I would like to thank Rena Redhead for giving me her permission to use parts from her wonderful tale "What?" in this chapter. Also any mention to crystals necklaces, Star, and Nova check out my other Titan stories for reference. Lastly flashbacks/memories are going to be in italics.
Batman, Batgirl, and Little Robin looked at the look alike in disbelief. They were from the future and he was Little Robin's future self? He couldn't believe it. "You can't be me! You must be at least nineteen years old!"
"Actually I'll be seventeen next week so I'm only about five years older then you. If you don't believe who I say I am," Robin began yanking a hair from his head, "then test my DNA. It won't lie. My team and I will wait patiently for the results."
Batman took the hair suspiciously then took one from his partner. Everyone watched intensely waiting to see what the Batcomputer would say. With in minutes they had an answer. Both DNA strands matched. "DNA is confirmed, he is you."
"I guess you could call us DNA buddies," Robin smirked. The Titans broke out into a fit of giggles. Suddenly Beast Boy dove down to the lower level where the museum was.
"Cool! Look at all this neat stuff! It's way cooler then our evidence room!" He exclaimed picking up a sapphire penguin. "Wow what is this thing oww!"
Raven slapped him on the hand and took the figurine from him. "DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING! What if it was important and you broke it? Use your head!" she hissed putting the figurine back.
"This is a sweet ride you got here. I mean the engine design you have here is the fastest thing around, but the T-Car has better weapons and cooler colors. My baby tops this any day. I mean with my computer link I can literally feel the road when I drive," Cyborg said examining the Batmobile much to Batman's displeasure.
Batgirl removed her cowl in skepticism. Who did these kids think they were? Suddenly an orange streak shot towards her and she fell to the ground. Hovering above her was the alien girl. "Hello, what is your name, where are you from, what is your favorite color, will you be my friend?" she asked in hurried voice.
"Um, Barbara Gordon aka Batgirl, Gotham City, purple, and sure," she replied. Suddenly she found herself in an extremely tight bear hug.
"Hello new friend. I am so glad to meet someone from my Robin's past. Can you tell me more about your relationship with Robin?"
"Well Robin and I are partners to the Batman. I'm also his best friend in the entire world and what do you mean your Robin?"
Starfire showed her the promise ring. "He's my boyfriend! Isn't that wonderful?"
"How can he be your boyfriend when he's mine?! Why would he even consider going out with you, your not even human," Barbara snarled
"Well I kissed him and saved his life a dozen times over. Have you?" Starfire shot back. Before anyone could stop it the two of them were in a regular catfight.
"Well this is nice view of my future," Dick said sarcastically. He was seriously weirded out by what he saw. Especially about the part of him being involved with an alien.
"You caught us at a bad time. Trust me were not anything like this most of the time. Guys break it up!" Robin ordered, but no one listen to him.
Suddenly the elevator opened up revealing Alfred, "Young Masters you really are causing a ruckus, why don't you…." That's when he saw the Titans and two Robins. Batman gave him a look that clearly stated he had no control over the situation. Suddenly he felt something chewing on his shoe. When he looked down he recoiled in fear at the sight of Silkie. "Ahh!"
"Alright that's enough! Titans stop!" Robin ordered as he hurled an electrodisk into the air. The flash blinded his friends for a second and caused the fighting to stop. They all fell in order and waited for their lecture.
"Incase you've forgotten we are here on a mission. You have embarrassed me and have nearly destroyed the Batcave. Were supposed to be a well-behaved team. Now will you kindly introduce yourselves along with your powers?"
"Beast Boy, I'm a changeling. I can turn into any animal I want to including extinct animals."
"Cyborg, as you can see I'm half machine. I got a wicked sonic cannon along with an assortment of useful gadgets and super strength. The T-Car is mine."
"Raven, I have telekinesis, psychic powers, teleportation, astral projection, heal people, and can levitate. I also know a lot of magic spells."
"Starfire, I can fly, have super strength, throw starbolts from my hands, and eye lasers."
"Robin, I'm the leader. I haven't changed much in the last five years except I've got better with my martial arts and I have a lot of different things with my gadgets. The R-Cycle over there is one of my prides and joy."
"Nice to meet you all. Like I told Starfire over there, I'm Barbara Gordon. I'm a near Olympic gymnastic star. I created my own batarangs and costume."
"I guess you guys know who I am and my story," Dick began looking for confirmation. They nodded their heads. "My only question is what you're going to call me to avoid confusion with him."
"We can't call him Larry like we did last time," Beast Boy pointed out. "He isn't as squishy."
"Why don't we call you by your real name? Our Robin is in superhero mode all the time. You aren't so it would be an easy distinction to remember," Starfire suggested.
"Okay, then call me Dick," he said smiling.
"So we know who you are. You're Batman, the Dark Knight, and the World's Greatest Detective. Aren't you going to tell us your real name," Cyborg asked.
"No. I don't think you should know."
"He's Bruce Wayne my adoptive father and mentor. That's Alfred his butler and one of my best friends growing up," Robin said. Batman glared at him, but removed his cowl to confirm what he had said.
"Wow I would never have guessed in a million years! You totally got the secret identity thing down," Beast Boy commented.
"Pray tell who is this little monstrosity?" Alfred asked picking up Silkie. The little silkworm was smiling and waving his little appendages around.
"Silkie! Oh that is my beloved pet and our team mascot. Come here my little bungorff. Isn't he the sweetest thing you have ever seen?" Starfire asked taking the little silkworm in her arms and twirling around happily.
"That's her pet? She definitely has strange tastes," Barbara muttered.
"How can you even consider that think your team mascot? Its disgusting!" Dick exclaimed. Starfire looked him in shock and coddled her pet who was crying.
"Don't you dare insult Silkie! He has feelings to. Besides if he is so disgusting why did you give me permission to keep him?"
"I think that's enough. Look were not going to solve our problem down in the Batcave. Why don't we take this party upstairs? We can recharge and share information. Is that okay?" Robin asked.
"I guess since you already know my identity it wouldn't hurt to see the mansion. Alright we can go upstairs, but please don't touch anything unless you're given permission." Bruce said as they headed to the elevator. Within minutes they were in the mansion.
"No freaking way! You grew up here? Dude why did you ever want to leave this place? It's bigger then the Tower!" Beast Boy exclaimed drooling over the video games.
"This is one sweet setup. I mean you have the lap of luxury upstairs and downstairs the real fun begins," Cyborg commented.
"Impressive library. Reminds me of the ones that use to be on Azerath," Raven said as she gazed around at all the books.
"Yes this place is quite amazing Robin. But I prefer our own home. Silkie come back here! Don't chew on that!" Starfire yelled pulling her pet off a Victorian age sofa.
"You guys had no idea I grew up in mansion?" Dick asked in amazement. He, Barbara, and Bruce had changed back into civilian clothes, but the Titans remained in uniform.
"Makes we wonder where they live now. I better call my Dad and tell him I'll be spending the night. Hopefully he'll buy my excuse this time," Barbara said flipping open her cell phone.
"Can I get you anything to eat or drink?" Alfred asked the teenagers.
"Tofu!"
"Steak!"
"Herbal tea."
"Mustard for me and zorka berries for Silkie."
Alfred stared at them like they were crazy. He looked at Bruce who shook his head. He didn't know what to do.
Robin cleared his throat. "You know what Alfred I'll take care of that. Why don't you help the rest of my team set things up in the living room? I'll be right back."
Within moments everyone was seated around the fireplace enjoying their treat. On the table sat a strange device. It was all black and looked like some kind of miniature TV set except it had a holographic screen.
"What is this device and where did it come from?" Bruce asked curiously as Robin handed him a sandwich and drink.
"It's called a memory player. A friend gave it to use when we received these crystal necklaces around our necks. With her help we were able to gather the memories of everyone we've ever met and put them together with ours to create little episodes of our missions," Robin explained.
"It has been most helpful to us when we wish to recall something about one of our enemies. With this device we hope to bring you up to speed with what's going on," Cyborg said.
"Yeah plus it's a lot of fun to watch. Its way better then any home movie you've ever seen. Ouch!" Beast Boy said rubbing his sore head.
Raven gave him a look a sipped her tea. "It would be best if you held your questions or comments until after were done showing,"
"Otherwise we will not be able to finish. I hope that you find our performance most satisfying," Starfire added.
"Well start it up already. First question, who was that creepy guy?"
A holographic 3D model of Slade appeared in the air. Even as a hologram he gave off a dark presence. Robin cleared his throat and began to tell all he knew about his arch foe. "His name is Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke the Terminator. My research has revealed a lot of personal information. I know that he lied about his age to get into the army were he met up with his best friend Wintergreen, who would one day become his majordomo. Slade became involved with a secret experiment. He was given a serum that was suppose to increase a soldiers performance, but it ended up killing everyone except him. The serum changed Slade, made him inhuman."
"What do you mean inhuman?" Bruce asked absorbing all the information and considering how he could use it to defeat Slade.
"Slade's abilities were increased tenfold, he can use ninety percent of his brain. But the most powerful change was that he became immortal. I'm not joking. Slade can't die and we've seen the proof first hand, but will get to that later. After leaving the army he married a fellow soldier named Addie Cain. They had two sons and for a while things were normal. No one knew about him being a mercenary until one of his sons was kidnapped. My information is a little sketchy, but I do know the end result was he got his eye shot out. From there he went to the Oriental were he picked up a few skills and fathered a daughter. After leaving the Oriental he set up a vast criminal empire and centered it in Jump City. That's were we came in. We clashed several times and the results were never pretty," Robin said pressing a button on the memory player causing the hologram to disappear.
"Immortal evil criminals? You have to be kidding me. That sounds like something you find in a comic book," Barbara retorted.
"He does sound like a terrible menace, but if he's from your time why is he here now?" Alfred asked.
"And what does he want with me?" Dick asked. He was a little scared by what his future self had just told him.
"Perhaps it would be helpful to watch our missions. We even took the courtesy to name them and come up with a catchy theme song. It was all Beast Boy idea," Starfire stated.
"Yeah and the best part is that even though each one is about half hour long, it won't take all night to view them! Its just some special feature our little friend Star, not Starfire but Star the Entity, came up with." Beast Boy added.
"So now that we have our refreshments and snacks lets begin already," Cyborg said.
"Just hold all your questions and comments until after our the viewing. Robin if you please," Raven said simply. He nodded and pressed a button. Immediately the room darkened and a catchy theme song started to play. All at once the first episode began. It showed the Titans battling Cinderblock and arguing afterwards. But it wasn't until Slade's second appearance that things started getting a bit more interesting.
Dick watched in horror as the members of the HIVE caused him to vanish and then kick the Titans out of their home. He thought it was strange to have T shape Tower as a home. It was only when he showed up again that the team pulled themselves together. But hearing Slade speak sent shivers down his spine.
"Actually I never expected your agents to succeed. They were merely messengers. And the message has been sent."
Robin's face appears on the video screens, each one saying the same thing. "Who is Slade?"
Slade's next appearance showed all his tricks he picked up while studying in the Oriental. Anything Penguin learned from the Oriental was nothing compared to this.
Each member of the Bat Team was a little skeptical when the Episode "Switched" played. It just didn't seem possible for a wooden little puppet to put a person's sole in a wooden figurine. Seeing the girls interact showed them how two different people could learn to work as one.
"At least I am able to fly! On my planet even a newborn can unleash the joy of flight! But you are to busy being grumpy and rude to feel anything at all!"
"Incase you haven't notice my emotions are dangerous. I can't afford to feel anything at all. You may have my body, but you know nothing about me."
"Perhaps you are right, and if we are to overcome this difficulty we must know everything about each other. So please begin sharing."
The next episode that really affected them was the one called "Masks." Bruce watched intensely as Red X took out all the Titans. From he what he saw he suspected he wasn't going to like the identity of the masked villain. He wasn't disappointed, when he saw Robin's face under that mask his heart sunk. He could sense the others astonishment. But it was Slade's words that stung the most.
"Robin we had a deal,"
"Sorry I have a strict policy about giving stolen technology to psychopath."
"How very noble. But stealing in order to trap me that wasn't so noble. Two wrongs don't make a."
"Don't you ever lecture me! Whatever your planning its over."
"On the contrary Robin, its only the beginning."
Later Robin spoke harshly to Starfire wondering what she wanted. She responded to him that they had learned something about Slade. That he and Robin were very similar when it came to trusting people.
The Titans were laughing when it came to remembering how much trouble Cyborg got into when he first created the T-Car. The memorable chase and ridicules notions he had towards it was funny. It was the last episode before the one that hurt their leader the most and was probably the most significant.
Everyone was stunned by the nightmare that had plagued Robin's mind. But more importantly was Slade's challenge to find the chronoton detonator and destroy it. Robin had become more obsessive and violent with each turn. He wasn't thinking clearly and by the time that he was it was to late. The Titans were infected and he was Slade's apprentice. The next few episodes showed both Robin's and Slade's pov of the events that occurred over the next two and half weeks.
Robin pov ""Why me? Why not someone else? Like one of the HIVE or another criminal? Why me? Why did you choose me?" I waited. I could be patient for this answer.
He shook his head and got up, walking over to me. I stayed planted in my seat, not wanting to see him. He had to be smirking, "Now surely you can figure that one out, Robin."
If I could, my mind didn't want me to. So I shook my head 'no'. I wanted to hear his answer first. I didn't want him to ask me dozens of questions so I could get it on my own. Unfortunately, he did ask questions, but not for me to answer out loud to him.
"Why did I choose you? Let's look at it. I needed someone young. I needed someone with potential. As for bonuses, you had many of them. Smart, already physically fit, personality, and by personality, I mean you already had a semblance similar to my own. You caught my eye when you weren't even trying to, unlike so many others. Who do you think I'd choose? A person that failed when they were trying or someone that succeeded when they weren't? The second one, am I right? Guess who you were," He paused every time he started a new sentence.
"The second," I felt my stomach do a back flip."
Slade pov: The kid seemingly just wouldn't get it. For a good half hour he took the hits. At that point he lifted his head with such an effort to look at his opponent. I let the Sladebot stand there for a minute. Maybe this time. This time. He just needed a small 60 second break to think. Normally, I wouldn't have even given him that. He wouldn't get that chance in a real fight.
I nodded to the robot and it came at him. This time he did it perfectly. I saw him release the air in his lungs. I felt him partially back into me as the fist connected to his diaphragm. He let the force travel through him and out. I felt that hit too. I bore a grin that bared my teeth as I looked down at him. My apprentice was learning.
Not a struggle, a squirm, or spasm did Robin manifest. He was in control of his body. I felt him stand up, supporting some of his own weight without my help. He gasped in precious oxygen. Deep breathing followed. I saw a small, little smile make itself apparent on his face for a small few seconds. He had done it and he should be proud of that. I leaned over his shoulder and moved close to his ear. Time for a small reward.
My voice was barely a whisper, "Well done, Robin."
Robin pov: I groaned.
My eyes opened no more than slits. My head hurt, both outside and inside. My stomach made me feel like I was going to throw up at the sight of food. My chest felt bruised up too. I was so tired. My limbs were sore. What time was it? I was facing the wall next to my bed. Oh man, I felt sick. The lights were off and I was very glad that it was so cold in the room for once. I was so hot. I felt like I had just stepped out of an oven or out of the sun's center. I was breathing through my mouth and my breath was strained. My throat felt swollen. My mouth was parched and dry.
My mind was dizzy and my vision was blurred. Finally, I was able to keep my vision from spinning. I could feel my shirt clinging to my chest and back with sweat. I was so sick. It felt like every form of the flu that one could get at once, not to mention fight wounds. I could see the blankets had moved to the edges of the bed and out of my way. I bit my lip.
I don't know how long I laid there, just staring at the wall trying to ignore the pain and nausea. The cool air vented in the room and the gentle hum of the AC alerted me to it. My shoulders were shaking, but I didn't care as I felt the cool breeze start to overcome the room. It cooled the sweat on my body for a few precious seconds. Then it died down and my sweat heated up again because of my body heat. I nuzzled my head into the pillow as though if I didn't see myself, I wouldn't feel my body and how much I hurt.
My limp hair plastered itself to my face and neck. I could barely move, but I managed to grab my stomach, which felt like it was swimming around inside of me and disturbing the rest of my organs. I curled up slightly, but it bothered my stomach with every move I made.
"You made me sick!" I screamed at him. Anger fueled me so that I tried to sit up on my own. I was almost up when Slade grabbed my wrists and forced me to lie back down.
Slade's pov "Robin, you fail to realize that I do. You see, every choice you make results in a consequence. For example, you choose to become my apprentice and the result is that four teenagers won't die," I reminded him.
"You're not in jail though, and you deserve to be in jail," I could hear the part of his voice that was wishing that on me.
"True," I pressed on, "But because I avoid jail, I become wanted and hated. Even something as small as choosing to eat or not results in hunger or a full stomach. Consequences are not necessarily bad, Robin. They can be, but they are merely a result or outcome. Don't mistake a consequence as the same thing as a punishment. But this is all besides the point. As I was saying though, you just blew your last chance."
Robin hesitantly asked, "Are nightmares...weaknesses?"
I was stunned by the question, but answered it with an honest answer, "No, Robin. Nightmare are not weaknesses. However, nightmares tend exploit our weaknesses. They can also replay our worst memories or scenes of horror that have been depicted to us with our own added fears."
In the middle of that, Robin looked crestfallen, "So, I'm weak?"
Not at all what I was going for. Another go, "No, Robin. Everyone has nightmares. That doesn't make them weak. Nightmares are depictions that our minds make up for us to distract us, keep us occupied as we sleep, just as dreams are. I don't want you to think that because of nightmares you are weak."
Of all things he should not believe that he is weak. Robin's mouth slightly parted as though shocked at what I had said, "What?"
"How many times have I told you the potential you have, Robin?" I asked him. How did this boy forget that so easily? "I don't say it to everyone I meet. I'll tell you right now that there are very few who get my approval or my recognition as worth something."
It was hard to see him so upset about a simple nightmare. Inwardly, I felt that I knew why that was. I knew that his sadness made me frustrated because I was trying to make it so that he wouldn't be. But I didn't hold a grudge for that against him. Only myself for not being successful. He was a challenge and the reprisal would be the sweetest that one could imagine. I really do hate to loose, just as Robin does.
Robin absorbed the information I was giving him. The news ended with Wayne telling reporters that the prototype would be moved out to the west coast. That made sense. So Wayne's logic can make sense. I made a mental note to remember that because right now Robin's understanding about that nightmare was what mattered. I clicked the TV screen off.
Robin's pov: Step, I squinted and felt my heart pound. Step. The rope hit the soles of my shoes and I could feel it crease into my feet. Step. I felt the light above and for some reason it felt much hotter then it had been when I entered. Step. I saw the ledge and the rope. Step. I heard the roar of the crowd below. Step. I heard the sound of the rope and its all too familiar creak. Step. I was back in Slade's lair. Step. I was almost half way across. Step. Their voices...
"Excellent job, Mary!"
"You too, John!"
"Well done, Robin!"
I closed my eyes tight. When I opened, there was nothing but the Haunt. 'There's nothing here but Slade and the Haunt. There's nothing here but Slade and the Haunt. You're seeing things.'
Step.
I opened my eyes. Just the haunt. Just the haunt. I was fine.
Step.
I heard the unwinding of ropes; a sizzling sound. Step. I glanced in front of me. The ledge was farther out. The purple colors coming down from the big top. Two figures, a man and a woman swung across, grabbed hold of one another. Then, a sharp...
SNAP!
Screaming.
Two thumps on the ground.
Nothing.
I felt my breath get caught in my throat. I couldn't breathe. I was shaking.
Slade's Pov This time, Robin started walking, but was considerably struggling. It wasn't an act. And I knew acts. This wasn't one of them. Barely four steps more and Robin stopped. His shaking didn't diminish. If anything it got worse. His knees became loose. His arms went out. I saw his foot slip, then the other.
"Robin?"
He fell, "Robin!"
I ran and skidded to a halt right underneath him. I broke Robin's fall as he fell the three stories. I grunted at the sudden weight. I shook my head and looked down at Robin. His mouth was slightly ajar. His eyes were wide and his face was pale. I felt him quivering, still shaking. What was wrong with him?
After that they saw how Robin had come into contact with the Titans. It was a thrilling tale because Starfire refused to fire on him and it was because of her they figured out about the probes. Thus they were able to rescue their leader, earn their crystal necklaces, and return home, but it was clear the events had left scars that had yet to heal.
Starfire tried to lift everyone's spirits in the next episode with her holiday Blorthog the Festival of Friendship. But the time traveling Warp ruined everything. Showing her a future she was not proud of.
Dick was a little in awe at his future incarnation as a hero, but hated the hair. Barbara let out a wolf whistle at seeing her boyfriend all grown up. He was a major hottie!
"There is nothing you can do, there is nothing anyone can do. The past cannot be changed. The future cannot be altered no matter how wrong it may seem."
"So basically its impossible. Good if memory serves we've done the impossible. I held onto this just incase."
When Barbara saw how much Starfire was pained by her alien transformation she felt a bit of pity. No one should have to look that ugly, but it was Dick who looked like he wanted to hide under the sofa when he saw Robin take Killer Moth's (who had obviously undergone a metamorphous,) bratty daughter on a date.
What concerned Bruce most was the way his young protégé handled the Terra situation. To him Robin displayed poor judgment and lack of leadership when he allowed this unstable girl to join his team. Also allowing for one of his teammates to crush on her put everyone in risk. Terra ended up being Beast Boy's personal enemy because he allowed his emotions to get in the way. He wouldn't have done that.
Alfred noticed the cold stare his master was giving the Titans. He frowned knowing what Bruce was thinking. Terra may have been a powerful terrakinetic, but she was still a teenage girl. Besides he thought the girl proved herself well in the end of Aftershock and the young jokester provided a valuable peace of wisdom.
"That's a lie Terra. You've always had a choice. You chose to work for Slade; you chose to betray us, and now your giving him control. Slade isn't doing this Terra you are!…. Its your life Terra, its never to late to change."
"Sorry Beast Boy for everything I've ever done…. You can't control me anymore! I have to stay I'm the only one that can stop it. It's never to late to change. You were the best friend I ever had. Now go!"
Going into Season Three they met up right away with Cyborg's personal enemy. Brother Blood was using his mental powers to control the HIVE students. Cyborg went undercover to try and find out what he was up to and nearly got sucked into the whole business.
"I will pay six glubhargs for your thoughts."
"If that's your way of asking me how I'm feeling I'm okay. It's just that… I never got to finish high school because of this. While I was at the HIVE I felt normal."
"I didn't know you back then. So to me you are normal."
Dick was amazed by the way he contemplated good vs. evil when he had to deal with the whole new Red X thing. It made him wonder what changes could happen in five years that would cause him to make such a foolish mistake and then have to deal with the consequences later on.
But everyone was shocked by the Episode called "Betrothed." Barbara was shocked that Starfire was actually an alien princess; Alfred was impressed by Starfire devotion to her people, while Bruce was pleased by Starfire's skill as a fighter. But it was Dick who was most puzzled. His older self seemed to truly love Starfire, but he didn't get it. She was an alien! But her speech stirred something. It was Starfire's turn to battle her own enemy.
"Someone very wise once told me to listen to my heart so I overthrew my sister because she was not best for Tameran. And now my heart is telling me that I am also not best for Tameran. My life and my heart is on Earth. That is where I belong, but I leave you in good hands. The hands that cared for me as child…. Next time I shall chose my own husband. Who is to know? Perhaps there is a groom for me on Earth."
The next few episodes had quite an impact. From Robin's near death experience in "Haunted" to Beast Boy dealing with the Beast inside of him. Each Titan struggled in this season to find themselves. But it was the dramatic take down of Brother Blood and the introduction of Titans East that truly made this season one to remember.
Season Four had the collection of the darkest memories, but it started out with a journey of discovery for Robin. Both Dick and Bruce watched this memory intensely. While Robin went all the way to Japan to seek out the True Master to train him in martial arts the Titans had fun raiding his closet.
"Okay this is disturbing," Raven said surveying the scene before her. Beast Boy, Cyborg, and Starfire were dressed in Robin's uniform playing with his gadgets and pretending to drive the R-Cycle.
"Disturbing yet magnificent! I never knew wearing a cape could be so much fun! Come Robining with us!" Starfire squealed with joy as she twirled around in the air.
"Yeah he has all the best stuff!" Cyborg said displaying the R-Cycle.
"Come on Raven you know you want to try it!" Beast Boy challenged her.
But soon darkness invaded as Slade reared his ugly head. This time he came after Raven and had fantastic powers over fire, could fly, and move about when all time was stopped. Whatever had caused the change he was more dangerous then ever. Whatever he did to Raven scared her greatly.
When Slade returned strange things were starting to occur. An ancient library was unearthed leading to the discovery of the catacombs beneath it. While the rest of the Titans looked for a gem to stop Scath from coming Raven returned to the Tower. Using a spell she returned home to Azerath to talk to her mother about a prophecy. She wanted to know if there was anyway to avoid it, but her mother told her there wasn't. Her mother's departing words were the love of the people of Azerath was with her and it was to late for Earth and Azerath. Raven gasped in horror upon discovering that Trigun had destroyed her home. That's when she returned to save her friends.
"I'm going to enjoy destroying you Titans," Slade said as he held the lives of Titans in his hands literally.
"Wanna bet?" a voice said. Suddenly a huge slab of earth hit Slade slamming him into a wall. Everyone looked up to see Raven with red inscriptions all over body glaring down at them.
"I told you to leave them out of this. So aren't you going to blast me or incinerate me? Or did you master forbid you from harming me? Did he order you to keep his precious gem safe?"
Later after beating the leaving daylights out of Slade she told her friends what had been bugging her for weeks. Why she had gone crazy on her birthday, why she hadn't been able to mediate.
"The order used the name Scath to protect the true name of their master. We know him as Trigun."
"Wow."
"You serious? That's who were up against?"
"His cruelty is legendary even on my world!"
"So why do you go all glowey in the dark?"
"It's a sign that Trigun is coming. And the way he gets here is through me. I'm not just a person, I'm a portal."
"But Raven, why you?"
"Because Trigun is my father. Bad things are about to happen, really bad. I thought I could handle them by myself. I was wrong."
"For confiding in us we are most humbled."
"I have just one question. How do we stop him?"
"We don't."
"But that doesn't mean we still can't try."
The next two episodes seemed to start changing Dick's attitude towards Starfire. He started to realize that maybe he was being predjustice towards Starfire just because she was an alien. Otherwise he would be just as big a jerk as Valior. But he kept glancing at Barbara during "Stranded." She kept giving him looks to. Especially when Starfire and Robin were stuck in the cave.
"Starfire why couldn't you fly back there?" Robin demanded as he threw kindling into the fire.
"Tameranian powers are inclined by our emotions," was her reply.
"So how you feel effects your ability to fly. But we've faced danger before and you've always been able to fly," he pointed out.
She shook her head and stood up. "It is not danger that confuses me, it is us. Ever sense Cyborg said the girlfriend things have been different between us."
"It fine Starfire, everything is okay."
"Everything is not okay and I fear that it will never be okay. And you will not tell me how you feel."
"I'm not really good at that."
"Do earth boys come with some kind of manual?"
"It be a lot easier if they did."
"How can we be Xhalton if you will not tell me about how you feel?"
"Xhalton?"
"I believe the term in your language is sole mate. To us Xhalton means someone you have sacrificed everything for. I sacrificed ruling my planet for you, what have you given up?"
"I gave up my freedom for you. Starfire its hard for me to talk about my feelings. The man who trained me, who was like a father to me, didn't really believe in letting you emotions out. But I do know this Starfire. You're the strongest, bravest, girl I know who can shoot starbolts from your hands."
The three-part season finale was one worth waiting for. The Bat Team was given a glimpse to what would happen in the near future. It showed them that you should never give up on hope.
The first part showed the Titans struggling to protect Raven from Slade and Trigun. Raven insisted that there was no way to stop him and while her friends battled against fire demons she struggled to block out Trigun mental probes. But it was all in vain. Raven returned to the catacombs for the ceremony.
"I've tried my whole life to fight the darkness inside me. I tried to do good things with my powers to make up for the terrible thing I was destined to do… I didn't know I make such wonderful friends… And as my friends you have to let me go!"
The Titans pounded against the energy shield Raven had thrown up. They cried out to her to stop, but it was hopeless. Trigun had to strong of hold on her. Without hesitation she chanted the prophecy surrendering her to destiny. "The Gem was born of evils fire, the Gem shall be his portal. He comes to claim, He comes to sire, The end of all things mortal!" And with that the end of the world occurred.
The remaining Titans survived only to wake up to wasteland. The blood red sky, building destroyed, and people turned to stone cause them great despair and they nearly gave up hope when their attack on Trigun failed. That's when the Entities Star and Nova showed up along with Slade.
At first the Titans were angry that the Entities had done nothing to prevent this catastrophe from occurring. With there amazing powers shouldn't they have been able to prevent Trigun's coming?
Star answer was short and to the point. "Even if there wasn't the none interference law we could never have stopped this from happening. We don't have the power."
"Trigun is an anomaly in big scheme of things. The Azerathians tried to destroy him, but only managed to banish him to the underworld. But even here he managed to impregnate Arella, Raven's mother and later destroy Azerath. He is too powerful and evil to be defied. Raven had no chance against him. But Trigun is fool, because Azar has the last laugh," Nova continued.
"Who?"
"Azar, the head priestess of Azerath and Raven's mentor. She was the one who trained Raven in her powers. She was also the one who prophesized Raven would become the portal allowing Trigun to return. But there was another part to the prophecy that she kept locked in her head. This part along with the information she glimpsed at when she brought Raven into the world she kept even her death. Not even Trigun's all seeing mind knows about it." Star said.
"What is the remainder of the prophecy and this information? Could it help us defeat the Trigun?" Starfire asked.
"The information is that Trigun can only be destroyed by one of great power and of his own blood. When Raven saw her mother's message she received the love of the people of Azerath increasing her power. Now combined with the second part of the prophecy we can win." Nova said.
"The second part goes like this. When the forces of Good and Evil work as one, when the innocent of a child is found, When all hope seems lost, The Angle in White will appear, And drive the Darkness with the Light. Now we must move fast. Cyborg, Beast Boy Starfire keep Trigun busy. Nova will help you. Slade, Robin, and I will go find the remaining part of Raven and bring her back."
Everyone was on the edge of their seats as the three travelers went down to the underworld. Bruce was slightly upset at seeing how great Robin and Slade worked together. It reminded him that he lost his partner/son in the future. Alfred, Dick, and Barbara were impressed by Titans resilient nature. The Entities also helped a lot.
But finally it was down to the last fight. Both Good and Evil fought against Trigun injuring him, but not stopping him. Raven, who was a little girl, cried out seeing her friends hurt. That's when she decided to fight back. In brilliant flash of light she grew from a small child to her full sixteen year old self.
"You may have created me, but you were never my father. Fathers are suppose to be kind! Fathers are supposed to protect you! Fathers raise you! I was protected by the monks of Azerath; I was raised by my friends. They are my family, this is my home, and you are not welcome here. Azerath Metrion Zinthos!" In a flash of white light Trigun was gone and the world was brought back to life. Raven had defeated her personal enemy.
The fifth season was very different then any of the others. This time the Titans were traveling the world going up against the Brotherhood of Evil. Bruce had heard of this crime syndicate and was greatly worried. They had taken out many adult heroes, what chance did a bunch of teenagers have against them? Especially when their communications were compromised.
Barbara had been raised to believe in the justice system and that anyone could change. That's why she held out hope that there was still some small part of her friend Pamela Isely left in Poison Ivy. When she saw Kid Flash, whom she learned was the current Flash nephew Bart; talking to Jinx her hope was renewed.
"Why do you want to be like her anyways?" Kid Flash asked her.
"I'm bad luck. Good was never an option for me. At least with the Brotherhood I'll be someone, I'll get respect."
"You don't have to hurt people to feel good about yourself Jinx."
Later against Madame Rogue Jinx showed that she was no one to mess with. After claiming her rose she started walking ready for a new life.
"Go!" was the episode that the entire Bat Team was waiting for. Finally the answers to how five very unique individuals came together to form one team. There was a lot of distrust at first, but in the end they rocked!
In Titans Together every Titan that existed came together to fight against the Brotherhood of Evil. At first things were looking pretty hopeless, but then the five original Titans said five words of wisdom.
"Lesson one: Don't throw me down a whole unless you make sure I stay down!"
"The Lesson Two: We never give up!"
"Lesson Three: You secret hide out isn't a secret anymore."
"Lesson Four: Don't mess with us!"
"Lesson Five: Good always triumphs over evil. Titans Together!"
With those words all the Titans took care of the Brotherhood freezing them. Then they all returned home. But there adventures weren't over yet. Shortly after they returned BB saw Terra again only she called herself Tara Maschovit. She had no powers and no memory of her previous life. Later the Titans learned that Star had restored Terra and given her two options. Continue with her life as Terra or return to the way she was before she got her powers. She chose the second one abided that she could one day regain her memories and powers.
Finally the last adventure played, "Titans in Tokyo." Both Barbara and Dick gasped at all the cool places to hang out in the large city. Alfred almost laughed when he saw the antics the kids got themselves into. But what impressed Bruce most all was the way they solved the mystery of Brushogun and were honored.
The memory player shut down and Robin spoke up. "After that we returned home and a series of events have led us to here. Now what do you have to say about our lives?"
"You certainly lead an exciting life. But what about your schooling? Isn't it hard being on call twenty-four hours a day? Who takes care of the Tower because from what I seen you don't have a maid," Alfred asked.
"We take turns taking care of the Tower. We have a rotation list of who does what and when. Were teenagers Alfred, keeping things neat isn't always on the top our list. Now about our education lets just say we learn as we go," Robin said trying to relax him.
"You girls certainly have some interesting taste. I would never have guessed you both use your emotions to activate your powers. Still I liked the way you kicked your family members butt," Barbara said carefully still eyeing Starfire.
"Thank you," Raven replied simply. Starfire also acknowledged her. "Would you like to hold Silkie?"
"Ugh maybe later," Barbara replied.
"My life certainly takes an interesting turn. I mean I know a lot of bad stuff will happen and there are some things I don't agree with right now, but I guess I could learn to live with it." Dick said.
"Trust me your going to grow up to be the best leader ever!" BB told him.
"Yeah I mean sure you can be a major pain, but we love you," Cyborg said.
Robin noticed that Bruce hadn't said anything yet. He sensed what he had to say wasn't for the other Titans ears. Clearing his throat he decided to clear the room. "Look if were going to be spending some time together the next few days we need to make some preparations. Slade could attack at any moment. Cyborg, go to the Batcave and update security. We can't be caught off guard. Beast Boy go with him and morph into an animal. Make sure that Slade didn't send a probe after us. Raven, once you've casted some protection spells go to the library and start researching a way to get us home. Starfire, you and Alfred set up some rooms for us. Take Silkie with you and make sure he doesn't eat anything. Dick, why don't you and Barbara search police reports to try and figure out where Slade might appear next. Bruce and I will stay here and come up with a strategy to deal with him."
"On it," they all said disappearing from the room. At last Robin turned to face his mentor. His face was unreadable as usual. Knowing this wasn't going to end well he turned to him. "Well? Tell me what you think because right now the suspense of not knowing is killing me."
"Dick I…"
"Robin, my name is Robin."
"Fine Robin, I can't believe that you would put yourself in such a situation. You stole technology, allowed your obsession to consume you, and what's the worst if it you got captured by a villain who managed for a time to control you. What where you thinking? How could you let it get so out of hand?"
"Maybe I was trying to stop Slade from harming anyone else and I ended up being the one who got hurt or did you not notice that?"
"I saw that you were suffering. I can even understand the reasons why you did it. But that doesn't mean it wouldn't have happened if…"
"If what? I stayed in Gotham with you? If I was a better soldier instead of human being? Or maybe it would have been better if I hadn't listened to my emotions at all. Ignored my friends completely and taken Slade down," Robin shot back.
"That is not what I'm saying. What I am trying to say is if you operate in open daylight and don't take precautions people like Slade are going to take advantage of you. For goodness sake you almost died because of that dust on his mask. Robin I'm just worried about your. From what I've seen of your present, Dick's future, it's making me seriously reconsider having him as a partner."
"So you're just going to stop him from being Robin. Is that your solution to the problem, to change my past just like Slade is trying to do? I hate it when people compare me to Slade and I would have thought you understood."
"What I don't understand is why you're leading a team of a bunch of teenagers on the other side of the country! What happened that made you leave me? Your not even legally old enough to do that," Bruce demanded.
"I left because you wouldn't trust me! You didn't treat me like a teenager, a partner, or even as your son! You wouldn't let me grow up at all. That's why I left, that's why the Titans mean so much to me and if you were half the man you said you are you'd understand. But that's asking too much isn't? Even to include me in your life would be nice."
"What are you talking about? You are a very large part of my life. Why wouldn't I ever include you in it?" Bruce asked confused.
"I don't know, maybe you can answer that since you haven't spoken to me in nearly two years!" Robin shouted angrily. Tears streaming down his face he shoved past his mentor and ran out of the room leaving Bruce alone with his thoughts.
Meanwhile back at Slade's hideout Slade was getting very annoyed at the Joker. So far the Clown Prince of Crime had been very uncooperative. He was laughing his head off as thousands of jolts of electricity passed through his body. "Is that the best you can do One Eye? You think a little zap is going to get me to talk?"
"I grow weary of your lack of respect towards me, not to mention you inability it seems to divulge any information on Batman and his partners. You will answer my questions or I promise you the next round of pain even you won't be laughing about," Slade promised as he stood next to the clown.
"What makes you think that I have any information on old Batsy or his little partners Bratgirl and Bird Boy?" Joker replied. What happened next went by to fast for him to see. Slade seemed to move at super speed breaking Joker's wrists, ankles, and pummeling him in the chest. When he looked up Slade's hands were on his neck ready to snap it. "Hey calm down Sladey. Were all friends here right?"
"Wrong you have tested my last ounce of patience. Sense you won't give me the information voluntary I will take by force," he hissed activating a microscopic data shunt he planted on Joker. The Joker screamed as he felt the chip ravage his brain stem and reaching into his brain painfully extracting the memories from his mind and displaying them on the computer screen. Slade smiled knowing soon he have what he was looking for.