Disclaimer: I do not own the characters used in this story. This work has no association with the views of the WB, Cartoon Network, or any of the artists, writers, or actors behind the comic books, cartoons, etc.

*** brChapter one.

brThe thunder crashed against the dark room as Robin finally stood up.

br"I've worried you'd never awaken." A black figure with a calm, malicious voice glided into the

brroom.Robin stared. The mask. The eye. It was Slade.

brRobin glared, an expression of genuine loathe on his face.

br"Where are they?" He demanded. The loud echo reached the ceiling many times until there was

bra response.

br"Who?"

br"My friends!" He screamed.

br"Stupid boy." He spat. "They're the same place you were when I took you- in the Tower.

brThey're safe. I have no use for them."

brRobin idly wondered how long he was going to be here with Slade, or if the Titans would ever

brthink to search here for him, or if they'd even miss him at all.

br"Why am I here?"

br"Don't rush me, Robin. You will know in time. When I am ready to tell you, I will."

br"And what if I demand you tell me?"

br"Do what you must, but I have taken you, and so it is my choice to let you live. If you're good,

brI'll feed you. I might let you sleep. I have no promises. You might try to hurt me, but I assure

bryou, you'll find that impossible."

brWhat did that mean? Was he just trying to scare Robin out of battle?

br"And why's that?" Robin asked, without meaning to.

br"No questions, Robin. We'll have plenty of time later. As of now, you will have to do some

brwork for me."