"Isn't it obvious? The only way you'll get out of here is if you -."

But Slade's words were conveniently (or perhaps, inconveniently) cut off by a furious shout, soon followed by a loud crashing that sent the room itself shaking. Both Raven and Slade focused on the origin of the distraction, which was blossoming into a harsh bright light that filled the room up with a strange orange light. Adopting an old iconographic position, several people stood in front of the light, showing only their silhouettes.

And yet, Raven couldn't be fooled. She forgot that her enemy stood right behind her and allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "Robin?"

The light that flooded the room was blinding, therefore the intruders could use their distorted silhouettes to their advantage. Metal shards and scaffolding crumbled to the ground, traumatised by the forced entrance the intruders had created. Even if this wasn't Robin, at least Raven knew where the exit was.

"Robin?" To say his name would raise her hopes to the highest: if she said it over and over, perhaps the wish would become reality. Even if it wasn't them, the scene this disruption caused would no doubt grab their attention.

Both Slade's and Raven's eyes had become adjusted to the astounding light – filled with the exciting idea that her friends were truly in her presence, Raven prepared herself to use her powers again, but was bitterly reminded that they still didn't work. All she could do was sit and watch her friends attempt to take on Slade.

The front man, the one whom Raven presumed was Robin, took an elegant step forward, his features becoming more distinct as he stepped away from the natural light. Those who stood behind him followed his movements, keeping their distance and giving the man the spotlight. Behind his strong features, a cape billowed in the wind that shot through the gap in the wall. Such a dramatic entrance, such authority that this man had, one would believe it would send each and every criminal running for their lives.

"Titans!"

But not Slade.

"Go -!"

Unperturbed from the spectacular performance, Slade rushed forward, making Raven stumble in shock. His strong legs carried him across the room in mere seconds, his mighty fist clenched into a firm fist, Slade hurled a punch right at Robin's face, determined to wipe the confident smirk from his face. However, Robin was very much prepared for such an attack, and, whilst his other friends had dispersed and scattered around the room, he jumped into the air, avoiding the attack completely. The steel toed boots that boasted strength were turned in sync with Robin's muscled body, allowing the steel to have its complete effect as it kicked Slade's back, pushing him down onto the floor.

And whilst Robin was delivering this intense kick, Starfire had rushed to fly over him and when he landed on the floor, Starfire stole the opportunity and threw her acid green fire down onto Slade.

But Slade could only accept one hit and before another could make its mark, he had whipped a long metal staff from his convenient belt and swiftly reflected the bolts back at the young woman. With her arms held up in defence, she attempted to block her own attack but the strength that she had injected into them was too much, even for her. One hit to the chest, one to the gut and one to the head sent Starfire falling towards the floor during a moment of unconsciousness.

To avenge the unfortunate accident that Slade had caused, Beast Boy transformed his ivy green body into that of a tiger. He ran at full speed towards the evil villain, his jaws open, his teeth bared, ready to sink the bone daggers through his armour – but Slade used his gloved hands to catch the bared fangs. He turned his body, dragging Beast Boy with him, and brought him slightly closer, only to throw him back at full force into the crumbling wall.

"Stop it!" Raven was helpless and could only watch her friends' failure in despair. No, she could not do that. She had to do something, if anything, even if it meant her own pain. Thus, she ran towards Slade and threw herself onto his back, wrapping her small arms around his neck. His large hands grabbed at her in an attempt to push her off, but she clung on, refusing him permission to breathe.

Filled with agility, Slade had no option but to fall onto the floor, crushing Raven as he did so. She let go of him immediately and mourned over the agony that filled her body, mentally kicking herself for not defeating him.

Slade picked himself from the floor but was met with the threat of a rocket launcher pointed at his face. Cyborg relished the moment of fear his victims had when they realised they had no escape but Slade was far from scared. He merely pretended to make a move in retaliation and as Cyborg launched the blue energy from his gun, Slade ducked, avoiding it completely. Now that Cyborg was distracted, he could deliver a low kick, knocking Cyborg off his feet and rendering him useless.

All that was left was the Boy Wonder himself. Having given his teammates the chance to exact their own attacks, he was the only one left to finish Slade off. But Slade took him with a pinch of salt and caught the fist that was aimed at his face. Twisting his wrist and spraining Robin's in the process, he kicked him to the floor. It was easier than he thought it would be.

"Well, this has been fun." Mockery dripped from Slade's voice. "But I really must -."