10. Meeting in the Storm

It'd been a few days since Erika's black out and her headache had only become worse. She didn't like doing nothing all day so she told everyone that she was fine and felt much better. Today was different than any other day. She didn't have to stay cooped up in the tower because it was raining. She had somewhere to be. She walked out the door and in to the rain. Then she heard someone calling after her. She turned around to find Robin coming towards her. "Did you want something?" She asked confused about why Robin was taking up her time, she was going to be late. Apparently he didn't hear her because he didn't respond. Finally Robin reached her.

"Where are you going?"

"No where, why?"

"Yeah right. It's really storming don't you think that whatever it is it can wait."

"No. Look Robin I'm going to go do some research on Terra's condition. I figured you guys would prefer I reversed Terra sooner as to later."

"Yeah, you're probably right." He paused for a moment to think about what he would say next, and then began again. "Well don't you think you could at least wait until the storm subsides?"

"Robin it's been storming for days, it's not going to stop any time soon. Look I need to go, ok?

"Ok, well at least let me offer you the R-cycle." He quickly added in defeat. It was clear she was going whether he wanted her to or not.

"I don't think-"

"Please, just take it. It'll be better than walking in the storm and it'll be faster."

"Ok I guess I can." He tossed her the keys and turned to go back inside. "Hey Robin."

He turned back around. "Yeah?"

"Thanks!" She leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, then ran off to where he stored to R-cycle. Robin stood there stunned.

Erika put Robin's helmet on; it fit quite loosely, started up the R-cycle, and road off. She was glad that Robin let here take the R-cycle because if she wouldn't have she would've been late. And that would've been bad. Erika thought about what she told Robin. She didn't lie exactly. She was going to see Terra but, but not because she need to figure out how to bring her back, that wasn't her job. She felt terrible about lying to him but she needed to get out of the tower without playing 20 questions with him. And besides it's not like he would find out any time soon.

Erika came to the entrance to Slades old hideout, the place where Terra was. She left the R-cycle outside and walked in. It was dark, she couldn't see anything, and because of her headache she couldn't use her powers. Before going any farther she waited for her eye's to adjust. Once they did she continued in to the hideout. When Erika came to where Terra was she saw a shadowy figure leaned against the stone figure.

"You're late." Said the shadow moving slightly closer to her.

"I'm sorry, they held me up."

"Hmm, that's no excuse you arranged this meeting. You said that you may have an item of interest."

"Yes I do, here." Erika said as she tossed the belt over.

"What is this?" The figure mumbled as she inspected the item Erika'd handed over.

"Well you said that you could use some help, I'm thinking a trade." She stated quite confidently. "That's Red X's belt he needs it and we have it. Perhaps we could enlist his help in exchange for his tools back."

"Very clever dear. I'm not sure why all your other masters cast you aside. You're proving to be very helpful, and very devious. Good work my child, you shall be rewarded."

"I figured you would be happy. Now how about some help with her." She said pointing to Terra. "I can't come back without any information."

"Well I've got it all figured out. All we need is to master a reversal spell. It'll take me about a month to lean it, and then teach it to you."

"Why do I need to know it?" She puzzled trying to figure it out for herself.

"Well I don't have the power strength needed to perform it and you do. So you'll need to keep the act up for about a month and then, we'll make our move."

"And if Red X takes the offer we'll be practically unstoppable."

"I knew you'd be very helpful. If you find anything else worth my while tell me, got it?"

"Yes of course."

"Now get going, we wouldn't want them to worry." The figure walked the opposite way from Erika. "Heh heh heh." Erika laughed as she walked back to the R-cycle. The whole time she was thinking about Robin and what he'd think if he ever out.