Disclaimer: I do not own the Teen Titans.

The Healer

Chapter 9: Two Worlds

Though the sun had not come up yet, Raven was already awake and about the tower. Her destination was the roof in anticipation of the coming dawn. Upon her arrival there, she bumped into Robin who was just leaving the roof. The encounter surprised each other and they could only smile during the initial interaction.

"You're up early," said Robin.

"So are you," replied Raven.

"I'm glad you're looking better. You were in bed the whole day yesterday and we were worried, scared, actually, 'cause we thought your condition was going to get worse."

Raven was immediately and wholly affected by her friends' sentiments. His account of their behavior made her lower her face for she felt embarrassed for having looked so pathetic to them. But more than that, she felt guilty about making them feel uncomfortable. She smiled.

"Yes, I'm better, and thank you for worrying."

She paused; she raised her head.

"But I'm fine now. It was a 24-hour fever―nothing more."

"Well I'm impressed at how fast you recovered."

"You? Impressed at my recovery? I should be the one surprised."

Robin seemed confused.

"Why?"

"Your leg. The way you move around makes it hard to believe that that was broken just last week."

Robin twitched, but it went unnoticed by his companion.

"Like a whole new leg."

Robin smiled and treated the subject as a joke.

"Well that's 'cause Cyborg sawed my old one and put in a robotic prosthetic."

"Real funny."

"All I can say is that my leg's better and I feel great."

Raven was silent.

"Now, if you don't mind, I have to do something."

Robin headed for the door, opened it and left Raven to her thoughts.

His last remark sounded unusually cold to her and it did not fail to bother her. Robin is cheerful and optimistic; however, who Raven encountered that morning was a different version: there was something in him that screamed for sympathy, yet had a strong need to be unaffected and detached. Despite this large alteration in his demeanor, Raven simply owed it to a lack of rest and a desire to get back out on the field. When the door clicked, Raven saw to it that she complete what she came to do: she went near the edge of the roof and made herself comfortable by taking up her meditation pose. She levitated and closed her eyes as she proceeded to speak her mantra. It was bright at the horizon, thus it was not going to be long before the sun would show itself.

A soft breeze caressed her cheeks and this drew a smile on her lips. She opened her eyes a little and saw birds dancing in the air, enjoying the ripe sky, and singing a lullaby to the moon. Raven gave herself up to the serene morning, and allowed her being to be swallowed by the embrace of the sweet atmosphere. So she sat, motionless, as she hummed and let time race by. However, there was a disturbance in her field; her concentration was broken and her attention stolen by the alarm system. Her eyes shot open and repositioned herself to a standing pose. She turned her head in anticipation at the door: it burst open and Beast Boy came through.

"Crime in progress downtown!"

"The H.I.V.E is at it again!" exclaimed Beast Boy as the Teen Titans arrived at the scene.

"Quite frankly, they're the only bad guys I know who'd rob a bank and make sure to draw attention to themselves," said Raven.

As she finished her sentence, she caught a police officer thrown into the air by Mammoth with her powers. After setting him down, Raven prepared for combat. Robin stepped forward and cracked his knuckles saying,

"Guys ready to go?"

He surveyed his team and everyone was in position.

"Alright then," said Robin. "Ahem! May I have your attention?"

All of the H.I.V.E. members stopped and just looked in the direction of the titans. They all grinned at the Jump City heroes, their faces expressing their confidence in the fact that they can take on the titans this time and get away safely.

"What do you want, pea-brain?" jeered Gizmo. "Here to get your butts handed to ya?"

They all laughed.

"Well?"

Robin cleared his throat.

"Nothing like that. We are simply here to give you two options: give up and go to jail now, or get hurt and thrown into jail. Either way you lose."

This time, Jinx was their spokesperson:

"And what if we make a third option?"

Robin scowled.

"What would that be?"

"We kick your butts and escape."

Robin took out a bird-a-rang and went through his motion of throwing it.

"Not gonna happen."

The projectile headed for Gizmo but he dodged it easily; then from his gadget-backpack an armament emerged that rested on his shoulder. From the same mechanism on his back, wings shot out and made him airborne. He immediately started a barrage of ammunitions from his weapon. The titans quickly dispersed to avoid the attack. Gizmo's assault made a lot of noise, though it was not enough to overpower Robin's authoritative voice:

"Teen Titans, go!"

Commanding the air were Raven and Starfire, and on the ground, Robin, Beast Boy, and Cyborg made their move. Gizmo hastily retuned to the side of his teammates and together they started their defensive maneuver.

"Defense pattern Delta!" directed Jinx.

From behind her Mammoth jumped forward and with his hands clasped together, he smashed the ground like a sledgehammer crushing a block of ice. The whole concrete in front of him was destroyed as a wave of massive force swept through the landscape. Then using Mammoth's back as a springboard, Jinx jumped into the air and twirled while sending out her powers in all directions mostly hitting the buildings nearby. With the combination of a disappearing street and collapsing structures, the five titans were easily stopped in their offence. As a finishing touch, Gizmo launched missiles directly at the stranded titans. Upon impact, the missiles exploded creating a dense smoke cloud. The three villains stepped back and admired their handiwork. Gizmo and Jinx high-fived. However, when the dust settled―when the smoke cleared―a black force field was revealed that hid the titans from danger. Raven retracted the shield when everything calmed down.

"Impressive," observed Robin. "But I have to say, that didn't seem like a defensive move."

"That's cuz the motto is 'a strong offense doesn't need a defense.'"

Robin looked around him and noted the extent of the damage. He quickly realized that there were still innocent bystanders who have not left the danger-zone. Cyborg was helping Starfire up when Robin started giving out his orders.

"Cyborg, Starfire and Raven: it's clear that these guys aren't holding back. Search the area for anyone that is hurt and evacuate everyone else. Got it?"

But Starfire started to protest.

"What about the bad guys?"

"Don't worry; Beast Boy and I got this."

He looked at his companion and gave a determined look. Beast Boy smiled in response.

"Easy as pie!"

Still, Starfire was not relieved.

"But―"

"Star," Raven cut in, "they can handle this. Now come on and let's do our job."

Raven was the first to leave followed by Cyborg.

"Let's go, Star!" he cried.

Starfire gave a last look at Robin and Beast Boy, and soon after followed the other two.

"Good luck, friends!"

As she flew away, Robin and Beast Boy stood side by side. They wore a bold countenance and the atmosphere around them spoke of their solid constitution. The villains on the other side saw clearly that they only had two opponents and yet they were not eased for they quickly witnessed the unwavering fighting spirit of the two. Robin planted his fist into his other palm and Beast Boy crouched down on all four like a lion about to pounce.

"Take 'em down!" cried Robin.

Robin jumped high into the air while Beast Boy lunged forward simultaneously transforming into a triceratops. Robin landed on the charging animal while he took out his staff at his side. As they attacked, the three H.I.V.E. members fell into formation again. This time, Gizmo was on the ground like the other two, with Jinx at his right and Mammoth at his left. Gizmo has taken the lead:

"Delta-Sigma pattern!"

"Oh no you don't!" cried Robin.

From his belt, Robin grabbed smoke-bombs and chucked them in all directions. Within the black cloud, a great crash was heard and chaos descended onto the scene. Under the veil of the smoke, the titans unleashed their might and with iron fists brought justice onto the lawbreakers. The three exclaimed their pain and cursed the titans to no end as they were being beaten. Shortly after, silence screamed and the damage of more was prevented. The smoke cleared and it was Beast Boy that was first to be revealed as he clapped his hands having his job done. At the same time, Cyborg, Starfire and Raven had just finished their part and were relieved at the sight of Beast Boy with his usual gleeful personality. But their relief was short-lived and was replaced by shock, and even horror to see their other comrade oozing with bad intentions. On the side a little farther from the rest was Robin and his arm was outstretched holding Gizmo by the neck; the genius criminal was barely conscious and obviously too weak to fight back, and yet Robin's grip was menacing and all the more dangerous for it gave no sign of loosening but only to tighten even more. His team rushed towards him with panic in their eyes.

"Robin, stop!" they all cried.

"What the heck are you doing?" Cyborg shouted.

But as they neared their leader fear was only replaced by more fear: they were witnesses to Robin's twisted expression; a smile that hungered for pain and eyes eager to see blood. Robin's ghastly face stunned them all for a second, but they could not afford to waste time for a life was on the line. Cyborg got behind him and easily took hold of the extended arm and restrained the movement of the other arm and torso. On the other hand, Beast Boy was able to loosen the grip and carry Gizmo away. Raven and Starfire were simply paralyzed by astonishment. They were all silent for a minute and it was Raven who first broke the stillness.

"What the heck was that?!" she screamed at Robin. "You were going to kill him!"

Again, silence answered.

"Robin?" said Starfire in a very disturbed manner.

But Robin was kept silent because he seemed too occupied by what he was doing: his glare remained on Gizmo as Beast Boy held him. At last Robin spoke, yet his words could only lengthen the period in which everyone was horrified.

"And that is why, Gizmo, you don't do stupid things. I promise destruction to those who challenge me."

His speech was soon followed by an eerie laugh. He jerked and easily released himself from Cyborg's clutches. He dusted his clothes and straightened his posture. Looking around at his teammates, he gave them a warm smile.

"What are you guys standing around for? Hurry and put them behind bars. Wouldn't want to start the whole thing over now do we?"

His team was too shocked for words.

"I'd like to help but I have to do something at the tower. See ya!"

With that he took his leave and headed back home.

Something is wrong with their Robin and no one doubted it for a second.

―Meanwhile―

The great roar of thunder in the distance woke Robin and made him barely conscious and aware of his surroundings. It required another boom from the heavens to make him come back to life. As if a jolt of electricity passed through his veins, Robin's body jerked violently; his eyes shot open and his breathing was fast and shallow. He looked around, yet despite what he saw he could not process anything because his heart was pounding vigorously almost deafening and his mind just fell into a state of hysteria. The corners of his vision began to blacken and the cold grip of unconsciousness was upon him again. However, he merely shook his head to break the trance and bring himself back to reality.

The room was dim, a lone light bulb illuminating a ten by ten square room, and there was a draft that made him shiver. The four corners of the room were all black and to his sides Robin could not see anything. He knew there was a door somewhere but the cell felt like a box with the walls squeezing in. There was an unknown amount of time elapsed and that made Robin feel lost: he was tired, hungry, thirsty, and confused. A blast of cold air met him as a metallic door within the shadows gave a heavy groan as the metal hinges moved and the door swung open. Robin heard footsteps and the entrance being closed. When the latch clicked, the chilly breeze stopped. In an instant, the room was filled to its (comfortable) capacity and Robin was no longer alone. Although he could not see most of their bodies, Robin discovered that in that moment he gained four companions―but their presence failed to give him security.

He tried to move but was surprised to see that he was bound. Before, he could only focus on how exhausted and worn out he was so he was not quick to realize that his arms were tied behind the backrest of the chair and each leg was secured by a shackle screwed to the floor. Everything seemed bad for the boy wonder.

Before he spoke, Robin noticed his dry lips and throat: so what he managed to say in the end was,

"Water."

One of the shadows stepped closer, but was still far enough so that the light did not illuminate the entirety of the person.

"No. Answer our question first."

But Robin was not to be dissuaded.

"Water."

"Seriously, what makes you think we'll give you a drop?"

"Water, please."

His voice sounded very dry and it became weaker at the end of the sentence.

There was a pause.

The silence was broken by the tap of a glass of water on the table in front of Robin. The mere sight of it hydrated his mouth a little.

"Listen, you'll get your water when you answer us, got it?"

Robin nodded.

"Good. Now, tell us where you hid jewels."

Robin was taken aback. He was so surprised by the question that he even forgot his mighty thirst. Robin looked at his interrogator in the face, or at least where he thought the face would be. It was difficult for him to process the question for it was so out of the blue and so unrelated to him. To think he was a criminal without his own knowledge was plainly ridiculous. What he managed to give the man in the dark was a puzzled look.

The man growled.

"Enough games and tell us where you put them!"

"What jewels are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb you sack of crap! Tell us dammit!"

Again, Robin was too surprised to respond immediately.

"Like I said: What are you talking about?"

"You know what I mean! Do I have to explain everything?"

"Yes because I have no clue what you mean."

"Don't look down on us! Those jewels are rightfully ours! Ours! Ours! Ours!"

The man lost all control and flipped the table over. There was loud crash and then a brief silence took over. The man stepped forward under the light and stood before Robin. At last, Robin could pin a face to the voice: his interrogator had a square head, his chin wide and rigid; a very strong jawline and pronounced cheek bones. His nose had a hook and his lips appeared heavy; his eyes were squinted and above them were thick eyebrows. There was a scar underneath his right eye and some wrinkles here and there telling a story of hardship. Overall, the man's countenance communicated a hardened spirit, battered by some of life's misfortunes, and determined to rebel against a world that refused him justice. He stretched out his arm and drew a finger to a point at Robin's face.

"That was part of the deal Crow."

The name made something click inside of Robin. Crow he thought.

"You said if we helped you you'd give us all the treasure left in this forsaken city. We helped you. Now, it's time for you to do your part."

Silence. Robin's mind was too preoccupied by the name 'Crow'. At the mention of the name, Robin became somewhat aware of his present situation. He did not understand anything beyond what's taking place right now: he has been taken by some mercenaries or the like because they think he is Crow. However, it was clear to Robin that it is Crow's fault why he was in this situation right now. At once, he remembered what had taken place between them back at the tower: the disguise, the tying up and… and the trans-dimensional device.

The man gave a sigh which brought Robin back into reality.

"I guess you had no interest in taking care of me and my boys. That's a shame."

All of a sudden, a chill ran up Robin's spine. Something bad is going to happen, he thought.

What had been a pointed finger before was replaced by the barrel of a gun.

I knew it.

"I'm really glad we caught up with you because now there is a way to pay off the bill. Listen, I'm going to blow your brains out so you don't have to worry about paying us. Lucky break, eh? This is the end."

Robin tucked in his chin and closed his eyes, bracing himself for what is next.

"Is this really the end?" he thought.

His hands could not stop shaking, his heart beating at its fastest as if to do as much beats as it can before it stops. But what he heard next was not the gun going off―instead, there were windows breaking from all directions. An almost inaudible clink from a metallic object drew Robin's attention to his side. Instantly, he spotted the small cylindrical container rolling on the floor, coming to a halt near his feet. It gave a beep before unleashing its contents: black smoke that quickly filled the room. Robin looked around, and aside from the guys running around in a panic, he noticed that there were more than one smoke-device. His mind got to work trying to find a way out.

"Alright, it's just smokescreen. I can handle this. In the confusion, I will… I-I will… smokescreen with a sleep… inducing… agent…"

Before passing out, Robin heard the room being thrashed, the men who kidnapped him yelling in pain and crying out 'Ow!' or 'My face!". With his limited vision, he saw four individuals dominating the others.

And then there was nothing.

Chapter end