Disclaimer: Hey I found a penny. So why can't I find the sheet of paper that says that whoever owns this paper owns Teen Titans? Oh well, must be under lock and key. Anyways, I don't write this for money. I write it because I love the show.

Author's Note: Hey, here's another chapter. I think that I finally figured out a way for this chapter to play out and how to include POVs. I'll let you figure out who is talking at first. One more thing, I want everyone to keep in mind that this is not a Slash story in any way whatsoever! The ending in this chapter is supposed to be like a kid going to a parent for advice or confort. Read the summary! It says 'Not Slash' for a reason. If you want a spoiler for proof go to my FanFiction homepage and go to the bottom where I'll have a summary of what happens. Now that's that -- on to chapter fifteen!

-T-

What?

Chapter Fifteen

My footsteps echoed in the gloomy hallway. Normally, it is not this gloomy, but with this past week's events it is no surprise. Cyborg and Raven have both decided that we all would benefit from a day to ourselves. Cyborg has taken the day to fix his T-Car. Beast Boy has found video games to be a time passer at least and Raven has, well, I'm not sure exactly what she is doing. Although I would be led to believe that she is meditating in her room.

I found myself unable to find something to occupy my time. I had wanted to continue our search today, but as Raven and Cyborg asked that I not and rest, I did not. Still, I feel that I should be doing something useful. I have not found anything very enjoyable lately. I can not read. I can not bring myself to go out other than to search. I have not found watching the sunset enjoyable. I could not rest either, so I decided to walk around.

I passed the main room where Beast Boy's video games were making the 'beeps' and 'rings' of success and reached a room I rarely go in. The label across the door read: "Evidence". I sighed and kept on walking with the intention of going back to my own quarters. I went down the hallway and found a bedroom door that was not my own. I stopped and stared at the door.

'Please, stop taunting me doorway. I should not go in there when your owner is...'

I bit my lip and glanced around. No one was there. No one would yell at me would they? I slowly pushed the door open. It was dark. I attempted to form a starbolt, but found myself only able to make the tips of my fingers give off light. It was enough, but the room was still very dark and in shadows. I went over to the bedside lamp and turned it on. It was brighter than my starbolt at least and I could look around and see the other sides of the room.

The room held so many shadows. I wondered if Robin preferred it that way. Instead of the posters and the systems of the games I would see if I entered Cyborg's or Beast Boy's rooms, I found newspapers on the walls. Some were of achievements. Some were merely articles of interest. On his desk, more papers along with tools and weapons that he had been trying to fix before.

The wall opposite the bed was the darkest. I'm not good with the dark and never have been. Maybe that's why the wall scared me so much though. One object stood out among all the articles that cluttered up the rest of the wall. An old mask. Well, it was not that old.

I looked at the mask and then at the bed where I stood. This is what he saw every night when he went to bed? It was frightening. I have never fought Slade one-on-one and I don't know if I ever will. However, I could still be intimidated by his look. It was horrid to me. A face undefined, a grate for a mouth piece, his uniform like that of a high-quality fighter - a cruel and cunning warrior, and a singe eye that would stare at you. The eye was the worst. It could tease. It could taunt. It could emulate fear. It could find your weakness and use it against you.

I looked at the desk again. I had seen Robin at that desk many times, working so hard to the point that sometimes he'd fall asleep there. Something was gathering in my chest.

Anger.

One week. One whole week! I didn't even know if Slade was the cause of Robin's disappearance, yet I despised the man. His presence made Robin work down to the bone. I hated him for that. I had to resist the urge to destroy the mask with a starbolt that I knew I could conjure for that purpose because I knew that Robin would be angry with me if I did. And it hurt me to know that. The hurt replaced the anger in my heart. His work sucked him up into the shadows to the point where even too much light would agitate him.

I walked over to the desk. The chair was pushed out of place and so I put it back. I glanced over at the bedside table and bed. On the table along with the light was a small album of photos. I walked back over to the bed. It was messy and had not been made. The pillow was ruffled out in the place that Robin's head had been while he slept. It had been left that way for more than a week, its owner somewhere else unknown.

I opened the small book. The first picture was of the Titans, all of us, in front of the tower. I flipped through the pages. Some were of places. Some were of people. I came across one of Robin and I at the Boardwalk. It was the same night that he introduced me to Cotton Candy. I remember the sugary sweetness dissolve in my mouth and the treat I got looking up at my friend, a warm and welcomed feeling rising in my chest. The candy couldn't match the taste that I had first had when I first stepped on Earth. I've never told Robin how much I enjoyed that experience. I felt my eyes grow watery. I struggled to breathe steady.

"Robin..."

I ran my fingers across the bed sheets...They were so cold and unused. I felt my knees shaking and then I felt them buckle. I knelt on the floor and rested my head on the mattress.

'Where are you, Robin? Why are you not here? What if something horrible has happened to you? Why can we not find you? Robin... Please, please come home...'

Hot tears fell onto the sheets, but they would most likely be dry when and if their owner returned. I missed him, so very much.

-T-

I bit my lip telling myself that the pain wasn't that bad. Oh, who was I kidding? I breathed in trying to somehow dull the pain. Three days. It had been three days since I had been on the rooftop and every day since Slade had me do vigorous physical training. I guess he figured that I was capable of doing it since I no longer had any symptoms from my 'illness' six days ago. That meant it had been over a week since I had seen the tower, since I had become his apprentice. Great, just great.

The last two days were filled with training ranging from timed obstacles courses, disarming alarm systems, attacking enemies single handedly, and so on. It wasn't like the first day at all. The only thing remotely similar is that Slade would make me work at a skill until I got it. Although, I didn't really get beaten in the cruel manner of the first day. Instead, if I got beaten it was because I failed to dodge robots...or Slade.

I'd be dragged out after breakfast to train and after training, brought into the dining room to eat dinner. Lunch was my only break during training and I learned to reserve what water I was given on the second day. Once I finished dinner, I'd be sent to my room. That was the routine in general. However, I'd find it much easier to walk to training then from. I'd try my best to suppress showing discomfort or pain. I think Slade noticed though. Bitterly, I thought he found it entertaining, though I don't think he did in reality.

I'd come back into my room after a shower and just collapse. Even collapsing hurt! I lied down the first day just wishing I'd fall asleep and go into dreams where I would be numb to the pain. The second day, I was about to do the same thing, when Wintergreen came in. I slowly sat up to show respect for the man. I don't know why, but he seemed like he deserved it. He never was reproachful which gave me a sense that I could trust him.

"It hurts doesn't it?" He asked me.

I looked down, but nodded.

"Let's see what we can do about that then."

I looked up, a bit shocked, "Why?"

"It might make sleeping a bit easier," Wintergreen responded.

"No, does Slade want me to get treatment?"

"Well, I don't think he would object to patching up his apprentice a bit, now would he?"

I had a feeling that Wintergreen wasn't telling me something, but I really, really didn't want to say no to something that could dull the pain that was coursing in and out of my body.

"Let's see if we can patch anything up first." I nodded.

Wintergreen worked for a good fifteen minutes on my bruises and scrapes. The rest was mainly him telling me how to dull the pain on my own. I fell asleep quicker which was good because I had a feeling that Slade was waking me up earlier and earlier as the days passed. I awoke this morning and took off the bandages that I had slept with. They would probably get in the way if I kept them on and I could always put them back on later.

When I had come out for training I was met with different challenge: Fighting with a partner...an ally.

It wasn't that I couldn't do that. It wasn't that I wasn't used to that. It was that I wasn't exactly thrilled who my partner was. Most of the first moves, I mastered easily or already knew. I couldn't tell if Slade was happy or annoyed at that, which was a first. The next bits were more challenging and required timing movements with one anothers'. Some were back flipping and aiming at similar spots. Some were merely seeing when another needed help with an enemy, while at the same time watching your own back. As time went on, I learned moves, but that didn't mean I was any happier about them. Actually, our timing was nearly perfect which annoyed me a lot.

I'd do a low attack and he'd do a high. I'd aim at an enemy focused on him. He'd put himself between me and an attack that would set me back. It was odd because while I never fully trusted Slade, I had to if I wanted to come out unscathed or minimally injured.

Now, we had just finished a maneuver with each of us having three enemies. I had taken a hit to my shoulder and as I said before I was really biting back the pain. It felt like my shoulder had been disconnected or something.

"That was good, Robin. We're going to work on an eight enemy round," Slade said as he walked over to load the simulation.

"Eight enemies?" I asked thinking that we barely were able to do three or at least the maneuver we did for the three wouldn't work for eight.

"We'll be doing the same maneuver, but I want you to allow some to come close. We're going to practice an orbiting kick that will send enemies flying into each other. No bo-staffs," Slade said as I heard the robotic contraptions making their way towards us.

"But how..." I started, but had no time.

I ducked as a Sladebot came up from behind me and I elbowed it where its gut would be if it actually had guts and not some electric wires. We fought, but were severely out numbered. Far off the Sladebots gathered. A couple were moving in on us. One was edging nearer and nearer. I backed up and glanced at Slade. I saw an opening. I ran towards Slade. Slade saw this and turned. I saw his arms outstretch as though going into a flip, so I leaped over him and took out the robot that was about to deliver a well aimed punch at him. The robot ended sizzling and sparkling out electricity on the ground.

I smiled and readied to fight the Sladebots ahead, but felt a swift kick knock me to the ground. When I turned around I saw Slade towering over me and the sound of robots shutting down entered the air.

"I think I told you to do an orbiting kick, did I not?" Slade asked.

"There's not exactly anything I can revolve around, Slade. And does it really matter if my opponent is taken out for the count!" My voice rose along with my temper.

"Excuse me?" Slade said and I go that feeling in my stomach that I wasn't going to like what was coming, "I think I've told you about that tone of voice with me."

"The guy is down. What does it matter?" I seethed not bothering to make my tone any better. In fact, I think it got worse.

Slade grabbed the back of my shirt and pulled me up and onto my feet. Roughly, he grabbed my jaw and forced me to look in the direction of the Sladebots that had stopped in their places.

"That's why it matters."

I tried to wiggle out of his grasp. I was angry. I didn't care about training and I certainly didn't want another lecture. I had taken a guy out and he got mad. Why should it matter if I wasn't paying attention to the other robots? I could handle them later. I couldn't get free which was no surprise. Slade did release my jaw, though.

"I told you to do that kick for a reason. And there was a way to perform it. Why do you think I'm asking you to do it without a bo-staff now when I'm training you to work with a partner?" Slade paused for a second for me to think about it, then finished, "Next time grab my wrists and I'll swing you into the opponent which will cause him to collide with his allies. Got it?"

He finally let go. The same thing happened. I did the orbiting kick as Slade had told me. It angered me though that I could probably take out the other Sladebots alone if I had to. When it ended, I breathed in and out steadily while placing my hands on my knees to support myself.

"Good, Robin," Slade said as he went over to the side of the room where he propped himself up against the wall to rest, "That wasn't too hard now, was it?"

"Oh yeah, it's a real cake walk to work with you. Almost as much fun as being your apprentice," I snapped.

I tried Slade's patience often. Normally, it ended with me wondering how he could possibly deal with me. I would have flat out exploded at anyone who did what I did to him to me. But I guess it all builds up and unlike normal people, Slade can choose how to let loose a barrage of hurt physically, mentally, or emotionally.

Slade walked over to me and I stood up straight trying to at least look formidable, "Robin, your attitude is getting old during these training sessions. I'm not even going to bother giving you a warning because I've given you plenty. There's not going to be another 'One more time', young man. You've reached a limit and have to be willing to accept the consequences."

"Like you ever do," I responded.

"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."

"You're not in jail though, and you deserve to be in jail," I countered.

"True, 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," Slade concluded.

"What are you going to do? Beat me? In case you haven't noticed, I'm already pretty beat up," I spat.

Slade seemed amused, "I don't intend to, Robin. But you should know that it can always get worse. Does partnering up with someone in combat bother you Robin?"

"No, not usually."

"You seem aggravated when it's me, though," Slade took something out of his pocket and walked behind me. I felt a small piece of cloth being tied tightly behind my head and it obscured my vision.

"Hey! Slade, what are you...?"

"What if you were blind and couldn't see? Would you need a partner then?" Slade inquired.

I let silence close around me for a second, "No."

"Why not then?"

"Because I can already see in the dark."

"Then why have I seen you so blinded in it?"

"I'm not," I reply. I felt like I was standing in an inky, thick blackness. I couldn't see anything and I couldn't see where danger might be. I even felt my like my center of gravity was changing, making me feel dizzy.

Slade paused before continuing "I don't think so."

I reached to take the blindfold off, but felt Slade grab my wrist, "What is it that makes you blind? Is it the adrenaline? Don't you agree that it's like a drug? It's addicting, isn't it? Is it the endorphins which numb the pain that long term use of the body brings? Is it your own confusion of the matter? Think about that."

Slade let go of my wrist and took the blindfold off for me. I turned around to face Slade. I tried to make it seem like what he said didn't effect me. But it did. Why was Slade able to get under my skin so well? How come we were so similar? Wait, no that's not how that should be asked. In fact, in shouldn't.

"Ready for dinner then?" The comment broke my train of thought.

"Um, yeah...sure," I said quietly.

Dinner was silent that night. I didn't want to talk and Slade didn't even bring up anything about my training. I don't know why he didn't, but either way I didn't have to talk to him or listen to him. I finished the meal that Wintergreen had prepared and once again waited to be excused. Slade was silent. I was about to say something when he did.

"Robin, do you know what the definition is for legacy?"

"Not exactly," I answered.

Slade slowly nodded once, "It's something passed down to someone... trusted. Very well. Go off to bed."

I raised a brow. I expected a definition since I didn't know it exactly. I knew it was normally something important and long lasting and normally was contained within a certain group of people. That's about it though. However, I did get up and go off to my room. I put new bandages on where I needed them as Wintergreen had left me a first-aid kit, although it was far more then first-aid in my opinion. I went to bed and did not fall into dreams.

These were nightmares.

The high-pitched screams rang and shrilled in my ears. I was tied to a chair. I struggled to be free, but to no avail. I saw them dying. I couldn't watch my failure. I turned away, but felt Slade grab my head and force me to look at them. Cyborg tried his best to stay strong. Raven and Beast Boy were sprawled on the ground almost gone. I felt something touch my shoe and was horrified to see that Starfire had crawled up to me. Our eyes locked; I had failed her. Then they were piles of dust.

"No."

Slade chuckled and released me. I fell off the chair. The dust that was once Starfire in front of me, on me.

"This is what I trained you to be, Robin?" It was an emotionless voice, but I could feel the disappointment in it.

"No, I didn't mean for this to..."

"What do you mean by that, Robin? You knew that this would happen if you disobeyed me."

"No," I whispered, "Please, I didn't."

"I don't know you," The voice stung.

I bolted upright, "NO!"

I was shaking and had a cold sweat pasted on me. I couldn't just sit here. I stood and tripped on my sheets, falling to the ground. I got up and placed my hand on the door to help me up, when the door slid open. While I fell on my face, I was in too much shock that the door actually did open.

For a second, I just lied there, then I got up and sprinted down the hallway. I ran into the main room and found it empty. I ran into the dining room, still nobody. I kept running down the hallways opening any room that wasn't locked. Most were storage so I didn't stay long. I ran and ran with my heart pounding.

My legs began to get sore, which wasn't really a surprise, but I didn't like it nonetheless. I got to the middle of a corridor and leaned against the wall. I was tired and the adrenaline I felt was wearing me out. I slid down the wall till I was sitting down on the cold floor. I looked up and saw Slade's insignia painted on the wall. I buried my head in my knees.

'Perfect spot to collapse, Robin, really. Right underneath him.' I told myself.

I realized I was still shaking and got angry at myself. Why couldn't I beat Slade? Why did he scare me so much? No he didn't scare me. He was intimidating, that's all. Yeah, that's all...

I finally looked around at where I was at. I should have probably gone back to my room. That was when I noticed that I was lost. Great. Just great. I started getting up when I fell backwards...into the wall? That was not a wall. It was a double door. I found myself on my back staring straight up at Slade who looked as though it was an unexpected visit as I was the last person he would expect to see.

"Robin, what are you doing here at this hour?" It was a simple question, but it scared me.

I sat up and got ready to sprint when I felt Slade grab my arm, "Robin, I'd like an answer."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, "I, um, my door was and um..."

Slade stared at me and made me feel a bit uneasy, "Just answer my question, Robin."

My lips somehow formed the words, "The door, my door, it was unlocked and I got lost."

He nodded, then took notice of my arm which was still shivering from the nightmare, "You okay?"

"Um, uh, yeah," Slade stared at me as though he knew that I was lying, "No."

"Come on in then," Slade stepped out of the doorway.

I looked inside. It was dark and my feet could feel cold air coming from inside. I hesitantly walked in. I couldn't see much -- it was almost completely dark except for the light coming from the hallway. I stumbled over something, but regained my balance quickly. The bottoms of my feet prickled in goose bumps from the cold wooden floor as I continued in. Then Slade shut the door.

"Slade?"

"I hope you don't mind, Robin, I like to keep the room cold and the open door would just let out the cool air."

"I...I can't see in here," I said slowly.

I heard Slade walk past me, "I'll get the light then. I had it off to avoid any distractions."

"Sorry, then," I muttered.

"There's no reason for you to be sorry, Robin," Slade said.

A click sounded and I found myself standing by the entrance of a room that was enormous, bigger then my room in Titans Tower, and had a fine elegance to it. It had a sheen in it that made it look both old and new. It was lit by stained glass lights that hung from the walls and one in the middle of ceiling, all illuminating an orange glow onto the other objects in the room. The walls were bare of pictures and windows and there were two doors off to the side of the room.

There was dresser with a mirror above it to the left of me and on the far side of the room to my right was a king sized bed. This wasn't just a work room. This was Slade's bedroom. I suddenly tensed up. It was the sort of feeling that one would get if their parents were very, very strict to the point that going into their room was asking to be grounded...or worse.

Slade walked over to the bedside table where a small remote sat. Picking it up, he clicked it and a large screen that was about half as large as the wall itself rose from the ground to place itself right in front of the bed. He then went over to a desk in the corner and sat down. It was like an office desk, but not cluttered at all. It was orderly. He turned on the TV screen and the news flashed on.

"So, what's bothering you?"

"Nightmare. That's all," I said after a moment's hesitation.

Slade turned the sound on the TV down to a very low volume. I noticed that I was shaking from two things: the nightmare and this cold room. I folded my arms to try to stop.

"Chilly, Robin?"

I nodded. Slade went over to the dresser and pulled out the bottom drawer. He took out an extra sheet and threw it over. I held it for a second, then wrapped it around my shoulders. It was warmer than an oversized T-shirt and shorts, that was for sure. Slade went back to his desk. It was really awkward at that point. I was just standing there, feeling like an idiot for not knowing what to do in this situation, and Slade just started working on something, I guess.

For about five minutes that continued. I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that I got. Maybe that's when curiosity go the better of me. I started to look around the room. The room wasn't sinister, but it wasn't welcoming either. I looked at the TV first. It was a plasma screen and I had a strong feeling that it was stolen. Then again, a lot of this stuff here was probably stolen. I looked at the ground and at the tiny hole it had come out of. It was a pretty sweet added addition to the room.

Since he didn't yell at me I got a little braver about looking around. Past the plasma screen was a pile of old newspapers and a bin filled with old ones that Slade probably found useless. Then I turned back to the other side of the room.

I looked at the dresser and walked up. The wood gleamed a deep red as though the tree had drunk blood that had stained it instead of water, yet it was polished and refined. On the side of the mirror were several masks and each was split down the middle and had one eye. It was eerie to look at the masks that seemed to stare at me. The dresser handles all were delicately carved with Slade's insignia on the sides. Maybe it was because I had lived in Wayne Manor that I noticed craftsmanship.

Slade continued to work. I looked at the TV screen, but found that diplomats from overseas didn't interest me very much. I, once again, stood in the middle of the room feeling like an idiot for not knowing what to do. I looked over at the bedside table. Between it and the bed was something and I didn't think that it was supposed to be on the floor. I looked over at Slade and then at the little object. Slowly, I made my way over, bent down and reached between the two pieces of furniture.

My hand touched it. I brought out a deep red leather-bound book. It was light and something you could fit in your pocket. Nothing was written on the front or on the binding. Whatever it was, I guessed that Slade didn't want it on the floor. I got up from my bending down position. I started to turn it over to the other side and I could already see a silver design on the back, when out of nowhere, I felt a hand on my wrist. I looked up at Slade who quickly snatched the little book from me. He stared at me as though daring me to give an explanation for even touching the thing.

"I was going to give it back to you," I said softly, "Sorry."

Slade nodded once, "It's fine. Just...never mind. Don't touch this."

Slade walked back over to the desk. It was quiet for a moment, then I heard a 'beep' and saw Wintergreen walking in with a tray with a tea cup and kettle. I was surprised to see him and he, I. Again, awkward. Wintergreen walked over to Slade and set down the tray off to the side of the desk.

"Will you be wishing for anything else, sir?" He asked.

"No, that's alright Wintergreen."

"Very well sir," Wintergreen responded and left the room.

I really didn't feel like I belonged in the room. It was like a mummy from ancient Egypt being placed in a locomotive museum. Nothing remotely similar to one another. I shifted myself away from Slade. Even though he invited me into the room I didn't feel like he really wanted me in here.

I wondered why he snatched that book away from me. It wasn't like I was going to read it. Apart from the back, it looked blank and not of much importance. I wondered what the design was on the back. It had felt like a circle with a bunch of impressions inside of it. I didn't exactly see it so I wouldn't know what it really looks like; not that I'll probably ever find out.

"So," Slade said not even looking up from his work, "What nightmares are plaguing you, Robin?"

"I don't want to talk about it," I responded as I hugged the thin sheet tighter. I really didn't want to talk about it. Who would like to talk about their friends turning to dust before their eyes? Not me. Definitely not me.

"Why don't you take a seat?" I looked up at him, "You're a bit distracting walking around aimlessly."

"Oh," I looked around the room. There wasn't another chair. I turned around and went over to the bed and sat down. He didn't say anything which was probably a good thing. When I sat down, my feet barely touched the ground. I was the average size of a teenager my age so I assumed that the bed had two mattresses or something. The bed was made with black and orange sheets.

I looked at the head of the bed. It was rough and jagged, but refined. In the center was Slade's insignia. I ran my fingers over it slowly. It wasn't something that had been cut randomly, that was for sure. I heard a tap and heard the volume raise on the screen. Slade had stopped with his work and was paying attention to the screen. The news reporter had switched stories.

"We're going to take a look over in Gotham now to see Wayne Enterprises and their new portable engine. Vicki Vale is live at the new conference that owner Bruce Wayne has called. Vicki, what's it looking like over there?"

"Well, Marv, as you can see it's a mad house over here. People from all over Gotham and many other places are here for the unveiling of what is described as a prototype of an engine that can hook into numerous engines and supply a powerful punch of energy that will last a good fifteen days if running 24/7," Vicki explained.

The conference began and I bit my lip. I didn't want to watch this. I didn't want to see this. As always though, life likes to taunt me.

Bruce took the stand, "Thank you, Lucius. Living in this world today we have so many technological advances that most did not have years ago. All around us... "

Bruce began to talk about the prototype and Slade turned down the volume, "Interesting little gadget, isn't it?"

"No more interesting than what they unveiled two months ago," I whispered back. I really wanted Slade to turn off the news. After my nightmare, I didn't want to think about Bruce. I didn't want to think about Gotham. I didn't want to think what Bruce would say to me if he knew what I am...

I knew that he'd find out eventually. The Titans would probably be the first superheroes to know, but he'd be next in line. I could just see the news spread to him. Clark would contact him and ask, 'Hey, Bruce, any idea why Robin went bad and became the apprentice of the criminal Slade out in Jump City?' Oh, that would go over real well. What would he think? I hoped that he wouldn't give up on me. I hoped that the Titans wouldn't give up on me. I wished with all my heart that she wouldn't give up on me.

"Robin, are you sure you don't want to talk about your nightmare?"

"Yeah," I said back. I don't think he believed me. For some reason, I always end up having to lie to those who can tell I'm lying.

"Maybe you need to," I finally looked up at Slade. Somehow, he didn't seem like the intimidating guy in my nightmare. He was, but it didn't seem like he would, well, be cruel at this point in time.

"Are nightmares...weaknesses?" I asked.

"No, Robin. Nightmare are not weaknesses," I inwardly sighed a small breath of relief, "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."

"So, I'm weak?" That answer didn't make me feel any better. Then again, why would he even attempt to make me feel better?

"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," He told me.

"What?" I asked in partial astonishment.

"How many times have I told you the potential you have, Robin?" Slade asked, "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."

We were quiet. In the background, Bruce stated that the prototype would be transferred to a branch of Wayne Enterprises where it would be taken apart and it's pieces made into molds so that mass production could begin. Couldn't Slade turn it off? Just as I asked that question in my mind he did.

"What you're going through with this, it's not supposed to be easy. I don't expect much from you right now, other than that you listen to me. If I thought it was going to be easy on you, then I don't know where my mind would be," Slade tilted my chin up so that I was looking at him directly in the eye, "But I have confidence in you, Robin, that you'll come out okay."

I somehow nodded. Slade let go of my chin and walked back over to his desk. I felt calm. I didn't know why I did, but maybe just hearing someone say that no matter what happens, I'll come out alright was comforting.

"Life throws you curve balls, Robin. Whose to say that you won't be able to in the future? Sometimes..." I looked up at him and waited, "Sometimes life even gives you a second chance."

I looked back down at my feet. The apprenticeship was for them, not for me. I don't think Slade was meaning in anyway that I'd ever go back to the Titans, but what he said made sense either way. If I get a second chance with them, I'm not going to waste it. And if I was stuck in this apprenticeship for life, well at least they'd be okay and I could watch them enjoy their lives like they should. My mind relaxed. I sat there for a while when I felt my eyes begin to sag. The mattress was soft. I scooted to the foot of the bed and lay down.

I closed my eyes and wrapped the sheet tightly around me. While I wouldn't say anything to him, I did feel grateful that Slade had somehow gotten me to calm down. How did he get me to calm down? Is it possible for him to get me to calm down? I might be in over my head a bit, but I could tread water and I could get to shore eventually. Somehow my shaking had subsided and I felt like I didn't have to worry about nightmares. I actually felt like I would have some good dreams that night as I drifted off to sleep where I found myself on the Ferris wheel again watching the fireworks that couldn't match the redheaded wonder beside me.

I don't know how long my dream went on hearing her giggle and laugh, seeing her smile. Although I kept it in mind to tried to sleep a little lightly. My vision blurred and I moaned. I wanted to go back to the dream. I heard footsteps under me. Through my vision I saw a figure put me down on a bed in a familiar room. My room. I was so tired. I wanted to sleep. I felt fingers ruffle my hair, then I heard more footsteps, a door shut, the footsteps faded...

My mind went back to my dream. I didn't want to lose them...her.

"Everyone knows I'm in
Over my head
Over my head
With eight seconds left in overtime
She's on your mind
She's on your mind"

-Over My Head, The Fray

-T-

A/N: Okay, I've thought of about a thousand different ways that this chapter could go, but I think that it came out nicely. It was like that's what I'm looking for. Please review! If I did horribly with Starfire, don't worry I'm not doing her POV again in this story. I also haven't forgotten about Wintergreen's POV. Oh, and the news reporter's name (Marv) was me tipping my hat to Marv Wolfman who co-created the New Teen Titans comic with George Perez. Much thanks to them for creating these amazing characters! I'm working on Slade's POV right now which I think will turn out to be very interesting. These chapters are a lead up and you'll get it once I post chapters sixteen and seventeen. Anyway, thanks for all the reviews! Later!

Rena