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Chapter V: The Hideout

When the rest of the Titan's got back to the tower, Robin filled them in on what happened. After which he gave jobs to them; Raven was in charge of trying to look for Slade on a tracking screen, Beastboy was in charge of physically searching the city, and Cyborg was in charge of fixing any damages done to the Titans Tower during the battle. Robin, meanwhile, comforted Starfire anyway he could; he couldn't help but feel responsible for what happened.

"Do you need a glass of water or another blanket or something?" he asked as he sat next to her on her bed.

"No," she said.

"What did he do to you?"

"He shot me with some type of power reduction device."

Robin looked away from her.

"I should have been there."

"There was nothing you could have done," she said, simply. "If you had been there, the device which drained my strength would have surly killed you. Besides, I am quickly regaining my strength. Observe."

She lifted up the palm of her hand and a green orb slowly seeped out. Then she put her hand down and smiled at him.

"I still feel guilty," he said, bluntly.

She put her hand on his shoulder.

"Robin, do not feel guilt. It is not your fault."

He looked at her and took her hand.

"Maybe, but Jake is still my responsibility." He then brushed hair from her face. "I'll bring him back. I promise."

Starfire looked into his masked eyes and smiled. He did the same. He leaned in and then–

"Robin," said Raven's voice from the speakers. "I've located Slade's frequency and Beastboy's found his hideout. We need to leave, pronto."

Robin looked at Starfire, and then looked at the door.

"I'll bring him back," he promised. He got up to leave.

"No, Robin." He looked at her. "We will bring him back." And she got out of bed and walked up beside him.

"Star, no," he said firmly. "You're too weak. You could get hurt."

"Robin, Jake is my responsibility as well."

"No. I can't risk it."

"But I can."

"Starfire, you're to stay here, that's an order from you're leader!"

"The last time I stayed behind my life was in danger!"

Robin opened his mouth to talk, but quickly closed it again. He couldn't argue with that.

"Fine," he said, "but be careful. I don't want you getting hurt."

"I will not," she reassured.

They quickly ran out to the Opps. Room.

------

"Yeah know," said Beastboy, "this guy really needs a new hiding place."

The Titans were all standing out in front of the factory, where Beastboy claimed he located Slade's hide out, and, ironically, where Robin had his first face-to-face run in with the villain.

"Raven, any movement inside?" said Robin.

She closed her eyes.

"Yes," she said, "there are two life forms in there. One's a man, and the other's a child."

"Jake…" Star whispered.

"Are you sure you're going to be all right?" said Robin.

"Yes," she said, determined.

"Ok. Cyborg, do it."

"Move back, ya'll!" he proclaimed. And then he loaded his plasma canon and fired at the door. It collapsed and the Titans rushed inside. They looked around.

"Empty?" said Star.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Robin said, outraged.

Then, from the shadows, they heard malicious laughter. Then, Slade stepped out.

"You always were persistent," he said, menacingly.

"Where is Jake!" Star demanded.

"Well, it seems you're still alive. A technicality that will soon be remedied."

"Over my dead body," Robin growled.

"That can be arranged."

Then, he took a flying jump towards them.

AH! Just when it was getting good, a commercial hits!

T.