Chapter Ten: The Journey Home

Red X disappeared after the murder. The body was found in the warehouse the next day(the police had received an 'anonymous' call from a teenage girl)and they also found the several bird-a-rangs lying all around the scene. Days later, Robin made his return...in a wheelchair. He told everybody who Jericho was, and how "he had been forced to kill him in an act of self-defense." Everyone believed Robin had killed Jericho in a vicious battle where he was crippled. No one knew how long Robin had really suffered, how long Jericho had actually been out there, who had really killed Jericho. No one but Dr. Whitmore, though she promised she wouldn't say a word. Robin had already begun regaining the faith of his city. Now came the next part of his mission.

Not a day later, Robin was knocking on the door to his own room in Titans Tower.

"Hello?"he called, knocking again.

"Get out of here!"Red X's voice, sick, tired and weary, called back. He wasn't well, Robin knew it just from those four words.

"It's me, Ro-uh, Richard. Richard Grayson,"he called. He decided not to bring up the whole 'Robin' thing, in case of triggering another mental breakdown. There were footsteps, and the door slowly opened.

Red X stood there, thin, pale and gaunt. His eyes were blood shot, hair a mess, costume wrinkled and disheveled. He hadn't left the tower since the incident. He was scared. He was out of his mind. Robin offered a gentle smile.

"Can we talk?"he asked.

"You! This is my team, get out of here!"Red X blurted out quickly.

"That's not what I came here to talk about,"Robin replied softly, but sternly. Red X stared at him. He was exhausted. He was distraught. He couldn't fight back. So he stepped aside, letting Robin into the room. Robin wheeled his way in, and Red X followed, sitting down on the bed.

"Red X...what's your name?"Robin began.

"My name is Red X,"Red X replied, confused.

"No. Your real name. Who are you behind that disguise? Where did you come from? Why are you doing this?"Robin continued.

"I...my name is Jason. Jason Todd. I used to live in Gotham City. My mom died when I was little. My dad was a thief...that's how I started this. When he was killed, I came here. That's when I saw the Teen Titans. I admired you, y'know. That's why I stole Red X. I wanted an identity too. I wanted to be someone. I wanted to be a hero...but I couldn't stop stealing. And there were so many more opportunities once I had the identity of Red X. I could get so much more...I lost it. Too much power, too much control...it makes me insane. I can't handle it. I can't be kept level, I can't deal. I flip out, I get desperate. I get paranoid that the world is just out to take away all my power. I have problems, I know that. I shouldn't have taken this job, I knew I would lose it again, but you seemed so desperate, like you really needed me. I got too overbearing, I got too involved, I lost control again...more than ever this time. I killed a man. I didn't mean to, honestly! It was just...that drive, the power...I went insane, I couldn't stop myself! I don't see how you can even sit here before her like this after everything I've done. I'll never forgive myself."Robin stared at Red X. He was human. Sometimes he seemed to forget that. But he was just a teen, only about a year older than Robin himself. He had issues, and he deserved help for them.

"Jason, I think I have someone who can help you,"he said. Red X looked up.

"Who?"he asked.

"Go to Bruce Wayne. He lives at Wayne Manor in Gotham City. Tell him Dick sent you... then tell him your story. He'll work with you, and he'll make sure you don't get too much power. You'll learn to work as a team with him, trust me,"Robin explained. Red X stared at Robin for a long time, trying to decide if he was kidding, if this was some kind of trick.

"Why are you helping me?"he asked.

"Everyone deserves a second chance,"Robin replied. Red X looked at him gratefully.

"I...I'll never forget this. Thanks...Robin,"he said, finally giving up the title to its rightful owner. "I hope...I hope the Titans give you your second chance."Robin grinned, nodding.

"Thanks. Good luck, Jason,"he said.

"Is he gone?"Raven, Beast Boy and Starfire were waiting outside the tower when Robin came out.

"He's leaving now. Going to Gotham,"Robin explained.

"Oh, are you sending him to--"Starfire began.

"Yeah. He can help him,"Robin replied.

"I still think he deserves to go to jail,"Beast Boy grumbled.

"No. He needs help. Batman can help him more than a prison cell could,"Robin said.

"And you are sure this is...safe?"Starfire asked.

"No. I'm not sure. But we can all take chances,"Robin said. The others all nodded, understanding what he meant.

"Sometimes we take bigger chances than we should."They all turned to see Red X. He was dressed in normal clothes, no costume, no masks...the Titans finally could see what he really looked like. He was very pale and sickly, his dark hair making him look paler. His eyes were haunting and empty, and his lips curled down, incapable of a smile.

"I just wanted to--"he began. Raven turned away from him.

"There's nothing for you to say. Just go,"she ordered. Red X looked at the others. Starfire and Beast Boy each looked in another direction. Red X nodded solemnly.

"Just go,"Raven repeated sternly. And Red X turned, walking away from Titans Tower.

"Do you think that was a little--"Robin started.

"No,"Raven replied bluntly. She was hurt. All the Titans were hurt. Robin was prepared for that.

"Right,"Robin said, nodding. "So, are you guys ready to go home?"The Titans all turned to Robin, looks of relief beginning to spread on their faces.

"Very much,"Starfire said. So they all walked into Titans Tower together.

That evening, there was a knock on their door.

"It's probably investigators or something, coming to question us about the killing. I'll get it,"Robin offered. The Titans had managed to add a few ramps to some entrances, and they always had their elevator, so it was easier for Robin to get from place to place.

Robin opened the door, and looked up in shock when he saw who it was.

"Hey."

"...Cyborg?"Robin said, as if convincing himself that it was true.

"Yeah. I...heard you were back. Came to see how you were,"Cyborg grunted. He didn't sound the same. He was more hurt than any of the others right now.

"Thanks,"Robin replied. There was a pause. Robin took a deep breath. "Cyborg, there's so much I need to say to you--"

"I know. But I'm...not ready yet. I'm not ready for this. I'm...not ready to come back," Cyborg said. Robin nodded sadly.

"Right..."he said, though he didn't agree at all. He wanted Cyborg back, he wanted to talk to him, to apologize, to make everything better. But he had to respect Cyborg's decision.

"I will come back though. Just not yet. I need some time,"Cyborg assured him. Robin offered a small smile.

"We'll be waiting for you, Cyborg,"he said. Cyborg grinned back.

"Thanks, man."And he turned, walking off. Robin grinned to himself. Cyborg had said 'man' again. He was beginning to forgive him.

That night, Robin was sitting on the roof, looking out at the city. It was so big...and it all needed to be protected. How could he have put someone so reckless, someone who he hardly even knew, someone so dangerous, in charge of this beautiful city? How could he risk everything like that? How could he forgive himself for what he had done? The others may be able to forgive him over time, but when could he forgive himself?

"Robin?"Robin turned when he heard Starfire's voice. She looked scared...and sad.

"Oh, hey Starfire. Is something wrong?"he asked. Starfire shook her head as she walked over to him carefully.

"No...I just wanted to come check on you. How are you feeling?"she asked.

"Pretty good. I'm still getting used to the whole wheelchair thing, but I think I'm getting the hang of it. It took a lot of coaxing to get Dr. Whitmore to let me come back here instead of going into rehab. I'm not even really supposed to be in a wheelchair yet,"Robin explained.

"Perhaps you should return to the hospital, then?"Starfire suggested.

"Nah, I'll be fine,"Robin assured her. Starfire sat down next to Robin, also looking out across the city. The wind was blowing her hair back, and Robin could see the look of deep sadness in her eyes.

"Starfire...something's wrong. Tell me what it is,"Robin said softly. Starfire looked up at Robin, and he could see small tears forming in her eyes.

"Robin...you left us alone. It was...it was frightening without you,"she said sadly.

"Starfire, I know. And I'm sorry. I wish none of this had ever happened. If I could go back in time--"Starfire took Robin's hand, looking into his eyes.

"I know you cannot promise that you will never be injured again. I know that you will always make mistakes. But may you please promise me one thing?"she asked.

"Of course, Starfire. Anything,"he said.

"Will you promise that you will always come back to me?"Starfire asked. Robin smiled at her, squeezing her hand tighter.

"I will always come back to you, Starfire,"he promised. Starfire's eyes welled with tears, and she hugged Robin tightly.

"Robin...I forgive you,"she whispered in his ear. Robin hugged her back, smiling to himself. It's never quite so hard to forgive yourself, when you always have the forgiveness of others around you.

THE END

I hope you guys enjoyed the ending of this story! I really appreciate you all reading and reviewing this. Thanks!