Slade had encountered you a few times before. The former Robin. Perhaps you were his favorite, alongside Grayson. Just like he had offered Richard, he had also extended the offer to you to become his apprentice. However, you had declined every time without hesitation. Your loyalty belonged to Batman. So, it must have come as a shock to Slade when he stumbled upon you and Bruce engaged in a physical altercation.

From a nearby rooftop, Slade observed the intense fight between you and Bruce, or rather, Batman. The darkness and rain added to the dramatic scene. Batman had left you on the ground, battered and bleeding, and had even called the police on you, mentioning something about it being your final straw. But even before the authorities could arrive, Slade swiftly intervened, whisking you away from the scene.

"Come on, kid," Slade muttered, forcefully opening the door to his apartment and using his foot to close it behind him. He gently placed you on the couch, tending to your wounds. He wished he could claim that he had ulterior motives, that his actions were not solely driven by kindness, but deep down, a small, almost insignificant part of him genuinely cared for you.

"I'll do it," you rasped, your voice barely audible. Slade paused, wiping away some blood from your face. "I'll be your apprentice," you declared.

"You have no idea what you're getting yourself into, kid," Slade muttered, grabbing a fresh bandage. He wondered just how badly Bruce had injured you, if you were delirious from blood loss and perhaps even suffering from a head injury. "Once you make this choice, there's no turning back."