Disillusioned

How would the world of Teen Titans change if the Apprentice series ended differently? What if Slade was indeed right, and the remaining Titans had no clue of the probes in their bodies and the rift betwen Robin and the group continued to grow?

Ten years into the future... what has become of them all.

Robin or Apprentice, has been given the responsibility of leading Slade's Arsenal, his army so to speak. Slade seems ill and has been weakening over the past ten years.

The Titans have recovered partially with a couple new part time members such as Bumblebee, Aqualad and Speedy. There is a tension creeping through out the tower. Starfire and Aqualad suffer through the pains of the past. Raven can't stand the tension and the under current of negative emotions flowing through the tower. Worst of all, she can't take Beats Boy's lack of trust in her and her ability.

There's more to her own lack of trust in him. Changeling seems borderline erratic, tense.

Terra is a member of the Arsenal, Terra is the enemy. Her loyalties lie first with Slade.

Enjoy -

"Si la mort est un mystère, La vie n'a rien de tender"

"If death is a mystery, Life offers nothing."

Chapter 5: Many Masks of Deceit

I had no direction. When this cursed gift first manifested… I thought I lost it all, my normal and perfect life was forever over. At first, I thought I could use it for good. That this was a higher calling.

But No, I had no control. No, I am not good enough. No. A world full of no for a girl trying to cope. I was wrong. No higher calling. Just a curse. The key to destroying all I tried to help with one push. No, no, no more. I wanted no more then to just… die.

Until he came into my life. My first yes, my only yes.

I loved him, even then when I was so young. Slade gave me a chance, gave me hope. He opened my eyes and made me see the world for what it was and not what it had been decided was meant to be.

Do not search for meaning. Give meaning. The power of choice, the power of freedom. I was so enlightened, so in love. He was so much… a higher being, something so elusive…

And yet now… I can't help but feel like I'm loosing all I was given. I see him, weakly resting against the window. I see him and I am saddened that… my idol could fall…

I cannot say I don't care for the green one, Changeling. He is sweet. And for all the abnormalities between us, it is so easy for us to be normal. There is affection for the façade we play. But it is an act. That isn't me with him.

The only real me is the one that longs to give Slade life… life that he is loosing… and so easily giving away to this… Apprentice… and not me.

But let him have his life. I have Slade's love, Slade's warmth and caress. It is all I need to remind me why I'm here.

The blonde geomorph closes the door behind her. She exhales and smiles to herself. There was still life in him yet. She licks her lips and smoothes her hair. She looks up into cold blue eyes. She smirks a bit. "Hello Princess." She purrs softly, lifting her chin.

Rose Wilson, Slade's daughter. She was around the same age as Terra. She had platinum white hair and piercing blue eyes, just like Slade's single eye. Only none of the fire and mystery. Just cold.

"Enjoying sleeping with my father in his death bed?" Rose growls.

Terra licks her lips. "Only as much as you enjoy his Apprentice's bed." She teases.

"Why you little savage wh-" Rose lifts her hand but her wrist is gripped. She gasps to turn and face the man himself.

Rose will whisper his name at night when they cling to each other in fitful slumber. Dick.

But only then. "What is wrong with the two of you?" he asks coldly.

Terra scowls. "And if it isn't the prince himself?" she hisses as she clenches her fist.

Rose clenches her jaw. "What are you, the fool?" Rose snaps, yanking her hand free. Terra's eyes glow a vivid yellow and the ground shudders.

"Stop it." He commands and they fall quiet. Rose sighs and turns to the Apprentice. "We have to set our plan in motion." He says coldly. Rose frowns.

Terra blinks. "So soon?" she asks.

"Yes. Before the old man dies." He states, placing a hand on Rose's shoulder.

"He is not so close to death1" Terra growls. "He is strong-"

"Strong enough to manipulate you." Rose hisses and winces as Dick squeezes her shoulder warningly. Terra narrows her eyes.

"I'm carrying out his orders, Terra. We set the Titans up one final time. We end this conflict today." He releases Rose and walks away. Rose's lips tremble as she watches him walk away.

"Pout all you want, he's Slade. And whatever you think Slade does to me… he's very well doing it to you." Terra hisses in her ear then walks away.

Rose embraces herself.

No… Dick was different, Robin was different. She saw him… laid with him without… him really being there.

"My heart's not in the fight anymore…" she whispers, looking at the door to her father's quarters.

Next Chapter: What operations are going underfoot? Will Changeling realize Terra's deceit? And Rose seems resistant… cans he be the key to helping the Titans finally free their lost leader?