Tales of the Teen Titans Volume 1: Go!

by Lostinthought319

Raven is an outcast, Beast Boy is a runaway, Cyborg is a reject, Starfire is a foreigner, and Robin is the new kid in town. This unlikely band of misfits become the protectors of Jump City, the Teen Titans. Can they take down the H.I.V.E. and the ever-growing supervillain populace all while The World's Greatest Assassin lurks in the background?

16. Chapter 11: X Marks The Spot

American Fork Canyon, Utah, 12 years ago

"Slade, are you sure splitting up is a good idea?"

"Addie, we're burning daylight as it is. I promised Grant I'd show him the terrain before dark. Why don't you take Joseph and set up the campsite? We'll rendezvous here at sunset and you can lead us back."

Turning his attention from his wife to his eldest son, he jutted his chin towards the mountains above. "Hurry up, boy, or I'm leaving you."

"Don't go too far, guys." Adeline warned. "The sun won't be up for too much longer and its gets colder than you'd think at night. Joseph and I will be back before you know it."

"Bye, Grant. Bye, Dad." Joseph hugged their waists affectionately in turn as his brother patted his back while his father affectionately ruffled his hair before gently pushing him in the direction of his waiting mother who blew a kiss at the two before taking Joseph's hand and leading him across the prairie.

"Ready?" Slade smiled at his eldest.

"Ready, Pop."

Minutes later

"Remember, watch out for dead branches. If you're not careful…"

"I'll spook them off. Relax, old man, I got this."

"Hmph." Slade chuckled to himself. "Alright, kid. Show me what you've got."

Beaming self-assuredly, the boy hefted the rifle and fired, nailing the deer in its back leg before it began to stagger.

"Guess I didn't need help from the old man after all, huh, Dad?" Grant turned to find himself alone. "Dad? Dad?! DAD!"

He began to wander around, anxiously seeking out his guardian who was nowhere to be found.

"This isn't funny, y'know? If this is about the old man comment, I take it back!"

…

Grant had lost track of how much time had passed. The sun was only getting lower in the sky as he had traversed his way through the forest.

He was terrified something had happened to his father. There was no way he had forgotten about him, right? Or maybe he really had pissed him off?

Seeing a large rock, Grant threw his rifle down and wearily collapsed against, head in his lap as he felt himself giving in to despair.

"Looks like you could use some help from the old man after all, huh, kid?"

Grant took his face out of his knees, almost ready to weep with relief when he turned to find his father standing over him, arms folded.

"DAD?!" He wiped his nose as he made to hug his father. "I'm so glad to see-"

The sentence was cut off as the kid was wrangled into a chokehold.

His eyes bugged out as he clutched at his father's grip.

"How would you break out of this, Grant? 10 seconds before you lose consciousness!"

"Dad, let go, I can't breathe…"

"7 seconds. Elbow me. Do it!"

Confused, he did so.

"Good. Now back kick!"

Adding a little venom to it, Grant kicked wildly, not landing the full impact.

"The kick could use some work. Next time you're in that hold, remember those steps. You're not big enough yet to use your opponent's leverage against them or navigate the woods by yourself, it seems."

"You…saw all that, huh?" Grant's cheeks burned, pride wounded.

His father laid a firm hand on his shoulder as he pulled him to his side. "It's alright, boy. Everyone has a meltdown on their first solo mission."

"Even you?"

Slade's eyes took on a faraway look as he replied, "Even me. Let's head back to camp. Your mother and brother should be waiting for us."

Grant was quiet as his father began to lead them back to their campsite before speaking up.

"Hey, Dad?"

"Yes, son?"

"Why don't you treat Joey like this? Y'know, take em fishing and hunting and all that?"

"I think we all know your brother doesn't have the stomach for this kind of thing. He's more of a dreamer. People like him are who we fight for to keep them safe. But somebody has to do the fighting and get their hands dirty. People like me and Uncle Billy."

"Could I be like you guys?"

Slade grinned down at his son. "Of course you can. It's in your genes, after all. Just follow my lead, kid."

"But Joey has the same genes, right? What went wrong?" Grant joked.

"DNA and heart are two different things. Like it or not, your brother's heart isn't in this kind of stuff. It's not in his blood. Nothing wrong with that." As they made it back to the campsite, he offered one last bit of advice.

"It's okay to be a dreamer, but you can't always have your head in the clouds. You never know what's waiting for you on the ground."

Adeline looked up from her picnic basket to spare her family a loving glance before the proverbial storm cloud passed over her face as she noticed Grant's scratches from the tree branches.

"Slade, tell me you weren't roughing up Grant. Again."

There was a tense beat of silence as Grant glanced up at his father for help.

"Course not, Addie." He smirked as he leaned down for a kiss from his wife. "I'm not as young as I used to be. Pretty soon the kid is gonna be kicking me around."

9 years later, Kaznia, in the back of a US Army Humvee

"WILSON! Head out of the clouds and in the game!"

"Sorry, Sarge." Grant shrugged nonchalantly. "Thought I saw a bunny up there."

"Smartass." His commanding officer mumbled under his breath before speaking up to address the group of soldiers assembled. "Intel says Deathstroke might be patrolling the area. Stay sharp."

While Sarge continued with the briefing, Grant muttered to his partner Nate Hodges. "I'm not worried about Deathstroke. If anything, I'd ask for the guy's autograph. Judging by the files, it doesn't look like he took out anybody who didn't deserve it. Something tells me this is gonna be fun."

"You have a weird definition of fun, Grant." Nate whispered back, shaking his head.

"That's what they tell me. Though this isn't as fun as making you all look like bums in basic training."

"Guess making us look like slowpokes runs in the family."

"What do you mean?" Grant asked, snappishly.

"Dude, I was talking about your mom." Nate relented, raising his hands placatingly. "She was a badass Captain, right?"

"Yeah. Yeah, she was." Grant said, suddenly somber as he did final checks on his gear.

"Your, uh, dad, was in her unit, right?"

Inserting his earpiece, Grant pretended not to hear as he moved to the front of the Humvee to listen to Sergeant Mullens.

…

The op was supposed to be simple, Grant mused dryly to himself.

Deathstroke the Terminator had been spotted in a small village in the middle of nowhere. Rumor was that he had a target hiding out there, a warlord who was gaining ground in the area. The guy was a small fish, not worth the US military's time if Deathstroke wasn't interested in him.

For reasons their superiors had neglected to share, Grant's unit had been tasked with bringing Deathstroke in. Better men had tried but Grant couldn't deny he was intrigued by the challenge.

The higher-ups had the brilliant idea of using the local tyrant as bait to catch their real target. And Grant, lucky dog he was, had been tasked with personally protecting the dirtbag in his own little fortress, watching him eat crab cakes without a care in the world.

The stronghold was fortified by three lines of defense. The courtyard was occupied by 16 soldiers. The second was a group of 12 in the foyer, half waiting just inside the door and the other half at the entrance to the staircase. Finally, there was a group of 4 guys hiding in the hallway if Deathstroke made it that far. And finally, there was Grant, the last line of defense.

The sooner this was over, the better.

An explosion outside signaled the beginning of the end.

To prevent the target from getting sniped, there were no windows in the space Grant was so he and his charge were in the dark.

Yousef whats-his-face was growing more panicked by the second. Grant would've taken more pleasure in that fact if it didn't mean his brothers-in-arms weren't getting picked apart out there.

The sounds of combat drew closer and closer and Grant drew his standard issue military rifle.

Outside in the hall, the noise lessened more and more until an eerie hush settled.

"Get in the corner behind the couch." Grant ordered without turning around. "Nowhere to run now so you better pray I can subdue this guy."

He heard Yousef scramble to follow his order just as the door was kicked in.

Grant couldn't deny a shiver of fear and anticipation went through him at the site of the famed Terminator.

The assassin was garbed in a blue bodysuit with orange boots, matching trunks, and a two-toned mask with no lens on the right side. To top it off, he bore a belt no doubt laden with weapons, a strap loaded with artillery, and a sword strapped to his back.

There was a tense silence in the room as both parties waited for the other to make a move before the mercenary spoke up, bemused. "You're not going to shoot me?"

Finally recovering his wits, Grant pulled the trigger but before he knew it, he was disarmed and on the floor with Deathstroke looming over him.

The soldier's heart was in his throat as he gazed into his one-eyed assailant's face. With a derisive snort, the killer began to walk by him. "Do us both a favor, kid. Stay down."

Gritting his teeth, Grant grasped Deathstroke's ankle and pulled out a knife, jamming it into his calf.

"Rrrrr!" Deathstroke yowled in pain.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Grant scrambled to his feet, drawing a pistol and firing at his target's heart.

With near superhuman speed, Deathstroke turned and raised his arm, taking the bullet in his shoulder, collapsing.

Grant carefully observed his prone opponent before beginning to make his way to the shivering coward he was assigned to protect.

Just as he began to reach for Yousef, a sword embedded itself in the wall 2 inches from his face.

Grant lurched back in horror as he turned to find Deathstroke's bullet wound already closing.

"You're gonna pay for that, kid."

Sounding braver than he felt, Grant raised his pistol. "Bring it."

As he began to fire off rapid shots, Deathstroke moved like water before getting behind Grant and encasing him in a rear headlock.

"What you gonna do, kid?"

10 seconds before you lose consciousness!

Acting on instinct, Grant jabbed a deep elbow into his assailant's kidney, mercifully unprotected by Kevlar in his guerilla outfit.

Taking advantage of his window, the man threw out a back kick.

Unfortunately, Deathstroke was too fast. He managed to ensnare Grant's foot in his grip.

"Good job, kid."

That was all the warning the young man got before his foot was wrenched in a direction it was never meant to go.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Grant cursed and pounded the floor as he howled in agony, unable to stand or focus on much of anything but the pain.

"Sorry, kid. I warned you to stay down."

Reaching out a hand, Deathstroke nabbed Yousef as he tried to race past him, using his other arm to take his sword out of the wall. "Don't think I forgot about you."

"No, don't!" Grant cried out through gritted teeth.

Grant's plea was answered by Yousef's blood being splattered over his face as he was ran through.

"Next time, do the smart thing. Give me my target without a fuss. It'll save us both a lot of trouble."

And with that, the mercenary was gone.

…..

"Tell me again how you're alive?" Nate asked later, checking on his friend as the others recovered. "Deathstroke rarely leaves witnesses around to tell the story.."

"I-I dunno, just lucky, I guess. The rest of you are all alive, right?"

"Killing us wasn't his primary objective. I doubt even Deathstroke wants the might of the U.S. military on his ass."

"Maybe." Grant murmured, wincing as he tried to lift his leg. "Unless there's another reason…"

Grant trailed off as he noticed his friend seemed to be intently listening to something in his earpiece.

"What is it?" Grant asked, concernedly.

"Uh…nothing." Hodges said, casting a glance behind Grant's head. "Let me check that leg, partner."

The next thing he knew, Grant felt an impact at the base of his skull and his world went black.

Location Unknown

The first thing Grant registered as he woke up was that his leg felt much better. The bad news was, he was strapped to an operating table.

"Ah, you're awake. Hopefully whatever the docs shot you up with is healing the leg."

Grant looked up to see Sergeant Mullens appearing out of the shadows.

"W-where am I?"

"That's classified, son. We were hoping you could help us answer a couple of questions."

"And I need to be strapped down to answer these questions?"

"Potentially. You see, we accepted you into the ranks for a few reasons. One, we're always looking for young men willing and able to defend our great country. Even better if they're angry young men. Helps with the motivation. Two, your mother's credentials speak for themselves. Captain of multiple successful operations and responsible for training one of the greatest soldiers the US Armed Forces has ever seen. Which brings me to the third reason. Slade Wilson was already an excellent cadet before he underwent a certain procedure. Did he ever mention it to you?"

"Can't say he did."

"The A.C.T.H. Experiment was originally created to resist truth serum. To do that, the brain needed to function at near-optimum levels and the body along with it to compensate. Naturally, the procedure was pretty damn dangerous. That didn't stop your father. A William Wintergreen of MI6 had become a good friend of us. He and his unit were pinned behind enemy lines. Slade took the serum to save him since his superiors vetoed leading an operation to rescue them. He nearly died and was in a coma for 5 days. When he awoke, he was like a demon possessed. Your mother's presence calmed him down and he snuck out that night and rescued Wintergreen and his entire unit. Legally, we could've discharged him for misconduct but the serum in his veins was too good an opportunity to pass up. We had the ultimate soldier. Sadly, Slade left on his own and wouldn't give us access to his blood. Your mother followed suit and used her wealth to create Searcher's Inc and start raising you and your brother. If she hadn't had such influence, we would have snatched your father with no one the wiser. About a year after, Deathstroke sightings began. His skills are unparalleled. While he's certainly not Superman or the Flash, he's still faster and stronger than the average human being. I'm sure you know what I'm alluding to here so my question is this: Where is your father?"

"You're saying Deathstroke is my father?" Grant scoffed outwardly. Internally, he was horrified at how much sense it all made. His dad's "independent" work with Uncle Billy had always been vaguely defined. The night the Jackal came after them had never been truly explained to him. His mother had always said his father had simply walked out on them and that they'd never see him again.

"Look, Colonel, even if this were true, I haven't spoken to my father in years. I have no idea his whereabouts or what he does. Truth be told, I wasn't even sure he was alive."

"I believe you, son. Be that as it may, I think you can still be of help to us."

"Trust me, my dad won't come if you use me as a pawn. The man's got a heart the size of the Grinch pre-transformation."

"I don't doubt it. But actually, we were hoping that you inherited more than your father's looks and devil-may-care attitude."

Grant's jaw fell open once he connected the dots. "You-you think I have the serum in me? I didn't even know the stuff existed until 2 minutes ago. Colonel, I'm telling you you're making a mistake! I'm just a regular guy."

Colonel Mullens exhaled as he stood up to go. "We'll let the lab boys be the judge of that, shall we?"

Furiously tugging at his restraints, Grant shouted after the Colonel to no avail.

Left in the dark, Grant squeezed his eyes shut in frustration and fear. The evidence seemed pretty solid: his father was Deathstroke. One of the biggest answers of his life only led to more questions.

Did Mom or Joey know? Did he have serum in his veins? Was his dad crazy?

"Having fun yet?" A voice whispered in the darkness as the door was gently nudged open.

"Hodges?" Grant almost wept with relief, quickly hiding it as his friend turned the lights on.

"I'm sorry, man." Hodges apologized as he began loosening Grant's restraints. "The order to take you in came from up top. They didn't give a reason why. Orders are orders, y'know? But this is f**cked up."

"Took the words right out of my mouth." Grant leapt to his feet, rubbing his wrists as he shook the stiffness out of his legs. "Where are we?"

"Off the books research facility. Black site for top-secret interrogations or experimentation." Readying his weapon, Nate asked, "Can you move? Alarms are gonna be going off any second."

"Yeah." Grant answered, steeling himself. "How'd you find out about this place? I'm guessing no one happened to randomly slip this information under your door."

"Actually, that's exactly what happened."

"You're kidding. I don't suppose this generous benefactor dropped a name?"

"No, but they left an address. Didn't have time to look it up. It's on the paper in my pocket. They said to meet them there once we get out of here."

Before Grant could ask any further questions, the alarms began blaring just as Nate had said they would.

"They gave me the floor plan." Hodges shouted over the noise as they moved towards the door. "Just follow my lead!"

Doing just that, Grant followed his friend through what felt like dozens of corridors as red lights bathed the facility in an eerie glow.

Mercifully, they were able to avoid any opposition just as the EXIT sign flashed, promising freedom.

Nate increased his speed, racing forward just as the hair on Grant's neck rose.

"Watch out!" Grant roared.

Too late.

A bullet coming from the adjacent corridor to the left tore through Hodges' calf, causing him to cry out as he went down.

"Sorry, boys. What's lurking in young Mr. Wilson's blood might change everything for us. I'm afraid I can't just let you walk away."

"Good thing we're not asking!" Grant retorted, snatching up Nate's gun and firing on the old man.

The old bastard had the sense to duck down just in time while Grant dragged his friend around the corner for some cover.

"The docs say it's best to keep you alive but I'm sure we can still make use of the blood from your corpse." Mullens bellowed, as he rained bullets in their direction.

"You're nuts, Mullens! I don't have the serum in me."

"The autopsy'll decide that!"

"Nate, can you put any weight on that leg?"

"No." He groaned out. "Guess we'll have to rely on your expert marksmanship." He ground sarcastically. "If you do happen to have some metahuman skills, now would be a good time to use 'em."

"Never needed any." Grant declared.

Thinking back on previous missions, Grant noticed Mullens always fired in a pattern once he saw a target. Two shots to his enemy's left, where the heart was and one to the right at the shoulder. If he timed it right, he'd nail 'em.

"Give up now, Wilson!" Mullens continued to crow. "Every other soul in this building is coming for you and your crippled little accomplice. Toss your gun and step out so we can settle this peacefully."

Even if he followed orders, Grant knew that wouldn't happen. Mullens wanted blood? Fine, then. He could choke on his own.

Rolling into the line of fire, Grant rose up, already leaning right.

He avoided the first two shots and leaned to his left just in time to only be grazed by the shoulder shot, before taking aim and nailing Mullens between the eyes.

Heaving a deep breath, he pocketed the gun and ran back to Nate.

"Up and at 'em, soldier. We're getting out of here."

"Grant, I'm bleeding out. Even if we make it out that door, we're not going far. I'll only hold you back and they can follow the blood trail. It's a desert out there. Take my pack, I brought some rations, enough for two people." Fishing the paper with address out of his pocket, Nate pressed it into Grant's hand. "Get to civilization and find this place. Don't go back to camp, you'll be a wanted man."

"Nate, I can't just…"

"Grant, GO! I'll hold them off." He promised, drawing a spare gun from his pocket. "Finish the mission, remember?"

"Always." Grant responded somberly. "Thanks, Nate. I'm coming back for you. I swear."

"Don't make promises you can't keep, soldier. Now move your ass!" Nate ordered, slapping his friend's thigh.

Guiltily, Grant took the pack and tore off through the door, finding the terrain to be like Nate had described. As he tore across the plains, sirens echoing across the landscape, Grant tried to ignore the nausea in his gut as he fled like a coward.

…..

The facility had turned out to be in (REDACTED). Luckily, the locals had believed him when he said he was a member of the military and given him aid. Once he'd been able to see the address, his blood had gone cold. He knew the place all too well. Kane Castle, Scotland. Owned by none other than Adeline Kane, founder of Searcher's Inc. who occasionally moonlighted as his loving mother.

When he'd arrived at the entrance, the butler didn't seem surprised to see him, merely offering to take his jacket and lead him to the dining room where his mother was waiting.

"You look like crap." She greeted him. "Take a shower, you'll feel better. Breakfast'll be done soon."

Wordless, he huffed and dragged himself upstairs where the bathroom was ready and waiting for him. As he tromped down the corridor, he valiantly ignored the photos of his mother and her new beau Wesley Dobbins, i.e. the "thespian" deadbeat who mooched off of his mother's money.

When he exited the shower, Grant took a moment to collect himself before going down and seating himself.

Mother and son ate in awkward silence before Grant decided to speak up, noting the autographed photos with celebrities on the walls.

"So living with your sugar daddy granted you some perks?"

"If anything, I'm his sugar mommy." She shot back quickly.

"You're more his mother than mine at this point."

"First off, you left me. Second, I'm trying to be civil here so I'd like you to do the same. And three, don't forget who saved your ass."

Sullenly, Grant leaned back in his chair. "Fair point. Sorry, Ma, I just…"

Reaching across the table, Adeline took her son's hand. "I'm sorry about Hodges. He was a good kid, which is why I knew I could trust him with the information."

"How did you get that information by the way?"

"I run an organization called Searchers, Incorporated." She stated flatly. "You think I wouldn't investigate the profession my family is heavily involved with?" Adopting a wry smile, she said, "You don't think I hear things?"

"You're not gonna break my thumbs, are you?"

The mother and son shared an uneasy laugh, reminiscing on better times. But the days were long gone where Grant and his mom shared movie nights watching Rocky and Rambo.

"So, uh, is Joe around?"

"Alphea Boys School in Switzerland. I don't want him anywhere near this."

"You mean near me?"

"I didn't say that."

"Did you have to?"

Adeline sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "All I'm saying is your situation could get ugly. I can get you on your feet but you'd have to stay below the radar. Can you handle that?"

"I guess…" He murmured.

"There is another option, you know."

"No." Grant stated firmly.

"Why not?" His mother asked, voice rising.

"I left home to get away from Mother Hen. I'm not joining you and your cronies so you can be my mother and my boss. The only reason I'm in this mess is because of…Deathstroke."

"I know, Grant." Grant resisted the urge to shudder as he saw the rage burning in his mother's eyes. "Believe me."

The fire dimmed as she retracted her hand. "I never thought they would come after you." She said almost to herself. "I thought Joseph would be a target…"

"Why would Joey be a target?"

His mother paused as if she was steeling her nerves. "You know how they assumed you had inherited abilities?"

It took a moment for the lightbulb to go off. "You mean…Joey is a meta?"

"Yes, but not like your father. His abilities are…different."

"Different how?"

"It doesn't matter. If you don't plan to stay here, we'll have to set you up a new identity. But you have to be discreet, Grant. I know that anger bubbling in your veins. I'm the one you got it from. Promise me you won't take on the US military."

"I promise." He grumbled.

Taking on the system was useless, anyway.

…..

In the year following his "dishonorable discharge", Grant had been set up in a cushy New York apartment under a false identity by his mother. While Adeline had insisted on giving her son enough funds to live comfortably without working, Grant had insisted on working a couple warehouse jobs to keep busy. Anything was better than sitting alone with his thoughts and pondering how he'd failed his friend who he knew in his heart was dead. How his father was the world's most dangerous killer and his mother had failed to mention that his brother he never got to see was a metahuman.

Thankfully, his mother's reach had been long enough to keep interested parties off his scent or render them unwilling to risk her wrath.

Which was just as well as Grant had taken up another job the past few months. As much as Grant now despised the system he'd learned the skills from, he couldn't easily give up the urge to put his combat training to use.

After since Hodges' murder, he'd felt so powerless. Serving a "higher cause" hadn't done much good for him or the people he'd been trying to help. If the world was made to accommodate the greedy assholes of the world, then why not become one? After all, it appeared to be in his blood.

He'd borrowed a Searcher's Inc. uniform from his mother on the pretense that he was mulling over joining up while adding his own personal touches. With his mother's money, it was almost scarily easy to acquire the weaponry he required.

It seemed that no matter where in the world you were, there was always need for a hired gun. A couple instances of muscling in on local mobsters' turf had been enough to get him hired. Unfortunately, work was a little slow. But why settle for guppies when you could swim with the sharks?

Hang around the Underworld long enough and one would hear about what was going on in California. No one knew quite what to make of Damien Darhk but they knew enough not to mess with him.

Grant knew enough to know that getting into business with this guy would be lucrative. Hijacking some very important HIVE shipments and leaving his info had won him a call from an untraceable phone number letting him know he would be called upon in the future should his services ever be required.

Encouraged, Grant had made the move to sunnier horizons. He finally felt in control of his own destiny again. Until fate threw him a curveball again in the form of a call from his mother.

Jump City Harbor

It was a surprisingly cold night out. If she didn't have business, Adeline would be inside with a good book and a coffee but instead she was waiting for her son to stop pretending he could sneak up on her.

"Hey, Ma. Long time no see."

"If you were trying to surprise me, it didn't work. All you've done the last 5 minutes is sit in the shadows like a dumbass." She announced, as she turned to find him in his Ravager outfit.

"I guess I've aged out of you humoring me, huh?"

"As soon as you decided to move out of my house without telling me."

"If I had, would you really have let me enlist?"

"I would have considered it."

"You mean consider how to tell me no?"

Adeline sighed and pulled out pack of cigarettes and a lighter, pausing to light one and blow out a puff before continuing. "This isn't the conversation I called you here to have."

"Then what did you call me out here for? Joey isn't around so I'm guessing we're not posing for family portraits."

"He's here."

"Who?"

"You know who."

"Humor me."

His mother laughed without humor. "A jackass off the old block. Deathstroke."

"Even after all this time, you can't say his name."

"Can you?" She challenged.

Wisely changing the subject, Grant asked, "Why bother me with this?"

"He knows you're operating in Jump. I'm worried he might try to get close to you, use you."

"Now you're worried about me? Or worried to lose any ground in your feud?"

"I didn't mean it like that. I don't want you on the wrong side."

"If you know what he does, then you know what I do. You think I care about being on the right side?"

"I know you don't kill anyone. And you don't harm unnecessarily. I'm keeping others off your scent but I can only do it for so long. I was hoping you'd give it up."

"Don't hold your breath. Gotta use the skills somehow."

"You could join Searchers Inc."

"I lived under your thumb for 18 years. Why do you think I left in the first place?"

Adeline chuckled to herself. "I swear Joseph is the only one of us without a chip the size of Gibraltar on his shoulder."

"I guess he's the freak of the family. As if being the fruity mute wasn't bad enough."

Grant was rewarded with a stinging slap across the face.

"Don't talk about your brother that way."

Rubbing his cheek, Grant asked, "Are we done here?"

Adeline drew in a breath, frustrated with herself for losing her temper. "I'm just asking you to be careful. If you can handle that."

As he made to leave, her son spoke over his shoulder. "Aw, Ma, you know me…I'm never careful."

Huffing quietly, she said to herself, "That's what I'm afraid of." Calling out to him, she said, "You know what he is now, Grant. I don't want you caught up in his web. It's hard to entangle yourself from, believe me."

If he heard her, he offered no response.

Silently brimming with anxiety and frustration, Adeline chose to bury it in nicotine as she took another drag before disappearing into the night.

…..

Despite his attempt at feigning nonchalance, Grant was more than a little perturbed at the idea of his father attempting to get back into his life. The man would assuredly track him down, requesting something or other.

The old man wouldn't take the hint if he avoided him or politely asked him to go away. He'd only see weakness. Uncle Billy had once said you had to "learn the code" to understand Slade Wilson.

If he'd read that code correctly, the only way Slade would respect him is if his progeny found him first. A game of cat and mouse.

Just like old times, Grant chuckled without humor.

Game on, old man.

Present Day, Deathstroke's Lair

"Well?" Slade prompted. "Aren't you going to give your Pop a hug? Or are you still gun-shy?"

The reference to the injury his father had inflicted on him was enough to spur Grant Wilson into action as he charged forward with an angry roar.

Unclipping his cape, he flung it forward, using it as a distraction.

While Deathstroke swatted it down, Grant left his feet for an overhead kick that the assassin's superior reflexes saved him from.

Thinking quickly, Grant came up, throwing back elbows that didn't connect.

Changing tactics, he went low, diving through Slade's legs and delivering a back-kick to his father's spine.

Attempting a rear naked chokehold, his target moved faster than any man should be able to, dodging without even turning around and locking his son's torso in his ribs before he got hit the ground.

Holding him sideways, Deathstroke applied deadly pressure that made Red-X cry out against his will.

Satisfied, Slade thrust him upon the ground and was kneeling on his back before he knew what happened.

Grasping Grant's right arm, he yanked it upwards painfully, removing his knee to bring the rest of Grant's body with him.

"You ready to talk like an adult?" Slade drawled, knowing he'd won.

In lieu of an answer, Grant gritted his teeth in shame.

Seeming to take that as a yes, his father shoved him away, releasing his hold.

"Not bad, kid." Slade breathed out, hardly showing any sign he'd even exerted himself. "Although that back-kick's still weak as hell."

"Sorry to disappoint you yet again, Pop."

"On the contrary…you showed potential. You've gotten better. I wasn't able to telegraph your movements until 5 moves in."

"Well, that is high praise." Grant snarked, before groaning as he cradled his arm.

Slade was silent for a moment before saying, "Bot 4. Tell Wintergreen to prepare the infirmary."

Grant was startled as a humanoid robot appeared out of the shadows from behind him, garbed in a tunic similar to his father with a splash of orange on its face, before gritting his teeth at his father's attempt to pity him.

"I don't need…" Grant began to protest.

"Do it." Slade cut in as the automaton moved to comply with his order. "C'mon, kid. It seems we have a lot to talk about."

Infirmary, a few minutes later

"You know, I never did take to HIVE." Slade spoke once his son explained his story to the present day. "Their goals were always a little too vague for my taste. I'm surprised you threw in with them. I thought you were a bit more practical than that."

"I'm not a believer in the cause, trust me." Grant rolled his eyes as he sat on a gurney, warily watching his father while his Uncle Wintergreen tended to his dislocated shoulder. "I just needed your attention and I knew they were the best way into the JC Underworld. It's like you always taught me. Use the resources at your disposal…"

"Whether they know it or not." His father finished. "I'm glad you remembered more than just the beatings I gave you."

The blunt acknowledgement of their tense history was like a brick wall between them and despite his efforts to hide it, Slade easily detected his son's hackles raise.

Thankfully, Wintergreen served to cut the tension. "Unfortunately, Grant, your father never remembers the word 'tact' no matter how many times I try to teach it to him."

Slade's eye narrowed as he ignored the comment and Grant had to chuckle, knowing Uncle Billy was the only one who could regularly get under his father's skin.

While both men were distracted, Wintergreen seized the moment and popped Grant's shoulder back into place and the young man's shout echoed throughout the empty halls.

"Sorry, lad, but it had to be done." William shrugged. "You should be good to go, m'boy."

With that, Wintergreen exited, giving Slade a meaningful look and tossing Grant a warm smile before departing.

It was a quiet for a good while before Slade spoke, "Since you're so determined to work together, there's an idea I've been mulling over."

Grant raised a curious eyebrow. "What's that?"

"I'm nowhere near ready to kick the bucket but in a decade or so, I may begin to slow down. Perhaps my body wears down, someone gets lucky, or I simply feel like retiring in the Caymans. No matter the outcome, all my knowledge and all my skills go with me. It'd be a travesty and a waste."

"I doubt your victims see it that way."

"It doesn't matter what the dead think. My point is this…I'm not getting any younger. And these automatons certainly don't have the killer instinct to supplant me. Nor does your brother." Turning to face his progeny, he put a hand on his shoulder. "I've been in the market for…an apprentice, of sorts. Interested?"

Grant was quiet for a long while before speaking slowly. "So all this…becomes mine?"

"The fortune, the resources, the skills…all of it."

"When do we start?"

"Surely you don't expect to earn the job without an audition, do you?"

"What kind of audition?"

"I'm so glad you asked…"

Titans Tower Gym, 6 days later

7:30 AM

"Is it too late to start a mutiny?" Garfield murmured to Victor, wiping his sweat away before cracking his back. "I still say it's not too late to vote Starfire in as leader."

"I know this sucks, Green Bean, but we looked like a bunch 'a amateurs last week. Can you blame the guy for wanting to be prepared?" Victor reasoned, using the battle ropes with ease, trying to ignore the TV that was going on about the Teen Titans "failures".

"No, but I can blame him when I die of exhaustion. I left the Doom Patrol to get away from the micromanaging and overkill. At some point, he's gotta trust us."

"I'll trust you when you get consistent results." Both boys jumped as Robin cut in, suddenly entering the conversation. "Until then, keep working on the drills."

Spinning on his heel, Robin stalked away and turned up the volume on the TV as if his teammates needed any extra motivation.

Garfield glared and huffed while Victor simply rolled his eyes as they resumed their stances while Raven tried to ignore Starfire's concerned gaze in their leader's direction.

H.I.V.E. Academy, Jinx's Dorm

"Hey, Jen, you alive in there?" Baran asked gruffly.

"Go away." Jen muffled into her pillow.

"Enough of this emotional crud." Brendon groaned as he set to work on hacking the electronic lock.

"Child's play." The boy smirked as the lock shorted out. "After you."

Following his cue, Baran pushed the door open to find their friend facedown on her bed.

"What part of 'go away' don't you two morons understand?" Jenna asked, not lifting her face from the pillow, the only light in the room coming from the open doorway.

"The part where you tell us to 'go away'." Brendon snarked before jabbing a thumb up at Baran. "Plus, he's the moron. I'm his handler."

"Hey!" Baran complained. "I oughta flatten ya, you little pipsqueak!"

"Yeah, yeah, save it for training. Anyway…" The pint-sized genius prefaced before softening his expression along with his tone. "Don't tell me that you're gonna let one bad outing define us?"

"It's not just 'one bad outing'." Jenna said, finally raising her head to look at them, shifting to sit on the edge of her bed. "If we don't get this Ravager guy, our careers are over before they even start. We have no help and we barely know what we're doing."

"Speak for yourself." Baran cut in. "I've been kicking ass for years. This guy won't be the first guy in a hi-tech suit I've knocked out and he won't be the last. We just gotta find him."

"This ain't my first rodeo, either." Brendon sniffed indignantly. "You forgettin' the guy who led the prison break? Besides, I got some new enhancements I've been dyin' to test out." He finished, rubbing his hands together maniacally.

"Any of those 'enhancements' gonna make you taller?" Baran chuckled.

"I'm warnin' you, ya lunkhead!" Brendon snapped before calming himself as he turned back to Jenna who had begun to smile slowly. "My point is, we can do this. We just have to make a plan and be ready for anything. We were able to handle those Titan-ic losers. If they can't stop us, then this Ravager guy'll be a pushover. You seriously think we're gonna blow this chance to impress the boss?"

"No way we're goin' down like that, Jen." Baran rumbled. "This is our chance, like you're always sayin'."

Feeling a sense of gratitude along with renewed confidence, Jenna stood up, reinvigorated. "Thanks, guys."

"Don't mention it." Baran nodded. "Just tell me we actually have a plan?"

"Actually, yeah." Brendon spoke up. "While you cludgeheads were mopin' around like a buncha crud-munchers, I was taking initiative." Pulling up holographic schematics on his wristwatch, he highlighted a mechanical device. "I got a look at Operation Waterworks' necessary components. Don't know what's it for, but this little baby is at a Dayton Industries facility a couple miles away."

"That's not our mission, Gizmo." Jinx reminded him.

"Well, it's not like Ravager is gonna give us a hint on how to find him. Instead of sittin' around, I say we make a move. If we pull it off, the boss is happy. If we don't, no one has to know."

"I like it." Mammoth grinned. "I'm in. Jen?"

Hesitating for a moment, Jinx took a deep breath before flashing a mischievous smile. "I'm in. What could go wrong?"

Deathstroke's lair, Control Room

"So what's the plan here?" Grant asked as he observed a holographic building layout.

Slade plowed ahead in a clipped tone. "Dayton Industries. 12 miles outside of town. Hit the site. Make a scene. Avoid casualties until the Titans show up."

"Enlighten me on why I'm doing this?"

"For one thing, the JCPD will take minimum 10 minutes to get there and I would hope you can handle a gang of rent-a-cops in the meantime. For another, the empath can teleport, meaning the Titans will get there first meaning you'll have a window to prove yourself before the cops interfere. And finally, Robin will be eager to get his hands on you. I want to see what the kid's made of, assess his abilities."

"And mine?" Grant asked pointedly.

"As well as the robots. With the chips boosting their A.I., they should be ready for combat. They're programmed to respond to your voice and my remote commands."

"I don't need those things to back me up. The Xenothium is the only help I need." Grant insisted, patting his belt.

"Even the best generals recognize the need for cannon fodder. Indulge me. And try not to die."

"The Titans aren't killers."

"We don't know that for sure. The girls are wild cards. Besides, I've heard about your squeamishness in the service. I'm not a fan of killing children either but it's you or them. They know what they signed on for. Above all, this is simply an exercise. See what you can handle and get out. The objective is observation. Assess the Titans' skills, especially Robin, the robots', and your own. Don't be a hero."

"Aw, Pop, I don't know how to play the hero. It's not in my genes." Nodding to the robots assembled behind him, he said, "Let's go, Sladebots."

"Don't call them that."

"Hey, I'm the general, I call them what I want." Grant called back flippantly as he fitted the Red-X mask over his face, leading the squadron out.

"Damn that kid." Slade murmured to himself.

"I recall sharing the same sentiments many a time about a rebellious, headstrong but brilliant young man who was good and knew it. Ring any bells?"

Wintergreen's timing was impeccable when it came to antagonizing his friend.

"Isn't it teatime, Billy?" Slade bit out.

"Oy, Slade, I'm hurt. Can't have teatime without me crumpets. Unfortunately, they aren't a Californian delicacy." Switching to a serious tone, Wintergreen laid a hand on his old friend's shoulder. "You sure you feel comfortable putting him out there?"

"He became a mercenary without my help, Billy. He's done well enough for himself to navigate dealings with Fixit, H.I.V.E., and Chang not to mention fending off the Titans. Imagine what he could become under my direction."

Wintergreen pulled away as his gaze roamed somberly across his friend's countenance. "Imagine, indeed."

Titans Tower

"Oooohhh, yeah." Garfield groaned as he spread out on the couch. The sun had set a few minutes ago and the changeling was ready to settle in for a quiet evening of doing nothing. Robin had been on the warpath all day, leaving everybody on edge and working tirelessly. But now it was time to relax.

Before he'd even begun munching his first bite of snacks, the OPs screen flared to life.

Gar sighed when he saw who it was from: Jump City Police Department.

Why do I even bother changing out of my costume?

He briefly considered ignoring it before realizing Robin was probably already on his way.

Reluctantly, he allowed the call through to be met with Arthur Hall's hard face.

"Beast Boy? Is Robin with you?"

"Probably on his way. What's up?" Gar asked as he leaned back, beginning to consume his popcorn.

"There's been a breach at a Dayton Industries site on the outskirts of town."

At the mention of Dayton Industries, Garfield proceeded to choke on a kernel, knowing what Steve's reaction would probably be.

While Garfield gathered himself, the others trickled into the room, presuming this to be the call they had been waiting for.

"What's the story here, Captain?" Robin asked, immediately all business.

"Break-in at Dayton Industries." Hall answered, screen-sharing the live feed. "This guy came in with an army of robots. The lab techs are sealed in, too risky to make an escape attempt. The guy doesn't seem like he's taken anything. Or wants to. He's all but daring to be challenged. Is this your guy from the other night?"

"Red-X." Robin ground out through gritted teeth.

"The guy's not even trying to hide his presence on camera. It's gotta be a trap." Cyborg noted.

"Of course it is." Robin replied, undaunted. "Raven, can you get us there?"

"It would take a couple jumps if I don't know where I'm going."

"I can drive you in the T-Car until we're in range and you can teleport us the rest of the way." Cyborg offered helpfully.

"Thanks." Raven nodded gratefully.

"Let's move!" Robin ordered, tearing off for the garage.

Dayton Industries Facility

"This is almost too easy, am I right?"

Considering he was talking to an automaton, Red-X didn't expect a response, but the silence was awkward all the same.

All he'd had to do to seize control of the place was blast a hole in the wall, yell in a loud voice, and come in with a small army. The employees hadn't put a fight and had holed up in various hiding spots around the complex. The newly installed tech in his mask meant he could track their heat signatures. Nobody was a threat and they'd called the cops just like he wanted, meaning the Teen Titans should be here any moment. So far, the Sladebots were responsive and functional. They were posted at the entrances and catwalks, awaiting further orders.

His father had been quiet on his commlink, seemingly content to let him handle this himself.

The anticipation of action was killing him and not having anyone to bounce his thoughts off of made it worse. Times like these made him miss Nate more than ever.

There were so many things that could go wrong…

"You're doing it, aren't you?"

His father's voice in his ear startled him. "Doing what?"

"I can see you pacing. Let me guess: you're worrying at your lip. Your mother did the same thing before an op."

Releasing his lip from his teeth, he asked, "And you don't?"

"There are more constructive things to do than worry. Meditate, catch your breath. Relax. Release the energy when the fight comes."

"And how soon will that be?"

"According to the building sensors? Right about now. Get your guard up, kid. 3 bogeys headed your way."

"Only 3?"

"Oh, you have gotta be kiddin' me!" A screechy voice rang out. "No wonder the place was so stinkin' quiet!"

Grant whipped his head up to the catwalk where he saw the 3 kids from the HIVE glowering down on him, a Sladebot crushed under the big guy's heel.

"Sick of you gettin' in our way, pal!" Mammoth roared out, launching himself into the air and cocking a fist aimed for the intruder.

So much for simple, Grant surmised as the three teens descended from the rafters.

With the silent alarm tripped, X knew he didn't have long before the Titans arrived. He'd just have to stall these guys until then. For the first time since it had been suggested, he was glad the robots had come along. He could use the cannon fodder. It was hard enough dealing with the Titans but these punks were a headache he didn't need.

"Bots, engage!" Red-X called out as he narrowly avoided Mammoth's fist.

Moving from their posts above, the Sladebots came in waves, surrounding the H.I.V.E. agents.

"You're only makin' this more fun for me, Red!" Mammoth called out as he cracked his knuckles before charging into the fray.

Gizmo let out a cry of alarm as a group of four closed in on him. "Enough of this crap!"

Unfurling a pair of metallic tentacles from his backpack, Gizmo shoved them back before sending an electrical current through the still-attached limbs.

Rather than destroy the bots as expected, the current seemed to steady them.

"This is some pretty sweet tech you got here, crud-for-brains. Think I'll take it!" Gizmo grinned smugly before addressing his compatriots. "Keep 'im busy while I grab what we need. I've got a brand new buncha volunteers to help me!"

As Jinx and Mammoth nodded before descending to the floor below, Gizmo looked down to their quarry. "Ya made us look like a buncha cludgeheads last time, Ravager, but this time you're on our terms!"

"It's Red-X now, in case the outfit wasn't obvious enough!" The merc shouted back.

"Whatever!" Jinx cut in as she used her powers to make a piece of scaffolding fall onto a few Sladebots. "It figures you'd try to sabotage us."

"Believe it or not, I'm not here for you." As if on cue, a black portal emerged in the center of the room as five figures stepped out. "I'm here for them."

"The Titans!" Jinx exclaimed in surprise.

"Watch each other's backs! X is mine." Robin declared, dashing into the fray.

Needing no further invitation, Raven set her sights on the pink-haired girl who'd embarrassed her last time out. The empath moved quickly, finding it harder than ever to contain the anger that burned inside her. She'd never felt this way in Azarath but then there weren't annoying people who went around knocking her out.

"Gizmo, go!" Jinx shouted out before turning her attention to the empath floating towards her.

"Back for more, huh?" Jinx taunted. "Look on the bright side, girl. You've already lasted longer than last time."

Raven's eyes flashed as she felt her eyes go white, her emotions bursting to life. As Jinx threw a hex, Raven put up a shield and brushed it away, continuing her advances, as Jinx continued her assault.

Strike her down, daughter. Humiliate her. Embarrass her. Make sure she can never harm you again.

Raven wasn't sure which thoughts were hers or the demon lurking inside her, but she found it harder and harder to care. The power boost in magic was helping her to overcome Jinx's weaker form of sorcery.

Her lip curled in satisfaction as she began to bear down on her foe, taking pleasure in her shocked face.

"What's the matter, girl?" Raven spoke, her voice taking on a grittier tone, joined with another one from within. "Giving up already?"

Caught up in her moment of satisfaction, Raven had dropped her shield to loom over Jinx and look into her terrified eyes, which would prove to be her undoing.

In a panic, the pink-haired girl lashed out wildly, landing a good punch to Raven's jaw, causing her to collapse and her aura to dissipate.

Shaken, Jinx hurried off to help Mammoth, hoping Gizmo was getting what they came for.

West End of the Building (R&D)

"Like takin' candy from a scuzzball!" Gizmo smirked towards the lifeless robots he'd hijacked, satisfied as he opened the hatch containing the device they needed.

As he began inputting commands to the automatons, Gizmo's movements were halted as a concussive bomb dropped in front of him. Quickly unleashing a twin pair of metal wings, he used them to shield himself up as the force send him sliding into a wall.

"Good to see ya again, half-pint." Cyborg taunted, entering the corridor. "I was afraid I'd never have the chance to kick your sorry butt ever again."

"Keep talkin' ya snot-eating toaster!"

Spreading his wings, the young genius activated his jetpack, circling above the hero's head.

"Can't fly, can you, robo-bum? I been savin' somethin' special for you!"

Cyborg cursed as a side compartment opened in the pack, firing a missile his way.

Reacting quickly, Victor smacked it away, causing it to detonate in a side wall, shaking the complex.

….

Back in the main room, Mammoth and Beast Boy in ram form, finished polishing off a few robots before stopping to turn and set their sights on each other.

The changeling shifted back into human form and Mammoth anticipated his next move.

"I'm not falling for that tapeworm trick this time, kid." Mammoth snarled as they circled each other. "You're not getting anywhere near my piehole."

"I wouldn't be too worried about me, big guy…"

"Good, 'cause I'm not." Mammoth cut in smugly.

The behemoth's boasting was cut short by the loud sound of knuckles cracking accompanied by a tap on his shoulder.

He whirled around to find himself locking eyes with a pissed-off looking Tamaranean who bore a wicked smirk as she cocked her fist back.

The next thing he knew, Mammoth was flying across the complex before crunching into a control panel, semi-conscious as he groaned in pain.

"Nice shot, Star." Beast Boy grinned, holding up his hand for a high-five which his friend happily returned. "Whoever takes out the most robots picks next for movie night?"

Starfire grinned as she ignited her hands, preparing for battle. "I believe the human expression is: Challenge accepted."

East Side of Facility

"Back for more, huh, kid?" Red-X taunted. "Things didn't go too well for you last time but I'm willing to be generous for Round Two."

"You say that like I'll need it." Robin rejoined going for a leg sweep.

The mercenary hopped up before shoving the Boy Wonder back with a palm strike to the chest. "Consider it a professional courtesy."

"A thug with manners. How original." Robin snarked before ramming into his foe and driving him back against the scaffolding, pressing against the mask and trying to unhook it.

"No…you…don't!" X growled as he pushed off his feet, using the momentum the move generated to send the two combatants tumbling towards the lower level.

Robin landed in a low crouch while X hit the ground rolling, putting some distance between the two young men as he gained purchase against a pillar.

The Titans leader decided to press his advantage, roaring as he launched himself towards X, a knee strike ready.

The merc's eyes widened before he sidestepped, stumbling to his feet.

Meanwhile, Robin growled in pain as his knee connected with the metal, a hollow clang ringing out.

Red-X took note of how Robin came up a little gimpy, valiantly attempting to hide it.

Experimentally, he tried for a low kick and Robin braced his forearms to absorb the blow before quickly reaching into his utility belt.

Now brandishing twin birdarangs, the teen began to swing wildly.

It seemed he was avoiding using his lower half, inching forward minutely, not putting too much weight on his right leg.

Grant had decided to take it easy with the X's this encounter to properly assess the kid's skills but if he was using his tools, well, turnabout was fair play.

Raising his hands, he formed X-shaped blades that clashed with Robin's own blades, causing sparks to fly.

Grant held the strength advantage and began to press as Robin gritted his teeth and pushed back, trying to gain purchase.

Behind his mask, Wilson smirked as he had Robin's full attention on holding him back.

Sweep the leg, Grant inwardly chuckled.

Proceeding to do just that, he was rewarded by a cry of pain as Robin dropped his blades, knee buckling as he collapsed, clutching it.

No mercy.

All he had to do was throw a blade through this kid's chest and the Teen Titans would be in the market for a new leader.

Not my style, Grant thought ruefully.

While the former Ravager was lost in thought, Robin regained his wits and used his good leg to plant a fierce kick into his assailant's stomach.

X lost wind for a moment, caught by surprise.

Taking advantage, Robin unfurled a flashbang from his belt, further disorienting his foe as he jogged a few feet away, rubbing his knee as the pain began to subside.

"Cute trick, kid. I thought we were keeping this hand to hand. If you wanna hide, that's fine. I love seeking…"

As he spoke, Red-X raised his hand and concentrated the Xenothium until he held the end of a beeping X in his hand.

"But I don't have time for hide and seek. Let's play catch!"

Meanwhile, Robin shook out his leg one more time, ready to join the fight. And not a moment too soon as the X landed a foot away.

Robin's eyes widened under his mask as he fired a grappling hook to a catwalk above as the explosive device went off.

"There you are!" X called out.

Jumping in the air, he fired X's out of his palm in succession, making his own staircase to join his foe on the scaffolding.

The two combatants stumbled as the explosion of Gizmo's missile began to weaken the structural integrity of the building.

R&D

"Look what ya did, Cy-bozo!" Gizmo cried. "You're gonna bring the whole place down!"

"Me?! You fired the thing!"

"And you decided not to let it hit ya! Woulda solved a whole lot of problems!"

"But then you'd have nobody to try out your lame-ass insults on!"

Roaring in outrage, Gizmo fired two grappling lines that encased Victor's arms.

"Hope you got your shots, Cy-scum! Those cables carry a nasty bug, should be hitting you any time now."

Cyborg groaned, a little woozy, but not too worse for wear. "That it?"

"You should be keeling over by now! No robot can handle that virus!"

Victor smirked as he understood. "That's what you forgot, short stuff. I'm only part robot."

Gizmo's eyes widened in alarm before both turned at a new voice.

"Cy!" Garfield cried out as he entered the scene. "I got you covered, dude! Star's wreaking havoc back in the main room. She told me to back you up."

"Perfect timing, Avocado-for-Brains." Gizmo snarled. "You're just in time to play CATCH!"

Still holding Cyborg's wrists, Gizmo flung him into Garfield, smashing them both into an already unstable wall.

As the support beams collapsed, Victor reached up in the nick of time to hold up the wall.

"I could use a little help here, Green Genes." He strained.

Looking down, he noticed Gar was unconscious. Must've knocked his head. Damn it.

"You two fellas have fun dying!" Gizmo yelled out, seizing his prize before sparing Cyborg a grin, unflinching at his hateful eyes.

…

With a roar, Starfire punched through the final remaining Sladebot. She surveyed the room with satisfaction, hands on her hips, before turning to where she'd left Mammoth to see Jinx checking on him.

"You!" She called out, making the girl flinch. "Who are you? Why do you align yourself with the Gizmo and Mammoth?"

"The name's Jinx, princess. And they're my friends."

"Your friends are not very nice people." She glanced at Raven's body in the corner, her eyes glowing green. "It would seem you are not either."

Jinx tensed for a fight as Mammoth began to stir, trying to summon his strength. The effort turned out to be unnecessary as the broad side of a metal support beam slammed into the girl's torso, knocking her away.

Jinx and Mammoth whirled in shock to find their teammate and his new entourage had entered.

"Good work, boys!" Gizmo told the robots before turning to his friends. "You guys comin' or what? We got what we came for. Let the Boy Blunder handle Red-X! If we're lucky, they'll both die!"

Following his lead, the two ran quickly, not letting up until they made it back outside, just as a fire broke out.

The trio paused on a hill to look back at the destruction.

"Aside from getting knocked into next week, not a bad night at the office." Mammoth said, before glancing at their silent observers. "We takin' the robots home?"

"No way." Jinx cut in. "There's no telling who made those things or what's inside them. They could have surveillance tech or something."

"Aw, man." Gizmo sulked. "Would love to see what makes these things tick. But better safe than sorry. Have at 'em."

Not needing to be told twice, Mammoth began to mow down the defenseless automatons with gusto while Jinx sidled up alongside Gizmo.

"Nice job in there, Brendon. You totally saved our asses." She smiled gratefully.

He smiled back, shyly with a hint of pride. "Told ya we weren't going down like a bunch of chumps. I think the boss is gonna be pleased."

The two shared a comfortable silence before Gizmo spoke up: "He knows you coulda just hexed those things, right?"

"Who knows?" Jenna shrugged. "I say we let 'em have this."

Finally finishing up with an excited bellow, Mammoth stretched and yawned before his stomach growled. "What are we still standin' here for? Let's get back and get some grub!"

As they made to go, Jinx reiterated her gratitude. "Thanks, guys. I think I'm back in the game."

"See, told ya a night out would be good for us!" Gizmo cackled as the three raced into the night, explosions going off behind them.

….

Meanwhile, Starfire stirred before gasping as she noticed the crumbling facility. Knowing her friends would be in danger, she flew quickly, gathering up Raven before beginning a search for the boys. Soon enough, she found them buried underneath a collapsed wall.

"Beast Boy! Cyborg! Do you require assistance?" The princess called out with concern as she set Raven down.

"We're good, Star!" Victor ground out, holding up the collapsed wall as a groggy Garfield began to stir. "Check on Raven!"

Starfire glanced down at her friend to see she was shaking her head, willing herself to wakefulness. "Raven, are you all right?"

"I'm fine." Raven assured, rubbing her sore shoulder. "Just get after them."

Intent on avenging her fallen friend, the girl lifted into the air and began to follow the path their enemies had gone when she heard voices crying out.

Pausing in her tracks, she looked through a window to see a fire had begun to break out near a laboratory across the way.

The Tamaranean only paused a moment before making her choice as she shattered the window and flew down to the entrance where a group of lab techs were inside, huddled against the wall.

"Stay calm!" She called out to them. "I am coming in."

Moving quickly, she took advantage of her people's resistance to heat to dive through the flames into the room.

"Stand back!" She ordered as she lifted a hand.

Firing a starbolt, she blew a hole in the back wall and began to guide the people through it to safety.

As the employees ran towards the forest clearing, a woman stopped to profusely thank and hug her rescuer. "Thank you, thank you!"

Starfire pulled back, hands on the woman's shoulders as she offered her a warm smile. "You are most welcome. Are there any others in the complex?"

"There may be people trapped on the upper levels. The alarms triggered a lockdown. No one gets in or out, save for you all apparently."

"Go, then. My friends and I will rescue the others."

As the woman exited with her comrades, Starfire's teammates joined her.

"I have been informed there may be others on the upper floors! Raven, can you sense them?"

The empath closed her eyes as she sent out her feelers. "Yes. 4 stragglers. 2 groups. Down the hall and two floors up."

"Then you and I should go to the upper levels." Starfire instructed. "Victor, Garfield, rescue those down the hall."

"On it, boss lady." Victor acknowledged with admiration. "C'mon, Green Bean!"

I hope Robin is all right. Starfire thought as she and Raven ascended upward.

…..

Unconcerned with the chaos around them, the two remaining combatants continued their brawl in earnest.

"So what does your gig pay, anyway? You get any benefits or chicks? That redhead girl's pretty cute. Please tell me she's legal."

Gritting his teeth, Robin lashed out with a springboard kick that was parried away as X continued nonchalantly, "I mean, is there some Titans Academy where you get degrees from? Basically what I'm asking is…what are your goals here?"

"I'm going to beat you, take off that stupid mask, and once I find out who hired you, you're going away for a long time." Robin spat out with venom, taking a stance as he tried to ignore the pain in his knee.

"Hm." X leaned back to look down to the upper levels. "Aren't you forgetting something, kid?"

The mercenary nodded to his left and Robin followed his gaze to a civilian down below who was backing away from a stray fire. "I thought heroes were supposed to save people. Seems like all you care about is the glory."

Robin's eyes widened. "I…I didn't…"

"Didn't see that guy about to be burnt to a crisp? Yeah, I noticed."

"This isn't over." Robin promised as he leapt over the railing, firing his grapnel and swinging in the civilian's direction.

"I'm counting on it." X smirked before shooting his own grappling hook to the ceiling above.

As the Titans' leader landed, he ran into his male teammates who had another employee in tow.

"There you are!" Beast Boy smiled in relief. "Starfire and Raven should have gotten the two others trapped in the building. Let's get out of here, yeah?"

Robin nodded mutely as he put an arm around the final civilian before he cast his gaze around the ruins, naively hoping to see a trace of Red-X, but he was long gone.

"Yo, Bird-Brain!" Cyborg broke his train of thought. "Let's haul ass, man!"

"Right." Robin uttered morosely.

When did being a hero become so complicated? The Boy Wonder shook his head sadly, before beginning to run.

Deathstroke's Hideout, Later That Night

"You gave us a fright, lad, when we heard that the fire broke out." Wintergreen was saying as he helped ice Grant's bruises.

"Oh, really?" Grant asked skeptically, eyeing his father who watched stoically in the corner.

"All right, maybe it was just me. I'm sure your father was concerned on the inside."

"Quite, Billy. I was concerned about all the property damage. My property."

"The bots did their job. If it makes you feel any better, when I have a drink tonight, I'll pour one out for your fallen battalion." Grant snarked.

Deciding to ignore his son's insolence, Slade continued, "It's true enough that bots can be replaced. And if Gizmo's commandeering of them was any indication, they can follow orders and be effective in battle. By that measure, I suppose you've succeeded."

"Well, that is high praise."

"Savor it while you can. And don't expect it too often. We've hardly begun the process of turning you into me."

"If that's what this is about, then this 'process' stops right now. I'm my own man. I'm taking what I can from you and making it mine. If that's not enough for you, then I'm gone."

Slade paused for a moment before conceding the point. "Very well. Just know that mercenary work is a young man's game: As an old man in said game, you'll want to hew as closely to my guidelines as possible. Are we clear?"

"Yeah, whatever. Close. Not exact. I've got my own way of doing things."

"Of course you do. That's what led you to me, isn't it?" Cutting off the retort he knew was coming, he pushed on. "What did you garner about Robin's abilities? I doubt you were able to collect any meaningful data on the others especially with the robots destroyed along with their surveillance."

Grant paused, recalling the fight. "He's good. Well-trained but his acrobatic talent seems god-given. Potentially an expert in capoeira. He's fierce, aggressive, possibly emotionally volatile. But he's what, 14? Definitely no older than 16, so that's to be expected. By that measure, he's pretty mature. Almost too most. Guess we have the Bat to thank for that. Kind of obsessive, if I don't miss my guess. He seems to view the world in black and white and he may or may not have a crush on the alien girl."

"Well done." Slade nodded, almost sounding pleased. "Good to see you were paying attention."

"And you didn't even have to beat the shit out of me to get your desired results. Will wonders ever cease?"

Slade almost smirked, not that his son could see. "Good work. You're dismissed."

Not needing to be told twice, Grant hopped up with the ice pack, beginning to make his exit before his father's voice stopped him.

"Oh, and son? There was one quibble I found with your performance."

"And what's that?" Grant paused and sighed, hardly surprised that the other shoe was about to drop.

"You showed the kid mercy out there."

"I didn't think it was necessary to take him out. Figured it was more important I teach him a lesson."

"While I typically don't condone violence against minors, I would advise you not go into the field with the mindset of leaving your enemies alive. Trust me, it'll be your undoing."

"Yeah, I'd hate to lose an eye." Grant huffed, stalking away.

Slade glared but said nothing.

Stupid kid. Showing restraint will cost you a lot more than an eye.

H.I.V.E. Inner Sanctum

"Now I'm sure you're all wondering why I called you here this evening." Damien Darhk announced from his dais in the center of the auditorium. "It's simple, really. You're here to see an example be made out of these three."

Gesturing behind him, the white-haired man motioned forward the very uncomfortable-looking trio of Jinx, Mammoth and Gizmo.

"Now your comrades Jinx, Mammoth, and…" Damien appeared to look confused before lowering his gaze to the final diminutive member. "Gizmo! There you are. Almost missed you, son."

Gizmo would've barked out a particularly vulgar insult if he wasn't utterly terrified at the moment. He'd had the brilliant idea to wake up Mr. Darhk in the middle of the night to report what had happened that night before the local news did it for him. Now he found himself wishing he hadn't. Damien hadn't seemed particularly pleased to be roused from his slumber but he'd listened intently, scrutinizing every word before he'd stood up and quietly ordered them to follow while the guards rounded up the other students. The past half-hour had felt like set-up for a particularly painful execution.

"As I was saying, your comrades here went on an unsanctioned mission without informing yours truly, causing public property damage, and involving unplanned for variables. As you all assuredly know, that's typically a recipe for disaster." The H.I.V.E. leader paused his pacing to level a cold glare at the assembled crowd as if waiting for a response.

No one dared respond, morbidly curious what would happen next.

"But today is not one of those times." He announced as a satisfied smile split his face. "This trio was able to secure an important piece of equipment for our side while also fending off the Teen Titans as well as a new player who has decided to betray us. Believe me when I say that crime will not go unpunished. There are deeper forces at work here but all that you need to know is that you all are on the winning team. You would do well to do everything possible to remain on it." He finished with warning in his tone.

Swiveling his gaze from the assembly of students, Damien faced the warily relieved faces of Brendon, Baran, and Jenna.

"While I have to say the ultimate outcome was not what I desired, I will say this…good work boys and girl." Turning back to the rest of the student body, he pointed at the askance trio, "Follow their example. Somebody stepped up and grabbed the brass ring. But competition breeds excellence. So give them some. Dismissed."

"You ain't gotta tell me twice, Boss Man." Billy Numerous murmured under his breath, glaring behind his shades at the laughing trio as they exited the stage.

Titans Tower

"It is with a heavy heart and an air of 'I told you so' that I greet you tonight, Jump City. 12 miles outside of the city, a Dayton Industries facility was nearly burned to a crisp due to a scuffle between a mysterious assailant known as Red-X and our local 'heroes'…" Bethany Snow trailed off, sparing the camera a less than impressed look before continuing, "The Teen Titans. Rumors state that this Red-X is the same thief who embarrassed the Titans the other night. Judging by eyewitnesses, it seems their luck wasn't much better this time around. If the Titans can't protect us from these threats, what purpose do they truly serve? Mascots? Figureheads? Puppets? Or maybe they're an unwitting band of kids caught up in a web they were unprepared for. One thing is for certain: This is Bethany Snow and you've been watching the Snow Report."

Robin jammed the off button on the remote with more force than necessary, doing all he could to avoid throwing the remote through the screen.

"I swear that lady must be in the building when stuff goes wrong." Garfield muttered sullenly.

"That's all that seems to be happening lately." Robin bit out before turning on the others, cape swishing with him. "So can anybody tell me what went wrong?"

"Uh, yeah." Victor responded with the same tension in his voice. "A freaking wall fell on us."

"Typical." Robin grumbled, crossing his arms and fighting the urge to roll his eyes.

"You got somethin' you wanna say?" Victor stood up, towering over his comrade.

"I'm saying that Gizmo is all of 4 feet tall, maybe. You're telling me you and Beast Boy couldn't take him out?"

"Well excuse me, but he kinda had a robot army with him! Are you telling me you couldn't take out the one guy that you were fighting?!"

Robin clenched his fists before backing down. His expression softened before he put on a brave face. He began to walk away, nudging Cyborg's shoulder as he passed before tossing over his shoulder, "You should work on your hand-to-hand combat, Raven. You can't keep costing us in fights."

Raven's already frayed nerves caused her hackles to rise even quicker than she'd expect. "What was that?" She asked through gritted teeth.

"I've been trying to tell you that your powers aren't enough. Especially if they keep failing you and by proxy, us. If lifting objects is all you can do, you'd be better off being a medic than out there fighting."

More than a little offended and hurt, Raven tried to burrow farther into her cloak as if it were possible. "Robin, I am warning you. Don't push me. It's getting really old, really fast. Don't blame me because you can't do your job."

Robin turned around to say more before Victor's firm hand grasped his shoulder. "Lay off, Robin. Seriously."

Glaring up at him balefully, Robin nonetheless heeded the order, backing away and stalking out of the OPS Center without another word.

The tension in the room was thick as Raven reined in her emotions with alarming ease while Cyborg wasn't having as much luck.

"Damn kid goes on a friggin' rant every time he blows it, I swear to God." Victor vented.

"Well it's good to know this evening was a total waste. I'm going to bed." Raven mumbled before floating out of the room.

Garfield was surprisingly quiet as he stole furtive glances at Raven before deciding to follow after her while Starfire spoke up.

"I'm going to talk to Robin."

"Yo, Star." Victor grabbed her arm before she could fly off. "You sure you wanna get in the way of that?" He asked, nodding in the direction Robin had gone.

"I am. Robin is in clear distress." Glancing down the hall where Raven had gone, she added, "And it is having a negative effect on the team."

Seeing the determination etched on her face, Victor knew better than to try to talk her out of it. "Alright, then. But if he talks crazy to you too, let me know. He can have a chat with me instead but I won't be as gentle as you."

Starfire couldn't help smiling a bit. "I doubt it shall come to that."

"It'd better not. His funky attitude is gettin' old."

"Agreed. Robin's smelly disposition must be dealt with." Noting her friend's barely contained smirk, she quirked her head. "What did I say?"

"Nothin'." Victor chuckled. "Go deal with Robin's stinky mood."

…

Garfield caught up to Raven just as she reached her door despite her valiantly trying to ignore him.

"Hey, Raven?"

"What, Garfield?" Raven responded snappishly, trying to mask her frustrated tears and gain control of her emotions.

He licked his lips hesitantly before continuing on. "I…just wanted to say you did fine out there. You did everything you could and well…that's enough for me."

The empath seemed at a loss for words, surprised and unsure what to say before settling on, "…Thank you, Garfield."

"No problem." He smiled tentatively before turning back the way he'd come, tossing a wave over his shoulder. "G'night, Raven."

"Goodnight." She murmured back under her breath, gratefully retreating to her room for the evening.

Titans Tower, Rooftop

Robin sat with his legs hanging over the side of the roof. Heights had never been a concern for him. Growing up in the circus had conditioned him to being dozens of feet above the ground before he could spell his name.

And growing up with the Batman had taught him to always be aware of his surroundings. Although she opened and closed the door near silently, Robin could still sense Starfire's presence behind him. Even without turning around, he knew it was her. It was highly doubtful any of the others would come after him right now.

"Did you need something, Starfire?" The Boy Wonder asked without turning around.

"I was wondering if there was perhaps something I could do to help?" She asked as she stepped closer, stopping short of entering his line of sight.

The boy snorted. "I don't suppose you could capture Red-X and put a gag on Bethany Snow before midnight, huh?"

She smiled wanly. "Unfortunately, I cannot discern Red-X's whereabouts. You are the detective out of the two of us. However, I would be more than happy to fulfill the latter part of your request."

The boy chuckled as Starfire asked, "What is the significance of midnight?"

"It'd be a great birthday gift."

"A…birthday?"

"It's an Earth custom. We celebrate the day someone is born and mark the length of time that's elapsed. Today, I'm 16 which is supposed to be pretty significant." He huffed out in irritation before adding, "Doesn't feel like it, though."

Starfire finally felt comfortable enough to sit down next to her team leader, close enough to lean her head on his shoulder but not daring to. Much like her friend, heights weren't a source of concern for her either.

There was a pregnant pause before the Tamaranean spoke up. "Robin?"

"Hm?" He grunted, shifting his gaze towards her in time to see her brushing her hair behind her ear.

"For all of our time together, I still feel I know quite little about you. Tell me, what was your childhood like?"

The Boy Wonder blanched. "Um, that's kind of a sensitive topic, Star."

"Oh. I see." She hid her hurt well but he caught it anyway. "My apologies. I did not mean to pry."

"But I want to tell you." He blurted out, not being able to stand seeing the disappointment on her face.

She turned her body to face him eagerly. "Truly?"

He laughed. "Truly. Uh, what do you wanna know?"

She tapped her finger to her chin in thought before gasping aloud. "Ooh! What were your parents like?"

Robin's eyes became somber, but he tossed her a weak smile. "Great. They both taught me acrobatics. It was sort of our family business. My mother, Mary, she loved singing and playing the piano. She gave me lessons from time to time. Actually, she was the one who gave me the name Robin." He smiled in fond recollection, almost forgetting Starfire was there. "Anyway, my father, John, was a great man. He loved me and my mom more than anything. He made sure our lives were as normal as possible despite some…unique circumstances. He taught me other languages, how to do my own laundry…" The boy trailed off, his voice quavering a little before he continued. "I learned a lot about dealing with people and adversity from watching him. Dad wanted to make sure I could be self-sufficient as early as possible. Guess he never realized how quickly I would need those skills, though."

"Did they abandon you?" The girl asked gently.

His smile in response lacked humor. "Not by choice."

"Do you still visit them?"

"Whenever I can." He said with a hint of longing.

"Perhaps I may meet them someday." The alien smiled timidly.

His lips quirked up in a small smile. "Yeah. Maybe someday I'll introduce you, Star. I'm sure they'd love you."

"Is the Batman now your father?"

The question seemed to give Robin pause. "In a way, I guess so. Neither of us like to think of it that way, though. Legally, I'm his ward. He's my guardian and my partner. At least he was."

"Is he to you what Galfore is to me?"

Robin's face morphed into a broad smile. "No, that would be Alfred."

"Who is Alfred?"

"My Galfore."

"Then you must love him very much."

"Yeah. Yeah, I do. Hard to find anybody that doesn't."

There was a pause in the conversation before Starfire found the courage to speak again. "Were you forced to be the Batman's apprentice against your will? Is that why you did not remain with your parents?"

The boy snorted. "I practically had to beg Batman to be his partner. I became Robin to catch my parents' killer."

The alien girl drew in a sharp intake of breath. "Killer? Robin, I am truly sorry. I did not mean…"

He placed a gloved hand over hers. "It's all right, Star. You didn't know." He looked her in the face and gave her a grin. "Really, it's fine. You don't have to apologize."

She smiled back gratefully and returned her gaze to the moonlit bay below.

"Did you ever apprehend your parents' murderer?"

A storm cloud passed over his face. "Eventually. His own daughter helped me catch him. I wanted to kill him. At least, at first. I couldn't go through with it. But by chasing him, I accidentally gave him a heart attack. Eventually, I was able to restart his heart with Batman's help and we put him away. Death was too good for that slime ball."

"I confess I do not know if I would have had your integrity, Robin. If it would have been my family, I do not think their killer would be breathing if I could help it."

Robin's eyes widened. "Star, I don't think that's you."

"I was trained by the Warlords of Okaara, Robin. The 'being nice' was not part of the curriculum." She paused for a moment. "On Tamaran, judgment is swift. Such mercy is rarely doled out for murderers."

"That's a little dark for you, Starfire. I just can't picture you being a murderer."

She shook her head as if clarifying a concept for a child. "In my culture, it would not be considered murder. It would be justice."

"Maybe it is. Maybe not." He hedged, weighing his words carefully before continuing forward. "Batman has always had a pretty strict no-kill rule. He once told me he was afraid that if he crossed the line once it would only get easier to do it the next time, causing him to lose sight of the mission. He believes true justice is always giving someone a chance to turn themselves around even if they don't deserve it. He told me anyone could be a killer. That it took more skill to be a non-lethal fighter and still come out on top. He believes criminals are a 'superstitious and cowardly lot'." Robin snickered. "His words, not mine. Hence the fright mask. He believed we were symbols, a deterrent to criminal activity. If we made the underworld afraid of us, crime would go down and the people would have hope. We didn't have to become what we fought against. We had to be good enough to never need to sink that low. He told me the day that happened is the day he would know he has to hang the cape up. Or that I would have to stop him. Sometimes, I feel he toes the line. But I know he means well." He added, almost defensively. "The older I get, the more I realize how different we are. We have the same goals but our paths to justice are a little different, that's all. I just wish he could understand that." Suddenly it dawned on Robin that he'd just gone on a long diatribe and poured his heart out to an assuredly bored Starfire.

"I'm sorry, Star." He winced. "I'm sure you didn't want to hear all of that."

She smiled gently and stood up. "No, Robin. That is exactly what I wanted to hear." She walked to the stairwell entrance before turning back. "Good night."

"Goodnight." He smiled back.

As he heard her footsteps retreat back into the tower, he also stood and leaned on his knee, cape fluttering in the wind, the moon illuminating the night sky and the ocean below him. Happy Birthday to me.

A/N: Hey guys, long time no see! I'm glad to finally get this chapter out and kick off Red-X and Deathstroke's roles in this story! I'm grateful to God for you all and the ability to write. I'm thankful for all of you who have kept reading and to my new followers, welcome aboard and thanks for coming on this ride. To my UK readers, I apologize for any inconsistencies I assuredly made with Wintergreen's dialogue. I hope this chapter length is enough to make up for the wait. Anyway, I'll see you all at the next chapter.

Sidenote: I dedicate this chapter to the memory of George Perez, co-writer and artist on the New Teen Titans run from the 80s that inspired me to write this story and which I draw heavy inspiration from. George was one of the greats in the comic book medium and his work will live with us for generations. RIP.

Up Next: Sister Act (Guess Who's Coming to Earth?)