Hi, this chapter has a little more content about 4k words, hopefully that is enough? I'll try to work on it haha and there more P.O.V. and I even added the team's thoughts, though maybe not so well… that part was iffy for me. But thank you maranda111 for your advice :) and as the story progresses I hope to make longer chapters as well.
Slade's P.O.V.
I watched in amusement as Robin and his friends made their way out of my haunt. It was especially entertaining watching the leader of the group fidget as if waiting for the Devil himself to swoop down upon him. Or maybe just for me make any sign of moving. But as I told my little bird before, I am not the enemy. Knowing Robin though, he will not give up as he has an… obsession with me, as I him. But after my failed attempt to… persuade the hero to join my side; I have decided to go with a different method. I realized that I don't particularly care for the reason my Robin is there, but that he is there. At my side.
This realization took a while to accept; even now I have trouble coming to terms with it. I can't help but… feel for the boy; there is just so much ambition and power practically oozing from him. At first, my intentions started out innocent; to just train the child. But when he fought me tooth and nail, it stirred not only anger but interest to him causing my own obsession to match the boy's obsession to me. If only I had more time with him… Maybe things would have been different; I would have realized sooner or later my mistake and possibly would have Robin at my side this very moment.
And when the end was near and Robin and I worked together, we were so perfectly in sync with one another's moves; it was hard not to just take the boy then and there. It was obvious that my Robin grew in talent and I would like to think that I had a big part in his new power. But when I saw the Titans fighting Trigon I just couldn't stand by and watch. Of course, I had my own grudge against the demon but I have to admit the… odd feeling I had when I saw him captured. I smugly remember cutting the emo girl's father's horn off and causing it damage for trying to cage my little bird. Even if I wasn't the one to defeat the thing myself… saddening yes but all ended well.
After that battle I began coming to terms with these feelings of mine. And I began planning; I needed Robin to see that I have changed. Yes, I still kill for a living; but I wasn't going to let the boy know that. Not yet anyway. Even if I do not like lying out right to Robin, I need him to get close to me before discussing… difficult topics; and hopefully he won't even ask or accuse me of killing. I snorted inwardly; that would be the day, when my little bird loses his prying personality. But he will come to terms with my life style and maybe even join me. Not a likely outcome, but still a possible one.
I can accept that Robin has this heroic streak engraved into his very being. Being a hero is what he was made to be. And I was foolish before, thinking I could merely re-make his being entirely without destroying who he is. So maybe I could form a relationship with the boy, I just need to show him that I am no threat and put that hero in him at ease. This will take time, of course, but I am a patient man and I am most willing to give my little bird time to come to me willingly.
After all, second to killing, waiting is what I do best.
Robin's P.O.V.
The ride in the T-car was more than tense; but thankfully we were back in the tower. The team seemed at a standoff, boys against girls to be exact…
Cy walked over to the kitchen and pulled out a piece of pizza from the fridge before slamming the door shut. "Man, we can't just let the dude get away with what he done in the past! Can we honestly call ourselves heroes if we let one of the baddies, a very deadly baddie, just slide by?"
"But, friend Cyborg, Slade even though bad has promised he is no enemy of ours! Which means he is no enemy of the city of Jump, correct?" Star asked almost innocently as she floated around Cyborg.
"C'mon, Star, even you have to be able to see through Slade's obvious lie!" Our robotic friend said between bites.
"He hasn't done anything. The last we heard of him was when we faced my father." Raven replied dryly, as she came out of her room with a book in hand.
Beast Boy shouted, "No! He sent one of his stupid robots after me, when… Terra-" Bb had to pause for a moment before continuing lamely, "He's… just a really bad dude; we can't just let him get away."
Star looked at Beast Boy sympathetically and explained, "But Beast Boy… wouldn't provoking Slade cause more trouble than good? Surely, if Slade wanted to cause harm he would have done so?"
Cyborg grunted, "Technically, Rob's head is hurt from the jerk's mask. What is with that mask anyways? Just creepy."
Raven rolled her eyes and muttered, "Because, that's the problem we have here… Slade's fashion style."
Star looked confused as she tried to explain to Ray, "No, dear friend! The problem is what Slade is doing… or the lacking of the doing?" She ended the statement with a question, seeming even more confused than before.
Bb sat down on the couch, as Raven began explaining sarcasm to Starfire, and started up a video game as he called over his shoulder, "Cy, dude! Get you robo-butt over here so I can kick your metal ass!"
Cy looked tempted to join Beast Boy but apparently decided against it as he said, "Bb, turn it off. We gotta discuss this, man."
Beast Boy grudgingly listened to Cyborg and turned off the game and muttered, "You just needed an excuse not to lose…"
The fight over what to do with Slade continued after that and I just simply watched. I already knew what I wanted to do, but I needed to think it over. I can't blindly follow my gut like usual when it comes to Slade. I need my team and I need to do what's best for them; but they're making it somewhat difficult to pick…
Starfire seemed to notice my lack of input and floated over to me as I sat down on the couch, "Robin, you have been most quiet of the subject… Truly do you have no say in this?"
I slouched into the couch and snapped, "It's Slade, of course I have a say!"
The hurt look on Star's face made me straighten up immediately and my face soften, "I'm sorry, Star… I'm just upset with the outcome of things. It's just that we finally had Slade. But then we just… how can we simply stay put when we know where he is and do nothing?"
Starfire put her hand on my shoulder and said soothingly, "Friend Robin, you need not worry of Slade any longer, like you said we know where he is! This is glorious news, and if he does something of ill intent then we shall go after him! But for now, why not just be keeping of the peace? He has made no claim on the city of Jump and to go after him, would it not just push him towards ill intent sooner?"
I sighed and looked into her emerald eyes, "This isn't about what he is going to do, Star. It's about what he did and what is right. He is a monster… He made me hurt you and Cy and Ray and Bb, how do you not want to bring him to justice? He could take me away again and turn me against you… I don't know if I could live through that a second time."
Starfire looked solemn as she replied, "But, friend, we are heroes are we not? This is not about of what we desire but what is good for the city, yes? All I ask is for you to think carefully of this, we will be victorious if we stick together."
I frowned and mumbled, "Yah, if we can stick together… I don't know Star; right now I'm just dying to go back there and end this here and now. But I can't, and it makes me feel trapped and I just need out."
By now everyone has gathered around the couch and was watching the conversation. Cy was nodding in agreement while biting into another piece of pizza and Bb was trying not to look sick at the sight of the meat on Cyborg's pizza. Raven had the book in her hand, but was obviously watching me intently instead of having her nose in the text. Everyone knew that when it came to Slade, I was pretty harsh and sometimes not too… smart.
Starfire looked distressed as I said this and tried once again to change my mind, "But, Robin, surely-"
I cut her off and stood up facing the rest of the group, "I need to think things over right now, alright? As leader of this team I need to decide what the right course of action will be. I'll be out, don't follow me, I need time to think this over."
And with that said, I shoved past the rest of my team and went to grab the T-cycle.
Titan's P.O.V. (Third Person)
Right as Robin slammed the door shut; the fighting continued in the tower, but instead of fighting over Slade they were fighting over something more important. Robin.
"This is going to blow up in our faces, if we let Robin call all the shots in this. He's a great leader, but when it comes to Slade he might as well causing havoc on Jump himself." Raven said this as she set down her book.
Cyborg yelled at Raven, spraying bits of chewed up cheese, crust, and meat onto Beast Boy, "Robin may get a little crazy when it comes to this freak; but I think he kinda deserves the anger and hatred towards the guy," Beast Boy ran in between Raven and Cy, freaking over meat on his face, turning into a multitude of animals trying to wipe it off. Cyborg continued once Bb ran out of the room, "So what if he's a little hot headed? He always has been like that, he never lead us wrong before why question him now?!"
Raven glared at Cyborg and retorted, "He lead us wrong once, Cyborg, and you know it. And the only time he did was when he became fascinated with Slade. He lied to us; he stole and broke the law. All to catch Slade's eye and find out information! Yes, Slade is bad. But not nearly as bad when he is mixed with Robin. If we keep Robin out of Slade's gaze then we will be safe. If not… he will tear our team apart and pick Robin up from the broken pieces. If we wait Slade out there is a far more likely chance that will not happen. But going after him now is far too risky; we can't lose Robin again. If we do then Slade has won."
Beast Boy finally got the meat off his face and joined into the argument, "Okay, um first off, EWWWWWWW! But… dude, Robin is too awesome to give into Slade, ever!"
Starfire whispered quietly, "But, did he not give himself into Slade already?"
Everyone was quiet for a moment, debating on if what Starfire said was true or not. Cyborg hated to admit it but Robin's only weakness was the team, his friends and he would give himself up for them any day. But he was also the only one who could stop Slade; Robin was the only one who had the fighting skill and determination to match Slade. Adding the Titan's to Robin's willpower and skill they had a chance to take down the villain. But… at what cost? Would they lose Robin again or would it end well? Could this really end that smoothly? Cyborg put his faith in their leader to come through but couldn't help but worry.
Raven, through the connection she had with Robin; already felt him slipping into an unstable state. Honestly, it never really left but was just beneath the surface, ready to make itself know. She wasn't sure how much longer he could keep his cool demeanor up now that they have found Slade. Robin has been holding these feelings in for too long and soon they would erupt, most likely at the worst time. She tried talking to her friend before but that usually ended up with a very angry or a non-responsive Robin. Could this end somewhat well, even if they could bide their time? Raven wasn't too sure.
Beast Boy on the other hand refused to believe that their leader do that to them again, he honestly believed that he has grown immune to Slade's threats now that he had his team at his back. Back then we weren't as strong as a team, but now we're the best team ever! Nothing can overcome us now, right? His ears drooped as he remembered how bad things got when Robin became Slade's apprentice… But that can't happen again, we won't let it. Plus this is Robin the Boy Wonder, we're talking about. It won't happen twice. Never again. Robin's the Hero and Slade's the Bad Guy and well… the good guy always wins. Nuff' said. Right?
Starfire watched her friends with big worried eyes. Everyone was obviously worried over Robin, it is the main reason for the yelling and the horrible looks friend Cyborg and friend Raven are giving one another. It truly is not about Slade, that horrible, horrible man. They all just wanted to keep their beloved leader safe from him. Hopeful that Robin knew he had to hold back and that Slade would keep to his word, Starfire just watch as her friends sat in silence. She knew everyone in the room knew Robin was in danger, they just didn't know which the better way to keep him safe was.
Robin's P.O.V.
Fight him.
No.
Why not?
Because…
Because? It's your job to take him out.
I can't.
Why not? What kind of hero are you?
An angry one.
And? Anger helps you fight.
It makes me sloppy and dense in the head.
That sounds like something he would say!
He who? He Slade or He Batman?
Both.
Oh sod off.
I laughed but it came out more like a strangled cry as I realized I was fighting with myself. That… probably wasn't healthy. Two halves of myself were having an internal battle making my heart and mind a warzone. The logical side of me saw the sense in waiting Slade out… but just the thought of the bastard made my anger rise. And that anger fueled me to no end and was rooting for me to just go to his haunt right now and demand a fight. But then I thought of his team… I couldn't do that; I needed to keep my level head for them. I needed to protect them. Protect them from Slade. From… myself.
I could wait… but my very being screams at me that that is a terrible mistake. My heart wants blood to be shed and putting an end to the menace that threatens his city. My friends. Myself. But no… that isn't justice. It's not in my decision to make that's the law's job. Not mine.
But he wronged you… Just like Tony Zucco and the Batman held you back. He's not here to hold you back again.
No. But my friends are. I thought dryly. One thing that stuck from Bruce was that killing was never the option, there is always another way. I made an oath and I will keep it and my friends will make sure I do. I told them little of Batman but they know enough to know that I would never kill. Well… with the exception of wanting to kill Slade.
Bad. No you don't want to kill anyone.
Why kid yourself? You know you do, you can't really lie to me.
What? Of course I can't lie to you! You're me!
Maybe you do need help…
You mean we? I mean… wait what was that sound?
There was a scream in a nearby alleyway and I slowed the T-cycle to a halt. I hopped off my bike as a heard a faint, "Help me…"
I took out my Bo staff and made my way towards the alleyway. In the corner there was a girl probably a year or so older than myself. She was covered in blood and I could see signs of a fight but there was only the girl. I rushed over to her and she clutched onto my arm.
I let my super hero façade come on out, "Ma'am, who attacked you? Let me take you to the hospital."
The girl had stark white hair and grey eyes as she looked up at me fearfully, "I need help! He could come back, please, Sir! You have to help me!"
I tried to calm her down, "Don't worry, miss, I'm Robin, the leader of the Teen Titans, let me just call my team and they'll come check out for any attacker nearby, alright? I need to get you to the hospital; you may be suffering from major blood loss."
All she did was shake her head frantically and wrapped her arms around my neck. "Don't call anyone! They can't help you! It's too late."
I looked down at her confused, "What do you mean, they can't help me? Ma'am you're the one bleeding."
I felt a chill run up my spine as she smiled, "You heroic types… so innocent. I'm surprised you haven't noticed that there is a man right behind you?.." She trailed off with now obvious fake innocence. I turned around and my eyes narrowed… a set up. Great. I was about to get into my fighting stance but the girl still had a hold around my neck and was surprisingly strong.
I growled, "Get off me!"
The girl cooed, "Oh, don't be so tense, sweety. We just needed to get your attention, trust me, after we're done with you, you'll be worshiping the ground we walk on. I don't suppose you'll come with us willingly?.."
I snorted, "I think you made a mistake, kid. Today is not my day; you really do not want to make me angry."
My eyes flickered upwards as the man in front of us spoke for the first time, "Are you always this cocky? Maybe we should just kill him, Rose."
The girl- Rose- yelled at the man, "No! He is perfect test subject, he's just like… you-know who," she sang the ending of the sentence.
The man rolled his eyes and grunted, "Fine, it just better work on him. Cuz' I'm tired of waiting to see if we can use it."
I was getting real tired of this conversation. It was time to end this; I elbowed one of Rose's ribs and heard a satisfying crack.
I ran from the two and I heard Rose screech, "What are you waiting for, Grant?! Go after him!"
Grant was surprisingly fast and caught up easily and I felt the impact as he pounced on top of me. I grunted as we fell to the ground and then delivered the first punch.
The man snarled, "You're going to pay for that, you little brat."
I snarled back just as fiercely, "I'm getting real tired of this."
I kicked the much heavier Grant off of my lithe form and began my assault. This Grant character was strong and could fight well, but I faced worse. Slade made Grant look like a kicked puppy. At the thought of Slade my anger piqued, and I couldn't help but beginning to stop seeing the attacker as Grant, but as Slade. My punches became harder, my kicks faster and more precise, and I think at one point I even bit the man. He had to die. It's you against Slade. Kill him… I growled in anger as I fought Slade but also myself. Soon my attacks were weaker and I was the one who was getting hit.
I can't kill.
The man punched my face.
He will kill you if you do.
I staggered.
I'd rather die.
He kicked me in the stomach.
What a waste.
I fell.
I won't…
Slade was now on top of me and dealt a multitude of punches to the face.
Too late now anyways.
I heard a panicked scream from a feminine voice, "Grant! What are you doing?! You're going to kill him! He's barely conscious. I swear if you gave the little titan a concussion, I'll slit your throat myself."
Just let me die already.
A third voice came into party and all I heard were screams and grunts of pain before blacking out.
Slade's P.O.V.
I looked down at my little bird's bruised, unconscious face before picking him up. This was very unsettling. It wasn't that my children were in town. I have known about that for about a week before they even arrived to Jump, even though I didn't have a clue why. I assumed it was about me; I could handle that perfectly fine, but now it was obviously clear that they weren't after me… but after my little bird.
And that was unacceptable.
But what truly bothered me was that Robin was winning. I kept my distance, and watched the whole endeavor, to not cause more havoc to the situation and risk my bird to get hurt. But, it was as if Robin simply gave up. No, that wasn't it I saw determination on his face. He could have easily taken my son, Grant. But it might as well be that Robin was not there, he must have been drugged. But then he wouldn't have been able to fight to begin with… I'll have to ask him about it later when he wakes up.
My anger spiked as I thought of my son and daughter hurting what was mine. I was never in good standing with my children. Hell one of them is a Titan. As I thought why my two more… crazed kids would want Robin, I took my little bird back to my haunt. They couldn't possibly know that I cared for the boy; the only times Robin and I were by each other ended in fights or were forced into partnership… So it cannot be to hurt me, but why Robin then?
I was beginning to regret just smacking them around a bit and then letting them go… Grant a little worse for wear; but they were blood after all. That almost makes up for what happened. Almost. But not quite. And I need answers to why they dared touch what was his.
The boy in my arms began to moan and squirm; making it difficult for me to control him and not hurt him more than possible. After a while Robin began and speaking almost fearfully, "No… I… I can't. You can't make me. I won't."
I look down at my little bird curiously as he began to whimper and then wailed, "Please. Don't let me… Someone! Anyone! Stop me!"
The boy was obviously in turmoil during his unconscious state so I tried to sooth his comatose mind, "It's alright, my little bird, I am here. There is no need to worry, I'll protect you."
After that the boy made no more noise on our way back to the haunt.
I already have an idea what is going to happen in the third chapter it's been on my mind for a little while and will have more Slade and Robin dialogue. Tell me if you like how I'm setting up the story or if you want me to do it differently. I'll try to update soon thinking about even starting to write it tomorrow! Hope you all liked this chapter and please R&R! HeHg
