Slade looked at Red X with an unchanging face, his mask hiding his smirk of amusement. Red X was proving to be a valuable partner. Even better than Robin, in fact.

Robin had been an ungrateful assistant. Slade knew how to train Robin to become the best he could be. But did the brat care? No. Not at all. He wanted to stay loyal to his friends.

Slade almost scoffed the idea. Friends. What good were friends when you had the chance to take down all of Jump City? What good was loyalty when you could work with the best villain there was.

Red x, however, appreciated Slade's efforts and was everything an apprentice should be. If Slade said "jump," Red X would ask "how high?" without missing a beat. And he would comply to Slade's request, even if meant risking his own life. Yes, a very promising apprentice indeed.

"You succeeded in your task." Slade said, taking the bundle from Red X's arms. He nodded, dropping his arms to his side and walking with Slade into the dark building. For some twisted reason, Slade loved the dark, and the fear it provoked from others. He liked that he could hide in the dark, and blend into it.

"Yes. It was easy. Like taking candy from a baby. Or should I say, taking a baby from Robin."

"Very good. Once he realizes that we have you and Starfire's child, he'll-"

"Wait, what?"

"You interrupted me."

"You just said Starfire and I's child."

"Correct."

"I was told I would be taking Robin's child. Are you telling me that this baby... She's..." Red X's voice trailed off as he watched the snoozing girl twitch in Slade's unloving arms, realization dawning on him.

He had stolen his own child.

"Yes. I guess I failed to mention that. Either way, she's part Starfire. Which means it will kill Robin to watch her suffer."

"No." Red X said, freezing in place. Slade kept walking, ignoring the younger boy's protest.

"You already took her Red X. Besides, do you really think she would want you as a father?"

"That's not the point, Slade. That's my child."

"Correction. Your creation. Which you created by forcing yourself on a young girl. This child is merely a pawn in a plan to take down Robin. If you don't like it, you can leave. I have what I need."

"I'm not leaving until you give me the baby."

"Well then," Slade said, chuckling darkly, "I guess you'll stay here forever."