Fear of Scary Things and Broken Relationships

Chapter 5.

Batman took a quick glance around him, a normal room with white walls, a large wardrobe with mirrors, a queen-sized bed, wooden desk with a chair and a laptop. It was very basic and like the rooms of the female team members it was clean. Couldn't tell of Beast Boy's room. The state of Robin's room told him that he wasn't a mess, despite the fact that something happened five months prior at the Wane Building in Jump City. Batman went straight to business. "I want to know what happened during the event at the Jump City Wane Building. I've seen the security records, and saw a masked boy dressed in armor, stealing technology from Wayne Enterprise. Care to explain?"

Robin sat down on his bed with a sigh, gazing at the floor out of shame. "It's a long story. Make it short, Slade wants me as his apprentice. I went after him while he managed to infect the rest of the Titans with nanobots. I had him in my grasp, but he threatened to kill them if I didn't cooperate so he let me no choice but to work for him."

Batman's glare intensified. "Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke. I thought that I recognized the armor you wore. Didn't know he want an apprentice. By the looks of it, he failed."

Robin snorted. "Yeah, he did, twice. Months later, Terra came back after she run away out of fear because she couldn't control her powers. I've accepted her as a new member when she claimed that someone helped her to control it. Turns out that she worked for Slade all along. He sent her to search for our weaknesses and one day she use it against us, thinking that she killed us."

Robin looked up to the Batglare. "Honestly, Terra did almost kill us Batman. She really did, but she underestimated our abilities. We confronted her with that and followed her afterwards, leading us to Slade. Then she finally realized that she had been used all along, and turned against him, using her powers to ignite a volcanic eruption, powerful enough to destroy the whole city."

Robin shook his head. "Slade disappeared in the pool of lava but to stop the volcanic eruption, it took her all she had and turned into stone. She sacrificed herself to safe us and the city. I wish that I could have done more to safe her, I really do. Especially for Beast Boy, he was very fond of her, and she to him. It was Beast Boy who went after her and opened her eyes, and now she's gone, a lifeless statue in the middle of a cave."

Batman sat next to his pupil, inhaled and let out a soft breath. He pulled the cowl back, revealing the face of Bruce Wayne and placed a hand on a shoulder before speaking like him. "You have done all you can do Dick. Sometimes, these things happened, no matter how hard you try."

Robin removed his mask as well, revealing his tired blue eyes. "I know, but... thanks."

Bruce decided to brightened the mood and changed the subject. "I've heard that you went to Chu Hui to improve your ability. Knowing you, I assume that you pass the tests."

Robin raised an eyebrow. "You mean the True Master? Yes, I did. I thought that I had already been trained by the best but I figure out that I missed something." He quickly turned to Bruce. "No offense."

Bruce smiled. "It's alright, I know the feelings. It's better to be trained by different persons, everyone have its own style, form and methods."

"Yes I know. The guys thought that I'm getting too serious and going crazy and tried to convince me to stay in the Tower, without success." Then a frown appeared on his face. "But I would appreciate that they won't touch my uniforms and play with my gear. I had to dispose three uniforms. Cyborg and Starfire had stretched them out and the one Beast Boy used, I don't wanna risk anything. And a bird-a-rang, it was all covered with pizza."

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "Are you telling me that your teammates were wearing your uniforms and pretended to be you the second you left the Tower?"

"Yeah, sounds crazy huh? But they did. I was disappointed at them, mostly at Raven, she's the mature one of the team, and she claimed that wearing the mask makes her feel cool. I can't really blame them though, apparently they were all curious about me."

"It's nothing wrong with that. How did you take it?"

Dick snickered. "They were expecting a huge speech when I returned so they braced for it, but I kept it cool and played along with them, which they didn't expected, at all."

Bruce chuckled. "That must be a sight."

"So, how's Gotham looks like?" Cyborg asked Raven.

"Different than Jump City. It's older, darker and much bigger. The buildings are not that tasteless modern boxes, it's built with other and more decorating architectures that dominate the city. As far as I know, there is nothing like Gotham City."

"Really? How 'bout the people? How're they like?"

"Honestly, I have no idea. I only watched them from the top of a 50 story building or from his car at high speed. Not the best places to observe the people and their habitations."

"His car? Ya mean Batman's car?!" After a nod of Raven he got excited. "How's it looks like? And what's all inside?"

A mischievous grin appeared of Raven's face. "That is something you have to see by yourself."

"Aw, c'mon, I wanna know all of it."

"All I can tell you is that it's dark and have only two seats. I can tell you something more about it, but you need to see it with your own eyes. And if you are about to do so, please call me. I would like to see your face when your eyes met the car for the first time."

Cyborg looked both frustrated and disappointed. "Ya really know how to spoil the fun, don't cha?"

"Tell me when I care."

"So, I understand that you have some interest in Starfire," Bruce asked with a mischievous grin.

Dick smiled. Bruce talking about girls. "Yeah, I did." Then his smile faded. "But now, I'm not sure."

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "Why not? She is a beautiful young woman who seems to like you. And an honest one too I think."

"Yeah, that she is, but I've a feeling that she's missing something, a certain depth I guess. Don't get me wrong, she's great, strong, lovely and beautiful, but she's everything I'm not. She's, I don't know, too bright? Too joyful? Naïve? Gullible? Emotional? I don't know anymore."

Dick let out a sigh as he continued. "You know, she's getting annoyed sometimes, wants to hang out with me all the time and leaving me no room to breathe. And when she's jealous, she become mad. Not just mad but dangerously crazy. I saw her rampage jealousy once and it scared me a lot. I guess it's because she's a princess, always getting what she want, and never learned to accept a no."

Bruce pondered Dick's frustrated words for a second before turning back to him. "You know, Barbara still miss you. Not as much as I thought she would be, but she does."

"Yeah, I thought she would, but she isn't perfect for me either."

Bruce was a bit surprised at that. "Really? I always thought that you were the perfect couple." Dick let out a snort before he continued. "And what about Raven? It seems that you trust her with all the secrets." He then frowned. "Speaking of which, did she read your mind once or twice?"

Dick eyes widened, surprised at that thought. "What? No! She would never do that! It will violate and damage our trust and we both know that!" He then shifted uncomfortable on his bed. "But... two weeks ago, I was infected by some dust, making me see things that weren't real. I almost got myself killed and Raven entered my mind in an attempt to safe me. I tried to stop her because I didn't want her to get hurt. Unfortunately, she did, she literally got knocked out my mind. Minutes later, I realized I only see these things in the dark, so I turned on the lights, ending the hallucination, the fight and the nightmare."

Bruce's eyes widened. "You didn't want her entering your mind because you was more worried about her safety than all of your secrets? Including mine, Alfred's and Barbara's?"

Dick runs a hand through his hair as he smiled sheepish. "Uhm, yeah, but she know how to keep a secret, I know she won't tell, so I trust her."

"Sounds like that she have secrets of her own."

Dick smiled. "Trust me, she does."

A sly grin appeared on Bruce's face. "A girl with mysteries huh? Well that sounds interesting. Why don't you give her a try?"

Dick gazed Bruce in his eyes as he raised an eyebrow. "Me and Raven? I don't think..." He went silent as his gaze turned away from Bruce as he was in thought. "...never thought about that..." he mumbled after a few moments.

"You didn't?"

Dick shook his head. "No, I mean, yeah that too but I was with Star and Raven's a bit different and can be scary when she's provoked, but that's not what I mean. It's just, we are so alike, and I've never realized that. I know her well enough and several things of her past, and like mine half of it are not happy ones. We've always respected our interests and the way we are, never questioning one other and giving each other the space and private when we needed. And we understand each other only by exchanging looks, even with my mask on. Even before Raven and I share a bond."

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "A bond?"

"Yeah, that's what she created when entering my mind. Didn't ask for it, neither does she but yeah, we can feel each other much easier than normal. I not sure about her, but I have no regrets that she did it though."

"You didn't talk about it?"

Dick hesitated. "Well, to be honest, I didn't talk very much lately, not after the hallucination incident. And for that, I do regret. I miss the late night talks Raven and I sometimes had, and I think it's time to pick up our old habitats."

Bruce placed a comfortable hand on Dick's shoulder. "Dick, You have shown me that you're capable to do great things. Have more faith in yourself, I know you will talk to her." His grin then returned. "Now, what do you think of her?"

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Raven? Well, she is very smart, literate, mature and have a strong personality. She's sarcastic with a wicked sense of humor, but she's also quiet and can be grim and broody at times." He went silent for a few seconds and his face gained a bit of color. "And I think that her beauty is… unique, I've never seen someone like her before. She hide her form most of the time in her cloak, but I really think she's beautiful."

Bruce give him a warm smile. "Sounds like you really like her. I'm sure that you will talk to her, just a normal conversation. After all, you have to start somewhere." He received a nod before getting on his feet. "Now, I've one request. Will you help me to find Scarecrow? I believe that your friends will appreciate to bring the man who caused a lot of troubles behind bars."

Robin put on his mask before looked up at Bruce. "Just like old times?" he grinned.

Batman pulled the cowl on his head. "Just like old times," he graveled with a grin of his own.

Robin went on his feet. "Alright, let's go. The others are getting impatient."

Batman followed Robin into the main room where Cyborg and Raven were waiting for the duo. "It's about time that you have decided to drop the chatter and show up," Raven said with her trademark monotone.

Batman and Robin exchanged looks for a moment. Batman gazed at Raven while Robin had his fist up his mouth and cleared his voice while Cyborg gawked back and forth at her and the Dark Knight as sweat droplets appeared on his forehead, afraid of what happened next. Raven saw the faces during the awkward silent moment. "What?"

Batman glared at the dark girl. "It appear that you are the straight one."

Raven returned the glare. "Learned from our fearless leader." It earned the glare of Robin upon her while his mentor briefly glared down at his student before glaring back at her.

Cyborg became even more nervous at the sight of the glare contest between the three, expecting that something would happen between the Dark Night and Dark Lady. Yet he decided to interfere. "O-kay... so, what are we going to do now?"

Raven's glare went to Cyborg. "We still have to throw the one who's responsible for all the troubles behind bars." She glared back at Batman and Robin. "I will not allow that he will get away with that."

"I agree." Robin said. His glare turned to Cyborg. "Cyborg, you stay here to keep an eye on Beast Boy and Starfire. Raven and I are going back to Gotham, we need to find Scarecrow, and fast."

Cyborg let out a breath he didn't knew he was holding and nodded. "Alright, good hunt." Raven opened a portal. "Oh, and Robin, give that guy one or two for BB and Star."

"I will," Robin grinned before he followed Batman and Raven through the portal.

"So, how did it go?" Batgirl asked when Batman returned with Raven and Robin.

"As expected, lots of struggling when giving them the antidote. Good thing that Robin had learn to be patience and earn their trust. Besides, he know what it is to be infected by Scarecrow's feargas."

Batgirl tilted her head. "How so?"

"He was infected once."

Batgirl turned to Robin. "Really? Why didn't you tell me?"

"There wasn't any reason for that," Robin coldly said. "Besides, we have urgent things that needs our attention right now."

"Agree," Batman said. "Batgirl, did anything happened while we were gone?"

"No, nothing."

"Alright, it's time to take matters in our hands. We are going to the city, separate into two groups and keeping watch on the banks which aren't robbed jet."

"That's a lot," Robin said.

"I know. You and Raven are patrolling the northern half of Gotham while Batgirl and I take the southern half."

Batman went to the Batcomputer and started to working on it. "We have a list of potential targets." Once he finished messing with the system a list rolled out of the right side of the computer which he handled to Robin. "I need you to keep an eye on it. I trust that you remember the locations of these banks and other targets."

Robin studied the list for a few moments. "I see no big differences since I left, we can handle it."

Batman give Robin a communicator in the form of an earplug. "Good. If someone show up, make sure you won't get infected with the feargas. Take them out and call us. We need information of Scarecrow's hideout."

"You can count on us," Robin said as he put the earplug in his left ear. He then turned to Raven. "C'mon Raven, we'll take the Batcycle."

Raven followed Robin. "Figures."

Once they arrived at the Batcycle Raven took a glance at the Batcycle. A big black motorcycle with smooth edges on its rear which makes it not uncomfortable for passengers. Raven glared at Robin who had found two black helmets. "Am I supposed to sit on the rear of this speeding deathtrap?"

A grin appeared on Robin's face as he handle her a helmet. "Unless you want to drive."

Raven give him a look. "You know I can't."

"Well, let's go then." Robin pulled his helmet on before climbed on the Batcycle while Raven rolled her eyes as she pulled her hood down to place the helmet over her head and took her seat right behind him. Robin started the engine. "Hold on tight."

Raven inwardly groaned but did as he said. Second later Robin turned the throttle and the Batcycle made its way over the ramp, heading for the exit of the Batcave.

Batman and Batgirl saw the scene from a distance and watched the Batcycle leaving the cave. After a few moments Batgirl stood next to the Dark Knight. "You know, I still can't believe that he has formed a team of superheroes. He seems to be close to them. Well, at least to her."

"I didn't see that one coming too, but he's doing a great job by leading the team, and they respect him by doing that, even since he's the only one without any special powers."

Batgirl smiled. "Looks like your trainings and lessons really paid off. You must be proud of him."

A thin smile appeared on his face. "I am." He then makes his way to the Batmobile. "Let's go, we have work to do."