Unedited Summary: What happens when those we love write us off as crazy? The Titans knew a girl, a girl who spent her life in the shadow of others. They said the outside world was too much for her, that having to make moral decisions literally made her go crazy. Even Terra, her sister, was forced to accept the girl's fate. Yet in the darkness even crazies catch glimpses of light.

Disclaimer: I do not own teen titans or the teen titan's characters. The only character in this story I own is Max Steeler.

Explanation: This is a sequel to "The Untold Story of Max Steeler." This story is told from Max's perspective, which is not exactly stable. Hope you enjoy!


A red-breasted Robin looks through my window. A songbird without a song. He stares at me with his fierce eyes. He despises me for my connection with Slade. A connection we share.

A Native American legend attributes the robin's red breast to its unceasing determination to save a boy and his father by fanning the embers of a dying fire. This Robin possesses that same determination. I can see it in his eyes. Not for me. For the citizens of Jump, for those he loves, but not for me. He won't fan the embers of my dying fire. He has no desire to extend my life. After much hesitation, the Robin flutters inside, perching beside me.

"I almost didn't come."

Robins are symbolic of spring, of rebirth and renewal. Perhaps this is the connection between the Robin and the Firebird. One symbolizes the actions of the other. They complete each other. He called her beautiful.

"Starfire commented about movement."

Robin was born on the first day of spring. I know this because Slade knows. Slade knows everything about Robin. Nanobytes. Apprentice. A loathed connection.

"You touched her knee."

Robins are active during the day. They hunt alone. They work alone. At night they nest as a flock. The darkness forces them to gather.

The Robin kneels beside me. I'm frightened. Robin never visits. He declared my case hopeless. He labeled me a criminal, a lunatic.

"Listen, I know you're in there, Max. I know you're afraid. When my parents were killed, a man took me in and gave me a home. He wasn't always kind."

Orphans. Another connection. It's a hard knock life. I never knew my parents. They were threatened, enticed into giving me to a laboratory. Robin had known his parents. I would never know mine.

"Parts of me are like the man, but I alone can determine which parts to keep. We choose our own destinies."

I am the master of my fate.

"Come back to us."

I am the captain of my soul.

"The criminal charges have been dropped."

Row, row, row your boat.

"Extenuating circumstances."

Gently down the stream.

"I thought I'd come by."

Merrily. Merrily.

"See for myself."

Life is but a dream. Dream? No. One can always wake from dreams.

Robin flies away. Metal man comes, and they chatter. After sharing a few words, Robin presses a button. His voice thunders through the room. April showers.

"Cyborg will keep me posted on your progress."

May flowers.

"You ARE making progress, Max.'

Parts of me are like the man. Is that why I fear the darkness?

"Don't be afraid."

We determine which parts to keep.

Cyborg installed cameras today. Proof of progress. You're on candid camera. We choose our own destinies? Am I choosing darkness?

I choose not to face the darkness. Slade would face the darkness. Hiding from darkness is a darkness in itself.

Row, row, row your boat.

Roughly up the stream.

Warily, warily, warily, warily.

Life is not a dream.