Disclaimer: How I wished I owned Batman, Robin, the Teen Titans and all the wonderful things DC has. Unfortunately I don't. Walk away lawyerman! Zero claim to the characters.

Just an FYI before you get started, this is an AU I call the DNBverse. It stands for Daddy, Not Bats, which is a major ongoing world/series of shorts and arcs I have going on in the Batman comic section. This is one of the big, big arcs from that series. Why is this story here? Because it is a retelling of the Apprentice episodes, plus the Red X one. They're retold to suit the world I created, adjusted accordingly, and some lines and scenes are taken directly from the episodes themselves. I had a lot of fun with those scenes.

The first bit you're about to read is a fantasy like sum up of what has happened in DNB previously, what makes up the world. The key thing you have to know is that this world was created by one idea: What if Bruce quit being Batman instead of making Dick Robin? Other Batkids are also here. Enjoy!

Sacrifice

Once upon a time there was a dark knight who protected his kingdom with valor and bravery, outwitting the slime of the earth at every turn. He had few allies: a talented blacksmith who gave him armor and weapons, a chief guardsman who worked with other goodhearted men to help when the knight could not, a kind healer who was there in his greatest times of need, and a faithful servant who raised him into the man he was now. For a time this knight, who was secretly also the crown prince, did well, protecting his people and destroying the evils that plagued his people.

But one night, when he took some time to do his princely duties, he failed to stop a crime upon a visiting troupe. An orphan was made, with nowhere to go and unable to continue with his parents' friends and allies. Though the lower authorities said they would handle the boy, the crown prince, also an orphan, took the child in as his own.

For a season the prince managed to hide his status as the dark knight from the lad, but the boy was astute and could not be shaken so quickly. He wished to join the knight on his quest, to do the same as he did. He helped once and took to the role like a fish to water. But the road the dark knight took was not fit for children. It was not fit for fathers either. It was time to put the armor away, in favor of his crown and raising the newly made heir apparent. The lad was not entirely happy with his choice, but it meant more time with the man he'd grown to love and respect.

As the years passed, the crown prince took in two more lads of different standings in society, as his own. The first prince welcomed his new brothers joyfully, glad to have others to talk to and fight alongside. But the knight's armor stayed in its place of honor.

A lass born to their enemies joined them, becoming the princess of the castle. She fought just as bravely and strongly as her new brothers, if not better. And the armor stayed where it was, a legend soon to be forgotten.

The vile men of long ago returned, attacking the kingdom, and the royal family. The first prince suffered at a traitor's hand in front of his new father's eyes. Justice was heaped upon them in full, and yet the dark knight did not return.

An engagement between the crowned prince and the princess of a very powerful country was declared, then retracted when the woman was declared barren. The kingdom rejoiced then grieved for their favorite leader, and wondered what happened to their other protector. Times became worse.

Seeing his people's need for protectors, but feeling he could still not return to the armor save to ensure it fit, the crowned prince took it upon himself to call the greatest warriors together, knights and wizards of justice like himself once. He agreed to give them all they needed, if they would just protect his kingdom and his home. His skills with the sword had not diminished, but his best abilities came from his mind, and that was what he offered most. The heroes agreed, eager to bring justice to the people and protect such a kind hearted prince and his children. Word spread of the deal made with the dark knight, letting many who remembered him smile. Their protector never left them, just took a step back to care for others.

In time rumor came to the crowned prince of his former love having lied about being barren, and had conceived a son. His son. Using all his resources, he reclaimed his blood heir, just a babe who needed his father more than anyone. The pieced together family gladly took in their newest member, the first young prince smiling to himself.

The dark knight himself had taken his child home, his armor fitting even better now than when he put it to rest. It went back into its place once the child was home.

Many trials came to their lives, many. Nary a day passed by when something did not go right. Many times the crown prince's children would beg him to take up the armor again, to take one of them, or all of them, as his squire. They wished to defend his people too, to be like him in this sense. But like the day he first put the armor away, he believed this wasn't a life meant for children, and he would not let them be orphaned or abandoned again. He would protect his kingdom and his family with every fiber of his being.

But sometimes his protective nature only made unrest in his children's hearts. They were growing, and needed to spread their wings. And none would have a harder time stretching them than his first.

1 – Sorry, Not Robin. Not Really

Idly Dick laid on his bed, flipping through old photographs in one of his albums. This one was a gift Alfred put together for him years ago. It had every picture they could find of his circus and parents, his birth parents. Many of them included him, whether as a baby or a toddler or older, it didn't matter. There was even one of his mom pregnant with him, along with a joke note her friend put with it.

Mama-bird and her baby Robin

He smiled affectionately at the picture and inscription, shaking his head slightly. His mom originally wanted to name him that. Robin. His dad made her compromise with Richard, like the king in Robin Hood. His mom loved telling him the story behind her pet name for him. For a brief time he didn't even respond to Richard. His dad called him Dick and his mom Robin. Who exactly was Richard?

'Kid logic.' He flipped another page and looked at his old circus friends, particularly their costumes. He was supposed to figure out what to wear to a Halloween party, not reminiscing about his life before living at Wayne Manor. Hero theme. He wanted to make a brand new identity, one where his circus roots applied. Problem was, it couldn't be a clown. Clowns were forbidden. A clown would be easiest in all honesty, but no one wanted to be reminded of Joker. Not in Gotham.

"Knife thrower? Nah, Damian might try to grab one. Strong man? No way. Too much spandex. Babs would have a field day with it." As much as he wanted to impress her during her visit from college, he was not about to give her any more ammunition for later. She had enough as is. He looked over to another page. "Grand Vizier? Maybe. That turban looks easy to make. Bet Alfred would love to dress me up in that."

"Why not just go as yourself?"

Dick threw a scowl at his brother as he slipped into his room uninvited. Ever since Jason hit puberty, he was growing higher and higher in the annoying scale. Well he could always be annoying, but it felt like he was making more of a point of it these days. That bugging Dick or Tim was his goal in life. Wouldn't tease Cass though because he valued his life too much, and he couldn't torment Damian due to him being three and a screamer, leaving the two of them free for the taking. Course it was better than he was about that time last year, when he was in a perpetual state of shock after Joker's attack. That wasn't near as much fun as he was now. Jay was mostly over it now, but that white lock in his hair served as a constant reminder that it happened.

"I mean, all you've got to do is put on your pjs and a red towel and you're a shoe in for Uncle Clark."

"I want to do something original Jaybird. And you really should knock first." Jason smirked as he knocked his head a couple times, earning a short laugh from his brother. "Cute. So, figured out what you're gonna be?"

"Yep!" He grinned impishly. "And it's gonna drive Dad up the wall."

"You sure you want to do that?" The acrobat eyed the younger teen for a moment as if he'd gone crazy. Wouldn't be that much of a leap really. "Bruce has quite a temper."

"He'll let it go this year," he waved off. "Probably destroy my props afterwards but it'll be worth it for one night of fun and seeing his face like that."

"So… what are you doing?"

"Secret!" The little punk grinned impishly at him, wanting to spoil the surprise and wait until the right moment to show it off. Yeah, the teen definitely could be crazy. Brain damage? Or was this just Jason on hormones? "But I'll show you it before Dad, kay? For a once over."

"Sure, whatever." Dick flipped another page, looking at the picts again. He had something more important to think about than his brother's mental state. May as well blame puberty, so much faster. "Not like Tim and Cass aren't doing the same anyway. And since Bruce is doing a cop-out costume that'll take longer to put on than everyone else's, I'll probably be dressing Damian too."

"What's he gonna be?" The younger teen plopped on the bed next to him, looking over his shoulder curiously.

"A cat. I know," he started, knowing Jason was rolling his eyes and slightly groaning with him, "kinda lame, but give him a break. He's three."

"We should make him a little Green Lantern."

That started a fit of giggles in the older boy. "And then we'd both be grounded. You know Bruce's still upset with Hal for crashing that last jet right?"

"Yeah I know," he shrugged. "Dad's mad at a lot of people. Is it possible he has PMS?" Dick laughed again, having wondered that himself sometimes. Sometimes it was like B was bipolar with that temper of his: so much more patient with them than with anyone else. "Anyway, hear anything on that new GL flying around?"

"Guy Gardner, former football quarterback. Heard he's a bit of a jerk, but his heart's in the right place, usually. That's the redhead. The other new one, the black guy, he's John Stewart, former marine. I think Bruce is going to get Hal to recruit him for the League reserves or something." He flipped another page, scanning pictures. "He's supposedly more responsible than Guy and will work with a team better. Dunno for certain, not until we meet them at least."

"Which'll be never, knowing Dad."

"Exactly." About six new official League members had joined up over the past four years, and only two of them knew who the mysterious 'B' was. Everyone else in the League, whether on the reserves or the other four actives, thought 'B' was just a retired Batman, and a fat old man at that. Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern (the founders), Green Arrow, and Black Canary, were the only ones who knew the Bruce Wayne connection, and they were sworn to secrecy. Though 'Uncle' Clark had gotten away with telling his parents (who were made honorary grandparents to the Wayne kids), Oliver Queen couldn't tell his former protégé and ward Roy Harper a thing. And frankly, it got on the next generation's nerves, on all sides of the board. After all, Speedy was the first sidekick; he earned the trust of the League by now.

"How did you know all that anyway? Do you sit around reading every file on Dad's computer?" Jason wondered out loud.

"Sometimes. I get bored and read about their adventures every now and again. Got into the habit of checking on League activities after last year." Bruce wasn't really doing a good job at that point, too worried about Jason and his shocked state to think clearly. Back then, Dick took B's place, helping out whenever he could. It was a bit addictive, so he kept up on League stuff ever since. He looked up to the teenager again, glaring slightly. "Why are you here?"

The ten shrugged. "Damian can't find his Bat-kitty and is crying up a storm in Dad's study. Did he leave it in here earlier?"

"Don't think so…" The perpetual big brother got off his bed and started looking around the room with his visitor. The two of them were playing in there earlier, bouncing on his bed. Alfred would have their heads later but it was worth it if Dami got a chance to just be an excitable toddler. Well, he was always easy to energize, but he was a lot quieter than most kids when he first arrived at the manor. Now he was making sentences and didn't get shy around them. Huge improvement. Still bit Tim on occasion but that was them.

After about five minutes looking around his room, the two gave up. "Maybe it's in the nursery?"

"Checked that."

"Cave?"

"Alfred's looking there."

"Parlor?"

"Cass didn't find it there, or anywhere on the ground floor." Jason shook his head, frustrated about the search. "Why did you give him that cat? He won't even take a nap without it."

"Don't dis the Bat-kitty. For he is cute and powerful." Dick smirked slightly. "Besides, you still have Bat-bear."

"He's still cooler than Peanut, Robin." He inclined his head to the elephant resting comfortably on his bed. It was one of the few things there Dick could truly call his own, something he had since infancy, and he wasn't about to give it up. "I can't believe that a senior is still sleeping with his baby toy."

"I've heard of college kids still sleeping with their baby blankets," the acrobat chided as they left his room to keep looking. "Some people just need the comfort more than others is all. And I like her, okay."

"Whatever Dickybird." The younger teen thumbed down the hallway. "I'm gonna look this way and check out the gym. Maybe he forgot it in there or something."

"Bruce call the office?" It had to around there somewhere. Frankly it was weird seeing Damian without the toy.

"First place he checked after the usual spots."

That made him blink, a light turning on in his head. "Usual spots…"

Quickly Dick turned about and near ran to one of the largest rooms in the building, the grand foyer. Jason stared after him for a moment, confused but shrugged, letting it go. He wasn't one to follow the oldest around like a duckling anyway.

Not checking to see if anyone was looking, the acrobat leapt of the banister and onto the chandelier. Quickly he swung from the metal and plastic (this was the fourth chandelier they had to replace since he moved in) toward a high alcove on the wall. He released into a roll, then landed perfectly in the display place. Once his feet were under him again, he spotted his target.

"Ha! Thought so." He picked up the favored stuffed animal from the dusty alcove, grinning. Damian had a tendency to climb into it on occasion (how they weren't sure) when he wanted attention, or just when he wanted to hide something. He could see Tim's rubix cube, a couple of his books, and a favored pen up there as well. To quote Selina, Damian lived to troll Timothy. It was one of his favorite past times. "Must have forgotten he put it up here when he swiped Percy Jackson."

Looking at the growing stack of missing items there, he smirked. Dami was one really determined kid, just like his dad. One by one he dropped the books onto a couch not too far away, ending with the cube and pen. He also tossed down a couple paper planes and one of Jason's CDs before looking back to the toy. Bat-kitty occasionally flew, but being up there made him a bit dusty. It was one of those rarely reached and touched up places after all. He really should make this hero a bit more presentable, especially since he made it to look a lot like the real deal.

He wiped off as much dust as he could, looking over every inch of the cat's costume. Making it was pretty fun, especially since it was for the Batman's real son. Well, first literal one that is. If things kept going the way they were with Selina, it was likely there'd be more blood relatives soon enough. Bat-Cat hybrids. And this thing was made before the two started going out.

Looking over it another minute, he remembered the days Bruce wore the costume every night. Back then it was a very real possibility that he could be a hero too, if Batman would have him as an apprentice. It was one thing he wanted more than anything. To be the Dark Knight's squire, to fight along his side, to take down bad guys every day and every night, to bring justice to those who slipped through the system. It was something he longed for. Even now.

But instead of taking him along as his partner, Bruce retired the suit and took his responsibilities as a parental guardian seriously. Dick had the life most kids wanted, and he was glad for it. Not everyone had a father figure who paid that much attention to them and gave them nearly everything they wanted. Jason and Cass' dads were far from ideal, and many others in the high class were more likely to shove their kids to boarding schools instead of taking them to school every day. Bruce was far from perfect, with missing quite a few events due to work and later supporting the League, and from his overprotective tendencies which ran them up the wall. But the man was trying, and most days that was enough.

But still, he wished he could have had a chance to fight by his side for more than taking down the man who killed his parents. He even drew pictures of costumes he would have…

Remembering those pictures and all the squashed possibilities from so many years back, Dick's eyes widened. "That's it!"

A/N: You like? I hope you do! like I said before, this is from DNB, but I wrote up a first chapter and intro I hope will explain that world a bit. And maybe get you to read it (yes, I'm shamelessly advertising. It's awesome!). If you want spoilers for this story, read that one. I think 50 to 70 is the arc and there was like... 8 more pre-arc chapters(?) that are in the story, some split up and a lot edited. I'm also working on post arc resolution there so after the final chapter, if you want to know what happened between the end and the epilogue, you'll have to look there. A lot of added chapters are here though since I didn't want to overdo it there. This is the extended version. The title will make a lot of sense at the end.

FYI, there are some small things I have standard in the DNB chapters, like ages and the rules. I'll explain the Wayne Rules at the end of each chapter that uses them and the kids ages as of this moment are: Dick-16, Jason-13, Cass-11, Tim-9, Damian-3. The story starts mid/late October, ends in late April.

This version is 55 chapters total and I'll post one chapter a day minus Sundays so I can take a break. this is completely written up, and unless you point out something that's contradicting itself (please point those out), I'm not going to change it or add much more to it. If you have questions, I'll answer individually in PMs, not here. If I don't answer, it's no offense to you, it's just that I'd be spoiling things if I did answer. As much as I love doing spoilers, there's way too many out online right now for this story alone. I'm keeping my yap shut this time around. If you have suggestions for the DNBverse, I'll take them. It's mostly a fun loving, family fluff verse.

Think I've hit everything. Mostly, just read and enjoy. When will it be clearly a rendition of the Apprentice episodes? Well, Ch.6 hints at it, Ch.7 directly quotes it with modifications, Ch.15 when it's glaring you in the face. Enjoy!