Disclaimer: Okay, do I look like a multi-millionaire that owns anything really worth something (other than this story line, which I'm writing for free because I love Teen Titans)? Nope, didn't think so. I don't own Teen Titans, anything related to DC Comics, or the emblem that is described. Actually, I do own a black Batman T-shirt with his symbol on it, but that's besides the point.

Author's Note: Okay, I'm back with another chapter. I'm sorry that it's late (again). I do have some sad news though. I don't think that I'm going to be able to update every week anymore. I don't have enough time to work on it. (Can you see me pouting and the tiny tear running down my cheek?). That isn't to say that I won't ever. It's just to put out there that the latest that new chapters will come out about two weeks after the last one was posted. That's my goal, anyway. On to talk about Chapter Sixteen, though, I have a good feeling that you readers will enjoy it. Also, I think that during these last two chapters I was in a "Superman" mood because I mentioned Clark Kent in the last and Lex Luthor twice in this one. I was reading "Superman: Birthright", okay? I finished it though, so I don't think that the Man of Steel will be mentioned much more, if at all in this story. Lastly, think about the fight scene in the beginning of Robin's and Slade's POV's. That move in there is specifically in there for a reason. Enough of my blabbering, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I proudly present What: Chapter Sixteen!"

-T-

What?

Chapter Sixteen

It takes a long time for one to get used to the humid air in this place. I remember when Slade relocated from his last Haunt, it took both of us a good long while to adjust. While I don't particularly like the fact that the humidity is due to the ever-on-going turning of the gears, now it is only there and something that one is greeted by when they come in. Slade had a harder time because he preferred to wear his armor. Still he never complained and just was slightly easier to irritate.

So much has happened since coming to Jump. Slade has gained much control over the local criminals. (I don't even bother to call them vigilantis, anymore, as Slade would prefer. I wonder why he would even wish to associate with some of them.) He has also gained considerable foes. Nothing that he can't deal with, but still the Teen Titans have caused him considerable grief.

I don't think that anyone has known Slade for as long as I and that has kept in contact with him, let alone seen him as often as I do. I knew him even before he donned that mask of his to give one some idea of how long I've known Slade. Why? I owe him my life and he is a close friend. Nonetheless, I've found it intriguing that Slade would take on a Teen Titan as his apprentice. I don't find it a surprise however that he would wish to take on an apprentice. My reasons range from the obvious to the most obscure, yet they probably all contribute.

Robin is only a human being and therefore has no powers to master. There are only skills that he could master. Slade can do that easily as he has mastered thousands. For a... deeper reason, Robin's qualities are indeed similar to Slade's. Although, I tend to notice the temper the boy can have, the determination and at the same time, an innocence. The innocence and determination may be welcome to Slade because of, well, Joseph and Grant. The temper because Slade's used to go hot and unconstrained as does Robin's now.

The thing that makes him different from those boys: Robin's reclusiveness. Other than to shout out an insult or to answer a question, I have rarely seen Robin say much else. While I may not spend that much time with him, I can see that he tends to want to remain quiet. I assume there's a reason behind it, but it is really not my place to wonder.

Slade is trying to get Robin to warm up to the idea of being his apprentice, but even so I can see where his mistakes lie. I know that the probes are necessary at the moment so I won't argue there, but on other things... germ warfare above all, I know that Slade has all sorts of different ways of inflicting punishment, but honestly. Robin is a boy, not a man in the U.S. Army or any other Army.

Then of course, Slade doesn't ever allow for excuses even the ones that make sense. He asks Robin to poll vault over a wall, but five minutes ago he bruised Robin's leg. Very Brilliant. Lastly, whenever he talks to the boy, it ends with Robin upset, angry, confused or ready to pout. That's sure to make Robin feel right at home.

Perhaps I am being a little harsh on Slade. I do think that Slade subconsciously would want to... raise a child. I also believe that his current occupation doesn't always allow him to do it with a clear mind. The only positive thing that it does is give him is a clever cover up that he probably barely realizes. And in any case, everyone has their own route or course that they wish to utilize to raise children. They want their children to be smart, handsome or pretty, strong, socially active, to respect their elders, or normally a combination. How they get there is their own method. I would go about it a bit differently if it were me in that position, but I am not.

Slade can go about the way he wants. He has the ability to do so. I will merely be there to assist him or offer advice where I can. I've already helped the both of them. I've mended Robin's wounds and I've tried to sooth Slade's temper. I've tried to offer some comfort to Robin and I've given Slade advice. I hear Robin muttering things in his sleep with a short breath, that's small and lost. I watch Slade tear apart his gym room in frustration, piece by piece. The two will have to work it out on their own. I can not do anything more than what I already have and am doing.

It pains me to know that there is not much more that I can do. Every time I help Robin with his injuries, I can hear the smallest whimpers escape his clasped lips. The boy hurts in so many ways that he will not admit. But both Slade and I see it. I hope by all means that Slade does see it. For the boy's sake. Every time I see Slade in his training room, I see a man venting anger out in a way that does not help him in the slightest. My dear friend does realize the enormous weight of responsibility he has taken on. I am afraid that he is not ready for it. I do not fear however for his failure, if he takes the necessary precautions.

It grieves me that this apprenticeship has had to have started out so rocky and unruly.

I often wonder how future years will play out. Before, I assumed that Slade would fight the Titans endlessly with very few interruptions. Now I can only imagine. Will Robin remain under Slade's tutelege? And if so, how will that play out? I take that back. I can not imagine. The boy is as stubborn as Slade and also as fueled. I'm afraid that I will only be able to watch whatever might come upon us all.

-William Wintergreen

-T-

I started physical training with Robin the morning after his little rooftop excursion. Seeing that he could do all of that physical work on those pipes reassured my thoughts completely. That had been three days ago. Not much had happened since. Robin had his routine and I had my own.

I got about an hour of sleep that first night. Training started at seven. Robin would barely try and then wonder why I'd be so hard on him for failing. It was amusing after a while because he didn't seem to understand that I knew he could do better, so he just kept trying to barely get by.

The second day Wintergreen came in after training as Robin limped down to the bathroom to take a shower. Robin was trying to stand up straight and walk properly, I could tell, but I saw it all the same. It's hard not to see that he was dragging his right foot behind his left.

"The bills came," Wintergreen said calmly when Robin was out of earshot.

"Thank you, Wintergreen," I replied looking them over: Jump City Electric Company, LexCorp, The Bank Of Perez, and a water bill, "Wintergreen, why don't you give Robin some medical aid?"

I really wasn't giving out a suggestion, I was highly encouraging it. I didn't want Robin to get to beat up too fast. Practice makes perfect, but if you can't practice constantly you lose progress. Robin being able to fight was just as important as the intensity. Wintergreen nodded and left.

Most of what I had given him was tricky and challenging, but he was able to get at it in a few tries or at least yesterday that was the case. This impressed me. Today though, Robin just wanted to get through training. I couldn't exactly blame him.

When I saw him in combat on his own, I had to keep myself focused on seeing flaws to ignore my on going question: Why on earth did this kid waste his time with the Titans? He was a one-man S.W.A.T. team, only better. Tomorrow, I had something different planned for Robin.

Needless to say when I say 'different', Robin wasn't going to like it very much if at all. And I was right. Robin was not at all thrilled at the fact that he'd be training to work with a partner. The look on his face was one of disgust and repulse. It was as though working for me was one thing and fighting with me was another, but far worse. His automatic attitude did not reflect well. In fact, I didn't start in the best attitude either. Test me, and I test you back.

As the training went on, I kept Robin at the top of his game. The bar was slowly being raised though, and--oh, the difference! I saw sweat roll down Robin's face as the exercises demanded energy from his body. The boy would lean against anything for support. But his performance, he gave more than the other days. Maybe he thought that his training would end early if he did. Or maybe it's just that he was already very skilled when it came to working with a partner. Of course, Robin took the hits as they came. Luckily for him, the robots were not the hardest hit that he could take.

"That was good, Robin. We're going to work on an eight enemy round," I said as we finished knocking out a good three round.

"Eight enemies?" Robin repeated, out of breath.

I continued on, "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."

"But how..." The simulation had loaded and begun.

Robin did well... up to a certain point. The kick, of course, was where he made his mistake. I turned when the opening came, ready to swing him into my oncoming attacker. But, no. He swiftly jumped over me and I heard a sizzling robot behind me along with the cracks of electricity. I couldn't help but bare my teeth even though Robin couldn't see me.

I turned around swiftly and landed a good kick, knocking Robin onto the ground face first. I turned off the simulation with the remote on my belt. Robin turned around and looked up at me with utter confusion and anger on his face. 'Don't be giving me an attitude right now, Robin.'

"I think I told you to do an orbiting kick, did I not?" I inquired, with hints of irritation coming out as a warning.

Robin's temper started to get the best of him, "There's not exactly anything I can revolve around, Slade. And does it really matter if my opponent is taken out for the count?"

"Excuse me?" I said towering over him for an intimidating appearance, "I think I've told you about that tone of voice with me."

"The guy is down. What does it matter?" Robin shouted back.

'Not today, Robin.'

I lifted Robin up by the shirt and forced him to look at the still-standing robots that he had yet to hit, "That's why it matters."

Robin didn't seem in the mood to listen and tried to break away from my grasp on his shirt. I continued, not at all loosening my grip on him, "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?"

I stopped talking for a second to let what I had said sink in, then ended the lecture, "Next time grab my wrists and I'll swing you into the opponent which will cause him to collide with his allies. Got it?"

I released him and started the simulation up. Robin at first was slow, but made up for it with a grace of movement when he fought. Inside, I wondered where he learned to fight like that. Not even the Knight fights like that from what I've heard. He's got more of a gritty feel, not at all smooth in style. He always wants to get the job done quickly. Robin though... he didn't pick it up from him. There was no way.

Robin did as he was told and the simulation was a success, "Good, Robin. That wasn't too hard now, was it?"

As I leaned against the wall to rest, Robin spat, "Oh yeah, it's a real cake walk to work with you. Almost as much fun as being your apprentice."

I was not in the mood for this.

"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," I said calmly as I walked up to him.

"Like you ever do," he replied with some bitter distastement.

"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."

"What are you going to do? Beat me? In case you haven't noticed, I'm already pretty beat up," His temper just dug him deeper and deeper and right now he just hit a rock slide.

I didn't plan on making him suffer at all physically though which made it entertaining that he'd think that I would, "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?"

As anticipated, "No, not usually."

"You seem aggravated when it's me, though," I was getting under his skin and I knew it. I took out from my pocket a small little black cloth and walked up behind Robin. I threw the cloth around his masked eyes. Of course, I could have just taken off his mask so that he would just close his eyes on his own. However, this wasn't meant for the boy underneath the mask. This was meant for the one wearing it.

"Hey! Slade, what are you...?" Robin began, but I cut him off.

"What if you were blind and couldn't see? Would you need a partner then?" I asked him.

There was a quiet sense in the room. When Robin was first blinded, he steadied himself, but now, I could see his thin frame scrunched up. It was as though he was preparing himself for an oncoming series of attackers ready to beat down on him. At the same time, he looked lost.

"No," Robin answered with a small quiver in his voice.

"Why not then?" I pressed.

"Because I can already see in the dark," Robin fought off the quiver this time at least a little to make himself sound entirely certain.

"Then why have I seen you so blinded in it?" He needed to start seeing me as someone that he could depend on. Questions like these would do the trick, but I didn't want to use them all that often. I didn't want to cause Robin's loyalty to be entirely because he was dependent. It would make him a weak fighter.

"I'm not," He replied. I saw him stumble slightly.

I gave him my honest opinion, "I don't think so."

Robin led his hand to the back of his head to take off the blindfold. No, not yet my little apprentice. I snatched his wrist and finished the lecture with an after thought, "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."

I released him and gently took off the blindfold. Robin turned around to face me, with his attention on his shoes. It's so easy to read him. He waits so he doesn't have to say anything. A tremble might escape if he did dare to speak. So instead, I do the talking.

I ask, "Ready for dinner then?"

A very meek and quiet response, "Um, yeah...sure,"

Robin ate his food without a comment. As he ate, I couldn't help but think what his potential would harvest in due time. I know that it's a long time off, although one can never be to prepared for the future. He'll be more valuable then anything I have in my arsenal. In time, he could even take on the title of Jump City's Crimelord. That however is very far off. To put it in perspective, I won't physically be able to control Jump anymore when that happens. So much loyalty will be required with that. To the point that this criminal empire would have to be looked upon as... a legacy. I notice he's done.

Before Robin says a word, "Robin, do you know what the definition is for legacy?"

"Not exactly," came the reply.

I nodded, thinking that over quickly, then answered with a definition and an instruction, "It's something passed down to someone... trusted. Very well. Go off to bed."

Robin went off to his room and I went to mine. I was in serious need of a break. Training that kid takes a lot out of a person. I took a shower and after put on a T-shirt and jeans. Lying on my bed, I closed my eye and went into a light sleep. It was the same dream. The same dream that I had had the second day Robin had been here. Addie, Joseph's scar, the 'Bang' of the gun, and then Robin crying.

"Master Wilson."

My eye snapped open instantly. Wintergreen was standing over me with a look of concern and slight alarm on his face. I sat up shook my head, but found an alarming headache to be the result. I groaned.

"Slade, are you... well?"

I shook my head 'yes', "Yeah, just bad dream. That's all."

"I see. Would you like something?" Will asked, obviously thinking more of the simple 'bad dream'.

"Herbal tea," I stated.

"As I thought. You've been having it a lot lately," Wintergreen said.

I turned to look at him, my headache receding, "Is that a problem?"

Will had started for the door, but stopped, "No, it's just you normally have it to calm yourself, that's all."

With that Will left to get the tea. I sighed and turned off my light as it was distracting me so that only the monitor on the computer screen in the corner gave off any light. That dream was just bothering me. But it was only a dream. Absent mindedly, I wondered how they were doing. Adeline never contacted me at all if she could help it (and she really could help it) and I had no idea where Joseph was. Joseph wasn't in Jump City, though. That I knew. I liked to keep an eye on the vigilantis that came in and out of Jump and that's the only reason I knew. Pretty pathetic excuse, if you ask me, but it's all I have.

I heard the pounding of feet. 'What the...' I thought. There was no way that that was Wintergreen. I got up and banged my hand against the bedside table. Hissing to drive off the slight pain, I took a peek at the outside camera. My eye must have been deceiving me, because Robin was sitting outside of my door. No, he was sitting directly up against my door. How on earth did he get out of his room? It automatically locks after a certain time. So how did he...?

I suddenly realized that when Wintergreen came Robin would be spotted. This could even lead to him seeing me. I quickly darted to my drawers and pulled out my uniform. I changed quickly and silently as to not let Robin know that he had come across my room. I grabbed my mask off its hook and put it on.

I looked back at the screen to see what Robin was doing. He was still just sitting there. A calm set about me. He didn't look like he was trying to go anywhere in particular or be a little sneak. Instead, it seemed like he was upset. I shook my head and turned off the computer screen to throw the room in a pitch black darkness. I didn't know why I was doing this, instinct maybe. No, I didn't want to screw this up that's why.

I opened my door and found myself with Robin in his oversized pajamas, on his back looking up at me as though the worse thing possible could have just happened. I saw a look of fear on his face and shock.

"Robin, what are you doing here at this hour?" I said, seeing that I would have to start the conversation.

Robin instintantly sprang to his feet and would have sprinted away if I hasn't grabbed hold of him, "Robin, I'd like an answer."

Robin looked back at me with trepidation. There was a slight tremble in his voice as though he was worried or scared, "I, um, my door was and um..."

"Just answer my question, Robin," I told him. It wasn't like I was going to beat him up (that is unless he was acting in direct disobedience to defy me, so maybe I shouldn't say it like that exactly). Even then, it wouldn't be like I was breaking his bones or anything more serious than a bruise or two.

Robin finally found his voice, "The door, my door, it was unlocked and I got lost."

'His door was open? Now how did that...?'

I stopped, seeing that he was still shaking. Something told me that it wasn't just from my presence since he had been seeing me daily for a week.

"You okay?" I asked him.

"Um, uh, yeah," Liar, liar and if there is one thing that I know it's a liar. You have to know how to spy them when you work with criminals. It's a talent that you pick up in the trade. I could even give Luthor a round for his money (he could break the world record for lying in a single hour if he actually counted).

Sensing that I knew he was lying, Robin answered truthfully, "No."

I thought for a moment. There wasn't actually any harm in it... "Come on in then."

I stepped aside and saw Robin look in the room. As he walked in, he seemed hesitant, probably because of the cold temperature. I shut the door, enclosing it in total darkness.

"Slade?"

I quickly responded, "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," So it wasn't the cold, it was the dark. Isn't it odd that the dark tends to scare people when they have know idea what's within it?

"I'll get the light then. I had it off to avoid any distractions," I said calmly heading over to the light switch, even though I was asking myself 'What On Earth Am I Doing?'

"Sorry, then," Robin said barely above a whisper.

"There's no reason for you to be sorry, Robin," I replied.

I turned on the light. A quick glance at Robin told me all I needed to know. Robin's masked eyes were wide. Not anything that that reaction shouldn't be expected. Seeing my bedroom would be a shocker for Robin, with no doubt attached. It wasn't that I didn't want Robin to see my room that made this experience a little odd. It was that it was so soon. I want his trust for so many things, yet I gave him this now. I'm going with instinct that I should be doing this, so sue me if I'm wrong. I pay bills, not offense charges. I grabbed the remote off of my bedside table and clicked to raise the plasma screen.

After walking over to my desk, I turned on the news and asked Robin, "So, what's bothering you?"

A pause, "Nightmare. That's all."

I lowered the volume and took note that Robin was still shivering. That probably wasn't because of the cold, but, "Chilly, Robin?"

Robin nodded 'yes' and I went over to my dresser to pull out an extra sheet that Robin could wrap up himself in. I threw it over to Robin and went back to my desk to work. I had to do something while he was here and since my apprentice didn't want to talk, I'd do what made this not very awkward for me. I pulled up a couple files and reports from the scouts of my Sladebots. I read them over and was very happy to find that Jackal's jobs seemed to be steering clear of Jump. The man must know what's good for him. Then again, he never did when he was twenty so why should he now?

I looked up and found an interesting little sight. Robin was looking at the plasma screen. It wasn't from Cook's Electronics or any electronic store in Jump. It was an imported item. Stolen, yes, from an information base in south east Asia, but that place was going to be demolished anyway.

I returned to my work, but found another distraction not too much later. I looked up for a second and saw Robin over by my dresser. I put my head partly down, but in the corner of my eye, kept Robin in sight. I didn't want him going through the drawers. Not that he was likely to, although one can never be too cautious. Robin's fingers passed over the wood as though admiring it. Then he went back towards the center of the room, having lost interest.

I went back to the reports. I scanned them mostly, taking notes when needed. I practically forgot that Robin was in the room when I got to the reports of Falcone hiring a few killers instead of his normal goons, until I got to the word 'Gotham' at the bottom of page. I glanced over at Robin just to take a small note, when I saw in his hand a little red book with the silver emblem on the back.

I guess no one taught you not to burn your hand, Robin.

I got up and stealthily strode over. My apprentice had almost turned to the opposite side when I grabbed his wrist in a tight unwavering grip. My word, his wrists are small, much smaller than one would think. At the same time, I caught the book in my other hand and covered the emblem. My eye must have shown anger or something, because Robin was startled.

I wanted an answer and I got one, "I was going to give it back to you. Sorry."

I instantly realized that I was being disagreeable about this. I hadn't told him not to touch it after all, "It's fine. Just...never mind. Don't touch this."

I released Robin's wrist and went back to my desk. I put the book in a drawer and an instant later, Wintergreen came in with the herbal tea. He's right. I am drinking it a lot lately. Not that it will do me any good now since I wouldn't remove my mask in front of Robin.

Will placed the tea on my desk and inquired, "Will you be wishing for anything else, sir?"

"No, that's all right Wintergreen," I replied.

"Very well sir," and with that he left.

I stole a glance at Robin who seemed to be burying himself in the sheet I had given him. He shifted his weight from one leg to another, seemingly admiring the floor now. In that sense, I mean that he just kept staring at the ground. That nightmare of his was giving me a living nightmare right now. I'd never had to deal with this sort of thing with Joseph or Grant. Grant would never come in when he had a nightmare and the only way anyone would know that he'd had one was if at breakfast he said so, and that was why he hadn't slept well. Joseph, on the other hand, would head straight to Addie for comfort, leaving me to get some sleep (I would always breathe in a sigh of relief about that since I didn't have to lose sleep, and I think Adeline didn't like that a bit).

I wasn't an insomniac then, so now I'm stuck with the problem. Though it really isn't a problem, just more so an... area I'm not as experienced with. Here goes nothing. Really, "So, what nightmares are plaguing you, Robin?"

Robin tensed, "I don't want to talk about it."

Would he stop shifting like that, "Why don't you take a seat? You're a bit distracting walking around aimlessly."

"Oh," Robin took note that there wasn't another chair. Sit on the bed though, kid, it's better than you just standing there. Robin went over and sat down on the bed as I thought he would. Again a few quiet minutes passed. I saw Robin look at the bed's carvings as he did the dresser's. As I noticed that the news about what was going on in Hollywood was over, I stopped working and turned the volume up a little to hear the news about the latest in technology.

"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?"

The image of a woman in the swarm of other reporters came on the screen, "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."

Wayne came in to view, "Thank you, Lucius. Living in this world today we have so many technological advances that most did not have years ago. All around us... "

Wayne began his long speech that every owner gave in situations like this. The only difference would be that a percentage of the money raised would go to some charity fund. That was Wayne's trademark. It's not that I don't like Wayne, but it isn't that I like him either. Business owners are business owners. The only exception to the rule is Lex Luthor. Just the thought of him made me ro my eye. He must have a screw loose or something. If he didn't have so many lawyers he'd be in a place like Arkham by now.

Back to Wayne Enterprises, they provide fairly decent products. What was curious was why Wayne was making the prototype announcement such a big deal. The place is Gotham. Gotham where that crazed clown and that pointed nose, bankrupt bird run around. How safe is it even in broad daylight? Wayne's reasonings, some of them I'll never understand.

I glanced over at Robin as I turned down the volume. Robin was biting his lip as though afraid that something was going to come out of the screen and bite him. I can understand that Gotham might bring up old memories, but it's a press conference. It shouldn't bother him too much. Although Robin's grip on the sheet was tight, very tight.

"Interesting little gadget, isn't it?" I said to break the silence.

Robin seemed to search out words that wouldn't draw attention to the subject, "No more interesting than what they unveiled two months ago."

I really didn't like the look on Robin's face after that, it was a worry that I wanted to be rid of, "Robin, are you sure you don't want to talk about your nightmare?"

"Yeah," Robin responded. I didn't believe him, but he didn't add anything.

So I did, "Maybe you need to."

Robin's masked eyes moved to reach me. It was for a second like I was being surveyed by that black and opaque mask. I knew that if I didn't pass this test, Robin wouldn't talk. I casually loosened up, trying not to be intimidating (a very rare occasion), and let Robin decide what he wanted to do.

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.

"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," I gently lifted Robin's chin up so that he was looking me in the eye. I wanted him to know this for a fact, "But I have confidence in you, Robin, that you'll come out okay."

Robin's eyes were wide and somehow he shook his head 'yes' to say that he understood. I smiled slightly, but of course Robin couldn't see this. I felt that I had assured his doubts about his nightmare and maybe something else as well. I took my hand away from his chin and walked back over to my desk. I sat down and opened my drawer to get a couple papers.

Inside I saw the red leather bound book. It's back was facing up and so was the emblem. The seal had two flags, 1775, and "Department Of The Army, United States Of America" around the rim. The US Army seal. I hadn't looked at this book in a long time. Inside, old addresses from Camp Washington and others I had collected over the years. The thing had been handy enough to keep. The addresses inside were of old friends, some who were now enemies, and even family. Family. I looked over at Robin who was looking at his feet again. That kid may wear me thin, but it would all be worth it to see him as a loyal apprentice. Maybe even something of a... loyal, trusting son. I closed the drawer.

"Life throws you curve balls, Robin. Who's to say that you won't be able to in the future? Sometimes..." Robin gazed up at me and waited, patiently. I smiled, "Sometimes life even gives you a second chance."

Robin's gaze fell once again to the floor. I felt that I got my point across. I started working again. The herbal tea's aroma faded and lost its steaming orange scent. I sighed and put my head in my hands to relax for a second from work when I heard heavy breathing. I brought my head up to see Robin, crawled up at the foot of my bed wrapped up in the sheet I had given him. I got up and walked over. His eyes were shut and relax. I put my hand up near his mouth and felt the gentle breath.

He was definitely asleep. I shook my head. I tilted my head to get a kink out of my neck and rubbed it. My eye narrowed at Robin. Even if he saw anything, he'd see something, no, all of it eventually. He was asleep... I turned to face the opposite wall, reached up and released my mask from the clasp that held it in place. It fell into my hands, as always. I let out my breath that I had held. Slowly, I glanced over my shoulder. Robin was still asleep, but I felt like I was in a mine field now.

I faced Robin and rubbed my eye to get out the bit of sleep that was nagging me. If I had to drop dead on my bed and sleep, I didn't want Robin on the bed. Sighing, I picked Robin up, under the shoulders and under his knee-caps, like always. I waited for about thirty seconds, before determining that it was safe. With my elbow, I jabbed the side of the wall to open the door.

Walking down the hallway, Robin moaned slightly. I glanced down, but Robin didn't make any reaction after that so I assumed that he hadn't actually woken up at all and that it was just something in his dream that made him do that. When I got to his room, I was happy to find his bed sheets out of place just enough so that I could put him down with ease. I gently placed Robin back on his bed and brought the sheets back over him. The boy's eyes were shut beneath his mask and he seemed calm, at a peace. I was astounded at the change I saw in him while he slept. He was such a fighter, but when he was sound asleep he looked as innocent as they come: A normal teenager.

Robin wasn't normal though. He was extraordinary.

I ruffled his hair and turned for the door. I stopped at the doorway, glanced over, and felt a smile tugging at my lips. I closed the door and left to get back to my own room. I drank the now cold herbal tea and got ready for bed. As I lied on my bed, waiting for sleep to over take me, I couldn't help but think how fortunate I was to have this second chance.

-T-

A/N: So by now, all of you are probably feeling like saying "Robin, why didn't you wake up entirely, why didn't you?" Yeah, twist in the ending. If Robin had just woken up all the way he would have seen Slade without his mask on instead of an outline. Oh, you are all screaming aren't you? Now, the points I wanted to make in this story. I'll start from the beginning and go from there:

1) Wintergreen's POV would have been in that book he was making in the comics that documented Slade's "adventures", so that's why it was italics.

2) I also tipped my hat to George Perez this time with "The Bank Of Perez" mail that Slade got. They actually did have a "Bank Of Perez" in I think the episode "For Real".

3) The fight scene: Robin was supposed to swing into an enemy and send the robot flying into the others. That was taken from "The End pt2" when Robin and Slade had to fight those fiery-demons together. Remember that move? Anyone? Look for that move the next time you watch that episode (I called it an orbiting kick because I actually don't know what it's title would be) . When I watched it the second or third time, I got to thinking that while some of that was instinct, they might have been that good because Slade had taught Robin some of it and that they were already so alike in fighting styles.

4) Then the Wayne Enterprises prototype. That was meant to be that object that Robin attempts to steal in "Apprentice pt.2". I actually don't know what that little thing is, so I guessed by its look. It was the first thing that came to mind and I sort of said, "Hey it's Wayne Enterprises in the DC Universe and they put out all sorts of stuff, so why not?" So yeah. Oh, and Vicki Vale was a love of Bruce Wayne in the comics. She appeared in the first Batman movie with Michael Keaton (being played by Kim Basinger) and in "The Batman vs. Dracula" movie from the series on TV (played by Tara Strong who also plays Raven, might I add).

5) The Emblem I described was the Emblem of the US Army. For a picture, search on google. This old book was meant to have been from Slade's time in the Army and if Robin had seen the addresses he probably would be able to learn a lot more about his enemy then he ever has being locked up in his room. I by no means own that emblem! I'm saying it now!

Okay, I think that's it. I hope you liked it. Please review! The next chapter I hope will be up very soon, but time is deciding to be irritable with me as I said before. Later!

Rena