Without the Mask By Sava Varen
Quick Notes:

Disclaimer...prologue...you get it by now...I hope...

Sara-yep...it took longer than expected....this one too! I feel stuck...THANK YOU!! I'm glad you think mine is the best! hehe, I have fans. YES! I love making things hard to figure out! WOOHOO! I succeeded in what I was trying to do!! yAy! *hugs* thank you!! Thank you very very much! And by the way...Krissy says she feels very very very honored. She's thinking of posting a story, but not of Teen Titans and it's not certain if she will though. I'll tell you more when I find out more. Wow. *counts* One...two...three...four...WOW! Four reviews! Now I feel so bad this took sooo long! *hugs* Thank you!! I'm sooooo glad you like it! Later and thank you! oh! PS. Tell your friend I said thank you! I'm glad she likes it too! :)

Chapter: Seven Days

Robin had healed within a week. For some reason, Terra hadn't returned to watch over him like she'd said she was told to. So there Robin sat, in the same room he'd woken up in. With each day, Robin's curiosity steadily grew. Slade had been personally been tending to his wound, but sometimes, Slade would send a doctor he'd gotten. Today wasn't one of those days.

"Move your arm." Slade ordered.

Robin successfully moved his arm with no pain or problems.

"Good, than that means you're ready to train and pull your weight around here."

"With Terra?"

"When she's healed...maybe."

"What? Healed?"

"Come with me."

Robin followed Slade out of the room. One glance around was enough for Robin to know exactly where he was. Seems they'd moved their base because the Titans wouldn't have much trouble getting to Slade if they'd stayed. What got him was, it was just off the coast across from the T-tower! What was Slade planning? Robin did know one thing: Slade was at an advantage now. A few as a matter of fact. One, with himself, Terra, and most likely other minions on his side (more Terra...), Slade could easily take advantage of the other Titans. Two, with a location so close, he wouldn't have as much trouble keeping track of the Titans. With all that, Slade could easily take over...but why didn't he? It was almost too easy, yet Slade preferred to wait...or put the easy way aside. Robin wouldn't let Slade take over though! He'd escape somehow and with the Titans overthrow Slade! He had to.

Finally, Slade opened a door and they walked in. On the bed (A/N: This is Terra's room) was a small, thin figure. Robin instantly knew it to be Terra.

"What happened?" he asked as worry crossed his face.

"I don't know for sure." Slade said as he wiped sweat from Terra's reddened face.

It was like she was very very slowly burning in a fire existing only to her. Very very slowly.

"Fever?"

"Her inside temperature is normal. It's the first layer of her skin. It's slowly seeping into her."

"Kind of the opposite of what you did to the Titans last time you captured me."

"You're suggesting I did this?"

"I doubt that. You are in love with her. Don't think someone would do that type of thing to--"

Slade's patience with Robin had just bore thin. Now it had burst and Slade beat Robin to the ground. Holding Robin down by the head with one hand and both arms back with the other, Slade said:

"Robin! Don't go thinking I'll go easy on you! Terra may have that weakness, but I do not!"

"With all do respect, you do when it comes to Terra."

"You try to convince anything of Terra, I swear you'll have a slow and painful death Robin."

"Is that your motivation to keep me in line this time?"

"Oh I've got planned out many for you. Not just one. I understand there is a certain someone you care more for in particular."

"Don't you even!"

"That depends on you Robin. Starfire would be such a big loss for you, wouldn't she? I can't have you ruining my plans, you can't lose your beloved girlfriend, and I see a compromise, don't you?"

"I see it. And what of the others?"

"Don't worry Robin, I won't harm them...they'll harm each other! They'll save me the trouble and do the job for me." Robin was silent. Did he even want to know how Slade had that ability?

Terra yawned and shifted on the bed. Both Slade and Robin jumped up. Slade rushed over to Terra and wiped her face once more. She made a twitch- like movement and jerked to the left. She gasped for air as if she was drowning and her skin seemed like it was on fire! Tossing, turning, and clawing at seemingly nothing, Slade did what he could to stop it all. Terra accidentally hit Slade's cheek (not hard) and other places on his chest, shoulders, and face. Whatever she was dreaming, it must've been horrible because she was really going at it...or away from it, whichever. Slade grabbed her arms to stop her and instantly noticed her strength had gone up. Looks like that training was paying off.

"Terra! Wake up!"

Robin came over to try and help.

"Get a glass of water!" Slade commanded.

Despite his high dislike of Slade, he did what he was told...for Terra's sake. He had to believe Terra would wake and see Slade for what he truly was. Robin handed Slade the water. Slade quickly, but carefully tried to make her drink some, but most of it came back up in coughs and gasps. She seemed to be drowning in her dream. Slade threw the glass aside (yes, it did brake...), dipped his hand in some cold water, and firmly pushed down on Terra's forehead while whispering words under his breath. (A/N: No, not spells, he's not a wizard!) She slowly calmed down, then opened her eyes and stared into Slade's face.

What's going on?" she asked as she sat up coughing and gasping still.

Slade instantly felt the dramatic drop in her temperature as he kept his hand on her forehead even after she sat up. How could her temperature drop so quickly? It was unbelievable, not that it was a bad thing of course. Slade decided to ignore that fact for now. He had the feeling it might happen again. Until then, he'd let it go, but would keep it cautious with Terra. He probably couldn't push her to do better as much as usual. Terra seemed to just take notice that she was in her room.

"You passed out a week ago. You've been in here since trying to kill whatever it is that was in your dream."

"Seven days ago? Kill? Dream? That was a dream? But it seemed so real! And..." Slade stopped her rambling.

"Don't worry about it Terra. Just rest. You're very weak right now."

Terra then took notice of Robin. "Your shoulder! It's healed!"

"Yeah." Robin nodded.

"I took over your job." Slade informed.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to put a burden on your shoulders!" She said before gasping and looking very, truly sorry.

"Don't worry about it right now. Just lie down and sleep. Robin and I will be in the training room."

Robin walked over to the door. Slade leaned down and whispered something into her ear and then led Robin to the training room. Terra watched them leave, sighed, and laid flat on the bed staring uninterestedly at the dark ceiling. After what seemed like fifteen minutes of trying to get some sleep, she gave up and decided to look through a book of photos she kept. Being with Slade for over half a year (A/N: yes, it's been THAT long.) had its ups and downs and one of the ups was his teaching. If he weren't a villain, he'd most likely be some sort of teacher! He taught Terra just about everything he knew about technology, fighting styles, self control, and more. He'd taught her how to secretly keep tabs on people, secretly record their every move, and take photos! Terra had put these skills to use and kept photos of Slade. She knew she was being obsessive and nothing would probably happen between them, but she could dream...couldn't she? The age difference was something people would be concerned about, but Slade could at least be a father or brother, if nothing else. Terra sighed longingly as she gazed at the photos of Slade.

"Okay, so maybe I'm being a little too obsessive." she admitted aloud. "But what if he's being the same way about me? I mean, he is the one who wanted my file, Riley was screaming it, unusual sight, he wouldn't talk about it when I asked him, he's always there to rescue me and somewhat comfort me, and..." she paused.

Running her fingers across her cheek where Slade normally touched her most, she finished. "He's always caressing my cheek and face. Oh m gosh...is he obsessing over me?" Terra blushed madly at the thought.

She laughed a bit as she remembered the dent in the wall Slade had made. 'And that was all because of me...wow.' she thought. She looked warmly at the photos once again.

"He's very sweet and kind...underneath the mask." she smiled happily.

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Starfire sat alone on top of the T-tower tonight. Usually, Robin would accompany her to talk and enjoy each other's presence, but since last week's battle with Slade, they hadn't seen ant sign of Robin. Not one clue that might lead them to him. So there she was, alone crying silently as she watched the night sky and felt the cool breeze. It was different without him there. What made things worse was the fact that Slade had wounded him before his disappearance. So it he was indeed still alive, he was badly wounded and needed help. She wished she could be the one to help him.

Suddenly, the sound of the door to the top of the tower sounded and Starfire jumped in fright. "Whoa! Settle down! It's only me." came her sister's voice.

Starfire sighed and looked up at her sister.

"I am sorry. I was just...deep in thought."

"About Robin?"

"Yes."

"He usually sits here with you. Right?" Blackfire asked as she sat down next to her younger, redhead sister.

"He does. I miss him terribly."

"Don't worry. We'll find him."

"We don't even know where he is. How are we to find him if we don't even know where to start?"

"I don't know, but we'll manage."

Starfire stared down at her hands.

"Hey, he's Robin. He'll pull through. He's a survivor."

Starfire smiled a little. "Robin does normally appear just as he was."

"See? Robin is okay. He'll come back. He wouldn't even think of leaving you."

"Not of his own will, of course." Starfire hugged her sister. "I'm so very happy and proud that you're my sister!"

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(A/N: Lots of time is passing. Time in which the Teen Titans [the remaining ones] have had other villains to beat and have met up with Slade. They still have no knowledge that Slade is controlling Robin again. Terra has improved [with a few exceptions] and is training with Robin. Other stuff has happened, but not that important.)

[Seven Days Later]

Terra stood across from Robin in the training room. This was the first time they'd trained in the room when it was complete. Slade just finished installing things and making it better. Robin held a metal staff and was in ready position. Terra did the same. Slade had decided to have Robin help her with the art of fighting with a staff since she had trouble with it, Terra jumped high in the air and swung at Robin. He blocked and swung back, but missed. Terra had done a back flip to dodge that and hit Robin in the chin with the staff. After rubbing his chin quickly and blocking more blows from Terra, Robin grabbed her staff, swung once, and threw her. She flew back to the wall. What confused Terra was Robin hadn't thrown her hard. Terra frowned and became angry.

"You're holding back! Don't do that! If I get hurt, deal with it! Shit happens!" Terra yelled.

Robin's jaw dropped at Terra's choice of words not wanting to make her even angrier, Robin fought at full force. He was surprised at Terra's skills and wondered why Slade wanted her to do better. She was doing incredible already. He probably did that so he could go on a secret mission or something. Either that, or he just had really high expectations of her. Terra suddenly whacked Robin's staff out of his hands, kicked him to the ground, and held the staff near his face.

"Terra. What is Slade doing?"

"What's it to you?" Terra said still frowning as she backed off and let him up.

"You seem to have no problem with this style...or does he just have high expectations of you?"

"If you must know, he's in the study drawing out plans with Riley."

"Riley?"

"He's the...master spy."

"How do you know Slade is telling the truth?"

"Because I was helping him before this! Are you quite through yet? I'm not in the mood for the million question game!"

"Just one more. Why do you trust Slade so much? What do you see in him?"

"One, that was two questions. Two, he rarely lies to me. Three, as for what I see in him...quit asking that!" Terra turned and walked to the exit.

"Where are you going?"

"To Slade!" she answered in a very annoyed tone.

"Should I come?"

She chuckled. "I suggest you do if you don't wanna get beat to the ground again."

Robin followed Terra to where Slade sat in his study. He turned in his chair and faced the two.

"Ahhhh...my two favorite teens. How'd she do?"

Terra chuckled at Slade's comment while Robin answered solemnly. "Just fine. I don't see any reason in training her in that session, she's got it down just fine."

"Hmmmmm...excellent." Slade's stare went to Terra.

Slade stood up from his chair and examined Terra. He had his reasons.

"He didn't hurt me...I don't think he has the guts to!" Terra smirked at Robin evilly.

Slade laughed at her. Something about her "evil" side made him laugh. "Lets hope so."

"Should he be introduced to Riley now, or later?"

"Now is a good time. Come sit Terra." Slade sat in his seat.

Terra walked over and sat in the chair next to Slade.

"Riley, come meet Robin."

The tall, slim figure Terra could recognize anywhere appeared from in the darkness.

"Yes master Slade." he looked at Robin, who looked at Riley as well.

"This is Robin. I've spoke of him before."

"One of the Titans...their leader, yes?"

"Very good Riley, and Robin, this is Riley."

"Our resident psychic mutant." Terra said smirking.

Robin looked back to where Terra sat. She sat up straight watching Slade. He could see the admiration in her eyes. Slade must've done something to her. He probably has some sort of mind control over her. But there were clear signs that it wasn't mind control, so that wasn't an option. Robin couldn't understand. Slade wanted to use her to take over the city, why did she have such respect and admiration for him? Did she even know? Or did something change? There and then, Robin began to understand Terra would be the one to bring Slade to justice. Slade couldn't see it yet, but he was already yielding to her. Robin remembered how gentle Slade was when Terra had fallen ill and now saw that the reason he examined her is because he know something about her illness wasn't normal and he was worried. Losing Terra would mean the end of the world to Slade. But, instead of using that to his ability, Robin decided to let things take their course and fall into place on their own. Slade definitely thought Terra would be the Titans' downfall, when in reality, she was going to be his downfall. Terra has feelings for Slade. It was clearly written on her face. That is what Slade will fall to, because without knowing it, Slade's feelings were mutual. He'd soon give in. All Robin had to do was watch and wait. Maybe even pull a few strings himself and when the time came, he'd be free and Slade will be defeated.

'So violence really isn't the answer.' Robin thought.

Robin came out of his thoughts when he felt. someone tugging at his arm. Terra had gotten up and was now trying to wake him from his trance.

"Hello! Come on. You need to return to your room."

Robin followed taking one last glance at Slade, who was staring straight back.

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Terra had spent the whole day with him. Only because Slade felt he needed to keep a close eye on her. He could sense something bad was beginning to happen. The least he wanted was to be there when it did happen. He watched her from where he sat. Terra was sitting on a pillow on the floor writing and drawing...she'd made a habit of that. It was something that was somewhat annoying, but nice to watch at the same time. The annoying part was his urge to sit down beside her and watch a little closer at what it was that she wrote and drew. He just shook his head to get the thought out.

Not long after he'd went back to his work, he felt Terra's gentle tapping at his shoulder and her bright voice calling to him.

"Slade?"

"Yes, Terra?" He turned and faced her.

Suddenly, he noticed that her face had gotten really pale.

"Why do you need me to stay here?" she asked.

Another thing he'd noticed was her voice had become as if it were strained. She obviously hadn't taken notice of these changes. Slade knew that if he didn't act fast she soon would.

"That's not important right now." he stood. "Come, I need you for something."

He led Terra out of the room. Her normal pace would've been a lot faster, but do to what was happening, she'd become slower. He led her to a room she'd never been to before. Opening the door for her, Slade let Terra cautiously step in and look around. It was large and white and Terra strained her eyes to get used to the blinding light. After a couples seconds, the image of a control panel appeared, as well as a table on the opposite side. Above the table were many types of machines; most of which looked like they couple cut anybody open with just a gentle tap. She didn't worry much about them right now, she was more occupied on the man who stood by the control panel in a white doctor's cloak. She felt Slade standing behind her.

"Slade? What's going on?"

"I've discovered something wrong with you. It was the cause of your illness and is posing a threat to you. Dr. Kalargian is going to help me with finding it and hopefully destroying it."

Terra was a little nervous as to what he meant by that. There was a virus in her? She didn't feel anything wrong. She'd been cured, how did the virus still linger? Terra just nodded in response because of not knowing the right words to say. Slade picked her up (heart beating fast and a little sweat on his forehead under his mask ^-^), carried her to he table, and laid her on it.

"Don't worry. This won't hurt. On the contrary, you won't even remember it." he said as he put a gas mask on her.

After turning the gas on, he walked over to the control panel with Dr. Kalargian. The sharp objects above Terra looked a lot more threatening to her now that she was a possible target. But that thought didn't last long. Not long after, Terra's senses were dulled slowly until she finally drifted off to sleep. That's when Slade and the doctor began their search. They took X-rays and such as they quickly as possible searched for the 'virus'. After hours, they were amazed at what they found; a small, metal device had itself attached to the bone in Terra's skull. It was controlling her dreams, which explained a lot of things to Slade. Like the reason she was so afraid of him that one night before the Titans had shown up. That device must've made her have a dream about him harming her. Of course, Slade would never purposely hurt her, though he'd never admit the aloud.

Now that they'd found out what was wrong, they needed a way to fix it. They'd have to somehow penetrate her skull without killing her in the process. Then there was the fact that whatever pain inflicted while she was sleeping would show up in her dream and that's just as bad as being awake. But other choice did they have?

A/N: OMG! this took so long! I'm so sorry! I promise to not take so long on the next chapter! Thankies for the wonderful reviews! Keep it up! Thankies to all! And now that I have my new Avenged Sevenfold cd, I'll have lots of inspiration and willingness to go on! Thankies!