In the sky billions upon billions of stars glitter in a breathtaking tapestry. But there is no kind weaver and the stars are light years away from each other. The truth is space is as empty, silent and cold as it is beautiful. Though in the recent millennium, intelligent beings have taken to cluttering up space. They launch satellites and space ships, never once caring to clean up after themselves. One such object was a Gordanian slave ship. It was an ugly ship with jutting spikes built for intimidation rather than function. On board was a catch that was sure to bring the empire glory: Starfire, a princess of Tamaran. She screamed like a beast from Tartarus itself as she mutilated the door, desperate to get out.
She had spent the last few years in the anguish that was the Gordanian slave pits. Now she was being sent to their home world to live out the rest of her days as their trophy. She didn't know why now, rather when she was first captured. All they had told her was that she would now be the emperors prized pet. To think that she would ever be broken or docile was their first mistake. She was Starfire, born and forged to be one of the greatest warriors the universe had ever known. She would not be a slave any longer!
With one last blow, she was free from her cell. Though still in shackles, they never stood a chance against her.
Slade watched through his binoculars as the Boy Wonder beat a rather stupid criminal senseless. After all, who robs an atm without a mask? Did the man think his measly hat was really enough or did he not know cameras existed? Slade was ashamed that such men existed. They brought the dignity of everyone labeled a criminal down.
Whatever contempt Slade felt, was eclipsed by the pride he felt for his soon to be prodigy. Even against a petty criminal, Robin moved flawlessly. It was easy to see why the bat had taken the boy under his wing. This fact alone had drawn Slade's attention, but not what made Slade continue to follow Robin's career. It wasn't even his skills though that didn't hurt. It was just how much Robin was like him. A fierce dedication to their goals, a hatred of losing, and a keen mind stifled by the petty concerns of society.
Slade's head shot up. A green light faired through the sky before crashing in the middle of the city. From the corner of his eye he could see his protegee, in the distance, already running to investigate. Slade followed too, being careful not to be seen.
When he arrived the boy had already engaged what was the most likely source of the light, a young girl. She displayed both super strength and shackles. Interesting. Was she an escaped prisoner from the metahuman jail? Or was she of more exotic origins?
Regardless of the answer, it was clear by watching the fight the girl was trying to remove her restraints. Even with her split focus she was a match for Robin. She struck out in wild swings but focused intensely on the young vigilante. He dodged gracefully yet his attacks were ineffective. When the girl tossed a car at him, he got distracted. A rookie mistake. One that almost cost him his life. Thankfully, he was saved by a shapeshifter whose appearance tickled some part of vague recognition in Slade. Before the criminal mastermind had a chance to ponder this, another player entered the field. This one showing super strength. Just as the girl removed the outer part of her cuffs, she unleashed a barrage of green blasts. The three heroes retreated, seemingly regrouped and made to attack but they were stopped by what appeared to be the shadow of a large bird. Slade spotted a person covered in a blue robe whom he assumed responsible for the event.
Robin then proceeded to calmly walk to where his opponent had nearly collapsed from exhaustion. Quickly the girl stood up with her hands glowing and primed for attack. His hands went up. She relaxed. The young hero retrieved a tool from his utility belt and freed her. Slade actually found himself chuckling a bit when she saw her grab the boy and kiss him in response. Just as fast as she kissed him she flew away.
Slade followed her. She was powerful and confused. That made her a potentially useful tool provided he got to her first and was able to gain her trust. Neither one was guaranteed but he didn't he get to where he was today by missing opportunities. Even if he failed, it wouldn't interfere with his more important plans of inducting Robin to his side.