Title: The Boy Wonder and the Power of Wishing

Author: P.L.S.

Rating: PG

Summery: Using one of his alter identities Robin takes an illegal job that brings him deeper into the world that Slade had almost enslaved him to. It also brings him closer to a world he left when he was four years old, that he now needs to return to.

Disclaimer: I so don't own Harry Potter nor do I have dibs on Teen Titans, Batman, or anything from DC Comics. I do wish I did though.

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(Chapter Two- Walking in Your Doppleganger's Shoes)

It was well past the time everyone else went to sleep. He was alone in his room and not even close to sleep. Covering his tracks was always the hardest part and so he had spent the better part of the night becoming very hard to track down. After that the work he was now being paid to do was simple. Almost no challenge at all for the young hacker.

Robin easily drifted through the server, coping the requested files and supplements that any normal boss would enjoy finding as gifts. The security was almost laughable, but it was just a test of a teenaged vandal. He had the data packaged up and sent off encoded in the same fashion the request was. As he got ready for bed the tone for letting him know of new mail went off. Robin walked out of his bathroom with a toothbrush stuck in his mouth. He opened the mail and ran it though the decryption programs.

Nightflight,
I know you have found out who I work for. It wasn't too hard to figure out a kid like you already knows the value of owed favors. My boss would like a face to face meeting with the genius who not only broke into the prototype server, but his private server as well. The meeting will be three days from now at his beach side condo at six p.m. The sum that was paid for your work should cover all costs to get there on time.
Taki789'

Robin smirked as he read the information. Jack Shadow would soon be traveling to Metropolis to meet with someone who dances with the devil. Robin deleted the information and went to sleep. He could deal with the Titans tomorrow.
=

But Robin! whined Starfire, You were to take me to the Dwelling of Flat Bread-like Foods. Robin winced at her big pouting eyes and very put out tones.

I'm sorry, Starfire, but something came up. Besides It's the House of Pancakes. Robin said, Maybe you could talk Beast Boy into taking you out to see a movie or get Cyborg to show you around the arcade. After that they could take you to IHOP instead.

Huh? Oh! A nicking name for the Home of Cakes in Pans! Starfire declared and Robin smiled at her and shook his head.

Well, anyhow, could you just tell the guys and Raven for me? I kind of need to get going soon. Robin asked and she gave him her brightest grin.

Yes, of course, Friend-Robin. I will get much joy from helping you. Robin chuckled softly at her words.

Thanks, Star. I'll hurry back as soon as I can. he said in a reassuring tone that left her satisfied.

Robin then left the T' riding a normal street bike in jeans, t-shirt, leather boots, old army jacket, and a backpack of the essentials. He was also missing the mask and wearing glasses under his helmet. He took a few detours but by ten a.m. he was on a bullet train to Metropolis, blending in, and acting the sullen teenager. His green eyes were taking in the scenery, and he was flipping through a beat up paperback he had picked up from a library sale on his way to the station. After lunch he actually started to read the old novel, and as it turned out, it was pretty good.

By the time the train stopped in the sunny Metropolis three days after he got on it, Jack had gotten enthralled in the life of the hero of the book. The main villains kind of reminded him of Slade and he could relate to the idea of living your life with someone and never telling them who you really are and what it really takes to keep them safe. He wandered around the city, looking around, knowing that by sunset the next day he would be talking with the guy who wanted his mentor's best friend dead.

Boy, this undercover stuff was great fun.

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Robin wandered into a bookshop, hoping to find another book by that author. While looking through the titles he bumped into a living mountain.

Ugh, sorry bout that, sir. said Robin in a slightly southern accent. When he looked up he groaned. As they say, the gig was up. Above him was the one man who knew who he was outside of a costume, Clark Kent. Clark helped him up, but gave him a questioning look.

Pardon me, but aren't you supposed to be in Jump City? asked the immaculately dressed man. Robin sighed. Unlike Bruce, Clark never had to dabble in crime to track down a convict. Chances that the Kryptonian would understand his coming to Metropolis to get himself hired by his arch-nemisis were slim to none.

Uh, yeah, but you know I needed a vacation and all that. Dad wasn't that keen on comin' here, so I hopped on a train. said Robin while sending an I'm undercover' look to the reporter who nodded. So how have you been, Uncle Clark? asked the boy and Clark laughed. Discreetly, Robin signed My name is Jack.'

Great, you would know if you ever wrote me an e-mail, Jackie. Robin sighed as Clark ruffled his hair. He thanked God that Superman was quick on the uptake and getting better at the double identity stuff. He was pulling off a very convincing loving uncle routine.

I would, but you're worse than my language teacher. said Robin with a slight whine. Clark chuckled.

English major, whatcha gonna do. You know how well I did done in my edumucation. joked the behemoth as he looked at the book in Robin's hand. Robin gave a weak laugh at the lame joke. Tom Clancy? I didn't know you liked him. said Clark.

I picked up a book to read on the train and I liked it. I just wanted to see if he wrote more, but this is ridiculous. How could one guy do this much? asked Robin.

Well, he was very good, sold books as soon as they came off the presses, and was paid to write more. It also helped that just about every book was adapted into a movie. Stephen King is another example of a prolific turn-of-the-century author. Both had the same skill of using one or two genres that many could not relate to, but wished they could. Clark said. Robin sighed.

See there you go again, totally language teacher mode. Clark laughed and plucked a book from the shelf.

This is one of the best ones. Come on, let your old Uncle Clark pay for your book and then we'll head to my office. The cafe there is great. said the man and Robin let Clark steer him around to the cash register where the book was paid for and put into his backpack.

It took some doing but by the end of the hour Robin was in Clark's office and the man was giving him a hard piercing look.

Now, tell me why you are in my city and not with the Titans. he ordered and Robin frowned.

I'm undercover, trying to find a way to stop someone who has made claim on Jump City. And a claim on me.' added Robin mentally. It was a roundabout way to catch Slade but he was willing to do whatever it took to bring that Machiavellian jerk to his knees. No one was going to hold claim on him, he was not a slave of any man.

asked the Man of Steel. Robin scowled.

A man who goes by Slade. answered Robin. Now Clark looked worried.

He's in Jump City? Why haven't you called for help? Clark started to pace, Slade is someone who is feared even here, and who has equality with Apocalypse. Why in the name of God, did you five see fit to suffer in silence? asked Clark.

He's not doing anything of great danger to anyone but the Titans and the innocents his minions use as bait. In fact only one of us is in any real danger from him. Robin said in a calm voice. Clark's eyes met his and widened.

he said in a whisper, Rumor has it he has been cultivating an apprentice. Robin looked away and heard Clark's sharp intake of breath, He's already started to try to claim you, hasn't he. it was a statement. Clark sat in the leather love seat and Robin leaned against the wall.

Bruce was trying to figure out why Slade hasn't even breached Gothem's underworld. I guess we know why now. said Clark in a sad voice, God, Richard you know you aren't in exile. You should have let us know before it got this bad. He's made a formal pre-claim, even I can see it in your eyes. You wore his uniform at his bidding. Bruce has made me aware over the years that there is a formal rule book that most of the elite play by in an attempt to have honor. Apprentice claiming is one area everyone follows, and no one fails to recognize.

Will Luthor see that he's put a claim on me? asked Robin.

No, Lex doesn't deal in the underworld. He creates monsters and hires people to do the dealing. Clark frowned, You're going to use Lex to get to Slade. Robin smirked.

Sometimes I wish that Bruce wasn't your friend. Robin said, You've become too used to our dark ways.

Deal with it. Now I half a mind to call up Bruce and let him know just how deep a hole you are digging. Clark scowled, But I won't. Who's in charge in your absence? asked Clark and now Robin looked guilty.

No one. Raven can't open up to lead, Starfire is too new to Earth, Cyborg is still to self-depresiating and has too many weaknesses, and Beast Boy just can't be serious enough and is not observant. Clark nodded.

Yes. But I can see it in your eyes, you've been trying to get Starfire ready to take your place. You are really too much like Bruce. Clark gave a weak smile, The Bat taught you that it's easier to fly alone.

Nah, but I know that they really can't deal with my training. They found out about my dabbling once, luckily it was tamer than some of the things Bruce has had to do. But I can't use that face anymore, and I know I can't trust them with all my secrets. Even Raven wouldn't understand. Robin locked eyes with Superman, They don't fight for the same reasons we do. Clark solemnly nodded.

he whispered and Robin nodded. Clark was the picture of understanding, Just tell me if you get orders to bring me down. You are one of the very few I have nightmares about fighting. I have no doubt that you would beat me without kryponite. said the man with a wiry grin. Robin chuckled.

'Kay. But I'm just a simple computer hacker, who blasted through Lexcorp's servers during a test of my skills a few days ago. Robin grinned as Clark laughed.

I had forgotten your skills with a keyboard and modem. I'm taking a stab in the dark, but you must have some sort of proof that Slade's been operating here. said Clark and Robin nodded with a grimace.

Slade's been spotted in friendly contact with Luthor. Chances are that Luthor's been operating under his protection worldwide. Clark frowned.

And no one dare touches what is given Slade's protection. said Clark.

I only found out four days ago, do what you wish with the information. I think I can trust you not to get me killed. Robin said seriously and Clark smirked, which looked very out of place on his all-American features.

You think? I'll have you know that I do feel like an uncle to you, Dick.

Ah, but Hamlet's uncle killed his father and married his mother. Clark smiled at Robin's insinuation.

Good thing you're not Hamlet, eh?

Yeah. I'm just stuck in this play, huh. Robin was surprised as Clark hugged him.

You better get going. I'm sure you have things to prepare for. Just meet me for dinner tomorrow. Robin nodded.

Yeah. I'll give you a call.
=

The door was opened by a short man who looked like he had something disgusting stuck up his nose.

And oo are yoo? asked the man in a very fake French accent. Robin rolled his eyes.

I'm Jack Shadow, Luthor requested I come. said Robin in a bored voice. The man gave him a cold look and nodded.

I zee. Valk dis vay. said the man and he showed Robin into a room with one wall made of windows that looked out onto the beach. Around the room filled with dull colors and modern but very comfortable furniture. All in all, it was very masculine, and rather austere.

How do you like my humble abode? said a deep cultured voice with the normal Metropolitan accent. Robin turned and saw the older man standing in a door to a hallway. He was dressed in jeans and a polo shirt, but it might as well had been a three piece suit.

Humble? It's the biggest place here. Robin scoffed and Luthor laughed and took a few steps into the room. Robin flung himself onto one of the large chairs and his booted feet onto the table in front of him. Luthor tensed up but said nothing, if Robin hadn't learned to watch for every detail he wouldn't have known anything was wrong. Luthor gracefully sat across from the boy and tried to look like the cat who got the canary.

Now my dear boy, are you aware of why I asked you to come here? his voice was edging on psychotically brilliant mastermind, but fell short of that goal. To Robin, it sounded more like grown up rich kid trying to impress a peon. Robin shrugged.

Sorta. I got the impression that joyride I was paid to take was a test run of my skills. I just don't get why a big shot wants to try to tame a cyber-vandal. said Robin in his arrogant teenager voice. Luthor smirked.

You took the test.

Ah, but I was curious. I wanted to see why a big shot like you wanted little ol' me to break in to your servers. Robin spread his arms wide with a smile, Besides it turned into a great excuse to visit Uncle Clark. Only thing is you are tryin' waay too hard to be dramatic and I'm not getting any more patient with your game.

Fine, to tell the truth, I was curious about the mind behind some of the most damaging cyber attacks in history. I simply get a better feel for people in face to face situations. Luthor looked a bit put out but still cool as a cucumber.

drawled the teen with a raised eyebrow, You brought me here just to meet Nightflight?

Well, yes. I have no intentions of taming you. But if you want a job, I might as well make one open to such a fine young mind. Luthor looked smug and Robin was not impressed.

Dude, if I wanted the whole above the board thing I'd go work at Burger Bell. If that's it, I'm gonna go crash at my uncle's pad. said Robin as he pushed himself up and started walking for the door. Luthor started to laugh.

Mr. Shadow, please have a seat. If your contacts know anything, you must have heard I never use Taki789 to contact anyone who will be working within the law. Luthor said. Robin turned and frowned.

Then stop being a drama queen and start acting like a boss I won't turn on. Robin folded his arms across his chest, Right now, I have less than zero respect for you. Luthor scowled but walked to a desk and grabbed a CD from the rack hanging above it.

This holds the details of a number of servers I need disabled and shut down for a long time. Each one considered hack-proof by my employees on payroll. Word had it that you did only the hack-proof, and by breaking into my personal computer you proved yourself far better than the norm. Care to take it on? asked Luthor, Robin already had his small notebook out and snatched the CD from Luthor. He decoded the files and found the three requests, all top-secret government facilities that were controlled solely by computer. Robin then found the specs for each, all cut from the same cloth.

You sure you just want shut down? This type lends itself to outside control. I can create overwrite codes and give you administrative control that you can use from here. It will cost more than a simple hack and destroy, but it's more useful and a better challenge. I've already destroyed stuff stronger than this. Robin said in a confident professional tone and Luthor looked impressed.

How much more? asked the bald man. Robin found the proposed price.

Two more zeroes and a bank account with check card to put it in. Robin said and Luthor nodded.

Agreed. I assume you would not be adverse to other jobs from me. said the man as he walked Robin to the door.

Nope, just have Taki789 drop me a line. he said as Luthor opened the door. Luthor saw the customized silver and white street bike he had won from a race where he borrowed a bike from someone else.

How did you get that bike?

Some joker lost to me in a race. Pathetic compared to the races at home. Robin said as he hopped onto the bike and sped off before Luthor could ask more.

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(End Chapter Two- Walking in Your Doppleganger's Shoes)