Second Chances

DarkWarlord

Disclaimer: I don't own the teen titans fore DC Comics is the rightful owner, I assure you all that I am not getting a dime for this work… But I'm rambling on as usual, I mean you didn't come here to listen to me go on and on about stuff like that! Though I'm flattered if you did. So, on to the story!

Chapter 5: Deathwing

Robin stood in the office that belonged to Robert Redding, the owner of the Red-Ring Circus; he was also the reason that Robin's family was dead. The office was situated in the largest trailer in the Red Ring circus. Like many men in the management business, Redding believed that being bigger made him more important than those around their employer. Robin looked around the spacious room, at the back of the room was a small but cluttered desk, a couch lay to the right of the desk, there were cabinets and other things that you might find in an office space. Behind the desk were pictures of Redding with various other people, with the mayor of Gotham, several newspapers clippings about the circus, but the one that caught his attention was the picture of Redding with his parents, they were smiling, never suspecting that their best friend was going to sell them out for cold hard cash. He felt anger rising up in his chest, but he quickly put it in check. 'soon, soon he will be set before justice.' a slight smile crossed his lips, his plan was perfect, he would re-join the circus, he would quietly kill the bastard and then he would disappear forever.

The door behind the desk creaked open and Robert Redding walked into the room, Redding was a short man with a large belly, he had a kind aura about him. Redding took one look at Robin and smiled. "Dick, Dick, Dick," Redding had a fatherly voice, calming and soft. "It's so good to see you again!" Redding extended his hand.

Robin grabbed the hand firmly and shook in a friendly manner, "Same to you Mr. Redding!" Robin felt sick having to put up with this farce but it had to be done. After the two shook hands and exchanged greetings Redding gestured to the chair in front of his desk. Robin sat on the uncomfortable wooden chair, having to keep his back straight, while Redding sank into a comfortable swivel chair. The two exchanged small talk for a few minutes, then Redding asked the question that was on Robin's mind.

"So Dick, as much as I would like to think you came just to drop in and say hello, I'm sure you have something else on your mind." Robin smiled, "I came back to join the circus." Redding looked immensely pleased, "that is of course if you'll take me back." Redding stood something he rarely did when 'interviewing' a hopeful addition. "Of course we'll take you back," saying 'we' was another rarity, he usually just said I'll or my. "You're practically family!" Redding clapped the boy on the shoulder, "we'll just work out your contract and then we'll tell everyone the good news!" Redding was genuinely excited, 'the return of the Flying Greysons! This is fantastic!'

On Board the T-Jet

Cyborg sat silently in the pilot's chair, not moving unless it was to turn a dial or do some other pilot thing. In his mind he kept seeing his friend commit murder, he had let him go, and now he would have to stop him and turn him into the police.

Starfire noticed that Cyborg's hands were squeezing the steering wheel, she knew why but she asked anyway because Cyborg was her friend and needed to be consoled, "Cyborg, is there anything-" "No, I'm just trying to concentrate on flying the damn plane, now if you don't mind being quite…" Starfire looked down at her hands. Her hands were resting in her lap and Robin's insignia was secure in her iron grip. Cyborg's words had hurt her, the people, the customs on this planet were strange, 'Robin's parents were killed by the man in the mask and this Redring person. 'Why is it considered wrong for Robin to take revenge on these people.' she shook her head, the strangeness of this planet was great, but she loved Earth more than her home world of Tamaran.

Cyborg looked over at her, she looked hurt, he sighed heavily, "Look Star, I didn't mean that." she looked up, happy but surprised by her friend's apology. "It's just that…" he struggled to find the right words, but Starfire interrupted him. "I understand friend Cyborg." she looked out the window at the clouds the jet was flying through. "I to do not wish to do battle against Robin." there was sadness in her voice. Cyborg looked over at her and felt a pang of sympathy for the young alien, she would have to help bring Robin to the authorities. He shook his head and looked at the GPS unit.

"We'll be there in about ten minutes." he gave her a weak smile. Then over the intercom: "Cyborg, Starfire." Raven's voice was normal, but it had an underlying nervousness. "When you reach the ground drive to the circus," Cyborg's T-Car was in the cargo compartment. "And then I want you to buy tickets to the show. Wear disguises and watch the show. After the show find Robin and subdue him." There was a long pause. "I know this will be hard but we need you to be strong, for Robin's sake as much as Redding's."

Suddenly Starfire was angry, "Why should we protect a vile snake like this man who would kill his friends for money?!" Cyborg just looked at her, she normally didn't argue about the mission but she did have a good reason Cyborg noted.

Titan's Tower

Raven also thought that Starfire had a good point, 'why indeed' she took a deep breath and spoke once more into the speaker, "Because we don't know if Darkk Agent was telling the truth, the word of one lost to darkness can't be trusted." Raven didn't believe what she just said, but she needed to tell them something lest they doubt to the point that they let him claim vengeance. "Understood." was all that came back over the channel. "Alright, check in after the show, I'll do more research on my end. Over and out."

Raven sighed as she put the headset down and rubbed her eyes. She didn't know what would happen after the mission. She had many things on her mind however, while they were fighting Robin and Agent she had had a vision. When she looked at Robin right before she had been shot, he was wearing a different uniform, it looked like the Nightwing costume that Starfire had described after her visit to the possible future, (episode: How long is forever?) with the exception that the symbol on the front was Red and the emblem was a Crow with it's wings spread with the scales of Justice in it's talons. But that was not as troubling as the blood that had been splattered all over his body, and the look of his eyes behind the ornate mask with the likeness of a crow. She shuddered at the memory. Holding her arms she walked over to the computer and began to type.

Beast Boy emerged from his shower and quickly dried himself, his head hurt and his back was sore from the blackish bluish bruise on his back. He quickly threw on his uniform and walked out of his room. He had missed lunch by several hours, and was quite hungry. Instead of using the elevator he decided to turn into a bird and fly down the stairs.

Raven heard the door open and saw in the reflection of the screen the vintage of Beast Boy. She smiled; she had heard what he had said while she was nearing unconsciousness. He looked the worse for ware, he had a black eye and the bandage was unbecoming, but the band-aids on his cheek looked adorable. 'wait,' she thought to herself, 'what on Azarath am I thinking?!' she continued to type as the changeling walked over to the fridge and opened the door, "EWWW! The mold IS growing mold!" "Thus why I didn't open the refrigerator." he looked at her, she looked almost normal, except that she was slightly paler than normal.

He placed his hand under his chin in a thinking gesture, "I got it!" the snapped his fingers, and walked over to the phone. While humming he dialed the numbers. Raven could hear the voice on the other side, "Hi, thanks for calling Chang's Chinese Take out. How can I help you today?" the feminine voice asked. "hey dude, yah I need Tofu Loa Mien (I am so sorry I can't spell this…) and white rice," he could hear her typing the order into her machine, "alright, will that be all sir?" "One Sec. Yo Raven, what do you want?"

She thought for a moment, 'what kind of Chinese food do I like? I know.' "How about general sau's chicken and fried rice?" he grinned form ear to ear, "and one General Sau's chicken with fried Lice," he snickered, and the voice on the other side sighed, "and one General Sau's chicken with fried Rice. Your total comes to $9.50 with tax; will this be pick up or delivery?" "Delivery," he heard typing, "your address please." "33000 Jump Island, Titan's Tower."There was a pause on the other side of the phone, "seriously "Yep. I'll be waiting by the pier." There was a pause, "Your delivery will take about twenty minutes. Thank you for calling Chang's." she hung up.

Beast Boy started walking over to the elevator but was stopped by Raven's voice. "You got twenty minutes. Why not spend them with me?" he looked over at her, 'is she warming up to me?' not one to look a gift horse in the mouth he picked up a chair and walked over to Raven sitting in it backwards facing Raven, smiling.

Boston

Robin looked at the uniform in his hands, it was red with green leggings, it was his older brother's spare uniform, Redding had kept them all in storage, thinking someday he could make a museum, with a memorial hall to the 'Flying Greyson's.' Robin thought of the irony of it all, his first performance in eight years would also be his last. He stood there looking at the uniform until there was a knock on the door. Startled from his line of thought he called out, "Com… Come in," and Jacques walked in he had a solemn look on his face, and he walked up to Robin, laying a hand on his shoulder he spoke, "They would be proud that you came back." he wiped a tear that was forming in his eye, "we're all proud that you came back." then he smiled, "but the boss isn't going to be happy if you're late for the first night! You only have ten minutes to show time! Best get ready!" laughing Jacques walked out of the room.

When Robin emerged from the trailer that had been assigned to him he found Jacques, Charlie, Kathy, Saul the Clown, and the a few others waiting outside for him. As soon as he opened the door Saul pulled out a Polaroid and took a picture. They started clapping as he walked down the few steps leading from the trailer.

They all walked over to the Big Top together. Kathy was talking with Robin and was clinging to his arm, much to the dismay of her grandfather, but Jacques was delighted. "I think you look very handsome in that uniform Dick." he muttered thank you and blushed. He felt ashamed for liking this girl, after all he loved Starfire, didn't he? She looked Dick up and down, her eyes fell on the silver pendant hanging around his neck. "It's nice that you wear your brother's necklace." he looked over at her, "actually, he gave it to me two shows before the accident. I had saved his life, and he said 'you were like a robin swooping down to save me.'" he trailed off into silence, a tear forming in his eye. Kathy looked up at him and then leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Places everyone, places! The show starts in five minutes!"

Outside the big top people were buying tickets, young and old they lined up. Restless children anxiously awaited their chance to see the circus. But among these ordinary people there were two extraordinary ones, Cyborg who, using his rings looked like an athlete wearing a tank-top and sweats, while Starfire wore tight jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Cyborg bought the tickets and he and Starfire walked into the large Tent. Yelling and laughing greeted the two titans when they entered the big top. The two located their seats quickly before anyone could notice Starfire's orange skin, but as luck would have it they sat next to the very same girl that Robin had the day before. She looked over at Starfire and smiled. "Hello pretty lady." Starfire blushed a bit at being called pretty but thanked the girl, "well thank you little girl." she said smiling. The girl pouted, "I'm not little, and I'm eight years old!" Cyborg laughed at Starfire's predicament. But Starfire liked the young girl, "well, I suppose I should apologize, I did not mean to call you little, you too are very pretty." the girl smiled brightly before her mother hushed her.

The lights turned off and the tent was thrown into blackness. "Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls!" a spotlight shone strait down on a slightly fat man in a red overcoat, "Welcome one and all to the RED-RING CIRCUS!" he yelled the last part and the lights came on to reveal animals of all sorts and clowns and other performers dancing around and doing interesting things. "Delightful!" Starfire clapped and smiled joyously at the clowns and the juggling bear. Cyborg smiled quietly, 'Star was so childlike but so mature, it makes and interesting mixture, no wonder he likes, no maybe it is love.' he thought happily but then he remembered why they were here. 'might as well let her enjoy herself before our unpleasant business…' he too turned towards the circus.

The shows that followed were fun and exciting. Cyborg was enjoying himself, and Starfire was having a blast. But then came the trapeze act. The lights went out again. "Ladies and Gentlemen, it was eight years ago that there was a terrible tragedy. Three of our performers fell to their deaths from faulty ropes, they were the 'Flying Greysons.' some of you may have read about the incident or heard it on the news. You may also have heard about the ten-year old boy whose family died that day. Well tonight it is my sincere pleasure and honor to introduce that boy." He raised his hand towards the ceiling and a spotlight fell on a teen with a red uniform and green leggings. "Please give Richard Greyson a hand ladies and Gentlemen!" applause filled the big top.

Starfire looked at the handsome youth standing on the tower like structure and sighed, it was definitely Robin. The little girl next to Starfire gasped, "Mommy, Mommy! That's the nice man who did the tricks!" "Yes it is dear, your father hired him last night." Starfire overheard and asked the girl a question. "Excuse me, do you know that man?" the girl nodded vigorously, "at first he scared me, but he did a trick with a quarter," she fished in her pocket and produced a quarter, "See?" Starfire nodded, but Cyborg was looking at the coin, underneath the camouflage of his hologram he scanned the coin, the fingerprints on the coin said that Robin had held the coin.

Starfire moved onto her next question, "and is that man your father?" she pointed at Redding and the girl nodded vigorously. Starfire smiled at the girl and then turned towards Cyborg, a grim expression on her face.

After the applause calmed down Redding made an announcement, "now, presenting the last of 'The Flying Greysons!' working side by side with our very own 'soaring St.Clairs!' Hit it!" There was a drum roll and then Robin leaped into the air, doing several flips and turns before grabbing the outstretched arms of the youngest St. Clair, Jordan. The rest of the show had death defying feats and acrobatics beyond belief.

Then the circus's big finale, a parade of all the performers going off stage, flipping, juggling, dancing, all the while with circus music and the lights dimmed and the spotlights swirling and following the performers, one of the spot lights followed Robin and stayed on him until he exited.

Starfire and Cyborg exchanged glances and then like everyone else around them, they left the big top. After a five minute walk they reached their jet and called Raven.

Titans Tower

Raven drained her glass completely of the red liquid and then giggled. Beast Boy nursed his glass of wine as if savoring the taste to its fullest. "Tell me again," Raven asked drunkenly, "were did you…"she swayed a bit. "…get this stuff?" Beast Boy laughed a little, "Well, it was about a year ago, I was walking down town and I saw this liquor store being robbed. So I walked in and subdued the bad guys. The owner of the store gave me three bottles of this stuff as thanks." The red wine was exquisite; it was twelve years aged and well stored.

Beast Boy was surprised by the fact that Raven could not hold her liquor, her first glass she had drunk at a normal pace. Her second she had drank in only three gulps and the third was downed in one. Beast Boy was beginning to question weather or not he should have brought out the bottle. It was just the two of them, they had both almost died in the last twenty four hours and he had said, "I think we should live a little and toast to life." she had wondered what he meant and showed her the bottle, she agreed to one drink. But then she wanted two, then three, and she was presently pouring a fourth.

"Maybe I should put this away…" he reached for the bottle and just when he was about to grab it black energies surrounded it and it moved over to her, she seductively moved her hand up and down the bottle's neck. Beast Boy drooled, they inched closer to each other and were mere centimeters apart when the communicator beeped. "Damn," Beast Boy swore under his breath as he walked over to the communications area and switched it on.

"Hi, you've reached Titans Tower, how can I be of service today?" Beast Boy asked cheerfully. "Beast Boy!" Starfire exclaimed, "We must speak with Raven. She is to give us our next instructions." Beast Boy looked over at the now peacefully sleeping Raven, 'double damn.' Beast Boy thought, "Um. She's not available right now," and to for many years to come he could have sworn that she mumbled "for you, I'm always available." did she? Who's to say? One thing is for certain, Raven is very, very strange when she has consumed alcohol, (Author's Note: this is why TEENAGERS like the people who are reading this probably are should not drink, and as a side note: if alcohol is doing this to her, think what drugs would do "Shudder"-thank you from DarkWarlord, please continue with this fan fiction.) Beast Boy resolved not to do this again for a little while.

"It is imperative that I speak with friend Raven." Beast Boy looked franticly around, "she's asleep, from her…um, medicine." he shrugged, it was not a complete lie. "I guess you'll have to wait for her to wake up." he heard a sigh from the other side of the speaker. "what mission are you guys on anyways?" it was not Starfire but Cyborg who answered. "You mean she didn't tell you?" "Tell me what?" a sense of dread came over him. "Listen to me BB, listen real good," he looked at the speaker, "Ok." "Don't watch the tape near the VCR. You don't want to." "Cy, what's going on?"

"Never mind, did Raven write anything down for us?" Beast boy looked all around the space and found a print out, "This sheet says that you're supposed to go to the circus? What the hell? Why are you going to the circus?" he was positively confused. "What's next on the list pal?" "It says you're supposed to locate Robin and Subdue him tonight, and to try to get the cooperation of the employees- wait one god damn minute!" he yelled, he heard a noise behind him and saw that Raven was cuddling the bottle. He continued more quietly. "Why are you guys after Robin?" "Dude do you remember last night?" he thought for a second, "only getting thrown across some warehouse by some guy in a black mask, then bringing Raven to the hospital, they said I got a concussion," his head was starting to hurt, 'I should go lay down.' he thought.

"Do not worry Beast Boy, we will take care of our friend here, you take care of our friend there. We will contact you again latter." "Yea, what she said, talk to you latter BB. Cy and Star out."

His head did hurt and he decided that a good movie would do him some good. As he walked towards he couch he bent down and picked up the sleeping form of Raven, "she looks so sweet when she sleeps." he said to himself and laid her down on the couch. Beast Boy walked over to the TV and grabbed the first movie he saw, one labeled: R/001-CR1, "Weird, this is a crime tape. Is this the one Cy told me not to watch?" Raven stirred, he shrugged and popped it in. Static showed up on the screen for a moment or two then it showed the label on the tape, Beast Boy turned around and walked over and then sat heavily on the couch. The tape began and he could clearly make out the outlines of two people, "no problem!" he picked up the controller and attempted to fix the tracking, but stopped as soon as he heard the first voice. "Yes Dick, kill me, then Redding, then your vengeance will be complete. You're famil-" with a swift motion of the wrist the shadowed person dropped the figure in the coat, he was clutching his throat gurgling for a moment, then he lay still, a small object the size of a marble dropped next to the corpse and exploded."

The recording stopped and ejected itself from the VCR. He wanted to vomit, to cry to take banish the pain in his chest. He knew what had happened; he would remember the voice of Darkk Agent for the rest of his life, not because of the tape, because of the night before. But now the death that he was ready to give Agent for shooting Raven seemed useless. His shoulders shook and his weeping woke Raven. She sat up holding her head, it appears that on her planet, they can't hold their liquor, but they recover from it quickly. She moved over to him and hugged him, and he cried into her shoulder.

On board the T-Jet

Starfire flipped off the intercom and sat back uneasily in her chair. Biting her lip she wondered what they were going to do. They couldn't just walk in and reveal Robin. They would have to sneak into Redding's trailer. There she sat, absorbed in her thoughts.

Cyborg watched the alien with great interest, even though she felt Robin should be able to take his revenge on the man who killed his family, she was trying to stop him because it was also the right thing to do. At that moment Cyborg had nothing but respect for the young women. Pushing his thoughts aside, he sat heavily in his own chair began to formulate a plan.

Elsewhere

Night had fallen. A cold wind cut through the summer warmth. Inside one of the many trailers situated around the encampment, a young woman and her grandfather were drinking tea. Charlie Baker stretched his arms and sat heavily in his chair, Charlie removed his black bowler cap and loosened the suspenders that held his old black slacks up. Charlie looked across the table at his granddaughter and thought. The girl must have noticed the stare because she looked back at him. "Is something wrong grandpa?"

He startled, "No dear, just thinking about young mister Greyson. What do you think of him?" she did not answer, she only blushed. The old man nodded, "That's what I thought. Darlin'," he looked thoughtfully at his half-empty mug of tea. "I know that you're a woman, and I know that it's natural for you to be thinking about…" the girl turned red with embarrassment and the old man struggled with his words, "…about boys. I think you're still a little young for such things." he laughed slightly, "Did you know that I had this same conversation with your mother? Right before she run off with some biker." he spat out the last word.

Kathy looked down at her own mug. She knew that her mother had run off with a biker, had a baby and then left her baby on her father's doorstep, and then she had disappeared, never to be seen by Charlie or her daughter Kathy again. She glanced up at her grandfather and saw that he was crying. She stood up and walked over to him and gave him a hug from behind. The old man cried openly, his shoulders shaking, but the girl held him tight.

After many moments Charlie straightened himself and calmed a bit. "He's a good man." that was the end of that conversation. But elsewhere in the camp there was another going on.

Madam Yeltskin rolled her eyes. Jacques was being unbearable. Bragging and talking going on and on about how she'd been wrong. "I told you he'd stay! And I told you that he'd hit it off with Kathy!" "I'll tell you once more Jacques, 'he will not stay through the night, he'll be gone with the rays of the sun!' now leave me alone. I have to meditate." Grumbling Jacques left Yeltskin's trailer. Yeltskin felt sorry for the big man, after tonight he would never be the same.

Standing on top of the big top's main support beam, a lone figure watched the area below. Robin's eyes scanned the ground waiting for Redding to show himself. He shivered, the wind's bite was painful but Robin ignored the pain and concentrated on the sweet taste that vengeance that would soon leave in his mouth. He smiled wickedly spotting his prey walking over towards the large trailer in the center of the field of trailers, a happy bounce in his step, the fat man in the red coat whistled to himself. 'The last tune that will leave your filthy mouth Redding.

Robin was about to strike when he caught movement out of the corner of his eye. A large black man and a petite girl with red hair walked side by side towards the manager's trailer. His eyes narrowed, they would make his mission a difficult one. 'what should I do?' a thought occurred to him. He didn't like the plan, but not being able to come up with any more he put it into effect. Frowning he reached into his utility belt.

Starfire and Cyborg walked at an easy pace towards Redding's trailer, they had convinced the guard to let them pass because they were here to speak with Redding about a job, and that they were the good friends of Dick Greyson. Starfire looked over at Cyborg's sullen expression. He liked this part about as much as she did. Not at all.

They continued their walk for several more moments before their communicators went off. Cyborg opened his communicator. Robin's face appeared on the small screen. Starfire gasped and took the device from Cyborg, "Robin!" she exclaimed, she saw his expression softened when he saw her. "Star, Cy, we need to talk. Meet me at the Athena's shield, it's a small restaurant on the outskirts of the city, a cab will pick you up in front of the big top in a few minutes." the screen went blank.

The message disturbed Cyborg, they were in front of the circus tent. He looked up at the sky, the stars were out. Next to him Starfire pulled her leather jacket around her tightly. Robin watched her with fascination, she was wearing the jacket, it had patches in several places, but she still wore it, for the second time since he began his bloody path he felt that killing might not be worth it. He subdued the feeling.

Richard…

Franticly Robin looked around his high perch, wondering who could have spoken. He shook his head, 'must be the thin air.' he thought to himself. This was the third time he had heard a voice, the voices all sounded like his dead family. But that was insane, wasn't it? He watched as a yellow taxi stopped right in front of the two titans. He heard them talking, discussing weather or not they should go. Cyborg decided that they would go, saying something about talking Robin down was better than taking Robin down. Starfire looked up at the sky, and if it weren't for Robin's quick reflexes, she would have seen him as well. He slowly counted to fifty, and then ever so slowly he looked down at the spot that the titans had been occupying. They were gone, he could see the red tail lights heading away from the circus.

Smiling sadly to himself he watched the taxi drive away, tricking his friends had been hard, but it was necessary. He pushed the thoughts from his mind and turned his attention towards his prey. The lights were still on in the trailer, even though most of the others had their lights off. He leaped from his perch, landing softly on the ground. He looked around quickly, checking to see if anyone had seen his death-defying feat. Secure that there were no witnesses he moved closer towards the back of the trailer.

Athena's Shield-on the outskirts of Boston same time

Starfire sat with Cyborg in the quiet café. She had an odd feeling; the feeling told her that Robin was not coming. She looked at the clock and tapped her foot impatiently. But she was determined to wait for just a few more minutes. Cyborg looked down at his arm; the digital clock told him that they had been waiting ten minutes. So Rob was a little late, no big deal, but a thought came to him suddenly, he took out the communicator and attached it to his arm and pressed several buttons.

Starfire watched her friend curiously, "what are you doing Cyborg?" "I'm tracing Robin's last transmission." he looked at his arm. Starfire watched on with growing unease. Cyborg paled. "He was right there…" she cocked an eyebrow. "he's still at the circus, I can't believe that he duped US!" he practically screamed the last word and ran out of the restaurant, Starfire flying ahead of him. Behind them they heard the owner of the restaurant yell: "Wait, we'll be with you in a moment!"

"I'll meet you there Cyborg!" Starfire yelled as she sped past her mechanical companion. Cyborg stopped running and hailed a cab. 'I never should have left the T-Car at that damned circus!' the thoughts formed angrily in his mind, "To the Red-Ring Circus. And there's an extra twenty if you get me there in less than five minutes!" The cabbie, not one to argue with a twenty just shrugged and sped off into the night.

The Trailer of Robert Redding

Robert Redding stretched in his comfortable chair, he would soon go to bed, he had been working all day in preparation of the last showRobert's luck seemed to have reached a new high, the Greysons seemed to be his number one way of making money. He pondered for the first time why Richard was there. 'could he have figured it out?' he shook his head, almost laughing at the notion. The man calling himself Darkk Agent was a true professional, he would never reveal Redding to someone like Dick.

Redding was still thinking himself safe when a cold wind ran through the room. Hugging himself he walked over to the window and cursing, slammed it shut. It was the first time he noticed the smoke that was slowly filling the room. Redding panicked, the tried to throw open the window to no avail. But it was not the window's refusal to heed his demands nor the smoke filling the room that made his blood run cold, it was the heartless voice that filled is ears.

"Robert Redding,

Their souls call out,

They call out in pain,

They call out for justice,

They call out for Vengeance!"

Redding breathed heavily, he was as scared as he had ever been in his life. The smoke had filled the entire trailer now, but he found that he was not coughing nor did his eyes sting,

"Robert Redding,

The wings of Death await,

There was a pause-

to carry you to hell!"

Slowly some of the smoke seemed to exit the room, barely reveling a man sitting in the red chair behind Redding's desk, it's back turned to him. Redding's breaths came in short ragged bursts, his eyes fixed on the figure slowly turning around to face him. Redding couldn't see the figure's face, but he could guess.

"Dick? Is that you? What are you talking about? What is this talk of justice and vengeance?" Redding knew that is one and only hope lay in convincing the young man, not beating him, he knew that his greatest weapon was his intelligence. "Let's talk this over, your very upset. Perhaps the performance made you take leave of you senses. I didn't kill your parents; it was a tragic accident-"

"Don't play games with me Redding, you killed them for the insurance. Your motives are not yet completely clear to me, but we both know that you hired Ronald Ziabach to do your dirty work, you cowardly cur!" Redding knew at that terrible moment that hope had flown out the locked window. The voice now came from behind him, "Why? That is all I wish to know. Tell me and your death shall be quick and painless."

Redding was not about to reveal himself for the promise of a quick demise. "if you let me live-" he felt a blade press against the his head, where the spine meets the skull. "Unfortunately for you, you will die, you might as well die with some fucking dignity." he whispered the last two words into Redding's ear. Redding looked down at the floor, "The Circus was…the circus was going under. I needed cash , and I needed it fast. Many people work here lad, and I couldn't just put them out into the-" "I'm not stupid, don't treat me like I am you twit." Starfire listened to this from outside the door. She felt that she could at least give him this.

"Your not but a greedy bastard who was willing to kill his best friend for a chance to be rich!" "YEA, THAT'S RIGHT YOU LITTLE FUCK! I HIRED THAT DAMNED ZIBACH TO OFF YOUR FAMILY!" This would have been enough but he continued, quieter, "But not you. I spared you, I showed decided to show you mercy-" Robin laughed openly in Redding's face. Then it abruptly stopped. All noise was gone from the trailer, so was all the smoke, all that remained was a slender noose. Robert Redding looked in absolute terror upon the instrument of his death.

The noose was made of fine wire, it glistened in the moon light that now bathed the trailer. The noose was at just the right level for him to walk into it. For the first time in years, Robert Redding knew true fear. He had felt untouchable in his seat of power, now he knew that all of his money, his contacts, he knew that they were all useless. Robert Redding knew he was about to die.

He stood there for what seemed like hours, staring at the beautifully deadly loop. It looked so innocent he thought, how could such a fragile thing harm him?

But he did not have time to answer these questions. A gloved hand shoved him roughly forward, Redding gasped for breath, the noose tightening mercilessly around his plump neck. He stood in the center of the room groping at his throat. From across the room Robin watched on grimly. He looked at the wire; it ran through the ceiling and ended next to Robin. "Now you will die," he pulled on the wire causing Redding to wheeze, his face turning a purplish hue, his lungs crying out in pain. "Pass in peace." Redding's eyes rolled to the top of his head, his mouth wide, futilely gasping for precious air.

"Justice is-" the door flew open and a green ball of energy severed the noose from the wire. Redding fell to his knees gasping for breath. Robin's eyes narrowed as he turned to Starfire. "You have no right." Redding crawled over to Starfire and began to beg. "SAVE ME!" he yelled, loud enough to wake the workers in the surrounding trailers. "You have to stop him! He's mad I tell you, stark raving MAD!" he clawed at her leg.

Starfire looked passionlessly on the pitiful example of humanity. She pushed him away from her with a disgusted look on her face. She had pushed him hard into his desk, which he crawled behind, whimpering.

"Robin…" she took a step closer. "Stay back!" he yelled and pulled two Kamas out of his utility belt. for the first time she looked at him. He was wearing a black body suite. His gloves were black and he was wearing a bandana instead of his mask. He still wore his cape and utility belt though. "Robin is no more Star." He looked her in the eye, "Stand aside." She took a deep breath and steadied herself, "Were we on my planet I would gladly do as you say, but here on Earth…" she appeared to struggle with herself, torn between what was right and what she felt was right. "…here on Earth it is considered wrong to kill no matter the reason." Her expression changed from calm to pleading. "Please don't make me fight you!" When his expression did not change she stood straight and raised her arm readying a star bolt.

Redding had quietly taken his revolver from his top drawer and checked the chamber. 'Just my luck, not loaded,' he grabbed a handful of bullets as quietly as he could and loaded the gun. 'Great, just great! First Greyson finds out that I arranged the death of his family, then he tries to kill me, and now an alien shows up! What next?!' his mind screamed.

But another door opened into the office section of the trailer, the small silhouette of Robert's daughter Jenny stood in the door way, transfixed in terror, she saw the woman from the show her hands glowing a bright green facing Mr. Greyson, the nice man who didn't look so nice anymore, but the thing that scared her the most was her father, loading his gun and holding his breath. "Papa?" she looked very scared and desperately clutched her teddy bear. She watched as the woman flew at Robin and she shut her eyes tight, hoping that all this was only a dream.

Robin deftly dodged and lightly countered, not wanting to hurt her only to deter her. His back was now to the desk. Starfire raised her hand green light shimmering. Robin did not like where this was leading, he twirled his Kamas and connected them end to end, the blade on top grew longer and the one on the bottom disappeared completely into the shaft, creating a scythe.

Jenny was not the only one who had been roused by all the commotion, Jacques cautiously peered into the trailer and gasped at the sight before him. Kathy had been walking by and crept silently next to Jacques, her heart fell. There was Dick Greyson, dressed in a strange costume holding a fearsome looking scythe, facing off against a girl with orange skin and green hands. But it was not their appearance that saddened her; it was what Dick said next.

"Leave me my vengeance Star. You at least can understand this." he was not angry, he sounded tired, pleading. "If you truly believe in your heart that I am wrong to take this filth's life, then strike me down." Robin lowered the weapon and spread his arms, closing his eyes he leaned his head forward, praying that she would do the right thing.

Starfire fired. He heard the shot and his heart shattered. The love of his life had betrayed him. He stood waiting for the explosion to wash over him. He waited many moments. Thinking something amiss he opened one of his eyes. She stood in front of him, her arms at her sides. He cocked his head in confusion. He had heard the explosion but felt no pain he looked about himself and then at her. She pointed back. He saw the horrified expression on Redding's wife.

Maratha Redding entered her husband's office just in time to see him take aim at the man in the cape. Before she could cry out her husband had been hit in the face with a green ball that exploded. She rushed to his side; he wasn't dead, just stunned. She looked up and saw the man in the cape walk over towards her. She leaned protectively over his fallen form, "You can't have him!" she cried, he looked at her sadly, she couldn't see his face, but somehow she knew that the figure no longer enjoyed what he must do. But Maratha also knew what she must do. She grabbed the gun and pointed it at the figure, "Stay back!" she sobbed. "Don't. Think of the girl. My vendetta is not with you madam. It is with this filth." She smiled sadly, she slumped her shoulders.

Robin walked over to the fallen, but still conscious form of Robert Redding, he whispered in his ear, "Five minutes ago I would have loved to make you suffer, to make you feel the fear they surely felt as they fell to their fate," he eyes narrowed, "but I'll show mercy," Redding actually smiled, "not for your sake, but for the girl's, I would hate to scar the poor girl for the rest of her life." quickly and quietly he cut Redding's throat and he walked towards the door, putting his scythe away.

"I deserve to die as much as he." they turned and saw Maratha rise holding the gun steady in both hands, "It was my idea to use the insurance to save the circus. 'the show must go on' Mr. Greyson." Robin nodded. He reached into his utility belt and produced a shuriken, but it never flew. Outside the trailer a taxi skidded to a halt and Cyborg leaped out and bounded up the steps pushing Kathy and Jacques aside, just in time to see Starfire kill Maratha Redding.

Robin was just as surprised as all the others. Wide eyed he turned to Starfire. She stood in the center of the room with a grim expression on her face. She lowered her arm to her side and looked back at Robin. "Now your family is avenged. And I am now just as guilty as you my love." He felt tears welling up in his eyes as he walked over to her. "Then come my love, it is time we were off." He kissed her passionately on the lips. Jenny saw this and for the first time ever, felt hatred.

Cyborg was at a loss for words. Two of the best friends he'd ever had were criminals. He wanted to bend over, wanted to vomit. But he stood strait, forcing the bile down through sheer force of will, he walked into the trailer. He looked at them for a long time, "Robin and Starfire." he said in a loud monotone voice, "You are under arrest for the murder of Robert and Maratha Redding, and for the murder of Ronald Ziabach." his arm had transformed into a sonic gun, which he pointed at Robin.

Robin broke the kiss and looked at Cyborg painfully, "I'm afraid I can't do that Cy." Starfire snaked her arm through Robin's, she remained quiet.

Jacques stepped into the trailer. "Dick…" he glanced over at the bodies of his late employers. He was disgusted with them, he agreed that they deserved death but he felt out to young Jenny. With grim determination he walked over towards the couple. "I'm afraid that I can't let you get away with this Dick. Lord knows I agree but two wrongs don't make a right." Robin looked at Jacques and shook his head sadly. "Jacques… it had to be done, they couldn't rest while he lived." Kathy was angry. She stormed into to room and walked up to Robin and slapped him across the face. Starfire was about to hit her back but a black gloved and came up and stopped her.

"Fool." Robin heard Kathy whisper under her breath. "You think they wanted you to become a murderer?" the words hit him like a ton of bricks. Now it was his turn to be angry. "What would you have done if they had killed your Grandfather?" she stood silently. "THE SAME." he told her sternly, and her shoulders slumped in defeat.

As Robin and Starfire turned to leave Jacques grabbed Star's shoulder. Big mistake. With lightning speed Starfire picked up Jacques, much to Jacques surprise. And threw the 320 pound man across the room. The two looked over at Cyborg and began to leave, but a blue beam of energy shot right in front of Robin's face.

"I don't want to fight you Cy." Robin pulled out his Kamas again Starfire looked helplessly on the two of them. Cyborg and Robin stared into each others eyes. But Robin's next action surprised everyone in the room. Robin threw a handful of smoke pellets on the floor and grabbing Starfire's hand ran out the door.

Inside the Trailer Jacques, Cyborg, Kathy and Jenny coughed and stumbled out of the trailer, Jenny being carried by Cyborg. They all looked back at the trailer as it burst into flames. "Mommy! Daddy!" Jenny yelled, she then cried into Cyborg's chest. Cyborg looked down at the little girl in his arms and sighed. He looked around, searching for Robin or Starfire. During his search his communicator went off. He answered, already knowing who it was.

"Cyborg, you are a dear friend but I cannot ignore my heart in this matter. I know that killing is wrong, but it would be a greater injustice if Robin was denied his revenge." He looked down at his communicator, angry with Star, angry that he didn't have her strength to follow his heart. Then Robin's voice came over the communicator, "Cy. I know that this is hard for you but try to understand. I did not enjoy killing them, but I did." Cyborg wanted nothing more than to crush his communicator in his iron grip but he restrained himself. "Starfire and I are leaving the Titans. Good bye Cyborg." It was Cyborg's turn to cry but he quickly composed himself, 'there'll be time for that latter.' he told himself. But his thoughts were interrupted by a small hand tapping him on the leg.

Jenny tapped on the metal man's leg again, trying to get his attention. He looked down at her sadly. "Mister Robot sir, can I go with you?" Cyborg was taken aback by the little girl's eyes, a fierce fire burned brightly in them. "I'll find out." he said as he dialed another number.

Wayne Manner

Bruce Wayne sat in a comfortable chair watching the news, troubling news.

"In sadder news, Dick Greyson, the youngest son of the circus performers Jack and Terry Greyson who were killed in a tragic accident almost eight years ago killed their former employer with the aid of a super powered friend. It would appear that Robert Redding, the owner and manager of the Red-Ring-Circus had arranged the accident with his wife in order to collect the insuran-" Bruce turned the TV off and sat in quiet contemplation. He was trying to decide what to do when Alfred walked into the room with a package wrapped in brown paper.

"Master Bruce, this package just arrived for you from Boston," Bruce walked over and took the package from Alfred gently, "Thank you Alfred, but who do I know in Boston." He opened the package and his heart fell, it was Robin's uniform.

In an abandoned factory several nights after the Redding incident…

Starfire watched the back of her lover as he donned his new identity. She held his new mask in both hands, almost reverently. He had let his hair down, it was about shoulder length and it shined in the evening light. He held out his hand, ready for his mask.

As she moved towards him she remembered what he had said when they had escaped. "Robin, what are we going to do?" he had thought for a moment before answering, "I don't know Star, but I do know that I am Robin no more. I can't disgrace what I used to be." She had been carrying him as they flew away into the starry night, "I am nameless it would appear." "If you have forsaken your name, so shall I.." she had said affectionately. So for the next few days they had called each other Love. She had come up with a new name for herself after only two days, dressed in light red and pink uniform with a mask that resembled that of a ninja, her name was SinFire.

She placed the mask in his hand, and he silently placed the mask on his face. Slowly he turned and faced her. She flinched in fear at first, but then she saw his smile and relaxed. He announced himself. "Call me Deathwing."

End Chapter 5

Dum Dum Dum! OMFG, could it be, Robin and Starfire have forsaken the Titans? What of truth, justice and that elusive last slice of pizza!? Read on to find out.

Sorry for the long wait. I've been busy with school

I hope you like my story so far, the next chapter is called, "On the Wings of Death" I've gone through and fixed some of my errors.