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.

Author's Note: Words of wisdom from my favorite movie
You Scared?
You Suicidal?
Only in the morning.
Rusty (Pitt) and Linus (Damon) from Ocean's Eleven

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(Chapter Three- The Double Edged Sword)

Robin bargained for a month to make the three computers Luthor's and he got it. He also gave Clark a blow by blow account that sent the hero in to a fit of laughter. He especially loved Robin having to tell the man to be a professional since the proud man always prided himself on his commanding presence. But now he was at the tower, trying to justify to himself the good he could do as Nightflight and in giving the three top-secret computer data bases to Lex Luthor and by association, Slade.

It all came down to Slade for Robin. Slade was everywhere, in every thought, the motive behind his every action. Slade. It couldn't be healthy, he knew that on the conscious level. However, under it all, Robin had a goal, a reason for wanting Slade out of his town, off the world even. He knew nothing about the man other than the obvious, which was very superficial and did not help Robin in the slightest. The only good thing he could find was that it seemed that Slade knew about as much about him as Robin knew about Slade. The biggest rule that he always followed was to keep his old name a secret. Not even the Titans knew who was under the mask. Raven had grudgingly let both he and Bruce keep her to the cave during her week with them, never knowing who they were. It was a dangerous game that both he and Bruce played.

Every other crime fighter he had met had real lives that they could just pick up and move on if ever found out. Simple jobs, very basic relationships, and real superpowers other than a quick mind and training. Only he and Bruce were tied down and dependent on both halves of their lives. If Richard Grayson was ever found out to be Robin, Batman would be a cinch to figure out and both he and Bruce would be on trial as vigilantes and placed in psychiatric care once found to be mentally unstable. With Bruce would fall Wayne Enterprises and the lively hood of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide and all the good that the multinational company did daily.

He looked at the information he downloaded from the first of the trio, weapons research, biological. But they were taking it in a new direction, a cure for a type of ebola and a vaccine for anthrax. To give up this to Luthor would be to maybe condemn others to die. Robin sighed and made his choice.

Slade wasn't worth it.

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Robin looked in the mirror at the reflection of Jack Shadow, glasses and all. He used to wear makeup to hide scars and bruises that he picked up when he left the safety of his family and the scars from before. Then Bruce caught him before he had time to put on the cover up and asked him about them. Some he could talk about, but most were secrets that he wanted to leave. His mentor understood and suggested laser surgery to remove them. Richard, of course, fought Bruce because of the cost and the time. This only caused Bruce to laugh and say What's the point of having all this and not being able to look in the mirror and be happy with who you are. Besides, I'm the adult and I want to do this for you.

In the end he went through with the treatment and only a very few of the scars couldn't be completely removed, one being the strange one on his forehead. It was now very faint, but if he looked he could find the thin lighting bolt etched into his forehead by the car accident that took his biological parents' lives. He was looking now, wounding if he had just stayed with his uncle and aunt how his life would have changed. One thing was sure, he wouldn't be dressing for a meeting that he knew he wasn't going to walk out of at the end. He wasn't in Metropolis this time, Luthor said he had business in Jump City and wanted the young genius hacker there with him.

Robin had a very bad feeling about it, but knew he had to go. He almost told Raven and Cyborg as he left, but played it cool. He walked out in his uniform but changed into black Dickies, a green linen shirt, black leather boots, and bomber jacket. His backpack held his trusted and very full computer, a few of his crime fighting toys, his titanium bo staff, a lock picking kit, some cash in a beat up Super Rangers wallet, a jackknife, and a few other items to make him seem like a normal teenager. He was on his clean and not in any way enhanced Honda motorbike and soon within walking distance of the building where Luthor told him to be.

You Shadow? asked one of the three rent-a-cops who was posted at the door. Robin nodded and slipped his glasses on as he pocketed his goggles that he used with his visor-less helmet that fit in the lockable saddlebag on the bike. One of the men took the bike and rode it to wherever they parked stuff like that, one spoke into a walkie-talkie, and the last showed him to an elevator and played operator. The door opened to a penthouse's living room where Luthor was talking with some very well known faces to him. Two-face and the Riddler both with a slimed down entourage, one of Apocalypse's emissaries to the Earth, and Hive's headmistress. Robin kept his face blank as he walked in, looking very much the part and very much out of place.

Ah, Jack. Wonderful timing. Luthor gestured for him to sit next to the Riddler. Robin shrugged off his back pack and sat and looked to Luthor who only smiled enigmatically.

Okay, so are you two who I think you are? asked Robin looking from Two-face to Riddler.

If you mean two of Gothem's most dangerous, then yes. said Two-face in his Harvey voice. Robin nodded.

This is a surprise to be in the presence of two infamous convicts, especially since this isn't Mr. Luthor's style. said Robin in a cool voice. Luthor nodded.

It isn't. the bald one confirmed, But it was convenient for all involved. Oh, where did you get the bike this time? Robin smirked.

An aquatance lost a craps game this time. lied Robin flawlessly, In any new city, the first thing I like to do is acquire a motorbike without spending a dime. Last time I was in Metropolis Mr. Luthor found out about my hobby. he explained for the confused people. Some smiled but most had a slightly amused look in their eyes.

I see. But why a bike? asked the alien emissary. Robin gave him a curious look then shrugged it off.

Because bikes are cool no matter what year and easy to get away with. How many people equate biker with computer geek?

Not many. said one of Two-face's elite. Robin smiled at him.

Exactly. Using stereotypes to con or hide is one of my hidden talents, besides girls love to be the one to seduce and educate me in matters of the heart. Robin grinned wolfishly and even the Riddler had to smile.

I wish I had thought of that in high school. said the once Edward Enigma. Robin shrugged.

It works for him because he is fundamentally cute and appeals to both the hot blooded and motherly females. Scrawny but not too much so, those vibrant green eyes behind glasses, and his messy hair and glasses give off that lost look. said one of the Riddler's female associates, No offense, but pure geek doesn't work. Robin looked slightly embarrassed but focused on Luthor.

asked Robin. Luthor looked impassive.

I considered your points and have conceded. Partial control is acceptable and my word on leaving all medical and peacekeeping files alone. With your past I had no clue you had a soft spot for world peace and world health. Luthor looked a bit chagrinned. Robin shrugged.

I still have a conscience. And they are getting very close of some of those things. I dare say a donation from a benevolent corporate giant with a very global outlook would go a long way, sir. said Robin and Luthor laughed.

I'll consider it. The alien looked surprised at this exchange.

You will give up control and money at the whim of this child? asked the emissary of Luthor who stared at him.

answered Luthor in a toneless voice.

But why? asked the alien. Robin stilled as he felt a heavy metal gloved hand rest on his shoulder then grip.

Because, what pleases my apprentice, pleases me. said a very familiar voice. Robin was mentally cursing as everyone looked at him with new eyes, everyone but Luthor who seemed to expect it. Isn't that right, Robin.

Robin clenched his hands into tight balls and bit his lip against the stream of curses he wanted to spill. His eyes were closed and he wanted a way out of this elaborate trap. All regulations were met and the rules had been followed, willingly or not, he was now Slade's apprentice until the man keeled over or was killed.

Ah, so you're Robin? asked Two-face in a gruff voice. Robin looked away, unable to give answer because Slade would get great pleasure from calling him on every lie to the convicts he helped to put away.

Robin prayed to God that the two nut cases wouldn't connect Richard Grayson with Jack Shadow and to his surprise they didn't. But Luthor was putting two and two together, Robin could see that much. He caught the man's eye and begged him not to tell with his eyes. Luthor nodded with maliciously glinting eyes and neutral face. It was blackmail material against Slade's apprentice, and good material at that. He knew that if Slade had figured him out thus far, the man knew who his mentor was and everything else. Goth hadn't been touched by the monster, nor had Wayne Enterprises.

Does everyone recognize this boy known as Jack Shadow, also known as Robin, as my apprentice and heir? asked Slade in his usual smooth as silk and scary as a vampire voice. Robin shuddered as the tones seemed to slide over his skin, branding him and the words binding him. Words of confirmation filtered through, finishing the ceremony and guaranteeing that by the end of the week every crime lord in the world would know that Robin of the Teen Titans and Batman's student was now Slade's full fledged apprentice. He went numb as a way to protect himself. He was not ready. He was not ready at all for Slade and thus was played like a violin by the malevolent manipulative masked menace. Until he managed to kill Slade he would be played like this, it was the only thing Robin knew for certain.

Robin escaped the room for the kitchen of the penthouse where he found a glass and filled it from the tap. Slowly he drained the glass, trying to center himself, get back his mental control and poise. To things he had to learn to keep constant. The door opened and in entered Luthor, looking curious and more than a bit out of his element.

You should have called in your Titans or your old teacher before it got this bad. said Luthor and Robin gave him an icy look that he was pleased to see was effective.

You think I don't know that? You think I was in Metropolis and didn't have to tell Superman why? Fool. Robin chugged the last of his water and set his glass down without a sound using his inherent grace and hardened glare to unnerve the tycoon. Luthor could deal with brute force, but Robin had always used the smooth ease of a martial artist to blend in with shadows or fight with speed and cleverness. Luthor had yet to be threatened by anything like him, Batman and Superman know I was marked, they both know the rules of the world they keep in check as well. It will take only a small hint for my mentors to figure out this mess, but it is my mess. Only my Titans would have been and are allowed to help me. I'll just have to trust I taught them well. Robin smirked, filled a crystal goblet with a pinot grecio and left the stunned man. He entered the room sipping the white wine, something he hadn't been able to do since he left Wayne Manor. Only Slade looked unsurprised that he was now composed and looked every bit the young brave dark hero.

I see you found the wines and one to suit your tastes. said Slade sounding pleased. Robin nodded.

Only one of my favorites. he said slightly raising his glass. Slade nodded and Luthor entered with a mixed drink and a sealed face. Robin knew his amusement was evident in his eyes if anyone cared to look, but it was good to get under the arrogant fool's skin and hurt him.

You have very cultured tastes for one so plainspoken. said the alien and Robin gave a careless shrug.

I know what I like. Now why are we all still here, the acknowledgment is over. This time it was the two old convicts who looked surprised, Robin scoffed at their almost naive outlook on he and Batman, Oh, please. Did you really think that I'd do undercover work this good without experience? Hell, I've masqueraded through both of your ranks and many others as well. Robin said in the arrogant tones he had adopted just for dealing with them. He had the desired effect, both were seething and looked ready to kill him.

We are still here because you have yet to fulfill your part of the business transaction between Mr. Luthor and yourself. said Slade and Robin sighed.

he fished his computer out of his backpack and logged in as Nightflight. Soon he was untraceable and fishing out passwords, encryption keys, and software for the Metropolitan. It took an hour of work and as soon as he ran it all through his thirty-two bit encryption program he looked up. Slade was sitting across from him, watching.

Do you need something? asked the masked man.

Yeah, three blank CD's and a refill on my wine. said Robin in very reasonable tones. Slade nodded and stood to go get what was requested, Robin turned back to his computer and broke the files up into three sets. It took some thinking, but he made it so each set needed the other two to be of any use and each had a different key with three different languages used. As soon as Slade was back he was ready to download each on a disk and hand them over to Luthor. He fished a Sharpie marker out of his backpack and scribbled three band names on the disks, subtle clues to the language that was needed to translate each encrypted bit. Luthor was back in the room as was the alien emissary.

Okay, Mr. Luthor, each CD is an eye-catching coaster without the other two and all three are thirty-two bit encrypted and need translations from each language I put them in. You will not get the keys until four days from now, when you give a substantial donation to the research that I have just given even more protection to. If you cannot figure out what languages I have used before then, you do not deserve the information contained on the disks. informed Robin and Slade requested to know what he had written on each. After he heard the band names he chuckled.

My apprentice is correct and well within his rights. said Slade and he left the room. Robin closed his eyes for a second and shut down the computer. Luthor looked at the three CD's then left as well. The alien looked slightly like a fish out of water. Robin gave him a gentle smile.

You don't understand much of our culture, do you? asked Robin. The alien looked defensive but Robin stopped the protests before they could start, Don't worry. One of my friends is very new to this planet too. Lately, I've been trying to help her out with understanding us, and realizing just how illogical us humans are.

You are kind to help her adjust to this planet's culture. said the alien in an even tone.

Nah. It kills time and helps me keep my head. She's already fitting in very well, other than not understanding sarcasm and idioms. She's a girl and has fallen head over heels with shopping malls and such. Robin shrugged and the alien looked slightly amused.

he asked. Robin smirked.

You noticed that they seem to be the only people who are entirely like kids? asked Robin and the alien laughed.

Powerful children though. said the emissary and Robin nodded.

Too true. But they have to be in order to access that wellspring of power without turning into monsters. said Robin and the alien nodded.

I know. The alien looked unsure for a second and Robin picked up on it.

You know what, I think I'd like to help you try to figure us humans out too. If you ever have a question, ask away. If you ever have a few hours to spare we'll watch movies or play video games. offered the boy and the emissary looked pleased and slightly surprised.

Do you ask anything in return?

Robin grinned, I'm just following a major tenant of one of the domentent faiths of Earth and the joy of knowing I get to hang out with someone who I don't have to hide my horror and revulsion at being Slade's apprentice. Robin answered honestly and the alien shook his head.

You are an odd child. said the alien in a language he had picked up from Supergirl. Robin gave a mocking bow.

Thank you, I try. he responded in the same language and walked into the elevator before the alien could question him about knowing non-Earthling tongues. Robin mentally thanked his photographic memory, it was what enabled him to pick up languages and mathematical theorems like a kid picking up jaxs.

The elevator opened to the ground floor and Robin found his bike waiting. Robin shook his head and kept walking away. He knew Slade far too well to suspect tracking devices, but he knew the others had no problems doing anything to his transportation. He was so caught up in his tangled web of thoughts that he didn't see the speeding car barreling at him and he was wishing he had just stayed with his aunt and uncle instead of getting caught up in the mess he was in now. He felt the sharp pain and electric surprise before blacking out, still wishing he was back in his old home.

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(End Chapter Three- The Double Edged Sword of Crime)