Chapter 5- Friends and Foes
"BOOYAH," Cyborg yelled blasting Plasmus with his sonic cannon.
Plasmus was shot back and thrown to the wall with a loud CRASH, shaking the ground as he made contact with the hard cement. Plasmus slide off the structure and fell to his knees, but quickly got up and peered down at Cyborg with angry eyes. He took in a deep breathe and spat acid at Cyborg in retaliation, missing him by mere inches. Cyborg turned to face the steaming hole behind him giving off a raw bitter smell while the acerbic substance ate its' way through concrete and steal. Plasmus shot more globs at him this time in rapid succession, but as Cyborg ran for cover, another one unexpectedly came in his way. He stopped just in time to miss the last attack when suddenly another glob came at him much to his surprise. He stood there in horror when he turned to see the oozing green substance heading right for him almost in slow motion. Cyborg closed his eyes and looked away not wishing to see death coming his way. He paused, nothing had happened, he opened his eyes to see the acid smeared across one of Raven's black force fields and let out a sigh of relief. Cyborg grinned at Plasmus and Plasmus turned to face Raven, floating off to the side above them. A look of horror came across Plasmus' face when he noticed Raven starring at him with glowing white eyes, angered by his attempt in hurting her friend.
"Azerath, Metrion, ZINTHOS," yelled Raven as she sent two huge chunks of prison wall hurling towards Plasmus.
Plasmus was struck with incredible force, as one of the pieces hit him in the face and the other in the chest toppling him to the ground. Dazed and unstable, Plasmus tried getting up but was struck from behind by a heavy tail from Beast Boy in the form of a stegosaurs. He flew forward sliding and scrapping his face into the ground before being stopped by another one of the prison walls. The wall collapsed on him, and the four Titans gathered around waiting for the smoke to clear unsure of whether or not their enemy had been defeated. Plasmus lie there under the ruble with his face in the dirt; he quickly burst through the debris and returned to the Titans with an angry ROAR. The four stood there amazed as to how he withstood their attacks as Plasmus poised himself preparing to charge. Starfire drifted to the front of the group and came face to face with her opponent, her eyes glowing green with frustration.
"Pleasant, Borbalogs," said Starfire in an angry voice as green auras of energy began forming in her hands.
She let out a battle cry and hurled starbolt after starbolt at him in a vicious frenzy, causing shrapnel and bits of Plasmus to go flying into the air. She stopped her offense and landed in front of the others, not letting her guard down and still poised for battle. The smokescreen covering Plasmus slowly settled and revealed a half-naked man asleep on the ground, snoring away as if nothing had just happened to him. They all looked at each other and sighed, relieved that their adversary was down for the count.
Shortly there-after, the authorities came and collected the last few escapees and hauled them off to another local prison while a containment team came and placed the sleeping man in another test tube and sent him off as well. The Titans stood there grouped together surveying the damage they and Plasmus had just created.
"So I…guess that's it then," Beast Boy said grinning at his friends delighted at their victory.
"Yeah but, what caused Plasmus to go all hay-wire like that though," Cyborg asked turning to his friends.
"What do you mean," asked Raven.
"Well, normally he doesn't just…wake up on his own, the seal has to be broken on his tank for him to awaken and turn into Plasmus.
They paused.
"So, what's your point Cy," Beast Boy asked looking up at him.
"My point is someone would have had to have gone in and opened up the tank inside his cell; but the guards said they didn't see anyone enter on the surveillance tapes." Cyborg inquired. "So who or what woke Plasmus up?"
There was a moment of brief silence amongst the Titans before Beast Boy looked at Cyborg with a lame stare and said, "Eh,' who cares."
"Yeah who cares," Cyborg agreed returning the same look. "Let's get out of here."
"Let's," Starfire said. "I am feeling the worry for our friend back home."
The Titans began leaving the scene when Starfire, floating in mid-air, stopped with a questionable look on her face. She looked around at her surroundings unsure of what even she was in search of. Someone was watching them, she could feel it; some unknown presence was among all the wreckage examining every step they took. This feeling compelled Starfire to scan the watch tower far above her which remained relatively unscathed during the battle. She thought she saw what looked like a dark figure standing there in the tower before it suddenly vanished into thin air. She paused, her eyes fixed on the structure, waiting for the presence to return but it did not. She thought to herself, "it looked like a person, perhaps a man…maybe it was one of the prison guards and they decided to finally go home." She put these thoughts off in the back of her head and caught up with the rest of the Titans and headed home.
--
"Greetings Robin, for your friends have returned from—" Starfire paused and looked around before she made her way into the living room surprised to find their friend Robin missing. "Where is Robin," she asked.
"He's probably laying down in Sick Bay Star," Cyborg said. "Leave him be."
The others started making themselves comfortable in the living room when Starfire left to go find Robin.
"Robin," she whispered as she slowly crept into sick bay. "Robin we have—" Robin wasn't there. Somewhat stunned by this, she went to his room and quietly knocked on the door. "Robin," she called softly. "Robin I wish to see you, may I enter? EEK!"
She was startled by the door as it opened unexpectedly before her, revealing a dark empty room with files and papers scattered everywhere. She looked inside momentarily before concluding that Robin was not here either then went back to join the others. She entered the living room to the sounds and noises of Cyborg cooking dinner and Beast Boy playing one of his games.
"I've gone in search of our friend Robin," said Starfire gazing at the others. "He is not in his room nor the bay that is sick. I am unable to locate him."
Cyborg stirred the food around in the pan with a look of contempt on his face as if in deep thought about something. He turned to face his friends and said, "I never reactivated the quarantine protocol before we left…"
Beast Boy stopped paying attention to his game and gave Cyborg a lame stare. "Now you've really done it this time," he said glaring at Cyborg.
"Done what," Robin asked as he entered the room patting his face with a towel.
"ROBIN," Starfire said making her way over to him, happy to have finally found her friend.
"What chu been up to man," asked Cyborg as he went back to cooking.
"Nothing much," he said. "I worked out in the gym for a while, and now I just got out of the shower."
Everyone in the room looked angrily at Robin.
"What," he asked looking around at everyone starring at him.
"Robin, I told you, you need to take it easy for a while until you get over this thing you got," said Cyborg in a harsh tone.
"I know, I know," Robin said. "But I need to get myself back in shape if I'm gonna be able to join you the next time we get a call."
"Well Robin you won't be able to—"Cyborg paused, as if rewinding what Robin had said back in his head. "…what makes you think you're gonna be going out anytime soon?"
Robin smiled. "I'd like to talk to you guys about something when we eat tonight, we need to have a group meeting," Robin said looking at everyone. "I've come across something, or rather…someone, and we need to discuss it."
"Glorious," Starfire declared. "I can not wait for you to share what you have found."
"So Cyborg," Robin said taking in the sweet aroma of food cooking in the air. "What's for dinner tonight?"
Cyborg looked at him suspiciously with a raised eyebrow. "Fajitas," he said looking back down at the pan.
"Sounds good," said Robin.
Cyborg contemplated what Robin was talking about, he seemed…unnaturally relaxed and at ease. Who was this "someone or something he came across," and what did it have to do with him and the rest of the team? Cyborg evaluated this for a long time while he finished cooking the fajitas. Robin went over and sat next to Beast Boy on the couch while he played his game and Starfire sat at the table and watched Cyborg finish dinner.
Beast Boy glanced over at Robin, sitting there gleefully with a smile across his face observing him play. Beast Boy found this odd compared to his usual "serious and more uptight" kind of mood that he normally was in, but Beast Boy didn't think much of it and continued playing his game.
"Dinner's ready," Cyborg called to the others.
Everyone got up and hastily went over to the table, anxious for Cyborg's fresh home cooked meal. Beast Boy nearly fainted when he saw that the fajitas were consisted mostly of beef, so he prepared himself another one that was…more omnivorous by his standards. They all sat down and began consuming their meals.
"So Robin," Beast Boy asked shoving food in his mouth. "What was so important that you needed to tell us about that couldn't wait till after dinner?"
Robin swallowed a chunk of steak and said, "I've met someone recently and I think he can help us out immensely in stopping crimes before they happen."
Raven paused, whipping her mouth with a napkin. "Oh really," she said. "Who?"
"His name's Deathstroke," Robin said before taking another bite out of his fajita.
The rest of the Titans stopped chewing and looked awestruck at Robin. Robin didn't notice that they weren't eating and starring at him until he looked up from his plate with a mouth full of food. He gazed at his friends, curious as to why they were looking at him so strangely.
"You met someone named Deathstroke," Cyborg finally asked after swallowing the food in his mouth.
"Y—eah," Robin confirmed.
"Please Robin," said Starfire. "This friend of yours, this Deathstroke, who is he?"
"And what kinda name is Deathstroke anyway," Raven asked putting food in her mouth again.
"I don't know," he said. "But he says he wants to help us out. I talked to him for a little while, while you guys were gone today."
"And what did he say," asked Beast Boy.
"He just told me that his name was Deathstroke and that next time we meet, he'll have another lead for us," said Robin taking a sip of his drink.
"Robin," said Cyborg. "Maybe it isn't such a good idea that you're talkin' to this guy. I mean, you don't know who he is or what he could be tryin' to do to ya."
"Well the thing is Cyborg," Robin said looking across the table at him. "I think he's…really trying to help us out."
"Why—"Raven asked looking at him with uncertainty.
"Well, ya know that jail break you guys stopped today," Robin said looking down at his plate. "Well he…kinda told me about it last night."
Beast Boy spit his drink across the table in amazement. "WHAT; AND YOU DIDN'T TELL US ABOUT IT!?!"
"Well, I didn't exactly know him like I do now," said Robin with a fake smile. "And besides what if—"he was interrupted by the sound of the T.V. coming on from across the room as it displayed a black screen with a blinking green square.
Everyone at the table froze in horror, fixed in their positions to see that the monitor now read:
"Robin, are you there?"
They all looked over at Robin who was still gazing at the screen. He got up and went over to the couch and looked for the controller Beast Boy was playing with earlier. Everyone else broke away from the table and joined Robin in the living room gathered around their big screen.
"Yes I'm here," Robin's writing displayed.
"Good," wrote Deathstroke. "I have more information for you."
Robin paused and looked around at his friends, unsure if they wanted him to answer or not.
"Go ahead," he finally decided to write.
There was a brief moment before Deathstroke finally responded.
"Red X"
"12:00 A.M."
"Wednesday."
Robin paused, waiting for more information. "Where," he wrote.
"The Museum of Natural Beauty," it read.
"Alright team, we've got our next lead. Cyborg I want you to—"Robin was cut off by Cyborg.
"Ah, Robin," he said pointing to the screen.
Robin turned to face the monitor.
"I hope you find this most useful, and until we meet again," said Deathstroke.
"Wait," Robin abruptly wrote.
There was a long lapse while the Titans stood there waiting for an answer. It seemed like an eternity had passed before Deathstroke finally responded. "What is it Robin?"
"I want to know who you REALLY are," Robin typed.
"Robin," the screen read. "If you wish to continue this…relationship, I would prefer it if you didn't ask me questions." There was a pause, "Until next time."
"No wait," Robin yelled out trying to type something, but the screen went out.
Robin turned to friends, still standing in their positions contemplating what just took place in front of them.
"Alright team," Robin said. "We've got a lead on Red X, and I want us to be ready for him this time around."
"Robin," Starfire asked. "Are you certain of this?"
"I'm certain," he said in a confident voice. "Tomorrow I want us to come up with a game plan on how we're gonna take him down. In the mean time…I'm gonna hit the sack."
Robin made his way to the door and went off to his room while the rest of the team went about their business as they normally did on a Sunday night. Beast Boy and Cyborg assessed Robin's conversation while they played video games together, and Raven went to her room to meditate for the rest of the night. Starfire, however, went to the roof where she sat there for several hours reflecting on who Deathstroke was and why he was so interested in Robin.
--
The next morning Robin woke to the sound of the doorbells ringing downstairs. He didn't feel as though he had much of a fever anymore and he felt his strength slowly returning to him. He lay there in his bed for a few moments waiting for someone to answer the door, but instead heard another ring. Moaning, he got out of bed and put his uniform on and slowly headed for the lower level of the tower. He yawned before finally opening the huge doors to the tower and was met by a scrawny young man who looked as though he had just got out of high school. He wore a pair of very small brown shorts that rode half-way up his thighs and a tight brown shirt that had "UPS" on the front pocket accompanied by the name "Baylor."
"Can I help you," Robin asked.
"I have a delivery for a—"the man paused and flipped a page on his clipboard, scanning it from left to right. "…A Robin."
"That's me," Robin said yawning again.
The UPS guy handed him the package along with the clipboard. "Sign here please," he said pointing to a blank line.
Robin signed the document and held the package under his arm. "Thank you," he said curious as to who sent him a package.
"Thanks. Have a good one," the UPS guy said heading back to his boat.
Robin examined the package in his hands noticing how slightly heavy it was for such a small box. He went upstairs and entered the empty living-room where he reached into his utility belt to find something to open the box with. He stopped to check and see where it was from or who sent it, but there was no return address posted anywhere, and continued opening it. He froze, as the lights in the living room caused something inside the package to cast a reflection onto Robin's face. He held the package in one of his hands and slowly moved the tabs aside revealing what was inside.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Robin screamed, a look of terror came across his face and he fell down the small pair of steps leading into the living room. He landed on his back, but quickly sat up and moved away from the contents that started to roll across the floor towards him. He pinned himself against the couch as it came closer and closer until it finally spun to its side like a fallen dinner plate landing just a few feet away from him. Robin lie there motionlessly trying to catch his breath as he vigilantly kept his eyes on Slade's mask resting lifelessly on the floor in front of him.
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A/N:
Hehehehehe, I enjoyed writing that last part right there, it's too bad I wasn't there to see the looks on all your faces when you read it. SO!?! WERE YOU GUY'S SHOCKED, WERE YOU SURPRISED….or did you see it comin? But anyway, from what I've read in my reviews it seems like I'm pulling everyone in, yes? I told you things would start heating up soon and I know you all want more, MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! The only thing is though, that this wasn't the way I intended on ending this chapter so the title in a sense has nothing to do with the chapter. I was gonna end it with the way I'll have to end the next chapter but when I got to the part where Robin is sent Slade's masks I was like, "hmmm…if I went on with this, it would lose a certain…something, but if I ended it now, it would pull the readers into the story more." So I decided to end it now, but it's cool cause that means I'll have more room for the action scenes and drama in the next chapter. Thanks for all the reviews guys, and I may start a trend of updating every 2-4 days if I can, that way I'm done with the next chapter before I post another one. So I'll be at least a chapter ahead of my postings and I can deliver a constant flow of reading to you all. I know this isn't my style but I thought I'd give you a little preview of what's coming up next. Well here it goes…
A run-in with Red X creates tensions between two fellow Titans, while Cyborg may have uncovered the identity of Deathstroke! Crime is at an unnatural high and criminals seem to be mindlessly stealing and reeking havoc on the city with the intent of drawing out the Titans. Next Chapter: "Mixed Signals." What's really going down in Jump City?
VegetaPrinceofDarkness- I'm not gonna mention what the connection is between Slade and Deathstroke (if there is one), but the only way for you to find out is to read on. I promise you, you won't be disappointed. You may THINK you have it figured out, but I will toy with your mind like a brain surgeon, MUAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA! Thanks for reviewin' though, and check back soon.
KaliAnn- I'm glad you're enjoying this so far, and I hope you liked this chapter and the next one to come. Thanks for reviewin'
Infamous One- I was wondering what happened to you, but anyway, who ever said anything about Slade being Deathstroke (gives evil grin)? For all you know, Deathstroke could be just some punk kid (gives another evil grin). Before you jump to any conclusions I suggest you read on and let my story flow, trust me, you'll be surprised at the end. Thanks for reviewin.'
Aries-Raven- I AGREE! Everyone should have a pair of rubber-ducky boxers!!! LOL, anyway I'm very happy that you like my story and I hope I'll still have ya after these next two chapters…I'll be honest…it's gonna get a little….mushy…(gives evil grin) but that doesn't mean anything BAD WON'T HAPPEN, MUAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAH!!!
Van Gordan- I'm happy you liked this chapter, I was seriously wondering what you were gonna think when I didn't have much action in it….well this one didn't have much either but I need these kind of chapters to develop everything and everyone. I was kinda thinking when I wrote this chapter that introducing Deathstroke via online or something like that would be kinda cheesy but I figured it would create more mystery and suspense in the story and keep everyone on the edge of their seats. I love making my audience think and I feel that this will turn out to be a great story when I'm done. Thanks for the review.
