Chapter 10 Relations
The Titans and the members of the Justice League were waiting outside of the surgical room. Some of them were pacing others were looking out the windows. Only Starfire sat still looking for a sign that the procedure was over. They had been in there for 5 hours already.
"I hope that Robin is okay." Beast Boy said anxiously.
"I'm sure that your friend is okay." Flash said reassuringly. He couldn't stop running around.
"Man how much longer is it going to be?" Cyborg wondered
"Have some patients. Rome wasn't built in a day you know." Jinx told him.
"It's just taking so long." Terra complained
Everyone looked up as Julian and Johnn came out of the surgical room throwing away their scrubs. They looked exhausted. "I never want to go through that again." Julian said weakly. Everyone looked up at them expectantly.
"Well how did it go?" Batman demanded. He glared at them through his cowl.
"Both Robin and Slade are doing fine. We had some close calls and had to temporally paralyze Slade to stop the pressure on his nervous system but he should walk again. Although he will probably have a limp from now on. Robin is in his room resting." Johnn told them.
"That's a relief." Wonder Women said.
"Great, now you and Slade can serve your time in prison after he recovers." Raven said.
"Hold on one minuet I am not going back to prison. Do you realize how bad it was for me there?" Julian said hostile
"Do you think we care? You have to pay for your crimes." Superman told her crossing his arms.
"Is it crime for trying to improve the human race? Its not my fault my country was to ignorant to believe that a women scientist could accomplish anything and that my research was called illegal in this country." Julian replied
"Doesn't matter lady. You are going back now." Green Lantern told readying his power ring on her.
"Wait a moment. There's something you have to know first." Julian said hurriedly.
"What could it possibly be? After everything you've done. Kidnapping, torture, and escaping from prison you don't think you should be punished by being sent back." Starfire demanded.
Julian sighed outloud. "I didn't kidnap Robin and I can prove it. I ran a routine blood before doing the transfusion to screen out any disease and problems and I discovered something. I had to check the DNA to see why the two were compatible and I discovered that the chromosomes of Slade and Robin match. You all realize what that means."
" Uh I'm not a science geek so could you fill me in?" Beast Boy said stupidly.
"Yeah what are you getting at?" Jinx asked.
" I did the test four times and had Johnn check my results and they don't lie. Robin and Slade are related. That's why they're compatible to one another. I checked Robin's family history. His mother had an older half brother. They shared the same father but had different mothers. Slade is Robin's Uncle and I'm his Aunt so technically I didn't kidnap my nephew." Julian explained showing the medical proof.
Looking it over everyone was shocked. Robin the Boy Wonder was related to Slade his arch nemeses? No way! They were all stunned and in disbelief. But the test didn't lie. How was Robin going to take this?
"I already know." Robin said wheeling his wheelchair up to the group. He was back in his regular clothes with an IV strapped to him. "I guess a part of me always knew the truth to why we were so similar. I just was to afraid to admit the truth."
"Robin you should be resting." Starfire said urgently.
"I'm fine. My enhanced systems have already renewed my blood supply. I also have been thinking. I have the combined power of all the crystals in my own. I can do something with it for the greater good. Everything that's happened to me over the years has happened for a reason. I want to use the power for good do you understand?" Robin explained
"What do you have in mind?" Batman asked. He had a feeling he knew what he was going to ask.
"With Julian's and Slade's help combined we can take down a lot of organized crime. After I use the crystal energy on them of course. What do you guys say? They help us in exchange for their freedom and later maybe a pardon?" Robin asked hopefully. He really had changed.
"I'll talk to the police and governor. I'll see what we can work out." Superman said.
Robin nodded his head. These last two weeks had really changed him. But his greatest challenge still awaited him. He had to heal Slade and learn to accept him as part of his family while forgiving him.
"Jinx, Terra can I talk to you guys for a second?" Robin asked. The two girls walked over and listened to him. A few minutes later they separated. Robin and Julian left to go see Slade while Terra and Jinx grabbed their boys to talk to them.
"Beast Boy I have something to tell you." Terra began.
Beast Boy held up a hand and interrupted her. "Terra before you say anything else I have something to tell you. I know this will be hard to hear but I'm involved with.."
"Your involved with Raven I know. Jinx told me last week. I'm happy for you. You deserve her."
"Then your not angry? I know that we had something." BB said relieved and sad at the same time.
"Your still my best friend. That's what matters to me. These last two weeks have been the best of my life. Look Robin offered me a position as a member of Titans East. I've accepted and I'll be leaving tomorrow. It will be a chance for me to start over fresh. But don't worry I'll visit and maybe I'll find someone to love me." Terra said hugging him tightly.
Jinx was talking to Cyborg. "I quit the HIVE and I want to be good from now on. Robin has offered me a chance to be a Teen Titan. And guess what? I've accepted isn't that great?" Jinx asked him hopefully. Cy kissed her giving her his answer.
The rest of the group broke up and headed back to the observation deck. There was still a lot to do to clean up after all this. Starfire smiled to herself. Everything was finally getting back to normal.
Robin and Julian sat by Slade's bed in the ICU. All his armor had been removed and he was in a hospital gown. An eye patch covered his left eye. He looked completely helpless and defenceless as the machines beeped. He was no longer a threaten psychopath maniac. He was just a human being.
"Do you think he'll be alright?" Julian whispered. She held his hand in hers. Crying softly she continued to whisper. "I'm sorry for what I did do you. I know see I was wrong. I should never have done what I did to you to further my research. All I've ever wanted was a child of my own and recognition for my accomplishments and I blew it big time. You may not believe this but I love Slade as much as you love Starfire."
"Don't be sad. I think it was my destiny to get these enhancements. And if it makes you feel any better you were a great mom to me. I believe you when you say you're sorry. I want to help you, but first I have to help him." Robin whispered as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
Suddenly Slade woke up. He looked around and began to panic. He was confused and disoriented. "Calm down please my love. Everything is all right. You just survived major surgery and a blood transfusion. Robin gave you his blood. You're going to be okay." Julian told him
Slade motioned to the ventilator that was stuck in his mouth. He wanted it out now. "Okay if you're sure. Take a deep breath, hold it now blow hard." Julian instructed as she removed the tube. Slade gasped as he took a raspy breath. His eyes focused on Robin.
"You had massive internal injuries and lost a lot of blood. We had to operate on you. You should be okay but we had to paralyze you temporally to relieve the pressure on your nerves. Don't worry you'll be able to walk again soon." Robin told him.
"Why? Why did you save my life?" Slade croaked
"I had to I'm a hero remember? As much as I hated you I couldn't let you die. I have one question. Did you know a Mary Wilson Grayson?"
"Yes she was my sister. She had a little boy but he died a long time ago with her and her husband." Slade said sadly.
"No he didn't. He's been alive and well for a long time. I know because he's me." Robin said
Slade's eye widened. He gasped and caught his breath. "Is it true?" He asked Julian. She nodded and handed him the blood test results.
"We both have a lot of healing to do. I know there's some good in you because there's evil in me. Were to halves of the same coin as the saying goes. I've made some arrangements for you and Aunt Julian to remain free. But to get it you have to be willing to change." Robin told him
"All I ever wanted was a family. Now I find I have one and I've hurt you. How can you forgive me?" Slade asked
"Its called redemption. I have to redeem myself in my own eyes and you have to do the same. So how about it? Willing to give this family a chance?" Robin asked
Holding Julian's hand they both nodded. Robin pointed the crystal at them and said "Robin." He let the crystal energy enter them healing them and changing them from evil to good.
One month later Robin returned to the Watchtower with Starfire. A lot had happened this past months. There were wedding plans to do, training Jinx as the newest member of the Titan and learning about Terra's success at Titans East. Rumor was she had found a boyfriend.
Slade was getting released today. Julian and him were going to live in the country estate. Robin and Starfire were meeting them so they could have a picnic lunch. Slade would always have a limb from now on but it didn't matter much. He had helped bring down three organized crime families.
In his room Julian was watching amused as her husband tried to walk unassisted. He was failing miserably. He couldn't keep his balance. "Honestly Slade you heard your doctor. Him and I both agree you need a cane to walk." Julian said exasperated. She held out a long cane that looked the one from the movie Daredevil.
Slade got up from the bed again and tried to walk towards her only to fall down. He still wore his armor but had forgone the mask. "For the last time I don't need a cane." He said indigently.
"Yes you do. I'm getting tired of picking you up with my TK. So just use the cane already. It's a nice cane specially made for you. Cheer up were going home today." Julian said forcing him to take the cane.
"Yeah and Starfire and I are here to escort you home personally. Hi Aunt Julian. Uncle Slade just use the darn cane. You'll still beat me in fencing." Robin chuckled.
The group left and transported to the mansion. Brutus greeted them as they ate their picnic lunch on the lawn.
"Robin and I are getting married in two months. We both like it if you would attend. It will be held at sunset on the roof of Titans Tower. We be honored to have you there." Starfire said attentively. She was still nervous around the two even though they had changed.
"We be delighted to attend the wedding. As Robin's family we get to make a toast right?" Julian asked and Robin nodded.
"It would be a pleasure to attend my nephew's wedding. I'm a changed man and I like to prove it." Slade said.
"Wonderful. Don't forget to R.S.V.P." Robin joked.