Disclaimer: Refer back to First Chapter, First page.

Chapter 12 (Aftermath)

With the rising of the sun so also rose Robin. Groggily and feeling like he'd just ran a marathon. His body ached and he would have bet good money he'd tossed and turned all night. Sleep was totally different from rest and from the nightmares he'd had Robin was sure he'd not rested at all.

Robin cleared his vision and looked around the dark and small confines of his bedroom. Rolling over and stretching before sitting up. His head and neck ached.

The images of Slade, and of his friends; he'd been witnessing when he'd woke, still lingered to plagued his mind. Images of an albino monster shooting sharp darts of ice at his friends; as if they were dart boards. His friends bleeding and broken bodies at his feet. Slade being nice.

A shiver ran up Robin's back, he didn't know what was worse. Grotesque imagery, or the image of Slade happy and nice to him. Robin walked over to his desk's chair and sat down taking a deep breath and relaxing. Raven had taught him some techniques for relaxation and mental clarity. He decided to try some of them now. Help; still the mental images that lingered in his thoughts.

Robin breathed in deeply, he just wanted to forget the nights worth of mental images. Then suddenly Robin's brain clicked in and his eyes shot open.

"Those weren't dream images, those images really happened." "Yesterday in fact!" "My mind wasn't trying to make things up, it was trying to assimilate and store the images of a bad and troubling day."

Robin massaged his pinched neck and thought about the images again, bringing up the previous days events. He felt like weeks had passed since they'd occurred. "Did all that only just happen yesterday?"

Robin thought about his friends, they were all still stuck in the medical bay. Machines helping keep them alive; helping monitor their recovery. "I need to go check up on them," thought Robin looking over at his desk and computer, "but first I need to do something I should have done long ago."

Robin reached and tuned on his computer. His hand was steady but his arm was shaking ever so slightly. Robin mechanically ruffled his hair and waited for the connection to process. "How would he take it?" "It's been a long time." "Do I have the nerve to really do this?" "You have to, it's only thanks to him that you and your friends are even alive right now, let alone, it's been long enough, now just do it."

Robin sat up straighter in his chair and took in a deep breath. This was going to be hard! Defeating Slade would probably be easier then what he was about to do.

-S-

Slade Wilson moved up and down in a mechanical; well trained on handed motion of body exercising. Pushups were something never easy to start doing, but when one joined the army they seemed to become a daily routine of life. Even long after leaving the army Slade couldn't help but not do at least twelve sets every day. It made him feel energized. Helped him think better throughout the day, and the challenge. Well, one handed was never easy; not even for an immortal such as himself.

Slade heard the monitor click on and beep it's warning. Slade stopped in mid motion and looked up. He moved to get up and approached the monitor. "What could be happening this early in the morning?"

Last nights conversation with Robin had given Slade much to ponder over. The boy was turning out to be something of a resister. Even a direct and full dose of the serum hadn't managed to knock Robin out. Only made him sleepy and moody. Definitely moody.

Slade called up the alerted screen and wondered if he should block the boy from his call? He decided to let it go through and see what Robin was up to. His feelings were telling him that Robin wasn't making the call for help or information, more….

Slade noted the look of apprehension the boy was giving off. He was doing this despite not really wanting to. What was Robin up to? Slade looked at the connection number being called.

"Gothem?"

Hum, Batman was the only one the boy would be calling in Gothem. "Why though?"

-R-

Robin saw the screen grow fuzzy and then clearly the image of…. Alfred answered.

"Alfred?" "What's wrong?" Robin's first reaction was that something was wrong, why hadn't Bruce answered? Where was he? Robin felt panic rising within him.

"Master Richard, my, this is a surprise. Nothing is wrong, why do you ask?" Alfred the old stylish butler looked at young Robin with a since of confusion.

"Why isn't Batman answering Alfred, where is he?" Asked Robin still concerned.

Understanding dawned upon the slender and calm features of Alfred. "Oh, Master Bruce left this morning for the Orient, I've been taking his calls because it was such an unexpected trip. He didn't have time to tell the other members of the Justice League about it." "They keep calling wondering what's keeping him."

"Such impatient and unmannered people." Griped the butler under his breath.

Robin only laughed at the comment. His attitude relaxing and a better understanding of the situation comming to mind. "The Orient hu. Alfred is that really where he went or is that just the cover story he told you to tell the others?" Robin's face was giving off a look of mischievousness; that same look Batman got when he knew he was being lied to.

Alfred gave a small sighing apology and smiled. "Never can fool you can I Master Richard?" Robin smiled and shook his head. "You were pretty convincing, but I've been around you too long to not see how your left eye twitches when you know what your saying isn't true." "So where is he really?"

Alfred's face gave off an apologetic look. "I'm sorry Master Dick, but I'm not at liberty to say. I can tell you that he should be back in about one month."

Robin grew a scowl but accepted the loyal butlers apology with a nod. "Fine, I just called to….." Robin's words caught him off guard, he didn't know what to say but didn't seem to need to as Alfred smiled and with a nod said. "I completely understand."

"Why don't you come for a visit and welcome him home, then you can talk with him. I'd love to have you back, even if for but a short while."

"Yes, I have missed you. Plus some piece and quiet would do me some good." Smiled Robin his face not looking much like Robin's normally did. Instead the face was much livelier, more unburdened by life as a superhero. A compete change of character.

Robin's face stopped smiling again, his mind challenging his behavior and attitude. "But I don't know Alfred. A lots happening here lately. A master viliain called Slade has been making life rather frustrating. Seems he's taken our rivalry to a whole new game level."

"On the other hand (seeing Alfred ready to be persuasive and beating him to the punch) I could use the time away to see things in a whole new angle." "Maybe figure out what I've been missing or overlooking."

"Sure, why not; however it'll be up to the others, if they feel I can be away from them for a week or so."

"Wonderful," smiled Alfred. "I look forward to seeing you. I'll send you the info about Master Bruce's return as soon as I talk with him again."

Robin's stern face slowly returned but his voice stayed the same; happy and kind. "Thanks Alfred."

"Your welcome Master Richard." "It really was good seeing and hearing from you. It has been far too long."

Robin gave a look of apology. He hated letting down a mentor; especially Alfred, who he respected. "I know, I'm sorry, sorry not just to you for the way I left; without even saying why, or goodbye, but also to Bruce for some of the things I said that night."

The older man gave the boy a reassuring look, his voice genuine and comforting. "Master Bruce knows fully well you didn't mean them, I'm only sorry I wasn't there to try and stop you."

Robin; his head down, looked up and gave a small non Robin, but Richard voice of argument. "You and I both know that nothing would have persuaded me to not leave." "It was time."

"If it hadn't been that night, it would have been another. The only difference was I told him I was leaving that time, where as later I might not have said a thing, I might have just left and never looked back." "We're better off the way it happened."

"This way I kept relations open, even if it was shallow and minute."

Alfred gave Richard an understanding acceptance nod and smiled. "I'm glad you called."

"Me too." "Thanks Alfred, talk to you later."

"Talk to you soon."

With that, both hung up, but Robin didn't move away from the screen. He seemed to be looking down at his hands; really looking at nothing at all, but thinking and recalling "that night" and the events of it so long ago.

Robin felt ashamed and hurt. He'd expected to just call and say "Hi, sorry I haven't been in touch. Just wanted to thank you for all the training you gave me. It came in handy, I never thought it would, but it did, and oh, by the way I'm sorry." End it there on that note, neither he nor Bruce going much deeper into the matter. They never did after all.

But Alfred was another story. Somehow, he new just the right way to make you feel bad without saying mean words or looking angry. Somehow, he touched your mind and heart; while only smiling.

Robin looked at the blank screen and turned the monitor off. He rose from his chair and left the room. A thoughtful and heavy expression over his features.

-S-

Slade watched the screen; watched every expression and inflexion Robin made as he and the other older; British accented man talked. "What was his name? Robin had called him "Alfred."

"Yes! Bruce Wayne had a very old and very loyal butler by that name. "Of course."

Slade's fascination with Robin's uncharacteristic display of emotions and transformation from Robin into someone called Richard had keep Slade watching. He'd even caught his hand mechanically turning up the volume. Resentment feed into Slade. He'd never know or found out Robin's real name. Not in all the time, Robin had been his apprentice. Not even when breaking into the Titans, personal files. Somehow he'd overlooked Robin's file. Figuring he knew everything there was to know about the boy.

He'd found out; from the Titan's computer that Batman was Bruce Wayne, but never really thought to correlate Richard Grayson, ward of Bruce Wayne to Robin; leader of the Teen Titans. Robin was….What was it that made Slade feel he didn't need to look at Robin's file? Well he was certainly going to read it now! Yet? Robin was Slade's apprentice, not Richard. "Why had he never allowed the thought that Robin wasn't the boys true name?" "Why still, even now did he not want to use or speak the name Richard?"

"Why?" Because that part of Robin was not what Slade sought. That was the weaker part of Robin. His alter ego who held no significance or promise to him. Not even Robin wished that part to show for some reason. "So why bother with Richard, when Robin was all he needed."

Slade sat back in his seat and just stared at the screen. Stared and watched the form of Robin. Watched the boy pull himself back together and retransformed into the apprentice Slade deemed worth. "Why?" He silently voiced.

Slade thought the questions over again. Thought over what he'd just witnessed and conclusion dawned upon Slade. He was greedy there was no doubt or self denying that to himself, but possessing Robin meant possessing every part of him. Richard and all. It was a thought until now, that had escaped Slade. "Score one for the mouse," thought Slade; although he suspected the mouse's keeping this secret hadn't been intentional. Merely by coincidence and chance that both of them were overlooking this bit of information as unnecessary.

Slade switched off the screen and sat back. Thinking long and hard. Refocusing and calculating. His plans now had cracks in them. Altercations and for one of only a few times in Slade's long hard existence. He wasn't quite sure what he wanted to do. Yet.

-R-

Robin walked down the long quiet hallways. His mind still thinking about the conversation he's just had with Alfred. Robin spotted Cyborg's room and upon reaching it the door Immediately opened for him. Robin poked his head inside and looked around.

Cyborg's body was in the exact same spot Robin had seen him in the night before. Robin noted all the mechanical arms and machines working to repair him were still hard at work. Sally; designed to monitor Vincent's vitals, room, and pay attention to the other Titans. Greeted Robin a "good morning" and "how may I help you?"

"How's Cyborg doing Sally?"

"Fine as Pizza, Robin?" "Cyborg should be finished and awake within seven more hours."

Robin nodded understanding and with an "Ok, thanks." Turned away from the door and towards the medical bay to make sure the rest of his team was also doing as well.

-T.M.B.-

The medical bay was dark and only the sound of hearts beating from the medical monitors was heard by Robin when he entered. He stood in the door frame silhouetted from the light behind coming in from the hallway. Robin a frown on his face entered and slowly crept towards the first table where Beast Boy lay. His leg was still sticking out at a strange angel but Robin had set it before the boy had passed out. Robin felt bad for his young friend, the bone would have to be later again re broke and reset once more for the leg to fully be placed back into normal position.

A moan escaped Gar's small throat and his body jerked. Robin suspected he was having nightmares. Even knocked out with heavy drugs nightmares found their way into your mind. He knew better then anyone how nightmares could effect you. Robin walked over and picked up the needle containing the pain killer he'd given Beast Boy the night before and injected it into his teammates I.V. bag of saline. Placing a soft hand on Beast Boy's shoulder and whispered words to ease the mind.

"It's going to be Ok I promise, your fine now, just rest peacefully."

Robin didn't know if it was the pain medicine or his voice but Garfield relaxed and slept softly. Robin gave a sigh and looked over at Starfire. His face grew grim and he looked like he was feeling the pain of the world in his walk; as he edged over to her side.

He took the aliens hand and gripped it gently. Confessing a sorrowful: "I'm sorry." Before placing it down again and treating her to the medication painkiller mix he needed to give her. The X-rays had shown Starfire had nine stomachs. No wonder she could eat the combinations of food she ate and never get sick. They never really did mix. Robin suspected all Tamaranian's had nine stomachs, not just Starfire. He'd discovered that her body was compensating while it healed its self, but while healing, Starfire's body had put her into some kind of coma. All Robin could do was wait. Give the body some aid; like with the pain-medicine mixture and hope that it knew how to heal its self and Starfire.

Robin walked to the edge of Starfire bed and looked back at her before moving over next to Raven's motionless form. The monitors had been turned off last night so no noise came from her corner. Just silence. Robin sat down in the chair next to her and flexed his hands. Finally running one through his hair as he cleared his voice. "I'm lost for words Raven. I don't know what to do without all of you. I never realized how much you guys have become a part of my life. I even just told Alfred that I'd have to ask all your permission before deciding to visit back to Gothem," scoffed Robin; as if running a silent joke between himself and the air. "Boy do I sound pathetic or what?" Robin sighed and lifted his head.

Robin was startled to discover Raven; her eyes open and staring at him listening. She greeted him with a small ravenish smile and then her normal sarcastic voice. "Yes you do!" Robin got to his feet and smiled wide. Genuinely happy to see Raven up and awake. "Your….ok?"

Raven tried to sit up and Robin aided her. Gently placing his arm around her for support and strength.

"Well, I don't exactly feel awake and ready to run circles around you yet, but at last I'm not laying flat on these uncomfortable medical beds anymore." Raven pulled her legs over to the edge and grabbing Robin's offered arm for support; standing up and wobbling; gripped the medical table for support before giving a low, annoyed sounding; moan. "Why is the world spinning, tell it to stop, will you?"

Robin laughed and helped her over to the soft chair he'd just been sitting on. While Robin went to fetch a glass of water and some aspirin. Raven looked over her surroundings. She noticed Beast Boy laying at the front of the room still unconscious. She noted Starfire next to him. Her feelings coming through slightly. "Poor Star" Raven turned when she heard Robin say "Here, take this, it'll help."

Raven took the glass and two pills and swallowed them all down. Finishing the glass of water after choking twice and handed back the empty glass to Robin with a small aching and hoarse "Thanks."

Robin just stood in front of her his face happy but his eyes grim. "Am I the only one awake yet? Where's Cyborg?"

Robin looked up; his eyes staring at the others; his face void of emotion, but not his voice. "Cyborg's in his room, Sally said he'd be repaired and awake by five O'clock tonight and as for the rest well….." his vice trailed off looking down into Raven's eyes.

"I see," was all Raven felt she should respond with. "Help me up. I'm starving and could really use a glass of Orange Juice right about now."

Robin laughed and Raven smiled, "just kidding, how about some cold herbal ice tea?

"I think there's still some left in the fridge." Robin helped her out of the medical bay and the two made their way to the kitchen. Slow. Very slowly. Raven feeling the need to stop every few feet as she began to grow dizzy again.

"So what were you saying when I woke up? Something about going to visit home?"

Robin blushed slightly and smiled to cover his thoughts; not that, that would help. Raven and him had this special bond that allowed them to read or understand each other. It had been that way ever since Raven had entered his mind to help him combat the shadow of Slade he'd accidentally thought was real.

"Yes, I'm thinking next month I might take a week off and go back to Gothem to visit Batman?"

Raven smiled and countered Robin: "You mean Alfred and Bruce?" and what about Slade?"

Robin smiled, but also gave her a stern joke, but not a joke, look. "Batman!"

"Only you and I know my true identity and the secret of who Batman is, let's not let the others find out just yet."

She nodded; but not too hard; her head was still feeling dizzy, but getting better. Every moment she was awake was a moment her healing powers worked more for her and less for themselves.

"As for Slade, he's never going to leave me alone. I might as well start living my life as if he's just one more thing in it to deal with. Not the only and final problem."

Raven looked up at Robin and she felt strangely off somehow. She was sensing there was something Robin wasn't telling her, but where she normally would have been able to read his mind and find out what. She seemed to be getting only hazy images and random thoughts. Nothing clear. "Must be because I'm injured and still in need of healing."

"So what happened with Slade?" Raven decided a stab at air hoping to make Robin open up. Perhaps tell her what he was hiding; usually that having something to do in part with Slade. There was times; and even with their link. Parts of Robin's mind was just closed to her. Mostly parts having to do with Slade and some with Batman. A significant part in fact having to do with Batman.

Robin just frowned at her. Standing there looking at her from across the counter. They'd finally managed to make it to the kitchen and now both Raven and Robin sat at the breakfast bar counter. Robin getting her something to eat and pouring her a glass of ice tea.

"I mean if you don't want to talk about it….I can understand." Trailed off Raven. Trying to make her sandwich look more interesting then what it was; so she wouldn't make Robin feel like he was on the spot.

"He called last night after I got you guys all settled and cared for." Robin putting the picture of tea away and sipping on his own glass in sullen thought.

"Really," asked Raven a little too anxious and curious, "What happened?" Raven was eyeing him suspiciously. He didn't look like he lost a battle to Slade. No burses and cuts. He looked…he looked…

Robin snorted disgust and contempt. He stood there for a second before turning to look at Raven. His eyes connecting with hers. "He called to see who was hurt and how bad."

"He was concerned!" Mocked Robin's voice, stating the word concerned as if unbelievable. "Told me that'd he'd avenge my death, should anyone kill me before he dose." Robin Laughed again…but it was short lived before giving way to sadness and defeat. "Funny thing is."

Robin was distractedly turning his glass in his hands looking at the liquid swirl around. Raven gave a small worried thought. "Wow he's really shook up about whatever they talked about isn't he?"

"Funny thing is I believe he really would." Robin looked up again his face showing real worry and concern. Raven, that day Slade attacked the Tower. That time durring the battle that I went off alone and came back to save you guys. Slade told me…" Robin trailed off and looked down again. Unsure if he really wanted to tell her this or not.

Raven put her half eaten sandwich down and placed her hand on top of his, "He told you what?" She prompted trying to get him to lower the walls and continue.

Robin looked up and now his voice was shallow, quiet, almost Raven thought crying. "He told me that I had grown weak, that his apprentice was beginning to look less worthy to him." Raven noted that Robin was visibly having trouble dealing with what ever he was trying to get at. "If only I could read what it was he's trying to say."

Robin too a deep breath and looked up, his face calm; way too calm for the words he spoke. Almost as if he'd accepted his fate. "He suggested: "maybe he should just kill me and be done with it."

Raven's reaction wasn't at all what Robin had been expecting. Raven didn't react at all in fact. Instead she just picked up her sandwich and began eating again. Her face showing thought and pondering. Robin patiently waited as she chewed her food and sitting down the sandwich again looked up at him. "Was he serious?" She finally asked a hint of concern in her voice.

Robin gulped down his glass of tea and sighed. "I have only three options Raven!" "Death," his eyes shifting back to meet hers. "Give in and accept Slade as my master for ever till I die, or…." and Robin's voice trailed off, not leaving an echo in it's wake like before but more a resolve; an answer to conclude. "Or I take door number three and figure out what he's planning? What he's up to and stop him. Then he'll be forced to honor his bargain and leave me, us, and the world I live in all alone."

Raven finished off her sandwich and hated the question she new she was going to ask. "And what if you can't?" "I mean what if you can't figure it out and stop him?"

Robin smiled. Not a fake smile Raven had witnessed many times before. Not a smile for her benefit, but a genuine smile. "Then I guess I die, Robin the Boy Wonder the "hero" of Jump City goes down swinging. Death is, preferable to enslavement by Slade for the rest of my life."

Raven just nodded. She suddenly felt more tired then she'd ever felt in her whole life. "I guess," she answered mechanically. Then she snapped out of it and looked into Robin's eyes. "I guess then, that, we're going to have to work extra hard to win Slade's challenge aren't we.

Robin again smiled, "Guess so." Robin put the cup to his mouth to take a sip of tea and realized it was empty. "More tea?"

"Sure"

A/N: Ok, so I really don't have anything to say today. Just that I hope you all like this chapter, if not it's ok, it was just a setting flow chapter. Now starts another series of chapters that will pit Robin against Slade's challange. All the while he's still being given his treatments. Till next week, later, dlsky.