Nothing more happened until a day later. Robin was able to get a computer set up in the Ireland castle. Defenses were set up rather quickly at Elvey's castle with monitoring areas sent to him, too. A specialized room was created specifically for viewing all of their claimed locations. As much as moon crystals helped out Jericho, this was for the Titans when they stayed underground. There was an offshoot of the main bedroom that was lightly converted to have Robin stay close. The moment he left Ambrosia's side, he was demanded for.
"Tower ain't the same without you," Cyborg frowned. He sat with Robin over a game of chess.
"I know. But...you know how dangerous this pregnancy is. Everyone was warned," he sighed.
"Oh, I know all about that. Don't worry. Star seems to be okay. She keeps thinking about Elvey, though. She's with Raven now. I think she's trying to learn the Fae language. The hairs do help us in translating what we hear, but not what we read. We can't talk the language, but it does help us understand what's being spoken. King Ealdun has several of his people at Elvey's castle to help tutor them in the Fae language, too, and that helps," Cyborg nodded, as he moved a pawn.
"Good. The more the others can understand, the better off we'll all be. How is the ice cream coming along? Ambrosia was able to make a lot of Fae honey for you. She won't be able to conjure up anymore when the third month finally hits. And that's not far off," Robin said with concern. "She'll be drained way too much. Herald may even be hard pressed to keep her charged."
"We can make up to a year's supply, but, with how fast she eats it, it could be only a month. King Elvin said that Fae honey production is back in action. It takes a month just to make one jar of the strongest stuff. It's only a week to make ten jars of the weakest. Other Fae communities are trying to help. They all want the Unseelie Court off their backs."
"I know it," Robin nodded. "I mean...what more is there for us to do? All we can do is prepare and wait. We don't know what tests will happen. We don't know who else will appear. I hate waiting, but we really don't have much of a choice."
"Tell me about it!" Cyborg grunted. "Well, I'm calling check mate."
"I wasn't paying much attention," Robin sighed and leaned back in the chair. "Oh. Any word about Slade appearing at all? Esmiralda said he may be showing up soon."
"Not that I know of. Trust me. The moment he appears, you'll know," Cyborg promised.
"The evidence room locked down?" he asked.
"Everything was transferred here. That was done yesterday."
"Right," Robin nodded. Even Jericho agreed to store the dangerous artifacts at the castle for safekeeping. If the villains were coming out, he wanted to help keep them handicapped. A room was built under the ballroom and could only be accessed from a tunnel that hid under a trick floor. If it was infiltrated, moon crystals were studded all over with heavy warding set up.
"Robin!" Jericho hissed from the bed. Robin was quick to head over and place his hand on Ambrosia's belly. When the kicking fetus calmed down, he sighed. "This kid is spoiled rotten."
"Rather him be spoiled than kill his mother on accident," Robin muttered.
"Painful, but true," Jericho nodded. "Hmm..."
"What?" Robin asked, and Cyborg looked over with concern.
"Titan's Grove has a visitor. Elvey needs to meet with him," Jericho said, as Tintagel emerged. "You know who it is. Don't let Robin intervene."
"So soon?" Elvey mused, as he carefully had Robin step down. "Can you sense Unseelie?"
"Yes. But he's...hesitant. I wonder..."
"Hmm?"
"I don't think he agreed to it..."
"Why do you think that?"
"His movements look automatic. As though he's moving not of his own will. Almost like how I move when I need to do something I didn't agree with."
"I'll approach and test if what you say is true. Oh. Beast Boy wanted to see this. Shall we get him?" Robin asked now. "I'm sure we can do a picture image on the wall like a film."
"I think the others should see this, too," Cyborg said, as he stood up. "I can contact them."
"Darling," Jericho whispered to gently rouse Ambrosia. "Slade is around the small grove. Elvey needs to confront him. I'm sure Aelfric knows the importance of this. Robin, get your fix on her nectar. Get a couple vials, too. We don't want you to break down."
"Right," Robin nodded and moved quickly to kiss her. When he had four full vials, he drank down the much needed nectar. Then he ran a hand over her belly and said, "My son. I need to tend to an evil man. You should know what this means. Please give me at least an hour or two. You know this is needed. If you are as smart as I know you are, please grant me this wish."
A rather sharp kick was given in response. Aelfric understood. As long as Ambrosia was kept fed and happy, the request would be done. Now the decision needed to be made on where the Titans could gather. Jericho didn't want to leave Ireland for safety. Robin could only agree.
"I have an idea on a room we can use. You think we could use the first meeting area here to do the viewing screen? It's the same room we did to inform them of the Unseelie Court," Cyborg suggested.
"That could work," Robin nodded. Cyborg activated the communicator, and the agreements were done. What surprised him was that various allied Fae wanted to see everything, too. They were all given communicators, and they all wanted to help.
"It's getting hard to move," Ambrosia sighed.
"I'll carry you and hold you in my lap," Jericho smiled lovingly. She blushed at him and let him kiss her with a loving form of protection. "You aren't leaving my side for anything."
"Good idea," Robin chuckled. Cyborg was already on his way to the meeting hall. Ambrosia was lifted and cradled, as she was carried there. Robin knew that the moment he left her side the timer would start. He had to wait until everyone knew what was going on. "Patience, Robin. If you rush, then the enemy will know. As much as I know you want to confront Slade, only I can do the talking. Only I can move you around. Remember Essi's warning. Let me run the show."
A mental nod was given to his mentor, and he sighed nervously. He would always be nervous when it came to Slade, but, this time, it was with a form of tense excitement. On getting to the meeting hall, practically every seat was filled with both Titans and Fae. Beast Boy was a protective dragon and settled on Ambrosia's shoulders. Raven and Starfire were seated by Ambrosia to help assist her if they had to. When King Ealdun appeared, he moved right over to Jericho.
"King Jericho! What exactly is going on?" he asked as he sat down.
"Robin's nemesis has been spotted. He needs to be confronted. We also feel that he may have been deceived," Jericho nodded.
"If he was forced by the Unseelie Court to join them, he will be released when his term is done," Ealdun said cautiously. "It is a known fact."
"Is it?!" Robin asked with surprise.
"Yes. If the Unseelie Court convinced him to willingly join, he is bound fully by their terms. But, if he declined and was forced, he will be released when their use for him is over. If that is the case, then I will hold no permanent ill towards him. What makes you think this?" Ealdun asked.
"When I saw him in the moon crystals, he looked...perplexed. Like he didn't want to be there," Jericho said, as Tintagel emerged. "Like I did when I was told to do something I didn't approve of."
"You would know best," Elvey said through Robin. "I'll approach and ask questions. And, King Ealdun, don't worry about Aelfric. I was granted some time away."
"Good," Ealdun nodded. "That was my next question."
"The moment I leave her side, my timer starts," Robin sighed and looked over the crowd in the room. "Titans and allied Fae! I am going to be approaching an old foe of mine! King Jericho will allow all to see what happens. It will be much like he did with revealing his memories to us. None of you can assist! To ensure this, a warding will be placed over this room. Only Elvey can help me! Remember that! Stay here and observe. That's the only rule."
"Gotcha!" Cyborg nodded. They all agreed, and Raven, Jinx, and Herald put up the wards. When Robin returned, the spell would lift in full. Robin bent down to kiss Ambrosia to get a touch more nectar, and he nuzzled her.
:My Queen, I'll be back as soon as I can.: he vowed.
:Be careful, Robin. I love you.: she smiled. They kissed again mentally and physically, but the physical kiss was done in a way that it looked like he was getting more nectar.
"Be wary, brother," Jericho said to both Robin and Elvey. A nod was given back, and he teleported to the grove. As they watched the new screen that appeared, Elvey took full control. Robin was able to be fully blocked out for his own safety.
"Just observe, Robin. I cannot give you control. You know this. I know," Robin muttered to himself, as both him and Elvey conversed. Then Elvey took full control. "I'm going to track his movements."
Robin gave a mental nod, and Elvey started to examine the ground. To the untrained eye, it would be easy to miss the slight imprint of a light foot on the moss. As soundless as Slade was, he left his tracks out in the open without realizing it. Smirking now, Robin let Elvey guide his body into the city and close to the Tower. On reaching a tall building, he found Slade with his back turned. Cracking a wicked grin, he lightly cleared his throat.
"Hmm?" Slade asked and glanced behind his shoulder.
"You have no idea how easy it was to track you down," Elvey muttered softly. "Don't worry. I'm not here to fight. I'm here to talk."
"To...talk?" Slade asked with a touch of confusion. Robin sat down on a small concrete ledge and looked completely relaxed. Too relaxed. This wasn't Robin. "Who are you?"
"Figured it out that fast?" Robin grinned and chuckled. "A mentor of Robin's. You could say. I won't let him come out to talk. It would be...traumatic for him. So, he agreed to let me talk."
"A mentor you say?" Slade asked, as he turned to fully face him.
"Yes. And...I just have to ask. Did Sinlus shake your hand?"
"Yes. Not by choice."
"Ahh. There may be a chance for you yet. My brother was right," Elvey mused. "You may be able to be freed after your ordeal is over."
"You think so?" Slade asked. He didn't bother to sit down. There was something about this entity in Robin that he sensed was dangerous. That it was as cunning as I was. He had to be on guard.
"I know so," Elvey chuckled. Even that small sound was challenging.
"Are you as...old as Sinlus is?"
"Give or take a century. Needless to say...he tricked me, too," Elvey muttered with a sigh. "He'll get his demise, though. Either by me...by you...anyone else. It will happen. Tell me. Was he rhyming? Or was he talking normally?"
"The two things that appeared to force me to their side spoke in rhyme. Not him."
"But, it may start to happen soon. I wonder if it will happen with each test that fails."
"What are these tests?" Slade asked with complete curiosity. "I was not fully informed of them."
"Sit down and I'll tell you. You have my vow that I will not raise my hand to you. Unless you try something," Elvey grinned softly. "As much as your legs can support you for years, you might stagger with what needs to be said. And I'm on a time limit. You'll learn it all."
"I'll lean," Slade nodded. He moved to do just that against a metal pillar. Elvey now informed him of who Sinlus was, what happened with him, and what all he did in the past to the present. Slade was a touch surprised that this very creature slaughtered so many in a single night. It didn't sit well with him at all. He would have evacuated the populace or sent them into hiding. Not outright slaughter. I would want to control the others. Not kill them off with such waste. On learning about Ambrosia, he paused in wonder. On learning of her ordeal, he lowered his face in silent reflection. There were more questions that appeared to him now than answers.
"Queen Ambrosia is quite safe and heavily guarded. Not even the Unseelie Court can touch her," Elvey said with a mild tone of warning. "Her crown is very much alive. She cannot handle the scent of the Unseelie Court. It disturbs her."
"I see..."
"If what you say is true...on you being forced into this mess," Elvey thought aloud. "I know that you and Robin have unfinished business. I know that he will attack you the moment I let him out. It's why I haven't given him full control. You have done far too much harm to him than he cares to admit. If you stick to your vow to leave and not come back after this is over, I'll let you live."
"You'll let me live?" Slade asked with a touch of amusement. Then his eye widened when Robin's body seemed to dance to his side in just a few steps. He was in even more shock at how soundlessly and easily his pole was out and pinned to his back. I could have been ripped in half and wouldn't have even realize what happened. I was correct in my earlier assumptions. The entity in Robin is dangerous.
"Yes. I'll let you live," Elvey said in a soft, bored tone. "I respect who you are. I respect your conditions. I respect your way of life. But if youdare to involve Robin or his allies in any of your future schemes...I will not hesitate to kill you. I won't even pause to think about it. I'll just do it."
"I...understand..." Slade said with hesitation. For the second time in his life, since his forced alliance with the Unseelie, he found himself at a stalemate. "Can I have your name?"
"Not right now. If Sinlus knows who I am, then he may have an advantage. It will have to wait. Just know that Jericho also has a powerful entity within him, too. He has been listening to everything we have said. You are always watched," Elvey mused and slipped a tiny, clear moon crystal onto Slade. It was just under the fold of where his mask bound to his head at the neck juncture. It wouldn't dislodge unless it was pried out. If it was found and removed, then it was fine. If it was undetected, it would be even better. Slade was also a human. He wouldn't know how to detect it if he tried. "I need to go. So do you. You will know when to approach again."
"I will?" Slade asked. He just barely followed how Robin's body moved gracefully and soundlessly in front of him. Now he knew. Robin wasn't human anymore. His vital signs were different. His posture had more grace and composure, as well as confidence. Elvey was doing everything he could to keep from laughing outright. Slade was too ridiculously funny to him. He'll be laughing his head off back at Ambrosia's side.
"You will. Just pay attention to your left hand," Elvey smirked. "That is where the scent of Unseelie is coming from, anyways. Maybe...just maybe...if everything is done here, we could see you as a last resort ally at a distance. You are honorable, to an extent. You keep your word. I recognize your potential. However, I would keep any possible alliance at a distance. For safety."
"Agreed..." Slade nodded. Anything that was able to take him over he knew he would need protection against. If I'm being offered a possible way to keep it from happening in the future, I will always accept the assistance. "Until I meet with Robin and yourself again, I will go."
"Good idea!" Elvey said with a sharp nod and a grin. Slade was definitely like Tintagel. Just human. And very sloppy with his movements, but they would always be sloppy to the Fae. When Slade turned around, Robin was simply gone. Momentarily stunned, he left the way he came. Elvey was giving a maniacal grin and musing to himself. Slade showed promise, but he was overconfident. Maybe that will change with the test to come. Sighing to himself, he teleported back to Ireland.
"WOW!" Beast Boy said, as he reformed to human. "That! Was! AWESOME!"
"Indeed," Elvey chuckled. Now Robin was given back control. "As much as I hated the fact that I couldn't do anything, I feel bad for him. Just a little."
"He was forced into the Unseelie fold," Ambrosia frowned. "He would make a powerful ally, but even I can sense the darkness hovering in him. It protected him and faltered him against the Unseelie."
"It may blind him in the test," Jericho thought. "He's not one to lose, but he may do so purposely. Just to be free."
"You think he would?" Robin frowned. He sat down and placed a hand on Ambrosia's belly. "I kinda doubt that. Neither of us want to lose. That's a given. I know he'll do whatever he can to beat me, but I feel that he knows he simply can't. If Elvey is able to help me win, he's done."
"You've also been training with things that he can't comprehend," Ambrosia chuckled. Robin smiled at her next thought and got her some Fae honey ice cream. The whole bowl was devoured, and she sighed with contentment.
"Robin!" Starfire giggled and moved over to hug him. "Um, what did friend Ambrosia just eat?"
"It's a special ice cream. Just eat one spoonful. Okay? It might fill you up," Robin smiled. She took the offered spoon and gasped at how delicious it was. Then she blinked at how full she got.
"Lemme try that!" Cyborg grinned. At one spoonful, he was shocked that his voracious appetite was destroyed. "This is good for emergency food. I still like my meat!"
"This is just as good as tofu!" Beast Boy grinned.
"Nothing beats meat!" Cyborg growled.
"Nu-uh!" he growled back.
"Later," Jericho said with a small mutter. Ambrosia was amused, but she was also worn out. She was already lightly dozing off against his shoulder. "What's next on the things that we need to do?"
"Mas y Menos and Kid Flash are almost done with the crystals for Elvey's castle. I think some Fae horses will be here soon, too, so the stables are being redone. There is a lot that's happening around here. As much as I want the smaller castle to have more plant growth, and the gardens for Elvey's castle need to be redone, too, we will wait. Ambrosia can't use anymore of her powers. Mild food conjuring is it. Maybe light healing, too. Intense healing might be risky. Hopefully it will never come to that," Robin said, as he thought aloud. "Elvey will need to go into the secured area of his library. He needs to search it. He thinks he remembers some powerful artifacts in there that were recovered."
"Make another deal with Aelfric before you decide to go," Jericho nodded.
"I know. Maybe a bit later tonight. As for right now, we know what's being done. Just downtime and keeping the burglaries at bay. I think Mr. Wayne may want us to visit, too. As much as I want Ambrosia to see the Renaissance Fair..."
"No. Too risky. I can see a visit to Bruce, but not a fairground. Not while she's like this," Jericho nodded. "It may have to wait until we can properly see it."
"Yeah," Robin nodded. "Titans! Allied Fae! All is well for now! Feel free to do whatever you need to do! Queen Ambrosia is too exhausted to do much right now."
"We'll check out those night clubs," Hot Spot said. "King Warren wants to return to the one Ambrosia was at. Do you know which one?"
"Ask Cyborg," Jericho nodded. "Mr. Crumbles also gave me his personal email address to give to all of you. If you need access to an account, contact him directly."
"I'll send that out," Cyborg nodded back. Now with that in effect, Robin was able to escort Ambrosia and Jericho back to the bedroom. Beast Boy was flying along behind them in a sparrow form. When they got to the bedroom, the door was shut for them all to wind down for the rest of the day.
