Slade was not lying when he said he would not go easy on Dick at all but this only increased the kiddo's determination.

The slightest mistake or distraction can lead to people's deaths, even yours. There are many people out there who will have no qualms about beheading a child.

This was the first thing Dick learned.

Whenever Dick came home from school, he would quickly do his homework -and damn it, it was too easy!- and once he finished, training would begin.

In their first lesson Slade wanted to examine the kiddo's hand-to-hand combat, so he asked him to attack him to the utmost of his abilities and strength. Dick initially hesitated but Slade reassured him by saying that he would not hold back either.

After all, how could Dick learn if Slade held back even slightly?

Besides, Slade had learned the lesson at their first meeting, thank you very much.

Dick's fighting skills were certainly impressive -he could already give assassins the likes of David Cain or Lawrence Crock a run for their money, although the odds were obviously not on his side- but there was still so much he would have to learn.

Slade felt a conflicting mix of emotions sweep over him.

On the one hand he felt wrong and immoral even for a man like him to train a kiddo to make him an anti-hero mercenary. Not to mention all the risks in the field that Dick might have encountered.

But on the other hand Slade could not deny the wave of excitement and pride he felt. He had the knowledge that he was training a kiddo who was supposed to be the best Talon in the Court of Owls and molding him to truly be the perfect weapon.

And it did not help that Dick was an excellent student who learned very quickly. He had already refined to some degree his hand-to-hand combat, implementing new lethal and deadly moves into his repertoire.

There were, however, two negative notes.

There were minor "accidents," as Slade called them, namely the moments when Dick fell back into his old habits in which he called Slade "Master," knelt respectfully in front of him, spoke in a cold and emotionless tone of voice, etc.

Fortunately they lasted only a few minutes at most but still both Wilsons hated them.

The second negative note, however, was an entirely different story.

"I cannot believe what you are doing!" Wintergreen blurted, staring hard at the younger man once he had taken Dick to school and returned home. William pointed an accusing finger at him. "But do you realize what you are doing? You are training him to be a professional mercenary like you!"

"He asked me to."

The other man looked at him with a look that clearly indicated how much he thought Slade was an idiot. "And if he asked you for the moon would you spend the rest of your life finding a way to please him?" he drawled sarcastically.

"Probably."

William let out a groan of frustration. "For God's sake, Slade! After all he's been through!"

"I'll tell you again: he asked me to train him otherwise the idea would never have occurred to me," Slade repeated, letting some annoyance show in his voice. "And if I had denied it to him, he probably would have found another way to become a mercenary, even without my help." he pointed out raising an eyebrow, daring him to deny it.

"Point taken." he conceded since he knew Dick and knew that the kiddo could be as stubborn as Slade, if not more so, but he was still irritated by the man in front of him. "But still, do you even realize the folly you are doing or have you completely lost your mind?"

Slade hesitated briefly. "I know it's not exactly moral but at least with my training and presence I can help him."

Wintergreen made a scoffing noise. "Like it worked the first time."

As soon as the words left his lips Wintergreen's eyes went wide, surprised at himself, and he froze. The mercenary stiffened and his one gray eye squinted dangerously, radiating coldness and menace from his entire posture.

For the first time in his life Wintergreen was afraid of Slade Wilson.

A low growl rumbled in the super soldier's throat. "Don't ever allow yourself again. This time I'll play it cool but only because you're my best friend. And I trust it will never happen again." William flinched uncomfortably under Slade's deadly gaze. "And for the record, it's not my fault Grant died. He was old enough to make the decisions for himself. He should have realized on his own that that contract was too much for him."

Wintergreen's back straightened and mentally bracing himself he met the man's gaze, ready to defend the boy he regarded as a nephew. "I know it is not your fault that he died but Grant wanted to do anything to make you proud of him and that led to his death." he continued before Slade could. "I knew that you were already proud of him and that you loved him... but I was not the one who should have known that."

The silence grew tense and lasted several minutes before Slade grunted abruptly. "We're talking about Dick, not Grant."

Wintergreen dropped the topic and crossed his arms. "Dick is only ten years old, Slade. At least Grant was sixteen when you decided to train him."

"Those are two very different situations. Grant was not a zombie superhuman kidnapped by a mentally ill organization and trained to be the most dangerous weapon in the world." stated Slade bluntly. "The electrum gave Dick a much better healing factor than mine, making him practically immortal, while his superhuman physical abilities are practically equal to mine and who knows, maybe when he grows up they can even surpass mine. Not to mention his fighting skills are very impressive for a kiddo his age."

"All that doesn't mean you have to train him to make him like you." William pointed out with a deep frown.

"I'm training him precisely not to make him like me!" Slade snapped violently, catching the older man off guard. "I don't want him to become like me! Dick is already a better person than Slade Wilson could ever hope to be! And he has so much potential in front of him! I am already sure that he will become even a better mercenary than Deathstroke!

"Can't you see it, William? Dick will only accept contracts on people who deserve to die! He wants to somehow make up for the innocent blood on his hands, even though it is not his fault. Instead, how many innocents have I killed?"

"Too many to count." William said darkly.

"Exactly." Slade growled. "Dick actually wants to make the world a better place! He wants to stop what happened to him -both the murder of his parents and being kidnapped by mentally ill bastards- from happening to other people. And I can help him achieve his goals. I want to help him."

Wintergreen remained silent, contemplating his best friend's words in a silence that stretched for minutes on end. Finally he sighed and stared at him. "I won't lie: I still don't like the fact that you are training an almost eleven-year-old boy to become a mercenary." he hesitated briefly. "But I can understand the motivation. I understand your point of view. And I won't stop you from doing that."

Slade nodded at him, silently conveying a kind of gratitude.

"...That kiddo is making you a better person, you know?" asked William softly.

The mercenary crossed his arms and Wintergreen thought that he would deny even under torture his statement but to his enormous surprise Slade gave a slight smile. "I know."

Dick is really making him a better person. Slade has suffered too much in the past. It would seem that with Dick he has found a new light, a new life purpose, a new source of happiness and love and someone he can count on. I have never seen him so happy, so relaxed. And I haven't seen him smile and laugh genuinely in many, many years. William thought, secretly happy for his best friend.

"You're doing a good job with Dick."

This time it was Slade's turn to be taken aback. "Do you think so?"

"Yes." replied Wintergreen honestly. "Look at that boy: it's obvious that he admires you more than anyone else. You can see it in his eyes and in his gaze every time he looks at you. And not just because you saved his life. You have given him a loving home, a new family and whatever he needs. But most of all, you have given him a second life, a second chance."

Slade snorted, secretly pleased by the older man's words. He pretended not to feel too moved. "Glad to know I'm not messing up too much this time."

The unlike other times remained implicit but clear nonetheless.

"Give yourself some credit, Slade." William rolled his eyes. "You're doing well with Dick. Who knows, maybe this will be the right opportunity to improve your relationship with Joey and Rose."

"As if Adeline would let me anywhere near them." scoffed Slade bitterly. "I haven't seen them now since..."

Grant's death. It was not said aloud.

Slade cleared his throat. "No more emotional talk now. We're both too old for that."

Wintergreen laughed and just like that the tension broke a little, allowing the two friends to lighten slightly.

To say that Dick was excited was an understatement.

His birthday had arrived -the first he would really celebrate since his parents' death- and after an inner turmoil over the fact that he would not be spending it with them he did his best to shake it off.

As soon as Dick awoke he headed for Slade's room, only to find it empty. He descended the stairs and in the kitchen instead of finding his adoptive father he found to his confusion and surprise Wintergreen making him breakfast.

"Where is Slade?" asked the acrobat as he sat down.

His eyes glowed golden as Wintergreen affectionately tousled his hair. "Happy birthday, Dick." the former military man smiled sweetly as he saw the kiddo practically vibrating with joy. "As for your question, Slade is a bit busy but don't worry, he will be home when you return from school."

Some disappointment flashed across the face of the last Flying Grayson who, however, immediately hid it. Instead he smiled and began to eat the breakfast prepared by the man.

After getting ready Wintergreen accompanied him to school. Dick greeted him and once the car disappeared from his view he turned to stare at the school building, feeling a mix of emotions.

It had been about two months since his enrollment in school but Dick had not yet made a real friend. Sure, he chatted quietly with some of the kids and had some fun with them but he wouldn't really call them his friends.

Not to mention the classes. Most of the time they were deadly boring since Dick either already knew the topics because of his circus education (which no one in the school knew about) or because they were too easy for him to understand.

So yes, he did not like school very much but he knew that it could definitely be worse so he accepted the situation as it is.

At least he could console himself with the fact that after school he would see Slade and maybe they would spend some time together, training aside.

Wintergreen brought him home and told him that he would have to leave. Then Dick stared at him with his puppy-dog eyes -which damn the whole world were the most dangerous weapon in the entire universe and not even Deathstroke was immune to them- and begged him to stay for his birthday.

William groaned in defeat and agreed. They entered the Wilson house and Dick bounced excitedly as he saw Slade staring at him with a small smile.

"Slade!" shouted Dick, throwing his backpack to the ground and darting with his superhuman speed toward the man.

It was only because of his reflexes that Slade saw the blur headed toward him just in time and grunted when Dick slammed into him, lacing his arms around his neck and resting his head on his shoulder.

Damn, the kiddo is already faster than me. He thought amusedly as he returned the hug tightly, enjoying the resulting warmth. "Happy birthday, kiddo." he whispered softly, tenderly rubbing his back.

A huge smile made its way into the face of the Talon who snuggled further into the man, sighing contentedly and making the super soldier chuckle softly.

Lunch went swimmingly.

Dick had a great time chatting with William and Slade while enjoying his favorite dishes that the two men had prepared for him. Not only this but what's more Wintergreen had baked him a spectacularly good cake!

No one commented on the tears of joy on William's face when Dick gave him a fierce bear hug and called him "Uncle Billy!"

"It's time for presents, kiddo." commented Slade once lunch was over.

He lifted his upper lip slightly as he saw Dick's eyes shine in the most sparkling blue for a couple of seconds before they also shone in the golden, and he snorted in amusement when he saw him perform a backflip.

"Why are we heading toward the gymnasium?" asked Dick confusedly as he followed them.

"You'll find out soon enough."

His mentor's enigmatic answer only increased his curiosity. The three entered and Dick glanced around to find out what was different.

His gaze wandered from treadmills to different types of weights to other physical training facilities and gadgets to-

Dick opened his eyes wide, completely surprised by what he was staring at.

Because occupying a good amount of the gymnasium was something that was definitely not there before.

Because there was there the trapeze exactly like the one he and his parents used in the circus.

Dick shifted his shocked gaze from the trapeze to Slade to Wintergreen and then back to the trapeze again. He began to emit surprised and confused babble, causing the two former military men to chuckle.

"I know you miss your parents very much. I cannot and will not replace Mary and John Grayson." Slade began slowly, choosing his words very carefully. "I know you miss the circus and the chance to be able to perform again." he then made a vague gesture toward the trapeze. "It won't be exactly the same as when you were performing in the circus but..." he interrupted awkwardly, unable to find suitable words to describe what he wanted to say.

Fortunately for him, Dick understood him anyway -after all, by now he had become a real expert at recognizing the various types of his grunts- and the acrobat launched himself toward his adoptive father.

Slade staggered back a few inches, not expecting the hug after his awkward speech, and automatically wrapped his arms around Richard's tiny figure, ignoring William's smirk.

"Thanks, Dad." Dick murmured, stiffening as he realized his last word slipped involuntarily from his lips and waited with bated breath for Slade's reaction, not daring to look up in the man's direction.

He did not regret calling him Dad as he admitted to himself that Slade behaved just like that to him, albeit a little differently and more emotionally constipated than the typical Dad. Of course, he should have had some time to himself to reflect on what it all meant, but after all, Slade had already become his father for some time.

Although they had both long ago silently acknowledged their father-son relationship Dick had never explicitly called him "dad" and now feared, however, how he would act while his insecurities were eating him up inside.

Slade froze on the spot and widened his eye in shock, completely taken aback for one of the very few times in his life. He slowly shifted his gaze to Wintergreen, initially thinking he had misheard despite his enhanced hearing but, judging by the equally surprised look on his best friend's face, that was not the case.

An overwhelming mix of emotions hit him harder than a hurricane, and he felt a confused emotional mess inside.

In a good way, though.

Slade hadn't felt this happy, this warm inside, in a very long time.

And damned if he liked that feeling.

The mercenary let out a deep sigh and gently rubbed the back of his son. "You're welcome, son." the two remained in that position for a couple of minutes in silence before the super soldier spoke again. "In the secret training room I added another trapeze."

Dick's arms tightened further around Slade in response.

"We have another gift for you." Wintergreen commented with a smile once the three of them reached the secret training room.

Dick had a surprised and moved look on his face. "You didn't have to do so much for me, really."

"Nonsense." Slade waved a hand dismissively. "If anyone deserves all the gifts in the world that person is you, kiddo." he asserted patting the acrobat on the back, smiling when he received a bright smile in response.

"So what is it?" asked Dick as he began bouncing excitedly on the spot, making the two former military men giggle.

"I'll go get it." said William, and after affectionately tousling his hair, he walked away.

Father and son chatted briefly -although the conversation was rather one-sided as Slade responded with grunts or nods of his head- until William returned to them with a briefcase in his hand.

"Open it." Wintergreen smiled as he handed the suitcase to Talon, who took it with an excited look on his face.

Dick immediately opened it and what he saw made him briefly forget how to breathe. He stared at the two men with wide eyes, as if for confirmation, and they nodded.

Dick returned his gaze to the contents of the briefcase. Slowly he gently grasped the half-black half-orange armor and ran a thumb over the blood-red R in the middle. The armor featured reinforced steel coverings that gleamed ominously and they lined the shoulders, the base of the neck, the back of the arms up to the elbows and most of the legs. The gloves were black and also featured orange detailing as well as the arms featured orange streaks. The rest of the armor was mainly black with other orange details.

His eyes were mesmerized by the armor and gazed in fascination at the numerous holsters, the blood-red utility belt and the blood-red mask characterized by menacing white slits.

"The armor is mainly coated with Promethium chain mail which makes it very strong and durable, capable of absorbing energy and taking hits even from big pieces like Superman." Slade gave a slight smile at how his son's eyes widened. "Plus in the minority it is also coated with Nth Metal which makes you stronger, faster, more agile and durable and even increases your healing factor."

Slade gave a low chuckle at the look of pure wonder and shock that outlined the Talon's features. "Overall, this armor will allow you to go up against beings that would normally be out of your league like Superman, Wonder Woman, Shazam, etc. Sure, their blows hurt like hell but between the armor, your healing factor that makes you virtually immortal and heals any wound in no time, and your virtually infinite pain tolerance, well, I'm sure you can see for yourself what that means."

This time Slade expected Dick's bone-crushing hug and did not hesitate to return it, wrapping his son tightly in his arms. "Thank you thank you thank you!" repeated the Talon several times, clutching his father figure tightly.

If Slade did not have superhuman resistance he might have winced at how tight Dick's grip was but he merely smiled and patted him on the back a few times.

After a few more minutes Dick detached himself from his arms and Wintergreen had a moment before he felt the air leave his lungs as the acrobat hugged him. "Thank you Uncle Billy!"

The man gave a sweet smile and returned the hug. "You've earned it, Dickie."

"So does that mean I can accompany you on your contracts?" asked Dick with a huge smile at Slade once he broke away from his embrace with Wintergreen.

"That's right." Slade nodded. "Obviously we will continue with the daily training because you still have a lot to learn but you have passed the initial phase with flying colors." he gave a slight smile. "In fact, I have already accepted a contract for tomorrow." he said casually.

"Yes!" cried Dick enthusiastically, raising a fist in the air and performing a few backflips. Then with a curious look he looked at the super soldier. "How did you know I planned to use a name beginning with R for my mercenary identity?"

"You need to learn not to mumble to yourself, kiddo."

Dick pouted. "I hate your enhanced hearing."

"You have it too." Slade pointed out with an amused look.

"It doesn't matter." Dick stated dismissively, making the mercenary chuckle softly.

Wintergreen merely watched the exchange of banter in fascination, unable to help but notice how Slade was acting lighter and more playful in Dick's company.

That kiddo is really working wonders with Slade.

"Will Renegade be your final choice?" asked Slade, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.

"Yes." replied Dick without hesitation.

When Dick thought about the name to adopt for his mercenary identity, the first name that came to his mind was Robin.

That was how his mother called him and Dick longed to use that name to bring honor to his parents. Unfortunately he already knew that he could not use that name.

Robin meant purity, justice, innocence.

Everything that Dick was now no longer.

And since Dick would continue to kill -even bad people who actually deserved to die- he would continue to get blood on his hands.

And while he might never have regretted killing the bastards who were ruining the world, that was not the way his parents would have wanted him to use and they certainly had not raised him that way.

Maybe there was another world in which Dick was free to be able to fly like Robin or maybe not.

Either way the sure thing was the fact that he would not be able to call himself Robin, no matter how much he wanted to.

And on a lighter note let's face it: who the hell would be afraid of a guy calling himself Robin?

The second name that crossed his mind after a few minutes of thought was Renegade.

And damn if he liked that name. And in a way that name suited him.

"Besides, it would be too late now to change the name, don't you think?" added Dick with a smirk, mentioning the fantastic blood-red R on his armor.

Slade snorted in amusement and agreed with a nod of his head.

The acrobat continued to gaze in wonder at Renegade's armor.

Dick was really looking forward to his debut as Renegade.

The show is about to start.