Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans

The stroll down memory lane served to gather his wits, after all he was about to confront the first member of his would be "team". This Raven had an interesting file. A list of her unusual abilities included telekinesis, levitation, and even the ability to read minds. Luckily the dark Knight taught Robin how to guard his thoughts against prying minds. The report also said she had some trouble controlling her powers, as they relied on her emotions. Robin knew the impact emotions could have, after all, ambition had brought him this far. Still, Robin couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive as he approached the front doors. After entering, he waited a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the musky dimness. He walked up to a front desk attended by a bored looking man, apparently one of the "hired help". The man glanced up from his magazine and stared at the mask on Robin's face. Robin glared back, though the glare could not be seen, the man still fidgeted under its heat. Robin spoke with as much authority that he could muster.

"Where can I find Raven?"

After shooting Robin an accusatory glance, the man replied, "down the hall to your left, through the doors," the man stated simply.

Following the man's directions led to a small courtyard, ring by the many wings of the orphanage. The place had a quiet, peaceful air, with the children playing on the slide, and the sound of soft laughter drifting through the air. All the children seemed so content in the playground, laughing, talking, and playing. All, save one. She sat apart from the gleeful throng of kids, under a tall oak tree, reading a book. The picture burned itself in Robin's mind, a picture of peace, tranquility, and solitude. A picture he had sought after most of his life, that is to say when he wasn't fighting crime. Yet, she attains it so simply, sitting there holding the moment with an iron will, as if she could sit there and ignore the rest of the world. She had unusually pale skin with soft violet hair, and dark clothing to match the gothic look. What caught his attention, however, were her amethyst eyes, shining bright with intelligence, so bright you'd think you were drowning in it. They also held a sense of a great sadness, deep and potent, so strong it seemed to suck the joy out of the air around her, in a vain attempt to cure itself. While his thoughts preoccupied him, he had approached the girl, who could only be Raven, and stopped.

"What?" The voice snapped his mind back to reality and only his trained reflexes stopped him from jumping in surprise.

"Are you Raven?" He asked, more commanding than he anticipated.

"That depends on who you are and what you want." She stated monotonously. He found he didn't like her voice, so devoid of emotion and yet still so soothing to the nerves. He frowned for a moment, trying to identify the source of this feeling, and then it was gone. He sat against the tree to her left and made himself comfortable. She made no move to stop him.

"I'm glad I found you." He paused and let the silence drag on. He began to watch the children playing by the swings, and let his own memories distract him.

"I came to see if you would be interested in helping this city." She barked out a short laugh and replied in her dry voice.

"And what makes you think I would want to help this city." Her voice was still mostly unemotional, but Robin detected the hint of anger in it.

"This place," he said, pausing for another glimpse at the children. He continued, "This place can't protect you forever." He said this with a hint of sadness, a hint of understanding. She was taken aback by his words, earning him a rare glance filled with interest.

"You're not…of a mind with the rest of the world, are you?"

She chose her words carefully, lest he cast suspicion in her direction. He smiled at her hesitance and asked, instead, "So? Will you help me?"

She took her time in answering, so he watched the children playing by the swings and remembered his own lost childhood. He didn't see her watching him though. He was brought back to reality with a tug on his shirt. A little girl, clothed in a tattered pink dress, was standing before him.

She asked in a sweet voice, "What's your name, mister?"

He looked at her and said slowly, "My name is Robin. Do you know what a robin is?"

She nodded, "It's a bird," then she giggled, "That's a funny name for a man," she said.

"I got that name when I was your age. My mom used to call me her little robin, and the name stuck, but you are right it is a funny name," and he laughed too.

"Can I ask you a question, Mister Robin?"

"Sure. Go ahead."

"Why do you wear a mask?"

Robin smiled at her, a genuine smile, filled with warmth, startling in a face hidden by a mask. Raven couldn't hide her shock.

"Because, if little kids wee to see my face, they would run away screaming. I have very ugly eyes." He said matter-of-factly. To Ravens surprise the girl, Heather she remembered, only giggled. She reached up and touched his cheek gently and said, "You are not an ugly man, mister." Robin was startled, but Raven expected something like this. Heather had a remarkable ability to see into people's soul, that's why she was an orphan, it scared people. Robin stared at the girl with eyes hidden by his mask, and said the last thing either of them expected.

"Tell me what you see when you look at her," pointing at Raven. Raven reflectively flinched, as the girl looked her way. A silence fell over the trio as Heather looked at Raven and smiled. She turned to Robin and smiled again.

"I'm sorry mister, but I can't say. It's a secret."

"Well that's okay; I don't really need to know." He pulled something from his pocket then, a small bracelet, made for a child. He held it up to Heather, showing it to her. Heather's eyes lit up at seeing the small trinket, barely containing her surprise.

"That's pretty mister, where did you get that?"

"I got it from my mother; it's a good luck charm. Whenever you feel down it helps."

"How does it help?"

"You know, I never figured that out. Do you think you could help me see how it works?"

"Really, you want me to help you?"

"Hmm," Robin appeared to be lost in thought, "I heard it only works when someone is feeling lonely, so you'd have to keep it for a while."

He looked at her questioningly, "do you think you could take care of it? Until you find out how it works that is."

"Oh, yes, I will take very good care of it," said Heather with more enthusiasm than Raven had ever seen her show. He put the bracelet on her wrist, and smiled.

"I'm glad it's found a good owner."

As Heather walked away Raven allowed a smile to play on her face.

"That was really nice, what you did. She usually never talked to anyone before."

"To bring people hope, that's what heroes do. Thought about that offer yet?"

Yes she had thought, long and hard, but she wouldn't tell him that.

'This might not be so bad' she thought to herself.