Whoa. In my personal opinion this chapter is a miracle...it might not be good, but it was literally exhausting. Sorta like trying to squeeze your brain juice out through your ears...hehehe sorry for that nasty image. -cough cough- Enough rambling. This was written while listening to The All-American Rejects' new cd Move Along, the song It Ends Tonight in particular. I highly recommend it to all you guys out there. Cold, by Crossfade also deserves your attention.

Inuyasha's Lady: Believe it or not, this was asap. I take it you like the story...?

They Call Me Sweetsnow: Yes, but mean doesn't do his atrocities justice. Thank you.

Tifereth: Um...I would love to tell you right now that this chapter will take away the cold feeling and sick stomach...but my mother taught me not to lie. Thank you, I'm speechless myself that you liked it that much.

Cherry Jade: I base his behavior on certain episodes such as Divide and Conquer, Wavelength, Winner Take All, Titans East, Overdrive, etc. Thank you.

Child of a Pineapple: Thank you...and I just have to ask. What's the story behind your penname?

Umbro Draco: Yes, it certainly does. But I will survive. I'm sure that particular analogy has been used before, but the words were mine. Raven was holding herself at the ready to create the shield, the alarm startled her, so her magic went of target, therefore hitting the bookcase. Thanks.

jambey: Well, it killed me too, so yes I would have to say that was the affect I was shooting for. Apparently not -mutters angrily-. Thanks, I'm glad you like it. LOL nope, they aren't trained by Slade...unless of course Slade trains himself...on second thought, he is trained by Slade. -smiles furtively- Dito. This was as soon as possible...this chapter really took a lot out of me.

CelticHeiressFiona: Thanks.

otakualways: Yes it is indeed sad; drama, you bet; fluff? ...Perhaps I don't understand the definition of fluff. Ponderous...

I am Terra: Hello Terra. I'm sorry I made you cry...but then, that was my plan...hmm. Well I'm sorry anyway. Thank you very much.

Mina: LOL it certainly was...but nothing compared to part 3! -calms self- As you said, save it for the emails. Yes, that actually sums it up fairly well and that's how I explained it to my mom...she's my unoffical editor, at least for this story. LOL nope, he is incredibly persistant, like one of those nasty flu bugs...No prob, I understand. Yay, indeed! Yeah...we need to update that, but Rusty's never online...-sigh- Thanks!

Angel Caida: Thanks!

Kamakazi Ninfa: Um...no, not directly...-calls lawyer- lol. I apologize for making you cry, although that was my intention...No comment. Thanks, I'm really glad you like the story!

Digital. One Piece.: Yes indeed, your review was a pleasant surprise. I can't go into great detail simply because it would cover a good two years of Slade's grand plan and mind manipulation methods, but Robin has every right to be weak. I'm glad. Silly? ...That is one word that I didn't anticipate a reviewer using to describe it, but ok. Yes, that is my theory for Cyborg's behavior. LOL what can I say? I have a special talent for such things.

basketcase101: You sound like Robin. I'm amazed it affected you like that...and I can't help but feel bad...even though it was supposed to do it...sorry for the long wait, but I was writing as fast as I could. Really glad you like it.

Mystyre: LOL be careful what you wish for... Did you honestly think that Robin could just mend things with Raven and all would be better? Slade is not so easily defeated. I've seen all of it, and it was incredible. Loved it, so much Rae/Rob that it had me giggling and squealing like a girly-girl :S ...Just how flexible is your heart? I wish I could have a nap right now...nineteen pages to type up O.O Well off I go, onward ho.

Dannonspring: LOL whoa...now wouldn't that be picture-perfect? Hmm...good question. Crying in her room. Thank you, and this, amazingly enough, was soon.

Child of Blood: You know me, angst is just my thing.

Aurora Mikayla: LOL totally wicked works just fine for me. Thank you, and it's always a pleasure to meet a fellow Rae/Rob shipper. Wait no more.

CuTtEr.WiTh.A.cAuSe: Did you know your name is a beast to type? LOL darn, that would have been an experience, eh? No prob.

fallendreamz: This was soon...and I nearly gave myself brain damage doing it.

Scarredbyshallowness: Thank you. Well, good, because it is meant to be "out there". Glad you like it. Intense in what way? No problem, sorry it took a while but I was writing my butt off...I even set down Harry Potter to write this.

Insaneiac The Maniac: chap 1: LOL honestly, the only thing BB had against him was getting attacked...I know how he feels. When my best friend slapped me, it sorta made everything different. LOL yeah, I can't believe it either. Thanks...I was hoping it wouldn't detract. Yes, it was definitely supposed to be dark...and it sure was hard enough, so perfect would be great lol. I devote quite a bit of my time and energy into figuring out Robin...so I pride myself on keeping him in character, or in the "in character" that I think is in character...anywho. LOL no problem, and if you really want to be attacked...-summons demon furbies from the depths below- That should do it. I'm glad you read it too and quite happy to hear from you. chap 2: A medal eh? Hmmm...I think you just might get your second wish. Cyborg has basically bullied BB into doing whatever he says, and Beast Boy being the loyal friend (to the wrong person...but loyal all the same) doesn't want to stand up to him. Amazingly enough, I reached my limit. Did you honestly think Slade would let me not bring him back in? LOL oh yes, terribly familiar. Thanks. I liked that line myself. Yes, and the third part made it even more obvious! We just forsaw it...lol. Thank you, and stop kicking yourself please. All that matters is that you're here now. O.O Scarecrow mask? -crosses fingers in front of face- BACK, YE DEMON! BACK I SAY! Lol thanks for the review, it meant a lot.

strwbrrydaquiri: Thank you!

Italics is anything from thought to memory to...ugh just figure it out cuz I don't have the energy.

Stunned silence hung over them, the "apprentice" in question paralyzed with horror. All eyes were fixed on Slade, it being hard to ignore the elephant in the living room, so to speak.

"Apprentice, come. I have a job for you." Slade remained still, hands held behind his back as though giving Robin a chance to come of his own free will. That chance was swiftly ticking away, however.

No. Please no. Anything but this, please! Robin's eyes were wide, fear leaving him completely unable to breath, though his body screamed for oxygen. He knew from experience exactly how this would end; hoplessness dragged him under, just when he had finally glimpsed sunlight again.

Raven glared coldly at Slade, never taking her eyes off him as she sank to her knees beside Robin, one hand finding his and squeezing it protectively. She was trying to help...but somehow the gesture made everything worse.

"I am growing impatient," hissed Slade, eye narrowed in a cold glare that sent a shiver through the Titans.

Beast Boy darted a nervous glance at Cyborg, but the hybrid made no move to attack. He was waiting, eye narrowed, body as tense as a coiled spring, the cogs turning in his mechanical brain. He tilted his head ever so slightly towards the changeling, signaling him to hold fire until he gave the word. A worried frown darkened Beast Boy's forest green eyes, but he stepped back all the same, glancing uncertainly at Robin. The question in all of their minds was simply this: What would he do?

People say
"Do the right thing"
As though it's as easy
As breathing

"Robin!" Slade snapped, his ability to project his voice making a shout unecessary. The message came across loud and clear without any emotion on his part.

Richard didn't dare correct his master; names were the last thing on his mind right now. He could feel Raven beside him, hear the slight rustle of her cloak as she moved restlessly, eager to attack. If it wasn't for Raven, he would still be in the basement, locked away and forgotten. If it wasn't for Raven, he would be dead right now. Raven gave him so much, none of it in the least bit deserved. He betrayed her, she loved him. He stabbed her in the back, she protected him. After everything she had done, how could he turn around and throw it all away? How could he go back to Slade?

Slade's eye roamed coldly around the group, finally coming to rest on Raven. "Unbelievable. You aren't seriously considering staying with them? By the looks of things, you're far from welcome, my boy."

Robin didn't have the strength to face them, but he could feel the frigid stares of confusion and pain. Half of him hoped that maybe Starfire, who had recently joined the twisted gathering, might say something, anything to show him that it wasn't true...but the majority of his brain knew that it was. How could he have anything but enemies here?

Raven's grip on his hand became almost painful, and he could feel her voice whispering in his mind; so many words, all completely drowned out by his master's poisonous tones. He could feel himself giving in, feel his resolution dying like a candle flame in the midst of a howling tempest. Slade could not be fought, Robin could not win. What was there to say?

When in reality
Nothing could ever be harder

"You're a fish out of water here, my dear apprentice. There is no place for you among heroes. They would kill you, if their idiotic 'morals' didn't get in the way. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong." Slade smirked behind the mask as Robin blanched, not a word escaping his mouth. He didn't have to speak; doubt was written all over his face.

"Liar!"

Almost every eye turned on Raven, her outburst shattering the spell hanging thick around them. Robin's eyes were locked on Slade, though it was clearly painful for him, but he tensed at her words, flinching at the thought of what would have happened to him, had he ever called his master such a name. Fear clenched his empty stomach as he realized that he couldn't stop Slade if he wanted to hurt Raven. There had to be something he could do to protect her...

Slade turned his head slowly, a glint of amusement in his gray eye. "Is that so? I hate to disappoint you, my dear, sweet Raven, but there is only one liar in this room: that individual you are so desperately clinging to."

Robin shrank away from her touch, shame burning him up inside, though he remained ghostly pale. Slade's smile widened. That's right, Robin. Reject her, push her away, seal off the last exit. Good boy.

A few slow, deliberate steps forward closed the distance between them, Slade towering over the pair with a presence that would make the strongest of men shiver. "Let me guess. He told you that he was sorry, that he didn't mean it, that he wanted to 'reform'? He played the perfect part of dejected dog; pathetic, pitiful, hopless? And you lapped up his act, just as he intended you to. Am I right, dear girl?" The last words were no more than a whisper, dripping with venom as Raven's eyes widened ever so slightly and Robin shook with some extreme cold, hunched against the wall and staring at his master with something close to disbelief.

Satisfied with his handiwork, Slade reached out and clamped an iron fist around Robin's upper arm, jerking him to his feet. With a cold glance for all of them, he droned, "You really should be thanking me for taking him off your hands. I'm sure your time and energy could be much better occupied; video games, perhaps? Say goodbye, Robin." With that, Slade half-lifted him down the hallway, and his apprentice made no attempt to fight. As though he could. Resistance was futile.

You ache
You grieve
You weep
Is it worth it?

Cyborg was through waiting. "NOW!"

All four Titans released attacks at the command...they differed only in their target.

Beast Boy, Starfire, and Cyborg blinked in shock as their blows ricocheted off the shimmering black surface. Watching Slade and Robin disappear behind the protective shield, a roar of frustration burst from the half-robot as he whirled on the empath. "What the heck are you doing!"

Raven remained completely silent, gaze empty and unaffected. The shield remained intact.

"Friend Raven, do you not wish to stop Slade?"

"We gotta catch him, Raven! Take down the shield before it's too late!"

Cyborg slammed a fist into the shield with as much force as his mechanical body could command, making Raven wince slightly. "Robin's getting away!"

A stunned silence settled over Starfire and Beast Boy at his sudden outburst. The alien's eyes grew wide with understanding, while the changeling was shocked into growing some spine. "Robin? What do you mean 'Robin'? Slade's the reason Robin became what he is! Why is this all about Robin for you!"

Cyborg glared, he huffed, he growled, but the shield remained, and no words came to answer Beast Boy's question. Feeling trapped, he did the thing he was used to by now: intimidated and insulted. "Well, there you go, Raven! You just aided a criminal in escaping justice! I hope you're happy, cuz what you did is unforgivable. Hey, here's a thought! Why don't you go join him, since you seem to love him so much! I'm sure Slade has room for two!" The hybrid expected an attack...but not from him.

Beast Boy's eyes burned with fury as he drew himself up to his full height (which didn't seem all that short anymore), fists clenched and shaking. "You insensitive JERK! Why the heck did I ever listen to you! You're just a self-absorbed, egotistical FREAK!"

Ringing silence fell as Cyborg's surprise turned to anger, and anger melted into robotic indifference. After what seemed an eternity, he turned and walked stiffly away, the door sliding shut behind him. The shield slowly dissipated, and Raven stared at the panting changeling with wide eyes. She had never seen him that angry before...and there was still the fact that he defended her...

Tears welled up in Starfire's eyes as she stared at her broken team, her broken friends. "Oh Robin, what have you done?" she whispered, voice shaking with emotion. Before her teammates could say anything, she vanished behind yet another sliding metal door, her sobs drifting through the miniscule cracks.

Raven stared down at her hands, biting her lip in the awkward silence. All she could think of to say was... "Thank you."

"It was nothing." The reply came easily, but Raven could see from the look on his face that it had been anything but "nothing". Suddenly he was the one acting nervous, and he struggled for a moment before whispering, "Raven...?"

She looked at him questioningly, the tone of uncertainty catching her attention. "Yes?"

His hands twisted nervously, and when he finally spoke, it was in an unsteady and broken voice. "I...I need to tell you something."

"You're in worse shape than I anticipated, Robin. You look as though you haven't eaten since I last saw you," Slade commented with mild interest as he unlocked the door and dragged Robin inside.

He was once called "Boy Wonder", but the name was now more a mockery than an honor. There was nothing wondrous about the boy that Slade had by the arm.

A caged bird
Longing for freedom

"Tell me, Robin. What did they do when they discovered your little secret? Welcome you with open arms? Accept you for who you are? Offer their support? ...No? How strange." Slade released him, and Robin sank gratefully to the earth, exhaustion making every limb heavy. The last thing in this world he wanted to do was get back up.

"Well, if they couldn't wrap their minds around your new colors, surely they at least let you leave? Turned you over to the authorities? Allowed you the right of a fair trial? ...None of those either? It's times like these I wish I had the luxury of friends." Slade bent down and truly looked at Robin for the first time since he "rescued" him from the tower. Frowning slightly behind the cold gleam of metal, he made a somewhat unsettling observation. "No mask? Did they take that from you as well?"

Slade's words sparked something in the back of Robin's disengaging mind: a memory...the crack of plastic brutally stomped under foot, the rip of cloth torn asunder... He took a shallow breath and choked out a response. "N-no...I...I did...th-that m...myself."

His master's eye widened in mild surprise. "And why is that, Robin?"

The boy's eyes glazed as memory engulfed him, pulling and tugging his mind as though trying to wake it from some deep sleep. He had tried to destroy Robin that day, foolishly strived to take back everything he had become, washing away both good and bad. He realized now that it was merely his fevered brain's attempt at a quick-fix...but when he thought of it...what was he really trying to get rid of? "I...I d-don't...want...want this, S-slade."

"You don't want what?" demanded Slade, his tone containing a hint of warning as he ran his hands briskly up Robin's chest, checking for broken ribs. He was not in the mood for nonsense.

Robin heard the tone, and fear instantly closed in on him, an army of painful memories fighting through his weakened mind. He knew, oh how he knew what happened when Slade got angry. He hastened to repair the damage. "I...I-I was j-just...n-noth--"

Violet hair fell forward in a velvelt curtain, hding the eyes from view as her soothing tones drifted to his ears like music. "The road of life has many smooth paths, lit with sunlight and framed in the beauty of the trees..."

When wings are broken
And heart is crushed

"What?" Slade glanced up, curious at the way Robin's resigned body had suddenly tensed, senseless babbling abruptly cut off.

Raven disappeared for a moment, Slade's eye a fiery brand, filling him with longing to regain that sweet face...just one moment more. "I..."

"There are summers, hot and sunny, and falls, soothed with cool breezes and crisp nights. They bring us the greatest joy imaginable." The curtain slowly parted, revealing twin moons of the finest amethyst, filled with understanding, compassion...love. Pain clouded them as the next words reached her lips. "But every life has a winter: frozen, empty, and bitter."

"Spit it out, Robin. I tire of your mindless chatter." Slade gave him one last look-over; no injuries or wounds discovered. He was malnourished, ill, fevering...not an obvious danger, but a danger all the same. A dead apprentice had absolutely no use at all.

Robin flinched at his harsh words, desperate to hold on to her face, her voice, her eyes. "Raven..." An empty thought came to him, swirling aimlessly in the shades of grey. This is my winter.

Hope seems far away
As dashed as the dream of flight

Slade let out a dry chuckle as he understood at last. "I see. I'm afraid I don't allow my apprentices to tangle themselves up in romantic relationships, Robin. But don't worry, I'm sure your fresh betrayal will be enough to kill anything she might have felt for you. Raven is a thing of the past, as irrelevant as all the rest. Love is weakness, Robin."

The sting of tears brought a burning shame to his face, humiliation fueling them even as it despised them. Please...Give me something, anything...I can't do this, not without you.

Raven's eyes were no longer hardened gemstone, but smooth, inviting pools of midnight sky, easing the blow of her words. "Every shred of summer's joy and autumn's peace vanishes, engulfed by the all-consuming white. Every moment is stretched out until happiness fades away into the icy prison. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you begin to fear that it will never end."

Robin opened his eyes, not allowing himself to cringe or shrink in fear. He was as vulnerable, as weak, as exposed as he had ever been...but realization was slowly forming in his mind, gathering what little strength there was, for he would undoubtedly need every bit of it. "That's n-not...not true, Slade. Love...is the g-greatest...greatest s...strength of...of all." Raven...

Deep in her eyes, almost hidden in the velvet night sky, a tiny spark awoke, burning weakly at first but growing in strength and confidence. The first star in the night. "Even then, Robin, there is hope. Do you know what it is?"

Slade struck without warning, the blow lifting Robin off the ground only to crash back into it with searing pain. Please...

You bleed
You suffer
You die
Is it worth it?

That smile warmed him straight through, melting the ice around his heart and leaving him open to pain...but this time, it seemed worth it. "Spring, Robin. The promise of a new beginning. The promise of freedom."

"Haven't we been through this before, Robin? Do you really need a repeat of this lesson? You can master an attack pattern in a single attempt, and yet I can't seem to beat the simplest of concepts into your head." Slade stood over him, arms at his sides and fists loosely clenched...it was about as close to angry as Robin had ever seen him. Right now, it would be so easy to just give in, submit, say whatever Slade wanted him to, and save himself a world of pain. Victory was a laughable thought at this point. As eyes began to droop, and tensed muscles thought of relaxing, her voice came again, vibrating through him with enough force to pry his eyes open and jolt his tired mind. Raven would not be ignored.

The sympathetic glow in her eyes had hardened slightly, and they seemed to whisper, "Is Robin, Boy Wonder, Fearless Leader, really going to let a bit of snow defeat him? I thought he never gave up hope! Was I wrong?" Her words were far more gentle. "It's not always easy to find. Sometimes Spring's gentle sunlight falls on great destruction and sorrow. Sometimes you have to sacrifice much to find that heart-lifting joy again." "You can do it," said the eyes. "I know you can."

Robin's eyes refocused with difficulty, Slade's image wavering as he glared expectantly down at him. With even more difficulty, he forced out a reply. "I...always w-was a...s-slow learner...S...Slade." He allowed himself a silent scream, as he was certain he wouldn't get the privilege in a few seconds' time. He resigned himself; regardless of outcome, he would fight. For Raven. For the only thing that mattered in this world. Robin was determined to be something better for her, even if it killed him.

Slade slowly bent his knees, crouching beside Robin with no less power than he possessed while standing. "You're forcing my hand, apprentice. Fighting me in your condition is pure suicide. I highly suggest you reconsider."

Robin's broken eyes locked with Slade's empty gray orb, and his next words sealed his fate. "I...am...not...you...apprentice!" The force of the final word tore his aching throat and stabbed through his mind like a white-hot poker. His best efforts were not enough to keep that betraying tear from falling.

Bitter tears spill from tortured eyes
Memory plagues the weary mind

The silence was deafening, all else fading away as boy and man regarded eachother. It was clear to Slade that Robin needed more...encouragement, and Robin could plainly see that Slade would show no mercy. He gritted his teeth, bracing himself for the blow...

"In reality, there's only one question to answer."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Robin," droned Slade, everything about him contradicting the statement. "But not as sorry as you will be, I'm sure."

Robin took the first blow silently, jaw locked and eyes squeezed shut. Breathe! His chest was crushed with pain, eyes black with complete exhaustion. I can't do this! There was no other choice.

"Is it better to live a life imprisoned, or die with your freedom?"

Robin could only pray that Slade would let him die.

Beast Boy was clearly struggling for words, miniscule fangs digging into his bottom lip as he stared at his shoes and shifted nervously. "Well...do you remember when Robin...when we had a fight?"

Raven nodded silently, choosing not to correct his wording. Robin attacking Beast Boy without warning could hardly be called "having a fight". Being reminded of that now brought a surreal feeling to the conversation. It was still so hard to believe...

"I didn't tell you guys, but..." The changeling looked up slowly, eyes desperately pleading. "I deserved it."

Raven blinked in shock, eyes wide. "What?" A horrible thought occurred to her, and she hastily added, "If you think I'm condoning what he did, I--"

"No, listen!" Beast Boy's voice softened as she fell silent. "I...I yelled at him, for being gone so much and...I said horrible things, Raven." His green eyes saddened, a frown tugging at the corners of his lips. "He tried to walk away, but...I kept pushing him until he finally just...broke. It was my fault, Raven. I'm sorry." The last words came out in a whisper, and with one last pleading glance, he turned and walked away, leaving Raven alone in the dark hallway, eyes wide as she struggled to absorb the new information.

She felt an unusual...affection for the changeling as she thought back on his words. What he just did took a lot of guts, and a lot of strength. He really did care about Robin, regardless of what happened, regardless of everything. The empath's eyes slowly narrowed, her mouth set in a firm line. The knowledge made her all the more determined to get him back.

A scream at last forced itself from Robin's lips as he felt bone snap as easily as a twig, sending blood rushing out and pain rushing in. I...I can't...I can't do this. Blood pooled where his chin rested, concrete biting into him without acknowledgement. I can't get up...

"My dear apprentice, why can't you just admit it? You are a criminal, and you enjoy it. You enjoy working by my side. Everything about you reflects a small part of me, my boy. Admit it, and I will stop." Slade held the bo-staff loosely in his right hand, watching Robin with a strange emotion in his eye. For one moment, something held him back.

A low growl escaped him as Robin pushed himself up off the ground with agonizing slowness, blood dripping from his chin and eyes wild with pain. "Not...your...apprentice..." he gasped, breath rasping in gusts from his mouth.

The strange look vanished along with any remaining uncertainty, and Slade's eye was once again cold, unforgiving ice. "Perhaps you over-estimate my affection for you, Robin. Let me assure you that I will not hesitate to extinguish that miserable, pathetic life of yours."

Purple eyes swam before him, blurred and distorted by sweat, blood, and tears. "I know, Robin. It's ok." He closed his eyes, blocking out the world for just one moment as he forced all of his energy into believing that she was right, and everything really was ok. It helped a little.

An angel's plea
Whispers of safety

Robin knew he shouldn't be able to, knew it was nearly impossible, but when he forced himself to stand he found that his legs supported him. A little voice in his head softly chanted in Raven's sweet tone: "You can do it, Richard. I know you can."

He faced Slade with a defiance beyond hatred, beyond determination, beyond strength. He wasn't fighting to win. He was fighting for Raven, for Beast Boy, for Starfire, for Cyborg. He was fighting for Robin. "Do...what y-you...you want. I...I'm n-not...not backing down." Goodbye, Raven. I love you.

When the battle's over
And the pain is gone
Can he rise to greet the sun?
Can all that was wrong
Be undone?

Slade's face was grim as the staff extended with an ominous click, mere inches from the boy's blood-stained face. His words were as cold as his eye. "As you wish."

Raven froze uncertainly, hovering against the shop window in the gloom of early morning. She couldn't sense him anymore.

Dark alleyways flashed by like gaping mouths, the light of the moon dancing in puddles on the cracked and weed-choked sidewalk, gleaming like metal...like a blade. Faster! Her eyes flew from side to side, her mind desperately probing for some sign, anything to relieve the tightness in her lungs and throat. "Robin," she whispered. "Richard." She let the name roll around in her mind, testing it... It suited him.

She was so panicked that, in the end, she almost didn't see him.

A dark shape caught Raven's eye, and she glanced upward to see the gleaming double doors of City Hall. No one was there this early in the morning.

The broken shall rise
The weary, find rest

It would have seemed to be just a pile of rags, forgotten in the shadowed gutter...if not for the horrible twisting in her stomach. Her legs refused to move, her mind cringing away from what she would see. Raven sensed nothing.

The weak, discover their strength
The loser, march with the best

There he was, diligently typing away in front of the huge window overlooking Jump City. Raven approached quietly, casting a hesitant glance at his work. "Slade got away?"

Robin nodded, but his reply was determined, if a little tired. "If he ever shows his face again, we'll be ready."

Amazing...the way he could take blow after blow and still pop right back up. "How do you do it, Robin?"

"Do what?"

"Keep up hope." She struggled a little with the next words, shame burning in the back of her mind. "After everything that happened...everything I did, how did you still manage to hope it would all work out?"

His eyes widened behind the mask, as though the answer was obvious. "Because of you."

Beneath the tattered black cape, Raven glimpsed the emerald green and ruby red, their color dimmed by the darkness. She could have closed her eyes and walked past him without even noticing; the little piece of him that had lived and thrived inside of her had vanished without warning, leaving a gaping hole in its place. She couldn't sense him...because he wasn't there.

"You don't realize it, Raven, but you're actually the most hopeful person that I've ever met. From the day you were born, they said you were evil, that you were born to do unspeakable things, but you wished for more. You dared to hope that you could be a hero." A gentle smile lit up his care-worn face, a feeling of admiration given off in waves from his being.

Raven stared blankly for a moment, desperately trying to put the feeling into words. "I thought it was all over, and now, suddenly..."

"You have your whole life ahead of you," he finished, plainly showing that he understood exactly what she was feeling. "You can decide your own destiny."

Tears began to gather in the amethyst eyes as darkness closed in around her like some ravenous beast, reminding her of how desperately alone she really was. Something inside her was dead. "Robin..."

They rolled down her cheeks one by one, burning hot and bitter. Her hands trembled as she reached out and touched him, searching for any traces of warmth as she gently shook his shoulder. "Robin, please wake up," she whispered, eyes wide and disbelieving. A tiny part of her was still hoping that he would.

When hope is lost
And victory, crushed

Stand true

The sun peeked up over the horizen, staining the sky blood-red as the deep orange sphere rose above the mist. It's sunlight fell upon great destruction and sorrow.

"I guess, in the end, there really is no end. Just...new beginnings."

ROBIN!

Broken wings will fly again

Oh wow...wow wow wow. I doubt I have ever felt this tired before. I feel like crying, and running in a circle, and eating sugar, and watching Mr. Roger's Neighborhood...give me a teddy somebody...I NEED A FLUFFY PILLOW DARN IT! The End...it influenced...gosh what am I saying? I can't talk fancy right now! I NEED REST, MY BED, MY TEDDY! GO AWAY! -babbling senselessly- Dusty