My writing style is so diff now. Woah. It's crazy.

Plus, Ren isn't as jokey this chapter bc it's pretty angsty.

Okay, it's CRAZY angsty.

But... hey... character development I guess 🤷🏽‍♀️

Oh and pls excuse any errors. I rly just wanted to get a chapter out.

Enjoy!

Renegade sat alone in the bat cave.

Each drip of water from the cave stalactites could be heard as they fell onto the hard rock floor.

Every now and then a small bat would squeak, and a flutter of wings would follow.

Though Renegades busy mind was deaf to all the noises around him.

Bruce had left. Batman was now on patrol.

Batman had invited the teen, but he was quick to deny the offer.

"I have things to tend to."

A chuckle,"Like?"

"My skills have been lacking lately. I'd prefer to sharpen them."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, it's best to take no risks in the field after all."

A pause,"Of course... I will see you later then." The two shared no further conversation, despite it leaving an awkward tension in the room.

And the roar of the BatMobiles large engine echoed off the cave walls as it sped away towards the city, leaving Renegade solemn to his thoughts.

All he had been doing these past days is thinking as Catwoman's words had truly gotten to him. He couldn't get his mind off of what she had said. Though after much thinking, he had finally made his decision.

Renegade stood from his chair, refusing to look back as he made his way to the zeta tubes. He needed to make a move before he changed his mind.

The young boy quickly changed into his uniform- his breath quickening. Though he discarded his utility belt- the one Batman had given him- replacing it with his original belt. Which Batman has failed to dispose of, resulting in Renegade finding it.

He didn't need any extra ties to the "hero's". It was best to just rid himself of anything involving them.

"I've fucking decided, Selina." The teen sighed to himself, "I'm picking a side."

Recognized: Renegade BO0

—-

"But it's such a boring book."

"You're literally a speedster. You could read it in two seconds."

"But do I really want to do that."

Kaldur spoke up,"Keep in mind that it is your grade at stake, my friend. You would not be allowed on the team if your grades faltered."

"Oof, you're right... Fineee," Wally West picked up the hard-cover book, opening it up to the first page. Unfortunately, as he was about to start his English assignment, the zeta tube announced Renegades arrival, distracting him, as well as the rest of the team.

"Hey, Ren!" The male ginger called out, tossing the book behind his shoulder.

"What are you doing here?" Artemis walked forwards, approaching the teen.

"Hm.... I meant to go somewhere else,"The teen looked around."Whoops, guess I'm here now."

The members of the team were all much closer after individually bonding with Renegade the other day. Wally and Ren found themselves joking around a lot more- mostly pulling pranks on everyone. Superboy referred to Ren as "tolerable", which was a huge step in the right direction. Aqualads respect for the young member had risen- realizing that he was much more than sarcastic remarks and sex jokes. And the girls came to him regarding "boy help" and simply to vent.

To anyone else, their newfound connections were astounding. Though to Renegade, it was a sign that he needed to cut all connections before he completely fell a victim to "niceness" and "being weak".

"Take a seat Ren," M'gann gestured toward the couch, "I have a cookies baking. I'm trying out a new recipe I found online."

"Actually, I don't plan to stay long. Like I said, I meant to go somewhere else." The teen shrugged awkwardly.

"Why are you wearing your uniform?" Artemis raised an eyebrow,"Do we have a mission?"

"No.... I'm patrolling.... with Batman."

"You are supposed to be on patrol? Renegade, then you must leave now to aid Batman." Kaldur shook his head.

"Yeah... Okay,"The young male turned away, planning to exit, but froze halfway,"Bye guys. It's been good...."

Renegade proceeded towards the zeta tubes, knowing that a simple statement from his teammates would be all it would take for him to stay.

"Bye..." He whispered to himself, or perhaps the cave which he had grown incredibly comfortable to.

Recognized: Renegade BO0

The second Renegade exited the zeta tube, he froze. Was he really going to do this? Sure, he hated being weak, he hated worrying about the safety of others, and he most definitely hated feeling scared, but was it worth it? While doing this would definitely fix his dilemma, he would lose his home and friends- no, family- that he had come to love.

But, he needed to pick a side. Ruin his life or risk the life of his friends? Villainy or heroics?

"Goddamnit Selina, you did this to me." The ebony growled,"But there's no turning back now." He took one step forward before he heard the loud whirring of the telephone booth behind him. He turned quickly to see Kid Flash standing there with an upset look on his face.

"KF? Why are you in Gotham?" Renegade tried to act natural.

"Cut the act, Ren. Don't think I didn't notice how strange you were acting in there."

"Strange? That's how I always act. It's part of my personality. 75% funny. 15% sarcastic. 10% charming. 5% strange."

The speedster crossed his arms,"And what about your utility belt? You think I wouldn't notice that you're wearing your old one again?"

Renegade was silenced. He had no excuse for that.

"Ren, what the hell is going on? I don't know what you plan to do, but I won't tell anyone about this if you just come inside now." Kid Flash has sorrow written all across his face,"Are you trying to prove something?"

The younger of the two glared. He refused to give in,"You have no idea what I've had to go through. Not just now, my whole life- I've been through so much shit, Wally. And just when I was happy- living on the streets on my own- you hero's decide to fuck that up for me,"He could hear the own shakiness in his voice,"I'm so goddamn tired of this life. I just want to do whatever the hell I want. So I'm going- whether you like it or not- and you're not going to tell anyone."

"But you're also happy with us?! We laugh and make jokes all the time. Plus, you can't just leave. What about Deathstroke? He'll kill you if he finds you. At least wait until Batman arrests him." Wally took a step forward. Dick took two steps back.

"Wally, you're a great guy to be around. I'll admit that our pranks made me laugh so much that I forgot about all of my problems,"Renegade reached for his utility belt,"But if you get in my way..." He raised a black gun to the speedster face,"I will not hesitate to pull this trigger."

Renegade had to do everything to prevent his hand from shaking- not wanting Wally to view him as weak, or as if he were bluffing. He meant what he said, about Wally being great and making him laugh, but that meant nothing when considering what would happen if he were to stay.

"Dick-"

"Don't call me that!"

"Ren..." The gingers breath was shaky,"Put the gun down. "

"Why the hell would I do that?"

"Because... you aren't going to shoot me. I know you Ren. You aren't the same kid you were half a year ago- mercilessly killing thugs on the streets. You're a kid who has made friends- who has helped save lives. You aren't a criminal anymore. You aren't a murder anymore. You just had a rough start. You're scared. But you don't have to be anymore. The team, we all care for you. Just stay. Why is that so hard?"

Renegade chuckled.

"You're wrong. I'm not different. Yeah, I have my memories back. Yes, I've bonded with you guys. But in no way have I changed. Just give up on me. I'm a lost cause. Go back to whatever the hell you were doing before you met me. You'll be better off."

Dick lowered the gun, appearing as if he was going to leave.

Wally smiled at the sight of the lowered gun.

Dick continued,"But no one will believe that I haven't changed... So, you'll just have to be my example." And with that, Dick raised the gun, and pulled the trigger

—-

Renegade found himself getting chills as he walked into his former home- his steps echoing off of the walls. He had spent most of his life here after his parents were killed. After Deathstroke kidnapped him, this large warehouse was all he knew. He was never allowed outside. He wasn't even allowed in all the rooms of the warehouse. It was hell. Everyday was the same vigorous cycle: eat, train, torture, cry. Bruises and cuts became a part of him, always there, like a birthmark.

Renegade could remember the fear he felt each morning as he woke up, hoping that things would get better. Hoping that maybe one of the hero's, like Superman, would come to his rescue. Or at least that Deathstroke would kill him so he could finally be with his parents.... That was until his memories were warped and then he couldn't give a shit about his past life or heroes. He knew he was the only one who could save himself.

After shooting Deathstroke, he never imagined he would have to walk into this dark cold warehouse ever again. He had several nightmares regarding such an occurrence, but found sanctuary in knowing that Deathstroke was dead. But... guess not anymore.

"Hey, Deathstroke? It's considered rude to not welcome your guests at the front door," Renegade yelled out, his voice echoing in a way that gave him even more chills,"You could at least offer me some lemonade! It was a long trip here."

Silence.

"I know you're here, so let's just cut the crap! You wanted me alone and now I'm here! This whole "I'm cool because I'm in the shadows" things is so cliche. Get over yourself."

A deep chuckle filled the silent room, bouncing off of every wall and filling each and every corner.

"Using sarcasm to hide how scared you are,"Deathstroke metallic footsteps were heard,"Maybe you haven't changed much,"

"That's what I'm saying..." Renegade whispered to himself.

"As grateful as I am that you came alone, I am curious as to why you did it. Is your team merely twenty minutes away? Do you have some pathetic plan to subdue me?"

Dicks posture broke down,"No. I'm here because I'm tired of the bullshit. I'm tired of running,"

The footsteps were now nearing,"Hmm, I'm impressed... But you are an idiot for returning."

Dick was practically spinning in circles, following the sound of the footsteps, his breathing heavy,"I've been told, but you gotta block out the haters,"He chuckled pathetically,"Just... Just cut the dramatics and make me your apprentice or whatever. I promise you can do all the torturing and I won't annoy you too much. Though, slight warning, since you've been gone I've freshened up on my puns and am prepared to use them."

Dicks words received absolute silence. Even the footsteps had stopped.

Deathstroke was thinking, but Dick wasn't sure about what.

Then, when Dick just planned to break the silence, a cruel laugh did it for him.

"What? My jokes are that funny to you?"

The laughing continued, only growing more evil and full of malice.

"You think I want you to be my apprentice? You truly believe I want to train someone who attempted to murder me?"

Dick remained silent. Is that not what he had been chasing him for?

"You really are an idiot. I didn't go to you so you could be my slave again. I went to you so I could get revenge- and rightfully kill you."

Dick had no time to process as Deathstroke jumped out from the shadows and pressed him against the warehouse walls; the walls shaking with a thunderous boom.

"B-but...," Dick struggled to speak.

"I always knew you weren't good enough to be my apprentice. I just never knew how ignorant you were." A dagger was brought to the boys neck,"I'm going to enjoy slitting your throat."

Dick froze. He couldn't move. He was going to die. There was nothing he could do.

"Any final words?"

A sigh was heard,"Just... Just make it quic-"

The loud bang of the warehouse doors flying off and crashing against the building interrupted the two. Dick heard a small "whooshing" and the dagger at his neck was thrown across the room by a flying batarang.

Standing at the entrance of the building was Batman and the team, excluding Kid Flash.

Deathstroke turned to Renegade with a shocked looked in his eye,"You lied?"

Dick didn't reply, unsure of what to say. He really didn't lie- he didn't invite the team- but he was pretty glad they came. Being killed was not something that he wanted to happen.

Superboy ran up to Deathstroke, delivering a punch that sent the mercenary flying across the room. This was not a battle he could win. Due to this, similar to their previous encounter, Deathstroke dropped a smoke bomb, departing from the scene, but just before he snarled,"This is between us. Next time, I won't let you come to me.... You'll never see me coming."

Despite the teams efforts to find the masked man, once the smoke cleared, he was gone with no trace left behind.

Batman stomped up to Renegade, the anger in his eyes prominent even through his cowl,"You better have a good explanation for this."

I know I haven't rly clarified Renegades reasons for all of this so that'll happen next chapter. So don't worry if you're feeling confused.

Oh

And y'all are getting the dog- or Renegade is anyways.

I forgot to mention that

You'll see it next chapter

Okay

Thanks for the wait. Thanks to those of you who were supportive of me! <3