it from happening

"Alright… I'll help you" Ash finally settled on running a hair through his messy hair "What do you plan on doing to even capture Riddler? From what I know about him, he's got no powers and instead is just a normal human who uses riddles, games and puzzles. Compared to other rogues in your city, I'll take him over the Joker" Ash said leaning against the lockers

"Joker is no laughing matter. Batman always insists I never take him on alone. Anyway, we need to head back before people get suspicious. I'll meet you during lunch" Jason said as Ash turned towards him, only to see him gone

'How does he do that?'

Lunch time

"What did Jason want to talk with you about?" Gary asked as soon as he slammed his tray on the table in which Ash was sitting at

Ash looked at him for a couple of seconds before going back to eating his lunch "What's it to you what we talked about? You don't need to know about every single detail in my life"

Gary was silent, not sure how to respond to that. More and more, Gary knew he was right in suspecting Ash was hiding something from him and the others. He was never this secretive before… he was more open and willing to share with him and Leaf about his problems and all

"If I didn't know you liked girls and were his best friend, I'd say you were in love with Ash or something Oak Tree" Leaf suddenly spoke as she calmly sat down "Besides, Ash is entitled to keeping his secrets. He doesn't need to tell you anything"

"We just talked about a group project we've been assigned to work with each other. I wanted to know Ash's input so I could get started on the research later today" a new voice joined in

Ash gave Jason a raised eyebrow but didn't say anything. He just nodded his head in agreement as Jason placed his own tray next to Ash's and sat down. Pulling out a manila folder, he passed it to Ash who in turn picked it up and was happy he chose the table where no one would be able to see what he was reading

In the folder was the profile of Riddler and what Jason had been investigating before and once he got here. Seems Riddler had escaped from Arkham and after scouting Gotham, got word he was seen in Viridian. Nightwing and Batgirl were tasked with protecting Gotham while Batman was away on League business and as such Robin was sent to deal with Riddler

"That's all the research I was able to come up with for our project. Sorry I made you leave it to the last minute. I know it's due tomorrow, so we better finish this today"

"No, it's fine. I was busy with other things and didn't even remember about the project until you brought it up. Just let me know when you plan to meet up and where" Ash said, understanding the true meaning of Jason's words as the Boy Wonder nodded and left

Ash placed the manila folder into his backpack and noticed the stares of both his friends "What?"

"Since when are you two chummy? Last time you were paranoid and guarded around him and now you act as if you were friends"

"He's not bad once you get to know him. Besides we have one thing in common" Ash told them as he soon left the two, leaving them both confused

"Was that Ash who just left?" May asked as she and Dawn stood in front of the duo

"You mean Mr. secretive" Gary grumbled

"Come on Gary. He's your best friend… Ash would never try and hide anything from you or Leaf. You both were there for him when everyone else turned their backs on him" Dawn seriously stated

May could understand Gary's frustrations. She had seen Ash coming to class late, sometimes would sleep during a lecture and one time she even saw him with a bandage wrapped around his neck he tried to hide with his jacket

Both Gary and May know their friend is involved in something. However, whether bad or not, they have no idea about that. But Gary did learn one new thing today… Jason seemed to know exactly what it was Ash is involved in and might in the same situation as Ash

'You asked for this Ash. Once I find out your little secret… I'll expose you. Count on it'

Next chapter is the end of this mini arc. Gary is seriously now determined to figure out what Ash is hiding. May is suspicious as well. Jason and Ash have teamed up to take down Riddler and Bisharp. Stay tuned for next time!