Disclaimer: Refer back to Chapter 40, First page.
A/N: So I was asked to Say: "Hello" To everyone from Kirril, she's doing ok, but misses us all very, very much. So there you go. "Hi from Kirril"
Ok, on with the Chapter..."Enjoy, and I hope it satisfies those of you with lingering doubts."
Chapter 51 ( Concession )
Bumble Bee's smiling face stood picturesque up on the Titan's communications screen. "Sure thing Sparky, be good and don't have too much fun till we arrive." Sending one last wide smile across the air waves to Cybrog before hanging up. Cyborg; his mechanical body back together now after two weeks of staying at Star Labs. Gave a sigh and turned. Richard just entering the living room noticed the wide smile on his teammates face.
"So," smile infectiously forcing Richard to smile back as he asked: "Are they coming?"
Cyborg couldn't help but increase his smile at the joy his answer brought with it. "Yeah man they'll be here in the morning just in time for breakfast."
"Good," replied Richard walking to the Titan's kitchen and pulling out of the cupboard a container of sugar; Starfire's newest art project requiring a cup of sugar in her clay mix, he measured out the sugar and turned to see Cyborg leaning against the counter watching him.
"What?" Asked Richard with questioning sarcasm.
"I just can't get over how your going to let us all throw you a party that's all," responded Cyborg with a tad bit of disbelief mixed into giddy appreciation and excitement.
Richard; cup of sugar now in hand and original box back where he'd first found it, "It's not a birthday party remember," a half smile, half cocky grin on his face. "It's also a get together; have a day off, enjoy ourselves, and have fun par-T-ing." Acting all wise and sophisticated when he finished off the sentence.
"We're going to play games, eat Bar-B-Q, and just all hang out together." Cyborg looking at Richard with a small sigh, "Yeah, I just never thought a day like this would ever happen I'm going to have to mark down Sept. 18th on my calendar as a monumental day to remember."
"I mean you, an ex-workaholic, throwing a party and actually trying to take a day off from crime fighting."
Richard laughed, almost spilling the sugar as he walked out of the kitchen nook and headed for the door. "I was never as married to my job as you guys all seem to think I was."
Cyborg looking at his friend skeptically. "If you say so." Then Richard could sense; even with his back turned to his friend, the attitude change in the room. He stopped at the doorway and turned back.
Cyborg's face had taken on a seriousness, brought on by thought. Richard knowing pretty much why. His friend had been having trouble handling whatever Slade and he had talked about since his reconstruction and return back from Star Labs.
"What?" Voiced Richard strong and unyielding any answer but the truth. Cyborg hesitating a moment then looked up with deeply sad eyes. "Man I'm sorry."
Richard had had enough with all the I'm sorry replies. The sad faces, and all the madness Slade had caused each Titan to endure; never realizing how well he himself handled Slade and his mental mind games, and slithery words of warped truth, lies. After his teammates has come to him each feeling as bad friends, bad teammates, and even worse human beings; Starfire feeling so alien and unworthy of fitting in again, that Robin had almost wanted to jump up and track Slade down for the sure purpose of slapping the mad man around and screaming at the top of his lungs "Do you have any idea how long it took me to gain her confidence and make her feel comfortable; like she belonged here on earth." How in less then three hours, Slade had ruined all that he'd worked years to accomplish."
Oh the pure annoyance of it all was beginning to royally piss Richard off. Now standing here once again, dealing with it all over for the fourth teammate Richard had had enough. "Man I already told you it's fine, how many times do we have to keep bring this up."
Richard's annoyed voice shook Cyborg. "I," hesitantly trying to not make his friend any more angry but feeling a great need to explain himself. "I just, when I think about how I took over the team from you, Slade's words weren't just lies and what he said made me realize I wasn't just trying to take over leader to help and make things better. He was right I'm not fit to lead." Cyborg's eyes speaking more to Richard then the muddle of words that had come out in a hurried rush from his mouth.
Richard sighed, he knew what his friend was trying to talk about. Richard hadn't wanted to bring up the subject afraid his friend would take his thought on the matter the wrong way, but he just didn't seem to be able to move on without settling the subject first.
"Slade has a way of making things fall into perspective when he talks doesn't he?" The comment letting Cyborg know he understood and was prepared to discuss the subject with him. "You got ahead of yourself, I can't say that I didn't know your lust for being leader. But being leader isn't about being in the spotlight. I might get all the credit, might seem like when they're talking about the Boy Wonder; who's so great and this monumental leader, all the attention isn't being directed at me, it's being placed upon me. That also means that if your leader; you get the spotlight when something really bad happens, be it your fault or not."
"Anyone can become leader Cyborg, but that doesn't mean everyone should. Self sacrificing; that's the life a leader usually ends up leading, denying one's own feelings, one's desires, their wants. That's what a leader has to do, it comes with a spotlight, but worse. It means that you don't get to enjoy the things even your own teammates do. It's not a life, it's a position."
Cyborg looked over at his newly voted leader again. "How do you; did you, do it?"
Richard looked up at the ceiling, a great big sigh escaping his body, his shoulders becoming less tense, before he turned back and with a small smile replied: "Not easily. That's why Slade gets to me so easily. I'm human, I have wants, needs, and desires, it's hard to push them away for the better of my team and Slade uses that to my downfall. He's a sly advisory and part of the reason for the challenge was so that you could realize just how sly for yourself."
Cyborg slowly nodded. "Yeah he really knows the right words and things to say to make you doubt yourself and stop fighting back."
"Indeed he does," commented Starfire's strong and firm voice from the doorway. Richard nearly throwing the sugar all in the air from the shocking fright she nearly gave him. Starfire taking the cup of sugar from him. A look of sheepish sorry passing between both friends.
"You were not the only one that Slade manipulated with his words. Slade knew how to weaken me and with my emotions reacting to his words of disloyalty and what a bad friend I was, I began to stop fighting back, but then I realized that it was my friendship and love for Richard that was my motivating emotion and reason I was there. That no bad friend would be willing to put their body in front of anyone and willingly get hurt to help them. So Slade's word began to have less truth in them and more lie." Starfire turning to look Richard in the eyes. "That is what you meant by he speaks the truth but they are really lies." Smiling wide at figuring out on her own and coming to an understanding of Slade all her own.
Richard simply nodded and smiled back, turning to Cyborg who smiled back; his own understanding of Slade and the truth in what Starfire said, bring his issue to a close. "Yeah, I was acting as a good leader when I accepted his challenge and we tried to make sure he never came looking for you here at the Tower. We met him head on and stood strong. Even attempting to fight back when we knew we would loose in the end."
Richard smiled. "You all stood up to him with determination and even when you began to slip and fall, giving in to him." Turning and looking over at Starfire before directing his last words to both of them. "You all regained that strong force of will to fight back, to try and go down with some honor."
"That is pretty much why you all won. Slade accepted you all because he saw that it wasn't me that was pulling you forward, but that each of you had the willpower to keep fighting, to resist and stand strong against him; determinedly not show that you would all back down, and cower before him. Slade hates cowards and even when he's trying to bully you down, make you give up, give in and quit. When you don't he respect you for that."
Starfire and Cyborg smiling with pride filled hearts. Richard smiling back with a pride and happiness he hadn't felt in quite some time. It was nice to have things back to normal.
"Hay Cyborg," Beast Boy's call was loud and clear, halting only in the aftermath of the event that bumped Starfire's grip on the cup of sugar and the spill that left silent gasps, Beast Boy's face apologetic and shocked, "Oh man."
Richard's laughter lightening the mood and causing the others to follow him into fits of laughter. Cyborg understanding that of all the last few moments that cup had nearly spilled and finally it had happened the humor in the situation.
Raven entered the room; wearing her new uniform and body beginning to heal up nicely from her encounter with Slade, she looked around perplexed form the sudden onset where all four Titans were laughing in the living room.
"So, are we all ready to go shopping for the party then?" Asked Richard finally stopping and catching his breath. A smile on his face as Beast Boy's reply rang jubilantly out across the room.
"Yes, this is going to be so great." He still couldn't believe that his friend had agreed to let them invite the Titans East, and that he'd actually been the one to suggest they all take off a day and spend it having fun, playing games, and making it a party day.
Starfire's voice lamented and reasoned with all in the room. "But what of the sugar all over the floor, will it not bring the ants?"
Raven's quick wave of her hand, and the floor shook slightly as the sugar rose in the air and vanished without a trace. Everyone looking at her with smiles and triumphant resolve. "New little spell I just learned, like it?"
Starfire hugged her friend. "I love this new spell, perhaps you can help me clean up my art room later with it." Raven could only laugh as she forced the overly happy alien to let go; her bruises were healing, but that didn't mean that she didn't still hurt.
"All right then," commanded Richard, "lets go shopping."
-/-
They split up into teams. Beast Boy and Cyborg in change of the food. Richard fully expecting them to buy everything because they couldn't compromise on what to get, fighting for a good hour before deciding to buy it all. Raven, Starfire and himself going to buy the decorations, gifts; Richard giving gifts to everyone at this party, instead of the other way around. And lots and lots of other supplies.
Exiting the story; Richard holding the door for Starfire who was carrying a new mini cooler, so that they could store and keep cool their cans of pop and other drinks while they all played Mud Volleyball. Raven having already chiseled out the water hole where the game would take place, Beast Boy filling it up with water.
Richard spotted the Slade bot across the street; his muscles tense and eyes locked, he didn't even hear the thank yous' from Starfire, Raven, or the old lady that entered and exited out of the held door. He cursed himself for not bringing any weapons with him. Being out of uniform these days more and more he realized he was growing complacent and lax when it came to being prepared.
Richard's eyes locked with the mechanical bots, he was surprised when it directed his eyes to a little coffee shop across the street. Richard even more surprised when he caught sight of Ariel waiting under the canopy. Raven spotted the bot across the street seconds later and was about to call her powers to herself when Richard's hand shot out and calmed her down. Head gesturing across the street to where Ariel stood. Richard having told her all about the dream, but hadn't told the rest of his team. Figuring she wasn't going to be around to cause trouble. It was actually surprising to Richard that Slade hadn't disposed of her.
"What's Slade playing at now," whispered Raven. Starfire standing there silent and looking at both the Slade bot and Ariel as well. She didn't mind that she wasn't privileged to know something obviously Raven and Robin knew.
"I don't know," replied Richard, "but you two stay here. Starfire you can put that down while you wait." Starfire placing the heavy box down and keeping her hands out; ready for any sneak attack, that might occur.
Richard crossed the street, eyes keeping watch on any movement the robot might make, but it just remained rooted to the sport. Eyes tracking and watching Robin and Ariel as they faced each other.
"Hi," nervously smiled Ariel.
"Hi," replied back Richard coldly.
"I just wanted to say goodbye to you before I leave. I wanted you to know I was really sorry for the way things ended. You weren't ever supposed to know it was me."
Robin scoffed. "Oh really, what were we supposed to do? Get married, have kids, and then what, finally when I'm trapped you tell me…. "By the way hunny, I'm working for Slade and Oh, since he couldn't have you I'm going to give him the kids instead."
Richard watched her wince. "No," she softly spoke, he could see the sadness his words had brought to her. "There was never any plans for marriage or kids."
"Did you really like me that much?"
It seemed to be a question that struck Richard off guard. "I, I don't know."
Ariel nodded, a sigh escaping her. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize I would fall in love with you. It was only supposed to be a job. I was always trained to never be interested in anything else but the job, I didn't want to, I was even fearful when I started to, but after Slade talked with you I realized that it was exactly what he'd been wanting to happen."
Richard could hear the contempt in her voice. "It's never easy to find out you were being used is it?" The remark; a thoughtless and hurt filled reply, but Richard kind of wanted her to feel what he had felt when he'd found out who she was.
Ariel seemed to compose herself after a brief moment. "Look I'm sorry, I just wanted to say goodbye before I leave. Slade's sending me to one of his many hidden camps. I thought that this job would grant me my freedom."
"It was supposed to be my graduating job from the group I was pledged to, but" Richard could see the sad empty feelings she now had at realizing her world wasn't what she'd though it was. "Now I guess I'm just another one of Slade's pawns. I'm going to be employed to him and his organization till the day I die now."
Ariel looked over at the robot and back at Richard. "I have to go, he knows I'm here but he warned me not to be long. I don't know what he plans for you, but it's going to happen soon. His friend is coming with a bunch of trucks, I don't know what's inside, but he seemed to be in a pretty good mood."
Ariel gave him a last kiss, then began walking off towards the waiting Robot. "You have a choice" Richard's word trailing off after her. Ariel turned around and looked back at him a weak smile on her face. "No I don't, and you of all people know better then to lie to me about that."
Richard could only hang his head as he watched her continue walking off. The robot following after her as she passed by it. "Yeah I do." He whispered back more to himself then to answer her.
-S-
Slade stood outside his hideout, the late afternoon breeze was just right for the desert hot sand and warm California sun on his body armor. Slade stood tall and silently thoughtless as he watched the three semi rig trucks pull up and came to a stop near the small storage water station structure. Slade stepping forward to greet his friend. "William"
"Slade" Wintergreen closing the door as he stepped out of the heavy hauler rig. "Sorry we're late, but some nasty little prick at one of the weigh stations tried to tell use we couldn't keep going because we were a pound over the limit." Wintergreen's words spoken in scoffed annoyance and then a smile of cruel memory crossed his face.
"Brad here," tossing his hand behind him to the tall, muscle bound mercenary that looked very out of place; wearing normal truckers clothing, just remained silent, but Slade could read the pleased and evil grin that was hiding beneath that hard soldier stance and posture. "Brad here taught the little pest a lesson and we were merely on our way."
"Where is the girl anyway?" Commented Wintergreen in a kind of afterthought reflection that she wasn't standing anywhere near them.
Slade's voice was unobtrusive and rather pointlessly dole. "She's having one last talk with the boy"
"Is that wise?" Asked Wintergreen worry that Robin might fort Slade's newest plan if he suspected what the villain now finally had in mind.
Wintergreen thankful beyond expression or words that he was finally going to be able to step down as leader and hand control back over to someone far better equipped at being ruthless and the type of calculative leader that he'd been pretending to be these past years while Slade was off having his mini war with the unappreciative leader of the Titans.
"She can do no harm," replied Slade back with even more boredom and a hint of annoyance that gave Brad a jerking uneasiness and Wintergreen the reminder they weren't alone while talking. "Robin already belongs to me and he knows it."
Wintergreen smiled wide, "That's why you're the boss and I'm soon to be retired again."
Slade saving for later his surprise bit of information that he'd yet again changed his mind about letting Wintergreen go off and bask somewhere in the sun. No he still had work for his friend to do, just less visible and more in the lines of recruiting and sales. Slade figured that could wait until later though, let him enjoy his feelings of bliss.
"You can begin by clearing out the bass," ordered Slade in his commanding no argument tone to Brad. The mercenary saluted and took off to round up and organize his unit of men. Slade was preparing to leave the city immediately after tomorrows events and didn't want anything holding him up.
Turning back to Wintergreen the two walked as they talked. "Wait for me on the edge of the city, I'll give the boy his last treatment myself. Then we can leave."
Wintergreen now that he'd arrived was feeling the full nervousness of this new plan. "You're sure you're ready to do this, I mean once you do this there won't be any going back and I know how much you've waited and patiently planned this all out; this last year especially."
Slade stopped walking; silent with reflection, thoughts as to what had led him to come to Jump City in the first place. A lot of his plans had been revised since meeting Robin. At first it had been revenge in his thoughts. Then, as he'd begun to realize the potential Robin had; it had changed to selfish use, and revenge in a new twisted and better way.
"Since that first time I had Robin in my possession and I realized the boy was far more then a simple possession; tool to be used and disposed of, he proved his worth to stand by my side and take control of this world with me. I've been struggling with him for far too long, time as you reminded me is something I might have but the origination I run does not have as long."
"I'm sure."
"This is the end of my struggle with Richard. He is mine and he knows it. There is nothing holding me back any longer."
Wintergreen only nodded, "Ok, then let's get this done and be gone shall we."
-TT-
Bright and early the next morning the group of Eastern Titans showed up. The clock reading 8:00 am; duffle bags in hand and smiles on everyone's faces, Starfire and Beast Boy showed them to their temporary rooms, and then to the banquet breakfast Cyborg and Raven had prepared.
Richard came down later, his team having gotten used to the new way he was. Also reminded him that none of the Titan's East members knew his secret; say for Speedy, and that was only because his father was a member of the Justice League now. So when the gang was all settled at breakfast and Aqualad asked where the birthday boy was; "Those late night obsessive bouts, keeping him up still?"
"No actually," was Richard's reply from the doorway; wearing a pare of blue jeans, a dark blue t-top which helped in highlighting his blue unmasked eyes, and a pare of new balance shoes; also black with highlights of blue, the response was overwhelming. Cyborg and the rest of Robin's team watched in reflective memory of how each of them had responded the first time they'd seen his face, stared into those eyes, and even seen Robin in normal clothing. Starfire even began giggling as she wondered if Bumble Bee's face was how her own had looked the first time.
"Wow," whistled Speedy jumping up and meeting Richard halfway across the room. Richard continuing to walk past him and take his seat at the table.
"Well I always knew there was a face behind that mask of yours boy wonder, but wow, Robin are you good looking or what?" Remarked Bee.
Robin began to blush, looking over at Cyborg who's mouth was halfway between shock at his perspective girlfriend's remark, and his own shock at the comment.
"Ah thanks," uncomfortably replied Robin. "Oh and by the way, my name is Richard when we're not out on any official business."
That lead to a bunch of chatter between Mas and Manos. Before the two of them had zipped over, to stand next to Richard and bombard him in Spanish with a tone of questions.
Cyborg and Bee where about to translate for Richard, but were shocked even further when he began replying back to the two in fully accented Spanish. The group watched in wonder for five minuets; never even worried that their breakfast was starting to get cooler with each passing moment. Simply stunned into mesmerized listening, to a conversation that most of them couldn't even understand.
Finally Richard paused the conversation and suggested he'd answer more questions and talk with Mas and Manos more after they all ate breakfast.
After breakfast and they all cleaned up, the group made there way back to their rooms to change into their outfits for mud volleyball. The mud was warm, the water just right to make it easy to play in but also stick and cover any and all that fell into it. And boy did they fall. It was three hours of fun, laughs, and non stop shouting. Not once did the alarm go off; and even if it had, the Titans would most likely have not heard it with all the noise and laughter they were making.
Then the race was on to see who could get to the showers first. Robin and Raven in no hurry seeing as each of them had their own private bathrooms. Still, the sliding, slipping, and tripping over each other was just as entertaining as how they'd all first gotten dirty.
The next hour was left to relaxing and doing whatever anyone wanted to. Most of them split up and began grouping into common likes and interests for activities. Bumble Bee and Starfire took off to see Starfire's garden. Bumble Bee enthralled by the different varieties and species of plant life, "so many wonderful flower blossoms."
Aqualad, Cyborg, and Beast Boy challenged each other to video games. While Speedy at first took his free time to work out in the Titan's gym, he soon joined them in tag team racing and free-fer-all battle fights.
Richard spent his time talking with Mas and Manos for a while, then took a controller away from Beast Boy and told him to help show the two how to play. Cyborg translating most of what Beast Boy told them, adding in his own "That's not how it's done, and don't listen to him." Every now and then.
When Raven came down from her meditation session, clean and wearing a normal set of jeans and long sleeve light material top, Richard suggested some music and asked for a dance. Raven hesitated looking rather embarrassed until the heavy dance techno music came to life and Richard grinned. Raven hitting him before the whole group got into the dancing spirit. Starfire and Bumble Bee returning back shortly after the second CD was inserted. The group had a wonderful time. They talked, ate snacks, danced the afternoon away, and Richard even had a chance to help Starfire talk in some of the phrases she'd been learning Spanish to say, by asking Mas to converse and tutor her a bit.
Then it was time for the Bar-BQ to start. Cyborg taking charge and as the gang moved up to the roof, Beast Boy brought with them the music. They continued to enjoy themselves, have fun; and for one day, forget that they were all crime fighters. Today they were simply teens having fun. Richard the most content of them all, had totally forgotten today he had turned eighteen; until a large vanilla and carrot flat sheet cake was brought out, the candles blown out, Richard presented each of his guests with gifts. His life couldn't have been better.
He stood watching with a smile at the shocked and happy faces as each friend opened their gifts, and found something uniquely special given to each of them. Richard leaving his own presents laying on the side table where they'd been put, he was much more interested in how Cyborg was coming along with the ribs and steak.
"It's eating time people and don't tell me there isn't enough."
-/-
Have you ever heard a 747 take off from an airport? Ever been standing in the front yard as one flew up over your house; rising higher into the sky, and putting the full power of its engines to work?
Or how about been alone during a lightning storm; thunder clashing, rocking the very structure you resided in? Have you ever stood watching as an army approached? Or felt the rumble under your feet from their march?
Little Timothy stood in the main street of down town Jump City. His parents less then twenty feet away. One buying Timothy an ice cream cone; never realizing that the next six years of that poor child's life savings, the very college fund they had begun investing their money in, would after this moment be used to pay for all this therapy sessions.
Slade's army of mechanical assassins marched down the block with a thunder and rumble that made Jump City think they were in the midst of an earthquake. People stopped what they were doing, looking out windows of office buildings, shops, restaurants, and even stopped to inquire about the noise from the insides of their own cars.
The time on the billboard sign read 4:17 pm; Slade's army cold and heartless, didn't care what the time was, they were only programmed for one specific plan of action. These particular breed of machine were Slade's new models. They carried the shielding that his one's before had. Jewel energy resistant shields that protected their power systems and chest plates. Yet left open to Raven's discovery that a normal object; lifeless and powerless, could penetrate where her powers could not.
The explosion that rocked downtown occurred at 4:27. The great fireball lit up the sky and shook even Titan Tower. The radio toppled over and broke, no one noticing or upset, because they were all too shocked by the lit sky and fire spreading across the horizon. Richard was the first to move into action, his feet taking him down the roof steps and into his own room to change quickly. The others following suit and rushing down the flights of steps. No one attempting the slow moving elevator to reach their floor or room.
Less then ten minuets later, Richard ran through the living room doors. Cyborg already hard at the controls, his face looking grim and his hands flying through screen after screen of information.
"What's most needed?" Voiced Robin, his leadership back in full force. Both the Titan's East and his own team assembled right behind him.
"Slade's got himself an army," commented Cyborg credulously. Police scanners picking up calls from all over down town Jump City. They say their being attacked by his robots, some say the fires out of control, others say that people are rioting, some say it's the end of the world."
Richard scowled; his superior mind clicking into action, "Cyborg forget the scanner or where the computers tracking the occurrences. Just find me the source of where the fire started and then link all the coms together so we can keep track of each other."
Turning to the rest of the group Richard went into action. "Slade's attacking caught everyone off guard; causing chaos and mass panic, it's what he's counting on. We need to keep level headed, think smart, and react accordingly. No offence Bee, but your team's not dealt with Slade like mine has, so I'm going to break us up into groups that can handle and back each other up better. Once we get into the city, don't separate from your group unless we absolutely need to. Even then, keep track of each other's signal."
"That includes you right dude?" Beast Boy's stance was firm, he knew what was going on same as any of his teammates did.
Richard looked over at Beast Boy and smirked. "It never applies to me and you know it. Who else has he come for?"
Beast Boy smirked. "Watch your back then."
Richard nodding. "Ok, so here's the teams. Bee you take Star and Aqualad; try and put out the fires." Bee nodded, Aqualad and Starfire taking position relatively close to her.
"Cyborg"
Calling out to his friend; discovering he only had three more feet before he was standing right next to him, "You take Raven and Beast Boy and keep Slade's bots from doing anymore unnecessary damage then what they already are. It's more then likely that they're going to have those new shields still, so remember that solid non electrical or energy material can only penetrate them."
"Use whatever supplies might be available to you. Whatever shops might be nearest that house objects sharp and deadly." Richard's words directed to Raven and emphasizing to everyone their right to destroy and permanently take out as many of Slade's bots as they could.
"Mas, Manos, you two make sure to keep any citizens safe, get them as far away from the area as possible. Stay clear of the bots, I have a feeling the energy you use to move wont work too good near Slade's shielding. Speedy you're with me, keep my back covered and if we should get separated, watch Raven's and Cyborg's.
And then they were off. Arriving at the battle; to discover that the fire was the result of not simply one building on fire but every building down town, that each Titan loved and cherished so much. The Pizza Ria was the first to have been set aflame, burning so hot that nothing would be salvageable from the blaze.
Raven's cafe and bookstore was the next they took notice of, Cyborg's computer supply parts and store. Beast Boy's video game store, and even his health-food, food mart. Starfire's massage store, her paint and art supply store, and even the little shop that she found trinkets and items of bargain clothing was a blaze. Robin not very much into shopping, yet a true friend to accompany each of his teammates into their favorites; often along for support of time well spent together, couldn't help but feel sadness creep into his own heart at the sight of each of his teammates sad; distraught, and weighty faces. Each of them were blaming themselves for this attack on the innocent people caught in the blaze, the poor shop owners and their families that would suffer because of the loss.
"Get to work," growled Robin angrily, each member taking to action with their anger as fuel and their resolves set to put a stop to Slade once and for all.
"Before, it was each of us one on one against Slade," voiced Beast Boy loud and with hopes the mad villain could hear him. "Today, were a team and we're going to take him down as one."
"Amen to that." Yelled Cyborg. The others agreeing in various yells, nods, and determined actions.
-/-
Bumble Bee, Starfire and Aqualad jumped into action; ripping water pipes out of the ground, laying ground dirt over the fires in an attempt to smother out the blaze.
The rest of them worked to clear the street; both of innocent people still remaining in the area, and making sure to keep Bee and her team safe while they dealt with the fires. Taking out any Slade bots that came into the grid like pattern they were using for boundary lines.
The police and ambulance arrived shortly after they did, a new improved response time for Jump City since the last time of crisis. Jump City was now ready for anything that came their way. It was a proud display of diligence, team work, and city wide cooperation; even citizens weren't as scared and panicked as once they had been, civilians off the street came to each others aid. Lost and separated were guided to city wide roundaview points. Families supported strangers, strangers became members of families. It was a true, and refined effort; making Robin sad that the price before had been so high to lead to this kind of world, but proud that Jump City had learned from the last crisis to make it work better in future ones.
-S-
Slade's first part of his plan was in motion; the Titan's and city's attention was drawn to the fires, and now his next phase was ready to be initiated. Slade smiled; taking a stroll down the empty street block, and making ready for his honored guest to come to him. Stopping at the end of the lined up row Slade's eye roamed over the soldier lineup. Wouldn't it be something to be able to hear Richard's thoughts when he'd first behold the sight?
-/-
The attack was so quick that Robin wondered how none of them hadn't noticed all the robots sneaking up and surrounding them. The amount of noise the footsteps of all these drones would have surely made would have had to be heard, and yet, the three teams didn't even know they were there until the moment of attack. Robin and Cyborg's groups branching off; making sure to cover and protect Bee and her group, as they continued to put out the fires.
Robin Bow-staff in hand; his body moving without much effort or thought. Simply letting go and taking out anything that was metal and dawned with that symbolic S that tormented him mind so. Mas and Manos were moving away from the battle trying to keep the police and ambulance medical workers safe and from harm. Richard noticing that the robots didn't seem to bother with the city officials or civilians anyway, they were strictly programmed to engage the group of young Titans.
"How can Slade actually keep this many Robots hidden all the time?" Voiced Beast Boy; regarding everyone else's thoughts, that no one had spoken up. "I mean how big is mars anyway?" This gaining a laugh from his fellow teammates that were privileged to know the internal joke about where they'd deemed the robots to be coming from all the time.
Robin snickering along with Beast Boy's comment, Speedy right beside him; watching his back as instructed to, commented "I don't get it?" Robin answering back after a violent swing of his bow-staff that sent a head of one of Slade's robots sailing into the chest of the one right behind it. "It's where we decided Slade manufactures his endless string of robots, drones, and assassins from. Mars." Speedy giving a small chuckle now that he understood.
The battle began shifting directions, splitting the three teams apart. Before long each team was heading off in a different direction. Bee and her team staying relatively put, and continuing to try and put out the fires; while Starfire took up the job of protecting Aqualad, he poured water from the cities water pipes all over the fires surrounding them. Occasionally drowning a Slade bot every now and then for the fun of it.
Cyborg, Raven, and Beast Boy were manipulated into following the surrounding crowd of robots down the street to the left of where Bee's team was. They were showing no fear though. Fighting back fearless and holding no restraint with what they knew needed to be done. Raven; using what Robin had ordered his team to do, she spotted a hardware shop and blew out the front window with her powers. Sending nails, bolts, anything small; anything sharp, into the surrounding army of robots. Projectiles flying she was sure to lead herself away from Beast Boy and Cyborg.
Beast Boy; using the sporting good store nearest him in the same manor as Raven had, baseball bats firmly held in his garillia like grip, his swings taking down bot after bot.
Cyborg; renewed and using what he now understood, since his encounter and battle where Slade had taken him apart piece by piece. He was sure to stay clear of all Slade's drones that housed laser shielding and laser weapons. Taking up any weapons from the sporting goods store that he could find. The team of Titans were littering the block with mechanical parts and Slade bot bodies, and still they came more and more of them.
Richard and Speedy; on the opposite block over from Bee and her group, the Slade bots having driven them to the right. Continued to battle the endless encampment of drones, robots, and assassins that were giving them their own fair share of cuts, bruises, and fist hits. It seemed that the robots surrounding the two lone Titans weren't programmed to be as brutal and attempt at killing them as Cyborg and his groups were. Robin knowing that Speedy's luck was only that he was sticking close to him as Robin had instructed, otherwise the drones would have been trying to kill the brave archer. Taking Robin already off to see Slade.
The battle was an all out war. Speedy worked in collaboration with Robin. One would launch a weapon at a set of oncoming targets; step back and reload, while the other would take on the next wave, stepping forward. This seemed to work just fine until the robots got smarter and started double circling the two of them. Separating Robin and Speedy from one another and pushing them further and further down the street in opposite directions from one another.
Slade's robots isolating Speedy and managing to keep him busy enough that he failed to notice the direction Robin's battle was taking him in. Robin for his part was no fool; he knew Slade would want him isolated and alone from his team, any help that might present itself to him would only disrupt and distract; he and Slade, from having that semi private battle they tended to always end up engaged in.
With his Bow-Staff Robin blocked hit after hit. He tripped legs, toppled bots over one another and fought to keep those sharp claws from ripping through his flesh. He did flips, kicks; drew punches away from his vital parts, and ducked between robotic arms. Graceful as a dancer, and equally as deadly as any assassin, Robin gave no thought of mercy to the inhuman robots. His opinion long ago satisfied with logical thought that Slade's purpose for the mechanical machines was better suited to the scrap littering the city junkyard.
With his Bow-staff Robin dismantled the robots around him. A strike on one bots scull, a swipe of his staff that catapulted arms and legs off of robots. Several loosing their heads in viscous baseball strikes. Robin not using much of his other weapons because of the close proximity and the fact that the shields' Slade's bots housed would only reflect back upon him any sources of energy. Several clean jabs to the chest, and still there was many more robots to battle. It seemed like a never ending stream. Wave after wave of mechanical machine just kept striding forward.
Heart pounding, adrenalin pumping, and breath battle tired and heavy. Robin was maneuvered around yet another street corner; battling fiercely and not watching anything yet the fist's and bots in front of him. Robin walked steadily backwards; a swipe here, a side kick blocked by a mechanical arm. Then suddenly as they entered onto the street block; three now over from the majority of his teammates, shockingly all the mechanical machines just stopped attacking.
Stepping back and looking more like a set of bodyguards then enemies, making Robin even more leery of them then before. Hesitantly Robin stood there waiting for something new to happen. His back to the new street he was now one, Robin's ears heard the faint chuckle of the only man alive that could send cold shivers down his spine from simply one flat laugh or by calling his name out.
Robin turned around; his eyes bulging, he nearly let slip from his startled hand his Bow-Staff. There, lined up and down the block on both sides; standing perfectly at attention; silent and mighty looking, cold as the deadly assassins they were was Slade drones and bots, one right after the other. It was like walking an inspection line of soldiers. Robin's heat did a double beat. His breath caught in his throat before he slowly exhaled it from his open mouth and forced himself to calm down. His eyes bypassed the intimidating display. Knowing that his only true target stood back near the opposite end of the block, standing there arms crossed over his chest and watching Robin's reaction.
"We've been waiting for you Robin, I almost thought my fist strike was almost too much for you to handle."
Robin took a step forward and instantly stopped. In a single move the army of robotic drones had turned and leveled laser pointing weapons; all aimed directly at every aspect of his being, Robin's fear once again rose. His breath catching in his chest this time. Slade yet again with that single laugh; sinister and tone light hearted, drew Robin's attention. "Ott ott ttah, now Richard haven't we forgotten that in order to cross most barricades and bridges, you always have to pay a toll."
"Your communicator if you please."
Richard noticing the outreached arm of one of the Slade bots that had just been behind him; now standing beside him, almost close enough to breath into his face, hand outstretched and waiting for him to hand over his communicator. With slight shake in his hand Robin reached into his belt and brought out the communicator, handing it over to the robot; who stepped back, and as it did all the laser pointed weapons lowered aim against Robin.
Hesitantly and slowly. Bow-Staff still out, only retracted for better hold on to. Robin slowly walked the length of the street. Target set on reaching Slade, eyes constantly on the watch of the mechanical machines should one move against him. When he reached the end of the street; Slade having now walked to the end of the block and positioned himself to wait and greet his rival. Robin took up a stance opposite Slade. A quick shuffle of feet sounding like thunder as Robin turned and watched the army of robots take a protective; back to them stance, to Slade and Robin's position. Robin guessing so that nothing could disturb the battle solely resigned for the two of them.
"It's been a fight long over due," commented Slade, watching his Apprentices uneas at the movement of the robots.
Mechanical robots even took to the sky, sealing any thoughts that perhaps one of his teammates that had access to fly over the army; Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, or perhaps Bumble Bee, could come to his aid. No, this was a battle that as Slade had said was "long overdue" and Robin knew, would only end….well he hoped in two ways, but he new probably in only one.
-TT-
It was slowly becoming apparent that the goal of the Slade bots was to divide and separate each member from one another. With quick thinking, renewed understanding, and a cleverly experienced appreciation for Robin's team; knowing full well the way Slade operated, understanding how it was he thought. They pulled together, managing to save Speedy from his surrounded encampment of assassins and slowly fight back the threat looming around them.
The Titans East found it difficult at first to know what to use against the machines shields. Slowly observing the resilient and thrifty efforts of each member of the Titan's counter attacks. Starfire ripped signs, poles, and benches up from the city streets. Sending them; pieces at a time, into the bodies of the mechanical beasts and using her fists in the aftermath to finish them off. Beast Boy; employing speed, stealth and his changeling ability, charged the mechanical drones with claws of a panther and talons of a condor.
Bumble Bee soon found her own nitch, that gained her the upper hand. Battling onward and removing obstacles in her path, Gar; Aqualad, didn't seem to have any trouble, his weapon of choice, a natural enemy to the machine population anyway. Short circuiting them and frying their systems once someone else did enough damage that let the water seep into their circuitry.
When the smoke cleared and the group took a quick breath, realization that one member; as expected by his team, was missing. "Where's Robin?" Bee's concern and panic being eased as Cyborg and the rest of his team in one voice answered "With Slade, where else."
Robin's tracker showed him around the corner three blocks from where they were. His blip moving steadily back and forth as if someone was pacing. Cyborg made sure everyone was ready for what they might encounter and the team took off to meet up with their leader; knowing full well, where one usually found Robin, Slade would be in the thick of attacking him. An all out session of might, in full swing leaving no room for interruption and usually a back up supply of drones waiting for when the rest of the team came calling.
What they encountered made to each their eyes grow wide and big. "Holy Cow," whistled Beast Boy; mouth open and shock not even the word for what his heart was feeling upon catching sight of the two hundred Slade bots lined up and blocking their path from reaching Robin and Slade. Worse still was what they could see behind all the robots. Slade and Robin had really been at it this time.
The block would later be labeled as a dangerous carnage disaster area. Parts were on fire, the ground upturned and giant crater like holes; where Robin's concussion bombs had to have gone off, where spread out. Even if they could get through to Robin, it would be a matter of how could they pass by safely enough to make it to his side. Beast Boy looking up into the sky; his idea to perhaps fly over the army and damaged street, halting at the sight of the flying army above in the sky.
"Man we are so in trouble." (Titans go)
-R/S-
Robin threw another exploding bat-a-rang at Slade, the villain countering with his own and the explosion that rocked the ground between them sent Robin flying back. Slade boldly charging into the explosion and coming out with a flying kick that lost Robin his grip on his staff and threw him forcibly into the brick wall of the building behind him.
Muscle strain, high electricity of energy; both mental determination and will power to resist each others divided point of view, adrenalin heat pumping excitement at the thrill of no need to hold back so much any longer. What Slade dished out for the most part; there was still a need to restrain himself, there would be, until after the last treatment and Richard would begin to build and apply what he had already adapted to use of his bodies new talents.
The new stamina, new level he could take force hits to vital organs. Robin getting quickly back up from the ground he'd fallen to after hitting the wall and attacking Slade with a volley of round house kicks, punches, and martial arts moves.
Slade very pleased to have such a worthy opponent for once. Robin reached into his utility belt and pulled out a handful of flash bombs, grinning with foreknowledge, he tossed them directly at Slade hiding his own eyes and waiting for the flash before silently counting down. The bombs hit Slade and exploded with a devastating display of light which would have blinded the single eye Slade had, had he not already known what Robin was throwing at him and closed it; like Robin waiting in anticipation, for after the flash of blinding light.
Robin attacking Slade with a determined yet strategically maneuvered display of hand to hand attacks. His efforts were circling Slade and himself around one another. 15, 16, 17.…silently counting up. 23, Robin jumping back in a set of flips, 24, 25. A second timer; created by Beast Boy, a new and improved feature. A nasty surprise from the creative jokester of the team, exploded from the handful of flash bombs and Slade; standing right in the center of the bombs, just as Robin had maneuvered him into staying dead center of them all. Got both a flash explosion and a shockwave that sent both him and the street area he was standing on, into the air and back down. Slade hitting the ground hard. Robin smiling with wicked glee before extending his back up Bow-Staff and charging back in after him.
-/-
The team of Titans couldn't see the explosion, all the robots thick and heavy. Even the Titan's that had taken to the sky couldn't make out a clear sighting of what that explosion had just done. They were all moving too quickly, trying to avoid the laser fire, deadly claws, and assassins grips that sought to exterminate each of them. Again finding it tough to attack and fight back; where Slade's robots shields were concerned, Raven reminding everyone that neither the arms, legs, or heads of the mechanical machines were being protected by shielding. "Aim for the arms and legs, try and rip them off." her own powers able to grip these parts; when in close proximity, and rip them apart.
-R/S-
Robin swung his staff with a follow up round house kick. Slade blocked the staff and dodged the kick. Sending his elbow into Robin's right shoulder. Robin didn't hesitate, he swung his bow-staff low; back jumped and did a series of punch kick combos, Slade nearly taking a blow to his left side as he repositioned his staff for a strike that hit Robin in the right calf.
The boy back hopped. The sting from the hit ringing through his bones. His pain level bringing cause for thought, that he better be careful not to let Slade get too many more good hit against him. They both noticed the plunge the robot army had taken, Robin knowing his teammates were now not far behind. His attacks increased. He would waste no time worrying about them though. Slade was all that mattered and the phobic thought that if he should slip up or loose he might never have the chance to see them ever again, so he better stay focused.
"Worried what the outcome of this battle might bring about Robin?" Slade's implying sentiment took root with worry in Robins mind, but he didn't reply with any sort of response. Instead he responded without hesitance; a quote by Joe Louis that he'd recently read, "Every man's got to figure to get beat sometime, Slade."
This response actually made Slade pleased, he inwardly and outwardly smiled. The boy was gaining insight and quickness of response. He wondered what a debate would bring as result. Then he passed off the thought with humoring memory that every time they conversed was much as any debate of issue would be. Theirs, a much grander debate on the scales of life; right and wrong, evil and good.
"Feeling better I see, Robin. More alive are we?" Slade's response half serious inquiry in relation to the boy being sick when last they had talked, and half joking mockery.
Robin's response was typical of when he was tiring of Slade and his lecturing superiority. Also, Slade had noted the boy began replying with attitude whenever he was trying to retain that image that he was nothing similar to Slade. Everything he tried to tell himself he would never become, all the while Slade knowing how far over that superhero edge he had strayed and would continue to stray for the sake of stopping his enemy.
"What do you care Slade?" Robin's typical remark that usually accompanied responses like "I'll stop you," "you can't win Slade," and "you won't get away with this."
Slade laughed; sending another elbow, this time into Robin's gut. The boy back peddling away to cradle his pain filled gut. "Oh, but I do care Robin." Slade's tone genuine; that older adult, parentally reassuring voice ringing echoes of loathing mockery in Robin's ears.
"In fact I care a great deal about your life!" Robin watching as Slade stood tall and straight. Towering over Robin because of the angle of the ground and the shadows from both the fire and the lightening sky's backdrop.
"In fact I care so much I've come to tell you goodbye."
"Goodbye?" The visible confusion on Robin's face, in his panting breath only added force to his disbelieving and thinking this was some sort of trick on Slade's part. His voice reflective of shock, yet mistrusting of what Slade's comment had angled, what was really being implied.
"Yes," responded Slade conformational. "I'm going away for a little while." Slade stating his tone as if talking to a child. His yes holding the tone of blank fact, a statement known to all, just repeated in passing conversation. "That's why I wanted to see you again; face to face, to tell you…
Both fighters their bow staffs extended, Robin now circling position with Slade. Slade's face; eye to eyes contact with Robin's own, his words and tone leading, building up to Slade's next words.
His voice growing colder…hallowed…haunting…
The echoes of a whisper or terrible memory that would remain forefront in his Apprentice's mind for a long time, until finally he knew he would pass it back to the hole of empty and forgotten memories till they would resurface at the moment Slade needed it to the most.
"Enjoy your freedom Robin…while I grant it to you!"
"Enjoy your friends while you still can. Make the most of what you can. Because soon Robin, not long from now. I shall, be back to collect you. And when I do…(Slade's voice again changing to matter fact) You will come with me." There was no room for debate, no challenge of the stated words. Slade's finality sent shivers involuntarily across Robin's body. It was his warning that game time was now over, this was no longer a rivalry that Slade would tolerate anymore, it was now his sealed and doomed fate awaiting him on the other side.
Robin a little scared, but standing up and proving himself brave with a jabbing comeback didn't seem to know or appreciate the implications of what Slade had just told him. "And what makes you think I'd ever join you, Slade?"
Robin witnessed Slade take on that stance, that look he got that always made Robin deeply fearful. His fears inside of him screaming inferior, and small. Invisible walls closing in around him.
Slade straitened up; retracting his staff and pulling out two smoke bombs, while maneuvering towards the shadows. His task nearly complete, and it now time to take his leave. With an evil grin that Robin knowing him so well could feel and interpret. Robin stopped fighting; lowering his own Bow-staff and just standing there. Slade threw the two tiny silver balls. Smoke bombs…issuing fumes of gray tinted blue smoke all around Robin while Slade slipped out of the smoke and into the shadows.
Robin hearing Slade's voice as clear as if he were standing right beside his coughing, hacking form. A coughing fit occurring now, as his lungs began feeling heavy…chocked…(This being his last treatment from Slade…the sealant, that acted like a imitational spark. Sending his blood into action and completing the transformation process with speed and force that would once again weaken and tire Robin, until he awoke and would feel normal, yet something in his instincts telling him he was not who he had once been.)
"Because some day………I'll be the only one left for you to turn to!"
Slade's last words echoing trepidation. Robin's skin crawling from the sound and low hallow echos Slade's words left behind. It was like a child standing all alone in a creepy abandoned old house. Frightened yet trying to brave their way back to anyone they knew. Just to have the company of any single person would make right the empty and silent creepiness of the lone standing situation they were in.
With that Slade was gone. Robin left alone coughing, body already tiring. Scared, anyone could begin to see the visual signs of his shaking hands; both from the treatment and the mental issues to mind, already beginning to feeling a chill…his future uncertain more now then he'd ever thought it was before. Was it truly possible, could Slade have just granted me temporary freedom, no granted me total freedom?
-/-
By the time the smoke had cleared the army of Robots behind Slade had suddenly; just as quick at their master, vanished, retreated into the shadows. Leaving the two groups of Titans to converge on their friends position. Robin was sill standing there; simply staring out into the shadowed spot he'd last seen Slade, shock and a disbelieving cry from within eerily creeping anyone out that looked upon him.
His team reached his side; it took him a second to register someone was talking to him, Robin's eyes were blurry, red; his mask felt itchy, he removed it with his trembling hand. Starfire and Raven exchanging looks of concern as they'd both witnessed the tremble. Cyborg's hand was on his leaders shoulder. "Robin, Rob man." When he got no response and then he witnessed his friend remove his mask, he called out: "Richard"
Richard turning almost a frightened sort of snuck up on response, looking the group in the eyes.
"He left"
Speedy looked around, slightly confused about exactly who "he" was, since everyone it seemed had left. Surprised himself that this army would suddenly vanish so easily when in his own opinion, they; the enemy, had been winning. "Who left?"
Robin's breath was becoming raspy, they noticed a small reactive panting was issuing from his chest. Raven could distinguish the stance and look she and his team had gotten used to reading as a look of shock, more so disbelief and refutation. "He granted me my freedom."
Aqualad…."Who?" annoyance and a lack of understanding voicing the question.
Robin's teammates had all taken to shocked and disbelieving looks on their faces. Raven's soft voice seemed to calm them all, especially the manor and tone, her intentional effect. It seemed to ease Robin some she noted pleasantly too. "Slade" (almost as if she'd mournfully spoken the name in a sort of passing tone.
The group was silent, especially Robin's team; they seemed to all feel the weight and disbelieving uneasy from the implications, it was a dream come true, brought about in never thought terms. Each of them had wondered what their lives would be like without the threat; Slade hanging over their lives, no more then Robin, but it wasn't possible, it.….it just would never be possible, and yet here it was.
"Wow…" Finally breathed Beast Boy, cutting into the silence as if he'd yelled the word, not simply spoken it.
Cyborg finally crying out in joy. "Well alright," his yell of victory, "we won." His optimism, cheers and smiles catching among the group of Eastern Titans and Beast Boy. The others all cheering along with him, all but Robin, Raven and Starfire.
Robin his body beginning to feel the effects of both the drug, and the shocking reaction to this news, simply stood there silent. His mind having lost him far and long ago in the non believing thought. Starfire herself uncertain; could this all be a trick, and Raven knowing like Robin that Slade wouldn't have gone to all this trouble; for so long and sought his Apprentice so hard, to make him immortal, as to simply let him go. Would he?
The day transitioned into night, Robin let Starfire take him back to the Tower; the team following them back. A celebration took place that night in the tower. Both Starfire and Raven uneasily joining in amongst the happy partiers. As for Robin he was instructed by Raven to rest; "sleep Robin," but all he could do was sit at his computer; waiting, deep down delusional, waiting the night away for that chime of the e-mail that Slade always sent after a tormenting battle. Waiting for that chime that never did come.
A/N: So there you have it folks, another climax ending to my story. Nope this is still not the end, only a twisting change for Robin and Slade's game of Cat and Mouse.
Slade finished Robin's years' worth of treatments, kept his promise to find a compromise, and now Robin is a free bird. Free of Slade, at least free till Slade comes back for him.
How long will that be? Will that will be my little secret now wont it, but don't worry were not going to take long to get back to the good parts of the story. Although, and I do have to apologize for not telling you all this sooner, but we are taking a small break. I'm taking the next three weeks off. I've put a lot of effort and work into this last part of the treatments section of this story. The whole treatment parts were really hard to keep my facts, hints, and emotional resolutions focused and tie back in everything since I began this story. So I'm in need of a bit of a break, and besides, the next part coming up. The next sequential section is only all in my head. I only just now began writing it all down. I never scripted out and outlined this part, cuse it was so trivially easy I didn't think I needed to, but then I got to thinking these last chapters, and realized I'd made a mistake in thinking that. So, were going to take three weeks off so I can write them out, get them all ready for you guys and take a bit of a break. You guys won't mind granting me a tiny bit of a rest now will you? Besides, I garentee it will be well worth your wait, my first chapter alone has even creeped me out how perfectionally brilliant it turned out. (Very much creeped me out)
So I'll be back fresh and with the next chapter installment of this story on March 11th. Have a happy couple weeks and I'll see you all then. Dlsky
