Disclaimer: Forgot to add this the first time I posted this story…bad me! Like most other authors on this site, or so I assume, I do not own Teen Titans. Though I do own a Robin paperweight. Which I love. A lot. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Freedom. A concept we all desire. Countless wars and innumerable deaths have been offered to this god. Freedom. A concept I crave with every molecule of the void I call myself. The countless wars I wage within this abyss and the innumerable deaths I suffer are all for naught. I am a demon and no god will reward my agony. The desire to merely touch the intangible gold threatens the very thread that binds me to this existence on a daily basis. I want to give in even if I become that which I have fought to escape, a harbinger of total destruction. The thought of another day suppressing the emotions each of those surrounding me uses without hesitation is unbearable. Let the shadows consume me. I want freedom. …However… Other chains, stronger chains, tether me to the ground. Not the ground…another bird. A bird who embraces his tortured wings as well. I cannot love but I cannot deny that Robin and I share a bond unlike one I have had before. This bond will either bring about salvation or annihilation but it is too late to go back. The tides of Trigon's, my father's, darkness have been set into motion. If nothing else, I must wait. Wait until the final crest breaks over my azure crown and pray that the god of freedom may one day release me and let me fall… ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "My loyal Slade…" The deep voice of Trigon hissed. "Yes, my master." Came the calm reply. " When the barrier surrounding the portal is shattered you will administer the ultimate stroke of death. I will be free to do as I will and what you lost will be yours once again." " Of course, my master." A single eye narrowed as the shadowed man descended further into the murky recesses of the cavern. A moment passed before a sadistic cackle radiated from the villain, its echoes colliding and collapsing into a frightful symphony. " Oh my lost bird, you will be mine!"