Chapter Four-Half a Mask and a Kidnapper

After a while in the Med-Lab, Robin reluctantly wakes up and on Blorthog! They celebrate that day, Starfire teaching them the Tammeranian traditions of her ways. But after a day of celebration, Robin must give it all up.

I heard voices. Faintly, but clearly. I heard weeping. Their tears blurred my mind. I heard steady beeps as if in a hospital. Where was I? I wanted so much to open my eyes, but it was if they were super-glued shut. Finally, I woke up. I felt tubes in my arms, and nose. It looked like a hospital. I was surrounded by four other blobs. "Where am I?" I croaked, hoping one of them would answer. "Home," one of them said wearily to me. "Star and Raven found you in Slade's factory. We thought you was dead, Robin." It was Cyborg's voice that had spoken.

The four blobs came into a clearer image. Raven, Terra, Cyborg, Beast Boy-one was missing. "Where's Star?" I asked looking around. "She went to get us something to eat. It is after all noon," Raven replied, turning to the door that opened. "Has Robin awoken yet?" Starfire asked, walking into the door with five unsteady plates balanced on her arms and hands. "Yes, Star I have," I answered, her face lighting up. "ROBIN!" she yelled in joy, the plates collapsing to the ground. Raven put them together.

Starfire hugged me. "Robin, do you remember what today is?" she asked me, the same glint in her eyes that she always had when she had a surprise. "Uh......no," I answered, not really caring until she answered. "BLORTHHOG!" she yelled, the glint turning to excitement. (niobe: see episode 14, or season 2 episode 1, How Long is Forever.) "Oh..." I sighed in relief, hoping it wasn't Beast Boy's birthday. I still get sick at the sight of cake because of it. (niobe: heh heh, you don't wanna know)

That day we celebrated Blorthhog. We ate Tammeranian foods, learned and sang the Folk Songs, and had a blast. Terra was happy to have Glork (niobe: see Terra "Taste like Sushi mixed with Ice Cream). But that night was different.

I was in the med.-lab. when it happened. I, as you might've guessed, am an insomniac. Hence forth why I do most research at night. One thing I remember about Slade that I didn't before, is that he is also an insomniac. He snuck into the room I was in during the little time I was asleep. I heard something, but before I saw who or what I was unconscious.

When I woke up later, I was in a dark dimension. My room? I heard clinking and roars of factory gears and knew immediately where I was. Slade. He must've sneaked into the ML (med.-lab.) room I was in during the time of my recovery. "Robin. You're awake. I hope you've regained your strength. You'll need it." The voice that spoke to me came from the shadows, but I'd know it anywhere. I didn't move to look at him. "Leave me alone, Slade. I don't want-" "What's the matter Robin? Afraid to fight?" he smart-mouthed back to me. If he had seen my face, he wouldn't have said that.

I turned and with all of my might I punched him in the face. I heard a small clink on the concrete. His mask. Half laid on the floor, the other remained on the head of the criminal mastermind. I was still very weak as I heard him speak. "You'll wish you hadn't done that!" it said. I hesitated. "I wished I had done that the first time. This is the last time."

Anger and hate consumed me. Slade was gone. For the moment. I had just risen to my feet as I heard his metal shoes pound the ground. I was afraid. "Look, Slade. I don't know what your problem is, but it ends now. I am tired of being the victim. Leave me and my friends alone. I'm through with this Slade. I don't want-" Slade cut me off. His pole struck the concrete with a loud clang. Had I moved a second later, that would've been my arm.

"I am not afraid to kill your friends. And I will do it," Slade's voice chattered, coming from all directions. "You must obey for them to live, Robin. You must serve me. Or they will die." Slade simplified it as if there was no other option. "No way. I am NOT-" Slade raised the button. "Fine. I'll do it. But only for the Titans, Slade. Not for you. Only for the Titans."

I wish I wouldn't kept my word. I wish I would have stolen that control that night when he was gone. I didn't. I wouldn't. I couldn't. I did not want to risk it. He may've put up cameras in the whole place just so he could make sure his apprentice didn't disobey.

author's note: Getting Good eh? Well I was reading a FF called Slade's Apprentice last night, and realized this is very similar. Don't think I copied him/her because I started this before I read his. Next chap is very similar, but I can't change it because it ruins the FF if I do. So sorry! My bad, but like I said, I started it before I read Slade's Apprentice, so...:( soo sooo sorry!

Niobe