"They were so awesome!" squeaked Rhiannon in the car, on the way back home.

"And the fact that we saw Slade! Who was gone for sixteen years!" Heather cheered.

"I know! I can't wait to tell everybody back home. They are going to be so jealous," Rhiannon said with a smile from ear to ear on her face.

"That had to be the most exciting thing of my life, so far. I still can't believe we saw him!" Heather squealed.

"Yes! Nightwing is so handsome! But the only problem is he's taken," Rhiannon sighed.

"Doesn't mean young girls can't dream!" Heather laughed.

The two reminisced about their weekend on their drive home, Heather's parents glancing at each other with a smile, happy that the two were having such a great time.

The car pulled into Rhiannon's driveway around ten o'clock, and Rhiannon got out, dashing for the front door in the pouring rain. She waved her friend and her parents good-bye and walked inside the house to see her parents faces.

"Hey guys," Rhiannon greeted.

"Hello," her father said, "home a little late? Especially after camping?"

"We decided to go out for a big dinner. And Heather's mom said that we didn't have to pay her back, she insisted," Rhiannon smiled.

"Where did you guys go?" her mother asked, watching her "daughter" head for the stairs.

"Some restaurant with really great food. I'm full and tired. I think I'm going to go to sleep. We stayed up hours into the night on Friday. Goodnight!" Rhiannon said, running up the stairs to her room.

"She looked like she had a good time," Derek smiled.

"Yes, and some what excited," Grace said.

-xXx

Rhiannon pulled out her cell phone from her jacket, and laid the jacket over the back of her chair and dialed Justin's number.

"Hello?" Justin answered.

"Hey babe, it's Rhiannon. I just got back from the city, and guess what?" Rhiannon said excitedly.

"What?"

"I saw Slade! Me and Heather saw him! It was amazing. The Titans are even better in person!"

"Are you serious? Didn't he disappear for like fifteen years?" Justin asked, excited for his girlfriend.

"Try sixteen. That's how old I am! Funny, eh?" Rhiannon corrected him.

"Hilarious. But, I think I missed the cue for the laughing part," Justin said with his voice monotone.

"Oh come on, lighten up, will yah? Anyways, my parents are going to kill me if they catch me on the phone. So I will talk to you later. I love you Justin," Rhiannon said, blowing a kiss into the phone.

"I love you Rhiannon. Take care," Justin said lovingly into the phone.

"Bye," Rhiannon said before pressing the end button on her phone. She quickly dashed into her pajamas that she had stuffed in her duffle bag earlier, and jumped into the covers of her unmade bed.

'Why did he say my name? A name so unique?' Rhiannon thought. It puzzled her mind as she drifted off to sleep.

-xXx

"What exactly were you looking for?" Beast Boy asked sitting down with his tofu breakfast at the table.

"It didn't become clear to me before I saw Slade," Raven said.

"You saw Slade! And didn't tell us?" Beast Boy remarked. Starfire and Nightwing had come down for their breakfast. Nightwing almost breaking into a run to get his coffee to sooth his mind.

"Yes, I did. It all came to me what the feeling was. It was a maternal feeling. I was looking for Rhiannon," Raven explained. At the name, Nightwing started to choke on the little bit of coffee in his mouth, and gagged it back into the mug.

"You what?" Nightwing said, dumping the coffee into the sink. Who would want to drink their own saliva, after it's been out of their mouth?

"I think I was looking for Rhiannon. She was, or still is here in Jump City! She's alive!" Raven said, a smile on her face.

"Well that is good to hear!" Cyborg said, the last one down for his morning meal.

"Very exciting, friend!" Starfire cheered.

"But what did Slade say to make you think of Rhiannon?" Beast Boy asked.

"He said 'if only I knew'. Implying he's seen her. Maybe he has her!" Raven suggested.

"Highly doubt that. She would have made her entrance yesterday as Slade's apprentice, or even just as plainly as his daughter," Nightwing said.

"I agree," Cyborg chipped in.

"At least I know she's alive," Raven smiled.

"That's a relief," Nightwing said under his breath.

"What did you say?" Starfire asked.

"All we needed was belief! Yah, belief…that she was alive, and she is. I'm very happy to hear that," Nightwing said, trying to cover what he said, and thought, up.

"Oh, yes! Very excellente indeed!" Starfire smiled. Nightwing smacked his forehead.

"Star, that's Spanish. It's excellent," Nightwing explained.

"Right. Of course," Starfire said blushing.

-xXx

Freedom filled her heart as she put the horse into gallop, pounding the fields with hooves, creating a steady rhythm. Rhiannon closed her eyes and let the wind blow through her hair, feeling quite relaxed as her and her horse tore the open fields. Excitement fluttered through her soul, and it overflowed within her, causing her to wail her emotions out, chanting for the restored feeling. But something dark caught her eye, something that didn't belong. She slowed the horse down into a trot, and looked at the woods that outlined her property, trying to figure out where she saw the silhouette. However, nothing was there, and Rhiannon went to lead the horse into another long stretch of running at full speed, when her house neighed with fright, going back onto its hind legs, Rhiannon grasping on for dear life. The horse stood on all fours once again and wanted to gallop away, but Rhiannon held the reigns tight, showing her that it was alright, and patted her calmly.

"You handle yourself quite well," a deep voice said. Rhiannon jumped, and spun the horse around in a circle in surprise. It was the same man that was in the alley, tan trench coat and all.

"Who are you?" Rhiannon gasped, still trying to find the breath that she lost a second ago.

"That is for me to know, and for you to find out, my child," the man answered. Rhiannon cocked her head in a curious manner, and looked at the man strangely.

"You have an eye patch, why?" she asked. The man looked up into her eyes, his face showing no sign of expression, but his eye filled with a certain excitement Rhiannon couldn't understand.

"Ask your mother," he said dryly.

"My mother doesn't know any one-eyed man! At least I don't think so, that is," Rhiannon said, placing her right index finger on her lips, thinking.

"Not the "mother" that you live with. Your birth mother."

"What? She is my mother. My name is Rhiannon H--"

"If you wish to understand what I am talking about, we will meet again. We will not discuss anymore," the man said, walking back towards the trees.

"Where are you going? The woods lead to a road, which my driveway connects to!" Rhiannon called out.

"I have my own ways. You will come to understand that, quite soon I presume," he said before disappearing behind a few trees. Rhiannon sat there as her horse nibbled on some grass to think about what just happened. A strange man told her that the woman she has called her mother was not really her birth mother? Maybe she has a different father too. What a concept…that would be thought about a different day. For now, it was time to tend to racing the open fields of the property.

-xXx

"Shall I retrieve her outfit then, sir?" a soft-spoken voice asked.

"No, no need for that yet, Wintergreen. Don't over anticipate her arrival, she will be here in time. And even when she arrives, she may not completely agree with what I have planned," Slade said, sitting in the room of various computers and televisions, recently upgraded.

"Very well then. Anything else I can bring you?" Wintergreen asked.

"No, I am fine."

"All right," said Wintergreen leaving Slade to be.

Wintergreen had become his ally, his only friend who he told everything to. Including the scandal with Raven and their daughter. Wintergreen's loyalty never seemed to waver as Slade's right hand man, but not as an apprentice of course. For Wintergreen was an older man, and wise man for whom Slade sometimes sought for, for advice.

-xXx

Heather met Rhiannon at the end of Rhiannon's driveway, and they walked to school together, Heather noticing her friend's silence.

"What's wrong? You seem so gloomy after an exciting weekend!" Heather exclaimed.

"Someone told me something disturbing, that's all," Rhiannon said, her eyes filled with thought.

"Who told you, and what did this person tell you?" Heather asked, interested.

"I don't know who, but I saw him in an alleyway in Jump City this weekend. He came to me at my house and told me that the people who I am living with now are not my parents, my biological parents, that is. What is even more disturbing is how he found out where I live!" Rhiannon sighed.

"Are you serious?" Heather asked, a little frightened.

"I wish I wasn't, Heather. I really wish I wasn't. I want to ask my parents, but I am afraid of their answer," Rhiannon said, looking on the verge of tears.

"Rhiannon don't cry…. Just tell your parents that someone sounding quite serious told you that they were not your birth parents. See what they say, they might just laugh and tell you that they are. No need to stress," Heather said, trying to comfort her distraught friend.

"I guess you're right. Tonight I will ask," Rhiannon sighed nervously. The two reached their bus stop just in time, and they boarded it, heading for school.

-xXx

Raven was getting antsy on what she was deciding she should do. Going over to his home would mean bringing back the pain and emptiness, but wouldn't just seeing him do the same? She was so excited that her daughter was alive, and was eager to ask her what her first sixteen years of life brought her. Just to see what she looked like, what features mimicked her own, thrilled her. But the question still remained, what should she do?

-xXx

Rhiannon sat down with her usual lunch crew, in-between Justin and Heather, and pulled out her bagged lunch.

"So, I heard that you went to the city," Alexandra said, happily, sounding as if there was gossip involved.

"Yeah! I saw Slade and the Titans. It was cool," Rhiannon said, trying to act excited.

"You don't sound excited. Or at least as excited as you were on the phone," Justin stated.

"Today's not really a good day, I guess. I've been thinking really," Rhiannon said, taking a bite out of her sandwich.

"You think?" Cody questioned.

"A lot more than you ever could," Greg said, slyly.

"I'm not that bad at it!" Cody said trying to defend himself.

"Face it, you suck," Alexandra with a smile, showing it was only a joke.

"Ha, not as much as you suck--"

"Justin!" Rhiannon said, before he could finish his statement.

"Dick," Cody teased.

"You should know, Cody," Greg said while laughing.

"Eww!" Alexandra squeaked.

"Why are boys so gross? What we need are men," Heather stated.

"Agreed," Alexandra simply said

"I need to take a break. I have a headache, I'll be back in a minute," Rhiannon said getting up from the table, heading for a nearby tree to lay back against. She sat down, rubbing her temples, barely keeping her thoughts intact before mentally ripping them apart for answers. Even if she was adopted, how did she get here, in the middle of nowhere?

The leaves began to rustle above Rhiannon, but she felt no wind. She looked up confused, to see what the noise is, and found a familiar face.

-xXx

"Why do you think Rhiannon walked away like that?" Justin mused.

"She's under a lot of stress right now. I'm sure she'll be fine. She just needs some quiet time," Heather explained.

"Well, I'm going to go check on her, she looked in pain when she left," Alexandra noticed.

-xXx

"You are those--" before Rhiannon could finish her find, the mechanical fighter slapped a hand on her mouth and pulled her in closer to its body. The machine broke into a run, and then Rhiannon opened her eyes, and she was flying through the sky.

'Jets or something in the shoes,' she thought to herself, not daring to wiggle around, in fear she would be dropped, 'the same robots that were at the mall. Slade really was referring to me!'

-xXx

Alexandra paced herself to the front of the school, a slight skip in her step. She exited the doors and walked to the cluster of trees, where she figured that Rhiannon went.

"Hey Rhiannon, I was just wonderi--" Alexandra said, looking around the tree, to find no one there, "Rhiannon?" Confused, she walked around the front of the property and found nothing. No signs of anybody being there were present.

"Rhiannon, where did you go?" Alexandra questioned, annoyed that she wasn't in sight. A branch cracked suddenly, as if someone stepped on it.

"Rhea?"

Alexandra jogged over to the noise, and was greeted with an unsuspecting foot to the face. She flew backwards, as a stuntman in a movie, and landed with a whiplash on her back. She clamped her nose, and groaned in pain.

"What the fuck was that?" she exhaled, rising from her position on the ground, feeling around her face, and as she looked at her fingers, there was a crimson liquid on them.

"Shit…shit! Rhiannon!" Alexandra screamed in angst. She whipped her head around, trying to find the figure that gave her the injury, but nothing to be found. She hear what sounded like a small jet in the background, and saw a human figure flying off into the distance with flames coming from the heals.

-xXx

"Lay your hands off of me!" Rhiannon screamed.

"Ah, your mother's spite," Slade said, the words rolling off his tongue with ease.

"Stop speaking of my mother you bas--"

"Watch your mouth," Slade said, lifting up Rhiannon's chin as she struggled away from the robots grip. Rhiannon's eyes grew with fear as she looked into the eye of Slade, the legendary mastermind of evil.

"What…what do you want with me?" Rhiannon asked, thoroughly frightened.

"We both want to know something, right? You want to hear of your birthparents, and I want to know something, that's more of a secret right now. I can tell you everything of your parents, if only you give me what I want," Slade stated coolly.

"You know of my parents? So what that man said was not a lie?" Rhiannon asked, her tear ducts producing salty tears.

"Yes, in fact, I was once very close to them."

"What happened?"

"Something…no, someone was stolen from me. It was all crash and burn from then on."

"So that's how you lost your eye?" Rhiannon asked, "I can not be fooled so easy." Slade shooed the robot away, leaving Rhiannon unrestrained. He looked at her, admiring her. She was smart and observant.

"So you know who I am, under this mask? So if I happened to take it off, it wouldn't be a surprise. A shame." Rhiannon glared at him, a gently fire being kindled in her eyes.

"What do you want from me?" Rhiannon asked, impatient.

"To help me understand what I have lost, and to bring vengeance upon the Titans."

"But, they are the good guys!" Rhiannon gasped.

"As so it may seem. I have spent sixteen years waiting for the perfect time to strike. And now is that time, Rhiannon. You want answers, and so do I, we are a perfect match. Somewhat like father and daughter, eh?" Slade said, smiling behind the mask.

"I'd never want to be a daughter of such…evil," Rhiannon spat back.

'To bad for you, because you are,' he thought to himself.

"Evil am I? You don't know what I have been through to even look at you now. I don't intend on being evil, my dear. I just want answers, and I can give them to you, if you give me mine. Understood?" Slade asked, sounding as if he was threatening her.

Rhiannon felt as if she had no choice but to agree to his…agreement. She wanted badly to know the truth that had been hidden for her so long. And besides, he hasn't hurt her in anyway, which comforted her a little bit about making her decision.

"I'll help you, but first tell me a little about my parents!" Rhiannon insisted.

"Patience, Rhiannon. First you have to help me."

"But I already did! By accepting your offer!"

"I already broke the news that you were not born of the people that raised you. That's all you need to know until you train."

"Train?"

"Yes, you are weak and will surely be killed if you are not properly prepared. Wintergreen will show you to your quarters," Slade said smoothly.

"My quarters?" Rhiannon questioned, "why are you being so--"

"Nice? I have my reasons, that you will soon come to grip with. Now rest up for tomorrow, you will be escorted to the training room at eight."

"Such an unbearable time? It's a Saturday!"

"No rest until you have earned it," Slade stated, signaling Wintergreen to come and take her.

"Right this way, Ms.," Wintergreen said, walking out of the empty room to lead her. Rhiannon quickly followed, making sure she didn't break any rules so she got herself into deeper trouble. Wintergreen lead her down a long hallway, and stopped at doorway. He opened it and shooed Rhiannon in.

"Everything is prepared for you, Ms. Wilson. I mean--"

"What did you call me?" Rhiannon asked sharply.

"My mistake, must have been thinking of a previous guest. I am sorry, Ms. Rhiannon."

"It's Harris, Rhiannon Harris."

"Well then, good night Ms. Harris," Wintergreen said closing the door.

'Who the hell is 'Ms. Wilson'?' Rhiannon thought as she looked around the room. Everything was neat and tidy. It was a girls dream to have such a beautiful room as this. She noted the bathroom that connected to the room, and decided to use it. A warm shower would surely give her a clear mind.

-xXx

Alexandra ran back inside the school building, clutching her nose that was bleeding profusely.

"Rhiannon's gone!" she screeched, fear locked in every word.

"What?" Justin said immediately after hearing the news.

"I went outside to look for her and she's not there! Someone took her I think, because I was kicked in the face for being there. And I think my nose may be damaged," Alexandra whined.

"Heather, come with me…Cody and Greg, take her to the nurse. We have to tell the principle," Justin demanded, taking charge. The students around them, stared at what they were doing, unsure of what to think was going on.

"Mr. Baker!" Justin said, bursting to the principles office.

"What the? Who are--" Mr. Baker said.

"I'm sorry sir, he just barged in!" the secretary said innocently.

"That's fine. What is so urgent that you have to see me?" he asked calmly.

"It's Rhiannon Harris, sir. We think she may have been kidnapped," Heather said, entering the room, tears in her eyes.

"Kidnapped! It is during school hours!" the principle exclaimed.

"Does it matter? She's been taken! Call the cops…do something!" Justin said, slamming a fist into the desk. Mr. Baker dialed 9-1-1 into the phone and said, "A student of mine has been kidnapped and there is no witness to who it is."

"Yes there is, sir," Heather said meekly, "Alexandra saw someone and was kicked in the face. I'm sure she has somewhat of a description."

"Well, never mind. We do have a witness, and come here as soon as possible," Mr. Baker said into the phone, before hanging up.

"You kids can stay here until the cops get here. I will call down for Alexandra to come."

-xXx

"A kidnapping? Where did you say it was? Plainville? We will be on the lookout. Yes, the rumor is true…Slade is back. Okay, you too. Bye," Nightwing said, putting the phone down.

"Who was that?" Starfire asked, walking into the main room.

"The small town of Plainville just reported a kidnapping, they suggest that Slade was behind this," Nightwing said, turning around to her from the main computer. The two heard small crash in the background and turn around to see Raven, wide-eyed and frightened.

"Raven?" Nightwing asked, concerned.

"He's got Rhiannon…."

A/N: Well, I've really got nothing to say as the author at this particular moment, besides I've got the ending all planned out for you. Please review! Thanks.