Disclaimer: Refer back to First Chapter, First page.

Has anyone even noticed that I kept spelling Beast Boy's name wrong? I updated and fixed this chapter's miss spellings of it, I plan to do that for the other 10 chapters too.

WARNING...This may be boardering on a higher rating...I don't quite think this chapter does yet, but just be warned. (Death implications dealing in adult thought) may be present.

Chapter 11 (Decembers Cold)

December. The Month synonymous with winter. Cold and wet it just calls for warm drinks such as hot chocolate, hot apple cider, hot teas and coffee drinks. Winter's playground and to a snow thief December in Jump City meant one thing. ICE! Jake Revihs loved ice, he loved to create ice and most importantly he loved to steal ice. His favorite thing about ice was how it glistened and shimmered in the sunlight.

Dressed in white pants and white T-top with long flowing white (Duster Jacket) Jake, also self titled the Ice King Monster was almost invisible to the snow covered backdrop of Jump City. The bank guard; a small average built man in his later forties, had to do a double take when Jake walked in threw the front door of the Jump City National Jewel and Diamond exchange Bank. Dressed all in white; not a spot on him. Jake's attire matched his features, an albino, pale faced young man of barely twenty-six. The guard had seen strange people before; living in Jump City you were sure to, but his long sharp ice sickle cane and long pointy fingers made the guard nervous.

-(?)-

Miles away in their own little world played a group of four in the soft newly fallen snow. Building snow forts, having snowball fights, and dressing up snowmen. The not so average teenagers lost in the world of winter had no idea that a lone figure watched them out of a window high above.

"I'm going to get you…….Not if you can't catch me," answered the young and fun loving one of the bunch; as he tossed another snowball back behind him, his aim off but still managing to trip up his perusing friend.

A wide eyed and happy smiling face; looked up from the fort she was building. Her face momentarily growing concerned then happy again as she noted her friend that had fallen unhurt as he made a snow angle in his big muscular form.

Less happy and dark; to even shadows, stood a figure finishing the last piece of attire to what appeared to be the "Hot Topic" gothic look for the snowman next door. Her comment to the falling of her friend only caught by the silent wind and detailed watchful eyes of unknown and unlived eyes.

"Those two, always acting like a pare of children."

The girls attention momentarily shifted directions. A sudden feeling that they were all being watched by someone came to her mind as an image flashed into her thoughts. Her eyes scanning upward noted the lone figure high above standing silhouetted in the wide pain, full length glass window. "I wish," was all the girl repeated, then she turned away and continued attending to her snow creation.

Up above watchful as if from across a great divide, Robin; Leader of the Teen Titans and Hero of Jump City sighed a longing and empty sigh. He crossed his arms over his chest and whispered.

"I wish I could be like that, care free, young in actions and mind, I wish I was down there right now playing and having fun. I wish I knew what Slade is up to and planning?"

He noted how Raven was watching him from below; watched her turn back to the snowman and smiled as he saw Cyborg toss Garfield Logan two small snowballs. The two of them ganging up in a menacing sneak attack, pummeled Raven with their mouths open and laughing. Robin turned away from watching as a retaliation commenced. Robin stared back over his shoulder at the computer screen he moved way from to stand in front of the window.

The Titans main computer was running a search for possible calculations Slade might attempt. Another search was looking for news articles related to the weeks Slade had sent the non stop attacks, and the time Robin had been stuck in bed sick with his nasty cold there after.

Robin walked over to the computer chair and sat down. So far both searches were coming up with nothing. Robin sighed, this was taking way longer then he'd thought. He'd told his friends he'd join them as soon as it finished but…..Robin stood up and walked to the kitchen. "I think I'll fix myself a hot apple cider, this might take longer then I thought."

-S-

On a computer monitor stood a two sided split screen, both screens showed a set of words "Searching…." both screens had searches going, but on one screen no search results were found yet. On the other, over forty pages worth of data was displayed.

"Nice effort, Robin, very cleaver, but I'm afraid that your effort was in vain. Too bad I control the information our two connected systems gets and I control what information I choose you to have."

Slade Wilson stood at a table working on several gadgets and looking to find the best wrench needed. He'd barely been altered to Robin's search. His computer monitoring the network link between them had not found anything to bother with. Slade on the other hand had found the program Robin had created most bothersome. Although his young apprentice and rivals cleverness was something Slade found most challenging, his efforts today were not what Slade needed. He would normally have not hindered the search, in fact some of the results were just plain amusing, while others made him note them for future use later. "I hadn't thought of that yet, perhaps I could use that." Today however Slade had plans for Robin, and the young Titan's search results meddled where he did not want them to. For today Slade would have to cheat. Their game; fair and with unspoken rules was always at liberty to be changed, overruled or altered by Slade in his behest.

Robin returned with his cup full of steaming hot liquid. "Still nothing? I would have thought I'd have gotten some sort of results by now, perhaps I need to have Cyborg….

The Alarm sounded, Robin stopped the uneventful search and called up the details to what the alert was all about……Outside communicators began sounding warning and the young teenagers winter spell was broken by the words "Titan's Go!"

-J.C.N.J.D.E.-

Vincent, his hands calling for backup wasn't surprised in the least bit when the young man; looking like he was a white silvery ghost, started attacking the Teller Clerks demanding they hand over the jewels; from the vault no less.

Vincent was, surprised however, when the kid started freezing the customers feet to the floor with ice. In his distraction and panic, Vincent hadn't even taken notice of the mist floating across the floor and up the feet of both himself and those in the building with him. So when he looked down and saw that the mist had encased his feet in ice; discovering that he could not move them or anything from the knees down, he began to panic and pull his gun.

Jake not new to this and very much a seeker of fun and torture before he left any of his jobs. Began urging the mist to rise higher. Within mere seconds the bank guard that had been calling for help and the head cashier that had her hand currently on the emergence silent alarm were both incased in ice. The customers already stuck to the floor began gasping, panicking, and tugging harder on their feet.

Jake just laughed a menacing laugh, and began turning about, his clothing suddenly giving off a glistening shine to the room. "Now who else want to try and be a hero?" Because anyone that dose will end up like those two!" "Slow death of suffocation and hypothermia." His words brought a silent cold to the room as all the voices stopped crying, their fear and terror creating an atmosphere quite cold and most enjoyable to an ice monster and king that Jake was.

-TT-

The Teen Titans shivered when they entered the front door of the Bank. The police outside had told them someone was inside robbing the place, but they'd failed to mention that that someone inside was not totally human. Upon entering the doors the Teen Titans were met with a sight that just about blinded them.

"It's so lovely," admired Starfire her mouth open, her breath coming into view just briefly.

"Yah, it's about as blinding as a snow castle in the north pole. Retorted Cyborg. Trying to block his eyes from the glare.

"Be careful that you don't slip, it's awfully icy in here. Commanded Robin digging his metal boots into the ice for trackshin.

The quite and silence was eerily met with frozen voiced cries for silent help from the customers upon seeing the Titan's. Their bodies stuck and frozen to the floors, their arms wrapped around themselves for heat protection, grew smiles of hope and happiness. They'd all but given up loosing the condition to cry out anymore for help. Slow cold frozen death had awaited them had their saviors not come to their rescue.

"Raven, Starfire, see if you can help free the customers, Cyborg check and see if those two incased in ice are still alive. Beast Boy your with me, let's check the rest of the building.

The J.C.N.J.D.E.B. () was a tall three story hallow building. It's high ceiling and skylight's gave off the appearance of wealth, class and jewels. There really was only two stories. The ground level for the tellers, the vault, and the desk people who greeted you and opened accounts. The second floor was for the office building class. The one's on the phone all day talking to customers too rich or too lazy to come down to the bank physically. These were the one's that housed the records of customers and stores that traded and dealt with diamonds, rubies and any other type of valuable or precious stone on the market.

Jake Revihs folded up the computer records that had just finished printing out and placed them in his duster pocket. He walked out of the office that said "Bank Manager" on the door and looked back at the manager frozen with a look of terror; as he sat motionless in his seat. "Thanks for cooperating, we'll have to do this again some time."

Jake's thoughts on the lovely jewels in the vault he intended next to get to and the bank managers key's in his hand he didn't pay much attention or notice the young hero's until he was halfway down the stairs. Coming to rest on a mid section of stairs that grew flat and wide. A balcony flight within the staircase. A scowl spreading over his face. "I expected you all to show up, but not quite this soon."

-C-

"I'm a hero, I've seen many things in my young life. Some pleasant, some scary, some happy, and some well, this just fits into only two words. "Savagely frigid."

"The two figures frozen in ice never stood a chance. Who ever did this knew full well that death would be the end result." "A Slow death by hypothermia."

Cyborg gave a shiver. His metal body although cold to the touch would not make his body feel cold. This shiver was from the mind; a savage thing he and his mind was having trouble understanding.

"Fourteen minuets earlier and I might have been able to help save at least one off them. Would I have really wanted to make that choose though? Could I have been able to face the two and choose who lived and who died? NO.

Cyborg's anger lit up inside of his chest. His rebuttal and anger with his own thoughts being redirected.

"NO. This is all the robbers fault not mine. Wow, I'm actually glad that we didn't show up earlier and I be forced to choose between who to save?"

Cyborg lowered his head and gave a silent sob. His minds happiness was short lived by his heart and consciences unease.

"That thought makes you as bad as if you killed them. How could you think such a thing? Why?"

Cyborg heard the voice and turned to look at it. His heart leapt and his face grew slowly into an expression of hate and revenge. Cyborg's feelings now could be distorted and replaced with a hero's perception.

"This man. He is the real cause of all this death." Quote: "A hero's job is to take the criminal down and make justice be paid. Make him pay for the crime he committed."

Cyborg knew just from the way the young man looked that he was responsible for all of this. But it was his cocky stance and morbid smile that made Cyborg attack.

-J.R.-

Jake's experience dealing with people had made him alert and quick; his own powers reflecting his determination and constant training. Somehow the Cybernetic Teen was fueled by something not human or perhaps too human. His sonic blast missed Jake by mere inches. Creating Jake's heart to thaw with fright for a second before returning to it's ridged and icy evilness. Jake just smiled. Cyborg noting his own body feeling cold with fear from that smile.

Cyborg realized not just his body; from fear, was feeling cold but the ice attacking his sonic canyon arm was making it freeze solid. Then something impacted his arm and shattered the metal into pieces sending them to the floor. Cyborg cried out in pain reaching to cradle his severed limb.

"Why so concerned tin man, didn't think you had a heart in that metal body of yours. Weren't you on your way to see the wizard to request one?" "Jake Revihs the Ice Kind Monster is here to tell you that your request has been denied and you've been sentenced to death."

With a sharp move almost too quick to see the albino ice man produced a long ice sickle staff, he spun it around aiming the tip directly at Cyborg. A beam shot forth and merely exploded three feet from hitting Cyborg dead on. Cyborg turned and nodded his thanks to Starfire for her quick effort and accurate aim. She and Raven continued to help the frozen customers to safety. Hoping that Cyborg could handle this guy till they got back.

Jake his target the metal Titan had not paid attention to the other Titans in the room. His hand shot out and aimed the ice sickle staff at the red head alien. His staff sending a charge of fired ice aimed for her back. Jake's hand was knocked off aim at the last possible moment; a green polar bear attacking him. Jake's quick mind and inhuman strength pushed the polar bear off balance and he rolled down the stairs and hit the floor with a painful outcry.

Beast Boy transformed back into his human form and slowly got up, his leg turned at an odd angle. "I think it's broken," he cried out in tears. Cyborg trying to let the younger boy steady himself against his own body.

Jake began laughing as he aimed his scepter at the two helpless boys. "Pathetic, you really are no match for me, how is it you came to be so great a hero's in the eyes of this city?"

His burst of ice was countered by two exploding Star bolts and the words Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos, throwing him backwards against the stairs. Black energy trying to grip him. With a cry of icy rage the black energy was dispersed and Jake the Ice King Monster rose to his feet. His eyes no longer human, but a glowing Blue and silver.

"I will not be stopped by a bunch of pesky teenagers that think themselves special merely because they have cheep tricks up their sleeves." Jake's voice was no longer human either. It sounded echoic and hallow. Ice cold and sent shivers down the spines of all the Titans.

Starfire and Raven positioned themselves in front of the two boys and looked around the room. Robin had trained them for situations like this. Your surroundings might provide strategic cover and aid you in the capture of your enemy. Unfortunately the bank was nothing but ice and frozen furniture. The advantage was not theirs but the crooks and he was not down two members of a heavily relied on team.

"What are we to do?" whispered Starfire; her eyes and hands glowing ready to knock back more shots from the Ice King Monster's scepter. Her own body beginning to feel the frozen cold of the Bank.

"I'm not sure," replied Raven; her own voice trying to remain reassuring as she looked around for something to help them. "There's just nothing here to use," frustration was beginning to take over her calm thinking.

The four titans watched as Jake got to his feet and began walking back to the middle flat section of stairs he once occupied. His smile and features nothing more then evil, penetrative, and deadly. "Where are the Mighty Titan's now?" The voice echoing and flowing through the fearful team. "Ah, yes and I see we are one short!" Turning around to face Robin who now stood at the top of the stairs above him.

Robin his stance calm and his mind unafraid looked at the Ice King Monster and just frowned. "I never expected to have to deal with snow and ice here in Jump City?"

Jake taking this as an admittance of defeat, smiled and responded: "Then why don't you just hand over the jewels to me and I'll leave everyone alive, seeing as there is no one here that can battle me in my own element."

Starfire taking this opportunity to attack decided that with his back turned it was not honorable but would bring the needed results. Two green charged Star bolts whizzed into the back of the ice King. His duster smoked a second but that was it as the figure shook off the attack and with his focus still remaining on Robin mist began escaping his body. Sneaking forward and shooting towards Starfire and Raven. More ice began to form where the misty touched. Raven and Starfire's eyes went wide. They began attacking the mist with their powers but nothing happened. "How do you stop something that has no form?" Asked Beast Boy; he and Cyborg trying to move towards the exit and away from the mist.

Robin his eyes still locked with the evil thief tossed off his winter threads and pulled out his Bow Jo Staff. He didn't extend it but Robin moved his body into a unique fighting stance. Jake noted the stance and gave a small smile.

"So the little bird knows how to fight on ice after all!"

Robin his stance not too far apart, his feet firmly to the ground and his body laying weight to keep his bodies balance centered. Extended his staff and held it vertically in front of him. Robin took a deep breath and found his center. His training with Bruce, after the incident with Mr. Freeze was not for nothing after all. Robin had passed the training off as simply another unnecessary training session; vowing not to force his own team to have to endure training of the sort and now feeling stupid for not trusting his mentor and segregate father's judgment.

"Thanks Bruce, thanks for the training. For the knowledge and skill of how to handle ice and snow, and for the training to combat a person on stairs."

Robin's confidence showed. Jake knew the boy was not going to be as easy to defeat as his other team members were. "What about your friends?" Taunted Jake trying to waver the boys concentration. "Aren't you concerned about them?"

His friends heard the taunting words and watched their leaders reaction. Starfire and Raven, ice clinging to them, but not bad enough to get cornered and end up as the bank customers had. Didn't know why Robin's face showed no hint of concern. Cyborg and Beast Boy to the door now, was finding this site of Robin almost disturbing. If they didn't know that their leader held concern and love for them they would have thought him to be an emotionless, uncaring person by the look of nonchalant ness and drive he projected.

The years of training and living with Batman had never taught Robin more then the fact that emotions got in the way of the Job. Bruce had stated over and over that to show weakness was to play into the hands of your enemy. Robin hadn't remembered those words for years now. His team and friends happy attitudes and emotional reactions had slowly replaced Batman's conditioning of Robin. Robin's own desire to not end up like Bruce, alone and emotionally cold and ridged had given in and turned him into the fun loving and smiling Robin he was most days. Playing video games, having water fights with Starfire as they did the dishes. Joking with Raven and Beast Boy and long races and rides with Cyborg.

"They can take care of themselves," answered Robin, his voice harshly cold and uncaring. His answer coming not just from his cold hallow voice but his focused and determined body. Jake saw nothing past his eyes, nothing resembling anything that would tell him how the young man really felt. The look and feel Jake got was nothing short of terrifying. This young man before him was nothing more then a machine. A trained and deadly machine that for the first time in Jake Revihs life he knew he was not going to win the battle about to be fought. His mind on the jewels in the vault began to purge thoughts of them and instead refocus upon the true plan he'd been sent to carry out. His mission was simple, his objective before him right now and his aim; he had no doubt would be accurate. The trick would be to make it look unintentional. Which would mean Jake would have to use the teens friends to make the cover needed to not arouse suspicion.

Jake's hand reached into his pocket and felt for the vile darts specially given to him for this young man. His own ice darts looking the exact same as these. Only difference was that his darts were produced and shot out of his finger tips. These would have to be carefully thrown to hit their intended target just right. Containing Slade's secret serum for Robin's next treatment he'd given the six vials to the young thief with the explicit and un negotiable instructions the he was not to waist the contents, expose the contents, or inject the contents into anyone except Robin. If he did Jake Revihs would not need to run or hide, he would not need to apologize or repay the debt, he would simply just for fit his remaining life. Jake swallowed his thoughts and focused his mind, he would not be denied his payment and he would not loose his life. He would fulfill his mission and gain a reputable reputation for doing this job.

Jake Revihs turned suddenly and without needing to look shot three bolts out of his scepter. Returning around just in time to block an attack from the Boy Wonder. Jake's ice shots hit their targets dead on and suddenly Beast Boy and Cyborg were covered in a think enough even though thin layer of ice. Their bodies beginning to scream out cold and demand heat and freedom.

Starfire and Raven unable to move their arms and feet covered in the layers of ice. Began trying to use their powers to escape. Starfire trying to charge energy bolts while her mind had trouble focusing on anything but the feeling of her arms; going numb with cold, and the feeling that she was slowly freezing to death. Managed to blast away one hand free, but moving it to aim at the other or an arm proved to be difficult.

Raven having troubles too, suggested they attempt to work together and with the teamwork managed to break themselves free. The two girls raced to save their fellow frozen teammates. Both cold and shivering they managed to free Beast Boy and Cyborg.

Robin countered and swung. He moved with grace and balance, unmatched or seen by Jake before, the Ice man surprised Robin several times when blue crystal ice sickles shot from his fingers and nearly embedded themselves into Robin. The boy was quick though and managed to evade them just in the nick of time. His determination not dwindling, but his concern growing. This battle on the stairs was taking great concentration and skill, something the boy wonder had not had to do even when battling Slade. Something he'd not experienced for quite a few years now and he realized he was rusty and feared loosing this battle if time continued on too long.

Jake saw in his minds eye though the mist the other Titans freeing themselves and coming towards the two battling. Hoping to lend some assistance. Jake sent a quick thrust and kick at the Boy Wonder and as Robin moved back to avid it Jake turned and shot several ice sickles at the young group. Cries and screams echoed throughout the room as the ice sickles embedded themselves into the arms and legs of the other Titans. Cyborg's bounced off of him, but the impact made him stumble. Beast Boy fell to the ground a sickle imbedded in his side and already hurt leg. Raven reached for her arm and tried to remove the sickle. It was in deep and she also looked down to see one in her right calf muscle. She winced with pain as she pulled the one in her arm out and fell to ground. Gripping the blood coming from her arm and took hold of the remaining ice sickle. With a cry of pain she removed the one in her leg. Raven looked over at Starfire's crying face, she slid her way over to her friend and attempted to calm her down. Trying to remove the three ice sickles in various spots.

Robin again on his feet, jumped at Jake and punched him in the face with a mighty fist. He continued the onslaught his own face taking a punch and his gut taking a jab from Jake's scepter. Robin twirled his Bo Jo Staff in the air and attempted to knock and hit the speedy ice thief. Jake launched ice attack after ice sickle at Robin feeling his way around for an opening or gap. Jake smiled when he saw that Robin was growing weaker. Sloppy in his concentration. Jake reached into his pocket and gripped one of the darts Slade had given him. He placed it firmly in his hand and with his staff shot a beam of ice at Robin. The Boy Wonder threw an ice disk to counter and the impact sent ice and cloud into the air. Robin let out a cry of pain as he was thrown back. He got to his feet cradling his left chest; an ice sickle embedded itself into the spot just above his heat. If the thief's aim had been even an inch or two off Robin would have died.

Jake smiled and silently praised his efforts. His aim was dead and direct to his target. Slade's dart would by now be releasing the liquid contents into the boy and the dart would dissolve within a few minuets. Jakes own darts had taken to their respective targets too. One hitting the Boy Wonder in the right leg. One in the right hand and two grazing his side and cheek. Robin would remember this battle for quite some time. Jake feeling a laugh coming on but stifling it to wait till he escaped.

Jake turned and glanced at the other titans still laying on the floor below. Trying to comfort one another and remove the sickles from themselves. Jake turned to the sound of Robin's agony as he removed the sickle in his leg and got up. Gripping his Bo Jo Staff in his un impaled hand and focusing on Jake again.

Jake smiled, the boy was determined and relentless. "No wonder Slade wants the boy so much, he's got guts and determination." "Too bad for him his future's already been sealed, Slade's path is the only one this boy can take now."

"Sorry my young and worthy adversary but I grow tired of this battle and it would seem you do too." Jake Revihs gave Robin a small bow and with eye contact turned around and disappeared into the icy mist. The icy fog cleared and Jake Revihs the Ice King Monster was gone.

Robin turned his attention to his team below him and descended the stairs. He reached Starfire and Raven first. "Is she alright, he asked Raven; her face concerned and not showing it's normal emotionless mask. "Starfire took two ice sickles to the stomach and one to the shoulder. I don't know a lot about her alien physiology but I think we better get her back to the medical bay as quick as possible."

Robin looked into Raven's eyes and saw the pain she was trying to hide. "You going to be ok?"

"I think so, I took one to the leg and arm I've lost a lot of blood but I'm going to attempt to teleport Starfire and myself to the medical bay."

Robin just nodded. His own body suddenly feeling tired and gave her a reassuring hand. "Ok, I'll get Beast Boy and Cyborg back as quickly as I can."

Robin stood and watched Raven and Starfire disappeared in a raven of black energy. He reached down at his hand to remove the ice sickle lodged there but noted that it was melting. He could leave it for now. He reached for the one on his chest and looked down to discover it completely gone. Robin noted with the Ice Kings disappearance the whole bank was beginning to unthaw now.

"Cyborg, Beast Boy, let's try and get you guys home and back to the medical bay." "Cyborg give me the keys to the T-Car, I'm driving."

"What about your bike?"

"I can come back for it later, actually…I'll have the police get someone to fallow us back with it."

"Ohhhhhhhhh," cried Beast Boy as Robin helped him up and the three beaten super hero's made their way outside.

-S-

Slade Wilson; a man known for his cold, disciplined and fallowed through expectations. Even he could have a soft funny spot in him at times. Sitting at the computer screen watching the monitor distractedly. He didn't have to hear or see the young Ice Monster to know he'd just appeared behind him and two his left.

His reputation taking on it's own life now; kill one or two people, pull out someone's throat and tong, cut off a few limbs now and then throughout your life time; or in Slade's case lifetimes, and you started to gain a reputation of tales that actually never occurred. Not that they didn't help keep the mystery and unruly thinking in check. But some times they came in handy. Like now for instance when Slade was in the middle of reading a file within the Justice League's computer that he'd hacked into. He knew the boy would remain still and quiet till Slade turned around. It was said that if you snuck up on Slade the man always new and would always catch you. Punish you too.

Slade had to laugh at that one. He didn't always know! Sure his senses were more finely tuned and his working on them still not quite mastered, but they were better then most normal mortals. It was the part that he would catch them, and punish them that made him smile. Yes, yes, only a few had slipped his grasp to speak that they'd escaped the great Slade Wilson; short lived and foolish to think that he; Slade would not hunt them down later and kill them off, but it was these that he loved the most. His reputation to be a ruthless and violent machine. When in fact he never had to do little but simply stair at them to bring fear and silence to men.

Slade finished reading the file, logged what he wanted, back tracked his hack job so as not to be discovered and turned around in his chair to address Jake.

"I see the mission was a success." "How did it feel to be the more cleaver and smarter fighter?"

Jake his heart startled by Slade finally deciding to speak. Coughed, and looked around nervously. His head resting back upon Slade's direction, but his eyes still avoiding to meet the masked one eye.

"It was no more or less fun then what I normally attempt, however your apprentice is. A worthy. Opponent!" "His mastery and skill is something no adult has been able to attempt towards me on the ice yet." "Too bad his friends bring him down."

Those were the words that brought a smile to Slade's face. Jake could tell that something he'd just stated had agreed with the criminal mastermind. Slade stood up and gently showed the boy down the steps and out of the room. The two walking down the hallway as if friends for the longest time.

"Yes, it really is too bad Robin can not see the folly of his friends." "I take it you were able to give him the serum?"

Jake reached into his pocket and removed five small blue dart like sickles. Handing them over to Slade. "One was all it took. My aim is never off!" Slade let the young fool have his gloat. His own happiness stemming from a plan well carried out and Robin one more month and step closer to his new life as Slade's apprentice and slave for all eternity.

Slade opened a door and walked inside Jake fallowing in behind him. Slade opened a locked safe and produced a suit case from within. Shutting the door to the safe.

Slade sat the brief case down on the table and opened it up. Jake's eyes shimmered, his face a greedy and smiling fool. "I'm glad I withdrew my account last week from the Bank, I heard they got robbed today. Good thing the thief didn't get away with anything of value," joked Slade.

Jake looked up and smiled, "yes it really was too bad, I could have added a very lovely array of Rubies and Sapphires to this case of ice."

"Well like I said the job was Robin, anything you got was your bonus, looks like you'll just have to settle with payment for the job."

Jake smiled closing the case. "The job wasn't a total bust for my bonus." Patting his duster front pocket. "I got a nice little bit of info and some names out of the deal."

Jake offered his hand and shook Slade's. "Nice doing business with you Mr. Wilson. Look me up if you ever need anything again in the future."

Slade's firm handshake was purposely crushing the young boys hand. "Yes, well you must be mistaken, Mr. Revihs because I don't remember ever doing business with you now or in the future. As a matter of fact I don't remember ever knowing you."

Jake pulled his hand away and took a step back. "Right, I'll just be going now." "Out of town," he added quickly getting the hint.

"That sounds about right." Smiled Slade watching the young man disappear into a cloud of ice vapor.

-TT-

Turns out that the young Titan's were better off then even they thought. Robin getting Cyborg and Beast Boy home managed to get them the attention they needed. Ignoring his own wounds and needs till much, much later. Raven had gotten Starfire and herself to the Tower's medical bay but Robin found them both passed out on the floor. After ordering Beast Boy and Cyborg to leave them be for the moment Robin got the two of them settled and Cyborg hooked up in his own room to let his computer and machines attend to his needs.

Robin then focused on Raven and Starfire. Placing them each in a bed. Giving them medication for the pain. Help stop Raven's bleeding and Beast Boy's bleeding left side. Hours and time slipped by Robin didn't know how long it was all he knew was his team needed him. His emotional training from Batman still kicked in and in place. He worked like a machine. Finally everyone asleep and cared for he went to check up on Cyborg.

Cyborg's room was buzzing with electricity and electronics. Sally the computer greeted Robin and gave him a progress report on her master.

"Vitals stable, arm repairable, power cell undamaged, armor needing repair in several locations. Overall he should awaken and be fine within 24 hours."

Robin blew out a sigh of relief. He told Sally to keep him informed if something should change or need his assistance. Then Robin activated the Titan's computer to display, and monitor his remaining friends vitals; left in the medical bay. Robin went to his room and took a shower. Dressing his own wounds and finally entering the kitchen dressed in workout sweats and a red T-top.

Hungry and thirsty Robin fixed himself something to eat and poured himself an large glass of Orange Juice. His mind nub but thankful that he could still use it.

-S-

Slade watched on the screen as Robin ate his sandwich and drank his Orange juice in silent mindless contemplation. "Oh the things running through that head of yours. If only I could hear your thoughts."

-R-

Robin's thoughts were a mixture of:

"It's so quiet and lonely without the others awake and around."

"I failed them as a leader, they should be taught the things Batman taught me, why was I so foolish to not think that they would never need to know how to fight on ice or stairs?"

"I should call Bruce and tell him I'm sorry, not just for doubting him, but everything we said before I left."

Robin's thoughts were interrupted by a beeping on the computer screen. Robin walked over to it and called up the image of who was calling this late at night.

"Slade!" Robin's voice and mood were not one to mess with tonight, he had no time for the petty talks and mocking comments of the mad man who never leaved him alone; especially when he was down and nearly out for the count. How did Slade always know when was the worst possible time for him to call. "It's a gift," answered Slade, Robin not realizing he'd asked that question out loud.

"So what do you want Slade? Come to boast and mock me, like normal?"

"Actually, no, I was calling to see how you were doing?"

Robin was visibly thrown by this comment, "Slade concerned?"

"I heard you had a little run in at the bank today. Bad news travels fast here, especially when it happens to the cities hero's. I got word that several of you were injured and I wanted to see who and how bad. Call it morbid fascination or concern, either is the same to me."

Robin gave a notable sigh and looked up at Slade. Turning, he sat down on the edge of the couch and looked up at the screen.

"You know, you baffle me Slade. One minuet your trying to chain me down and keep me on a short leash and the next your asking weather I'm ok. What's the deal, are you truly concerned or is this all part of the game to wear me down and make me loose my focus and advantage?"

"Robin, you never have the advantage, you should know that by now my dear boy, but you do have me, in your grip."

Robin looked up his hope and smile slightly shinning at this. "How so?"

"I do care what happens to my apprentice." "Should you be hurt or killed before I deem it to occur, there would be an accounting that takes place." "I would avenge your death!"

Robin visibly started laughing at this. Slade finding no humor in his words, but patiently waited for Robin to stop laughing before expecting an explanation. Robin just sat there without giving one. Finally, he stood up and sighed.

"I'm fine Slade, the others will be alright and your not my guardian, so don't worry what happens to me. Both you and Batman can rest assured that I can handle myself just fine. I may die someday, maybe even by your own hands, but I wont be going down without a fight."

"I will die a hero's death or I'll die a man's, either way. I'm going to bed now and if you feel it necessary to send someone out tonight to ravage the city, please note, that I'm not going to take the call. I just have no energy for games tonight, so have fun."

Slade Wilson experienced the faintest of shock. For the first time in his young crime fighting life, Robin turned off the connection and walked way. His words holding no hidden meaning, his smile genuinely tired, and his attitude showing no malice or hate towards his rival.

Slade watched his young rival do exactly what he'd said. Robin went to bed.

A/N: So? Don't have much to say right now, I'm so tired, been working too much, been up since 3am this morning then worked all day and actually almost forgot to post, if it wasn't for a story alert I got in my e-mail I'd be sleeping right now and have forgotten to post. Ahhhhhh, sigh, anyway hope you liked it. Now, I'm off to bed.

Later, see you all next week. dlsky

Oh one more thing I almost forgot...new reviewers...if you want a reply back..I need an e-mail address, one that works or send me an e-mail that I can hit the reply button back to. Thanks, night.